Dear friend,

As we embrace the crisp air and colours of October, I am reminded of the beauty that comes from cultivating our spiritual gardens. In Romans 8:15, we are reassured that “you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.” What a profound truth!

With God’s Spirit in us, we are invited to live a life under His gentle control. Imagine what it means to cultivate a Spirit-controlled life. It’s not about stiff, joyless conformity but rather a deliberate surrender to our Heavenly Father. It’s important to remember that spiritual maturity flourishes in the garden of humility and honesty. When we allow His Spirit to guide our decisions, temper our reactions, and empower our actions, we experience the freedom that comes from being His children.

This month, I invite you to reflect on how you can nurture this relationship. Are there areas in your life that need His gentle pruning? Perhaps bitterness or anxiety has taken root. Let’s consciously yield those burdens and embrace His transformative power.

As you sow into this ministry, you help cultivate a community rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Your generosity enables us to spread His message even further, nurturing others in their walk of faith. Together, we can encourage one another to live as Spirit-controlled individuals, reflecting His light in a world that so desperately needs it. 

May our hearts and lives be forever shaped by the Spirit we received as His beloved children. 

Serving with you,

Pastor Charles R. Swindoll