D.R.E.S.S.E.D.

Life is not a problem to be solved, it is a mystery to live. You cannot solve life's problems. But you can be dressed (prepared) for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). "e;So, if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work."e; (2 Timothy 2:21). We wake up and use the bathroom and relieve ourselves, brush our teeth, shower, dry off, use lotion and deodorant and we begin the process of layering our clothes. This is what we need to do for our spiritual walk with God in the Kingdom. Wake up, be alert, pay attention, spend time in prayer, spend time listening for His voice, Accept Christ as our personal savior and Relieve ourselves of every weight and sin that doth so easily beset us. (Hebrews 12:1) Clean your mouth of any corrupt, filthy, and negative communication. Clean your mind of any stinky thinking. Be washed in the blood of the lamb through God's word. Then begin the process of putting on Christ by seeking Him daily through prayer and supplication making your request known unto God (Philippians 4:6). Studying the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15), applying that word in your daily life, For God's word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our pathway (Psalms 119:105). Therefore, as God's chosen people, Holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12). If we draw near to Christ, He will draw near to us. Then we can take on the characteristics of Christ which is the fruit of the Spirit. "e;But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."e; (Galatians 5:22-23) The fruit of the spirit is unified whole not independent characteristics. As we grow, all the characteristics of Christ will be manifested in our lives. Yet, like physical fruit needs time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. Like a successful gardener must battle against weeds to enjoy the sweet fruit they desire, we must constantly work to rid our lives of the "e;weeds"e; of our old sin natures that want to choke out the work of the Spirit. You see the goal of all the children of God is for us to be like Christ. Let your root grow deep in the Lord, for the deeper the root, the sweeter the fruit.