Good morning everyone and welcome back to the Messy masterpiece podcast which had an

Tory happy Tuesday happy Tuesday or whatever day you're listening to this episode on we

are picking up on day four of six of our hope and suffering devotional in the Bible

app so if you're looking to follow along with us you can download that plan in the description

of this podcast and I'm going to read the scripture and Tory's going to read it devotional.

Let's do it.

So the scripture is Ephesians five verses one and two and I'm reading from the new living

translation imitate God therefore and everything you do because you are his dear children

live a life filled with love following the example of Christ he loved us and offered

himself as a sacrifice for us a pleasing aroma to God.

The devotional today is on character it says there's a common saying that character is who

we are and what we do when no one is looking a bit simplistic perhaps but true nonetheless

but the Bible defines character is much more it is a life that overflows with love joy

peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self control it is exemplified

in its most full and perfect form only in the person of Jesus Christ his character is

the one and only to which we hold up all others beginning with ourselves it is found

in surrendering every part of ourselves and our lives to him giving him full control

it is found in denying ourselves and picking up our cross daily saying no to the things

not of him and yes to his plans in purpose for us and it is formed naturally out of endurance

when we persevere through trials putting our trust in him and not our circumstances allowing

him room to work he molds our character to reflect the qualities listed above he makes

our character more like his little by little day by day and as he does what develops

...