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Spirit-filled Transformation

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“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”  Romans 8:5 (ESV)

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This time Lord, let it be different.  Let me not be anxious as You continue Your work in me, even though I do not know exactly how this work will go.  This time Lord, help me let go. Help me let go of needing to know, of needing to hold at least a thread of control.  It is not easy being on the operating table, wondering, waiting. And it is certainly not painless. Everything in my flesh tells me to sit up, or at least move out of the way of the scalpel.  Everything in my flesh tells me I do not have to stay here. The Holy Spirit whispers from deep inside, reminding me that I have died to the flesh and by His power I can refuse to feed the dead.  How long till this part of Your work in me is complete? How much is this going to hurt? What if… The Holy Spirit reminds me it is He, not I, who sources the strength. So I breathe. In. Out.  

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I breathe in His presence.  I breathe out escape routes.

 

I breathe in His promises.  I breathe out defeatedness.

 

I breathe in holiness.  I breathe out confession.

 

I breathe in forgiveness.  I breathe out shame.

 

I breathe in love.  I breathe out fear.

 

I breathe in hope.  I breathe out despair.

I breathe in this moment.  I breathe out anxieties.

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This is how I live in the Spirit.  This is how I walk in the Spirit. One breath at a time.  Breathing is so important. If I do not breathe the right things in, I will gasp for air.  If I do not breathe the right things out, I will turn toxic.  

 

“Do not quench the Spirit.”  I Thessalonians 5:19 (ESV)

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In other words, let Him breathe.  In me, through me. When it hurts.  When it is hard. When He leads me places that are not particularly easy or fun.  The war has been won. Eventually I will come to experience that the yoke of the Victor is easy.  Eventually the glory of His presence will outshine anything I ever thought fun.  Meanwhile I stay on the table and I breathe. In, out. I choose to be present in His presence, I remember the words of Paul.

 

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”   Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

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