If the truth were known many of us struggle with conquering weakness in our temperament. I've been looking into God's Word to see if I can understand a little better what is meant by becoming a "new creature, old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new". Can temperament actually be changed? I believe it can, but not instantly when we ask Christ into our heart.

In Romans 7:18-25, Paul addresses this issue saying: "I KNOW THAT ALL GOD'S COMMANDS ARE SPIRITUAL, BUT I'M NOT. ISN'T THIS ALSO YOUR EXPERIENCE? YES, I'M FULL OF MYSELF- AFTER ALL, I'VE SPENT A LONG TIME IN SIN'S PRISON. WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND ABOUT MYSELF IS THAT I DECIDE ONE WAY, BUT THEN I ACT ANOTHER, DOING THINGS I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE...FOR I KNOW THE LAW BUT STILL CAN'T KEEP IT, I NEED SOMETHING MORE. I ABSOLUTELY NEED HELP. I CAN WILL IT, BUT I CAN'T DO IT. I DECIDE TO DO GOOD BUT I DON'T REALLY DO IT... IT HAPPENS SO REGULARLY THAT IT'S PREDICTABLE...IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THE ANSWER, THANK GOD, IS THAT JESUS CAN AND DOES." The Message Bible

My take is that one reason Jesus left the Holy Spirit here on earth was to help us in these areas of our lives. But as humans we ignore not only the teachings from God's Word, but also the still small voice of the Holy Spirit which desires to help us in our weaknesses. This is a process that takes time, but it also takes submitting our way, our will and our rebellion.

PASSING DOWN TO THE NEXT GENERATION:

While attending a Patriotic Production July 1,2008, the audience was jubilant in listening to the band and choir sing song after song of our heritage. We clapped, waved flags and stood as each of the armed forces were recognized. After we left, on the way home, I thought - I hope the next generation feels the same zeal for the freedom of our country. Are we doing all that we can do to pass down the wisdom we've learned in our generation.

James 1:2-7 says: "WISDOM MEANS THE SPIRITUAL CAPACITY TO SEE AND EVALUATE LIFE AND CONDUCT FROM GOD'S POINT OF VIEW. IT REVOLVES AROUND MAKING RIGHT CHOICES AND DOING RIGHT THINGS ACCORDING TO BOTH GOD'S WILL REVEALED IN HIS WORD AND THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT."

It is a privilege to live in the United States of America. It is privilege to pass down Godly wisdom. It is a privilege to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Are we doing all we can in passing down this wonderful heritage.

God Bless America! We have some important choices coming up during this next year. May we use that wisdom!