As I turned the page, the words seemed to disappear . . . it looked like the words were fading in front of my eyes until they were not there, they were just gone!
WHAT was going on? The story to that point had been confusing, but interesting and I wanted to find out how it turned out, to finish the story, see if I was right about the “good guys” and the “bad guys,” BUT— the next page was blank!
I enjoy mysteries – but, I was NOT enjoying this mystery!
The words were there when I started, I know, because I kind of flipped through the pages to make sure there were not any pages stuck together before I began reading and I would have noticed if there were blank pages!
Perplexed, I sat the book down – maybe I will come back later to see if the book “fixes” itself and puts the words back or maybe it is a trick of my tired mind and I will see words when I look next time, later . . . this is so strange.
———-[…] this is the introduction to a book i am considering “trying” to write –
After some recent study and prayer time, I have come to think that my understanding of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5 needs a little adjusting— a minor-appearing difference in the way I look at WHO does what potentially has major impact.
I guess I kind of looked at the list of the “fruit of the Spirit” as a list of “goals” for ME to attain— things I needed to develop within myself as evidence that I was following God and on the “right path” – characteristics I would see that would show in ME that I was “doing right.”
In some ways that is true, BUT— now I look at the list more as a list of “energies” that are developed BY the presence of the Holy Spirit . . . energies that are amazing— just look at the power of Love and what it can do – move mountains, build something out of nothing, bring peace out of chaos, empower, strengthen resolve—
I seek GOD and GOD’s nature, and spiritual energies of amazing force flows throughout me energizing and motivating me, guiding me into new ancient paths (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) as my “walk’” with GOD reveals to my heart my choice: my “fleshly nature” (see works of the flesh) OR relationship with GOD which opens me to the Presence of the Holy Spirit slowly displacing my human nature with GOD’s energizing nature.
The difference is in WHO develops the inner “environment” within me on this list— me or GOD?
If it is NOT me, then the time and energy I spend feeling that I have failed in one or more ways is a waste and I can be distracted from my primary mission of seeking GOD while I am trying to do this impossible task FOR myself, BY myself instead of following the path of my mission and letting the “helper” Jesus promised do the work as GOD flows through all of creation.
I need to “seek GOD” as repeatedly commanded in the Scriptures and let GOD do what GOD wants to do which is motivated by Love, GOD’s nature: conform me to the image of Jesus (“to become conformed to the image of His Son” Romans 8:29)
ME or GOD? that is the question—
who can draw me into Love that serves without self regard
who can prompt joy in the midst of the ashes of my life
who can plant peace that passes understanding in a heart burdened beyond hope
who can infuse life-sustaining patience to one in despair of what is seen all around . . .
what is my answer? ME or GOD . . .
Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Romans 11:33
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Jeanne
Jeanne H Barnett's Blog 