Life changes us. The things we once held as dear no longer bedazzle or attract us. New things stand out as important. I was reminded of that this morning when I read Psalm 84. "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." (v.11) What a promise! No good thing will he withhold...at least not from those who are walking in righteousness.

There was a time when I had a long list of things I wanted to purchase. I was sure they would make me happy. "If only I had ______, then I will be happy!" Perhaps I desired the wealth of Solomon. But now I realize the headaches that Solomon must of had managing all his property and possessions. Now, a good thing to me is less of a house with a lot fewer possessions to store and maintain.

The "good thing" I would ask for have to do with expanded opportunity to minister and share the good news of Jesus, good health, growing relationships with my wife, and family. A good thing to me is a loving church family. A good thing to me is a growing faith and learning more about the ways of the Lord. A really good thing is experiencing the abiding presence of the God.

My prayer is that I may know what is truly a good thing. I am so grateful for God's love and favor. Thank you, Lord!

What is God up to in our lives? In Romans 15:16 Paul reveals a priority of the Spirit's work. He reminds his readers that he has been sent by God's grace..."to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."

Some of us limit God's purpose. We think he simply wants to get us to become a Christian. As this verse indicates he has more in mind for our lives. His purpose is expressed in the phrase beginning with "so that." The work of the Spirit is to labor in our lives so that we are made fully holy. Holiness involves at least two aspects. First, as in the accompanying phrase, the holy person is set apart as an offering to God. The sanctified person says something like this: "I give you my whole self. I will do whatever you want me to do. You can use me in anyway you wish, God." That is a person who is an offering on the altar (Romans 12:1-2). 

The sanctified person also changes in behavior. As they are transformed by the Word of God, their life also changes. In behavior they become more and more like Jesus.

Yes, we are considered holy when we come to Christ, but the Spirit continues to change us so we become what we already are. Knowing that the Holy Spirit wants to make us holy should altar our view of everyday life. We want to expect and cooperate with the work of the Spirit. Watch closely today to see what God does to create holiness in you!