I write a devotional for a Bible reading group.  This morning I was reflecting on Isaiah’s song about his passionate love for God and God’s grief over the sin of His people. It prompted me write a bit differently.  Sin always appears different when viewed from God’s perspective. It isn’t something that prompts a laugh track on television.

Grace has always been and always will be amazing to me. I know my heart and to consider that God would give His Son for my sins and transgressions is still beyond my comprehension.  John 3:16 is truly a lovely but difficult to comprehend.  God’s love is beyond understanding, but it can be received!

Grace was not just about being accepted, it is about being transformed daily into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Isaiah could see that his people were all about God’s choice of them but they defied God’s transforming grace!  Paul warns us to that the grace of God should not be received for nothing. (see 2 Corinthians 6:1)

How are we transformed? At Woodland Church our goal is to become passionate followers of Christ by living in Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to produce in us the fruit of the Spirit. 

“Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me.” (John 15:4, GW)

“But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.” (Galatians 5:22–23, NCV)

As we follow Christ with all of our hearts and trust the work of His Spirit within us we will discover that biblical Christianity functions, flourishes and becomes fruitful as we are transformed by Him together.  By the way, fruitfulness is fun.

If you have wandered away from your first love (Revelation 2:4) then I encourage you to turn around and began to follow Christ closely and allow Him to transform you.  You will discover who you are when you are being transformed by Christ!

Peace!