"And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also
might be sanctified through the truth."
.....John 17: 19
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When many people look at new Christians, they do not
 see the work Christ is doing in their lives. Sometimes it takes time to
 see the fruit of the Spirit manifest in lives and true spiritual growth.
The same power of the cross which saves a soul, is able to give
spiritual growth and bring forth fruit for the Master's use.

When we consider that most things start out slow but growth is
seen in time, we believe by faith God will make souls more like
Him. The first electric light was said to be so dim that a candle was needed to see its socket. One of the first steamboats took 32
 hours to chug its way from New York to Albany, a distance
of 150 miles.

The Wright Brother's first airplane flight lasted only a few seconds.
And the first automobiles traveled 2 to 4 miles per hour and
broke down often. Carriages would pass them and passengers
would shout, "Get a horse!" As we look back to the past, we see
 from examples, how everything has improved with time and effort. If
 the auto makers had let the remarks of people stop their efforts,
there would be no modern transportation, such as we have today.

God sanctifies souls each day in His own way, as they look unto
 Him. We are never perfected until we enter into the glory of the
Lord, but are to strive for perfection. Each day there is progressive sanctification as the Lord works in lives. We don't have to depend
upon our works for growth, but must cooperate with the Holy Spirit
 and let the Lord's will be done in our heart. It is not by our might
nor power, but only by His Spirit the victory is won.

New Christians must be guided in the right direction and given encouragement by others in the Body of Christ. We are to exhort
one another and bear one another's burdens. As we pray one for
another and show concern, we so fulfill the law of Christ. The fruit
of the Spirit is the attributes of the Lord made manifest,
as He works in lives.

The cross stands above the troubled waters, the rugged mountain
heights and the deepest valleys. The finished work of Jesus, when
received, changes hearts for all eternity. He is our reason for living,
Jesus is our everything! Our desire should always be to share our
reason for living with others and see souls grow in God's grace.

Those who may seem slow in their spiritual growth are still making progress. Let's lift them up in prayer and know that God will help
 them as they learn of His ways and grow in His grace. As we
encourage souls to let the Holy Spirit lead and guide them into
 all truths, we will see God work in their hearts. There is still
power in the cross of Calvary. Jesus never fails!

Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly
J. P.'s Inspirations

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