March came with a roar. The’ whistling sound of strong winds could be heard throughout the night of March 4th and the early morning hours of March 5th. Uprooted trees, debris of sticks and branches, and lawns strown with outdoor furniture are signs left by fierce winds.

When another lion-hearted wind blows, He too leaves signs behind. The real work of the Holy Spirit will call sinners to repent and take up abode within the soul of a new believer. Once we are born again, our desires change. We no longer lust for the things of this world. Bars lose their party appeal, and alcohol and drugs are seen as the destructive schemes of Satan. Conviction comes when our lips let loose and our thoughts drift to ungodly places. Prayer becomes a believer’s lifeline, and we crave God’s word. Obedience brings joy, and disobedience brings sorrow. It’s safe to say the wind of the Spirit moves us to be Christ-like.

I remember the time God’s Spirit moved into my soul. He now resides, and I can testify to a changed life. Failure still occurs as I battle this sinful nature. I have times of resistance, so correction is necessary because I’m a true child of God. Peace and righteousness flood my soul once I surrender to God’s disciplinary ways.

     Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,         all things become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

     For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

     If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons: for what son is he whon the               father chasteneth not?

     But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not           sons.

     Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless                       afterward it yeildeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised               thereby.  Hebrews 12:6-8 and 11

Strong winds uproot trees and move our belongings, just as God’s Spirit uproots our old desires and moves us toward a new life in Christ Jesus. A new life in Christ is not measured by works but rather by changed ways.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as be the Spirit of the Lord. 2Corinthians 3:18