Sensible- Putting on Christ

Good morning!
     This morning the challenge is to:  Put on Christ...""Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."  How do we put on this type of character when our old nature is totally against these traits?      Some say it is like putting on clothing...one step at a time. Do I have power within that will help me to "Put on Christ" since I don't seem to be able to muster up these godly character traits on my own?  We receive power through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
      I know that when it's time to get dressed I think about what might be appropriate for the day.  Am I going to the beach?  To the grocery store?  To a party?  And then I attempt to put on what is appropriate for the occasion.  How about these character traits of the Lord, are they appropriate for your day?  For everyday?
     Sometimes we get into situations in our day that require putting into action these godly character traits but if you noticed in order to put on these traits first we need to have a relationship with God.  Do you?  The verse says we are God's chosen ones.
     Do you realize that you were chosen by God, that He desires to cover you with the blood of His Son?   This doesn't sound too pleasing but it is what is necessary in order to go to heaven one day.  The Bible teaches that a perfect lamb must be sacrificed to take away sin and the perfect Lamb of God was the Lord Jesus who died on a cross, shedding His life's blood for those who will accept Him as their Savior and Lord.
    He desires to cleanse you from your sin to make you perfectly holy in His sight.  No sin can enter heaven where there is a perfect and holy God.  You will not be able to enter heaven, where their is a holy God, with sin on you.  How do we get rid of our sin?  In order to be cleansed before God you must accept the work of His Son on the cross.  He died to cleanse you from your sin.  In faith, pray this simple prayer:  "Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner and in need of a Savior.  You died so that I might live.  Please forgive me and make me fit for heaven by the blood of your Son.  Help me to live for you today and to "Put on godly character traits."  In Jesus Name. Amen
     We seen from our passage that you are beloved by God...since you are chosen, cleansed and loved you have been given power within you by the Holy Spirit to put on a loving heart when it is needed.  Does someone in your life need a compassionate touch today?  Or a word or act of kindness?  Is there a situation that you are in that requires some humility...Jesus was gentle and humble in heart and He wants to give you that humble heart today.
    Will you come in contact with a situation that calls for meekness:  strength under control?   Where you can be strong and controlling that strength in His meekness.   Perhaps you need patience for the day in some area?   We must keep in mind that the scripture teaches:  "Tribulation works patience."    We can expect tribulation in our lives and if we heed the instruction the Lord is trying to give us we will learn patience.
     Today and everyday the challenge is to "Put on Christ."  He'll give us the garment of salvation and covered me with the robe of righteousness: Is. 61:10, and  cover me with the garment of praise:  Is. 61:3.   Let us realize that "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin has left a crimson stain, He washed me white as snow....so now I can live for Him, with a loving heart and desire to bless others with godly character.
The Lord bless and keep you!  Linda