photo kime5_zps3df5231d.png  photo kime6_zpsa90859c6.png  photo kime7_zps9d2ef86d.png  photo kime9_zpsb23b4278.png

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

SALT Challenge - The Work of the Holy Spirit

This week it was my turn to set the challenge for the SALT team and I chose a topic that I've been thinking about lately, the Holy Spirit and how He works in the life of believers. My primary reason for thinking about this topic is my own struggle with remaining sin and how often I face these struggles, unnecessarily, on my own because I fail to ask for help from the One Jesus promised to send after He ascended into heaven – the Holy Spirit. My Reformation Study Bible notes the following, “The work of the Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ by showing His disciples who He is (John 16:7-15) and what He means to them (Rom. 8:15-17). The Spirit enlightens (Eph. 1:17, 18), regenerates (John 3:5-8), sanctifies (Gal. 5:16-18), and transforms (2 Cor. 3:18, Gal. 5:22, 23). He gives God’s people what they need to serve Him (1 Cor. 12:4-11)." I'm encouraged by the idea of being transformed from who I was outside of Christ. Galatians 5 tells us that the works of the flesh are well known to us; jealousy, envy, selfish ambitions, etc. However, as a Christian we have the Spirit that works within us to change us into those that are filled with joy, peace, love, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. How exciting to know that God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, not only brings about lasting and dramatic change in the life of a believer, but ultimately gives us victory over our remaining sins! We hope you enjoy the beautiful work the design team has created for you this week on the SALT blog. Please, if you're inspired by this week's topic, leave us a comment. And if you create something based on the topic, leave us a link back to your blog or gallery...we'd love to see your creations! Scrapbook page notes - Since we just finished the move into our new house, all of my stamping goodies were still packed when it was time for me to create something for this week's challenge. Therefore, I went digital! I'm still learning all the ins and outs of digital scrapbooking so there's a part of me that's itching to add more to my page, like stitching around those small squares, but I have no idea how to create that look yet! :-) I decided to use a picture of a cocoon and butterfly for a visual of the idea of transforming. It's an amazing part of creation to see a not so attractive caterpillar turn into a beautiful butterfly. In the same way, the Holy Spirit works within us to transform us into God-loving individuals!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Your digi page is soooo super!! Great job and great, thoughtful challenge! :)

Hazel said...

Such a beautiful LO to depict the transformation - and a lovely choice of verse. Thank you for a thoughtful challenge (sorry, just realised I'm repeating Julie's words, but that's what came to me!) and for sharing your take on it x