The Fruit of Joy

 

The Fruit of Joy (Written by my wife)

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

 

I began writing this blog about a month ago and then became too busy to finish it.  The week I had planned to work on it again was the same week my beloved seven year-old Manx cat, Xander had to be euthanized.  Therefore, I was unable to write about joy last week.  Ironic, isn’t it?  But it made me realize even more so how much joy is a choice in our lives.  You may think that joy is not an active decision, but that one can only have joy when everything in life is going perfectly.  Realistically, how often can we say there is nothing in our lives that causes stress?  I am mostly a happy person, with a wonderful husband and a God who loves me, but there are often things cause frustration and, as with the recent loss, sadness.

 

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.  Nehemiah 8:10

 

I would also reverse that and say that the strength of the Lord is my Joy!  It is how I can keep a smile on my face.  Yes, I can feel sorrow at the loss of my cat, but I can still feel happiness and peace when I lean on the love of the Lord.

 

I have been relying on the Truths of Isaiah 61:3, “To console those who mourn… To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."  Notice here, that our joy glorifies that Lord!

 

When you read some of the below verses you will also see that simply having faith and persevering in the knowledge of God’s goodness will produce joy.

 

Like most people, I have had my share of heartache and hard times.  There was a time nearly four years ago when I was so shattered that I could not pray.  Let me rephrase that, I would not pray.  I was so angry and confused with God that there was no way I could consider praising to lift my heaviness.  So, I know some of you are thinking that I am being too simplistic and unrealistic in expecting you to praise or sing when you are feeling wounded.  It got to the point where my soul thirsted for the Lord and I could not stay silent.  I missed my Heavenly Father, I knew He did not cause the harmful situation, and He wanted to comfort His child.  I started small with simply saying, “Thank you,” at the end of each day for all I still had, especially my husband.  My prayers slowly grew longer until I was back to being my usually chatty self with the Lord.  I was eventually even able to sing praises again without feeling like I was going through the motions.  It took at least six months for me to go through the process, but when I chose to pursue joy and release my anger and bitterness, I began to heal.

 

I have read possibly thousands (maybe hundreds, but a lot) of books in my life, and it is difficult to choose a favorite, yet I can say that next to the Bible, the book that touched me the most has been Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard.  If you have never read it, I highly encourage you to do so.  My husband and I read it together last year and we both were very moved by the story (We are now reading Mountains of Spices by the same author on our Kindle.  It is Part 2 to the story and also very good.)  Much Afraid’s journey reminded me so much of myself in allowing bitterness and resentment to bully me to the point where I was hindered by going to the High Places with the Good Shepherd.  Had I been a character in that book I would have been called Walks by Sight (or Much too Logical).  I have learned (am still learning) to become Acceptance with Joy as I can see that Sorrow and Suffering have been my companions for a specific purpose.  I may never fully understand why.  However, I can accept the hard times by remembering God only wants the best for His children, and He does not cause bad things to happen (See Jeremiah 29:11).  He can use the hurts of our past to make us become better people if we allow Him to.  That is, when we chose joy.

 

Here are some more scriptures on joy:

 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

 

that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. Colossians 1:10-17

 

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

 

 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:7-10

 

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:7-9

 

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness and Goodness

 

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness and Goodness

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

 

In a person’s hour of need, a kind word, or hug goes a long ways. We all experience emotional trauma. The loss of a loved one, unemployment, sickness, bad relationships, etc. is examples of times when we need a friend to comfort us. God’s Word teaches us to rejoice, as well as weep with others. (Rom 12:15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

 

During our hour of need, Christ is our rock to lean upon. However, Christ also displays his love and comfort through the kindness of his children. Christians need to take the time to help bear one another’s burdens. If we will reflect the love of Christ toward others, we will give them a reason to believe in the risen Christ, who alone can save their soul. We are salt and light to a dying world. A harsh word may push a person away from Christ, but an act of kindness may win them over. There are many ways to show love and kindness toward others. If you have a sick or disabled friend, mow their lawn, or help them with their house work. Go the extra mile with others and learn to be selfless. If we bear good fruit unto the Lord, we will reap blessings. However, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

 

(2Peter 1:5) But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

(Eph 5:9) (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

 

The fruit of goodness is to pursue righteousness with all your heart. To be good, is to be righteous, and this does not mean perfection. Righteousness is living right in accordance with scripture. If you are truly born again, you will live a godly lifestyle set apart from the sinful world. God’s Word teaches us to die to sin and live for Christ. Whoever is born of God does not sin (1 John 3:9). (Rom 6: 1) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

 

 Living a lifestyle of habitual sins (bondages) will lead to damnation. Christ said that any tree, which does not bear good fruit, would be cut down and cast into the fire (Matt 3:10). 1 John 3 states that we must purify ourselves just as He is pure, and he who commits sin, also commits lawlessness. John continues that whoever sins has neither seen Him, nor known Him. These powerful scriptures are contrary to the distorted grace message that is preached in most churches today. Many churches encourage sin by teaching that there is grace for un-repented sins. Many teach that God does not care about your sins, only your actions. There are dozens of scriptures that teach us that without holiness no man shall see the Father. The apostasy (falling away from the truth), is the failure to teach believers to get sin out of their lives, as well as to love one another. Grace is not automatic, grace is given to those who repent and turn away from their sins.  

 

(1John 3:3) And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of  God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

 

(Titus 2: 11) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

 

 

 

 

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit: Love and Longsuffering

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit: Love and Longsuffering

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

As Christians, we are called to be a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are indwelt with God’s Holy Spirit, then we should have God’s divine nature and attributes present within our lives. As the moon reflects light from the sun, we should reflect the light of the Son. The greatest of all of the fruits of the Spirit is love. It is impossible to be truly saved without love in your heart. For God is love, and those indwelt with his Holy Spirit will be people of love. God’s Word tells us that the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled, if we love God, as well as love our neighbor as our self. Christ is our example of selfless love. Although Christ was the Son of God, he left his throne in glory, became a man, and humbled himself to the death upon the cross. Upon the cross he said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Christ taught us to love our enemies, and to do good to those who wrong us. We should imitate Christ and have this same selfless love for our neighbors.

 Christ told us that in the last day’s lawlessness would abound, and the love of many will grow cold. (Matt 24: 12) And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Many, within our modern culture consider hardness, and coldness toward others, as a strength to be admired. It is considered fashionable not to smile, but rather to look hard when being photographed. Television, movies, books, as well as our public schools, teach that the strong must walk on others to get ahead in this life. Love, kindness, selflessness, as well as charity, are frowned upon as weakness. It is popular to have sculls and crossbones on adult, as well as children’s clothing. I don’t understand why anyone would want this symbol of death on their clothes, or in their home.

It is truly as the days of Noah today, and the attributes of Satan are visible in most people’s lives. As Christians, we must go against the grain of our cold society, and let the love and light of our Lord Jesus Christ shine through us. If you have bitterness in your heart toward others, I urge you to let the love of Christ melt away the ice on your heart. Even the roots of bitterness are an open door for the devil to have a stronghold in your life. If you have animosity toward someone, let it go, and let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind. Sometimes, it is better not to speak about a person who stirs up hard feelings. Silence is golden, and will help you forgive the person who has offended you. Christ said to pray for, as well as, bless those who curse and persecute you. Praying for the offender will bring a release in your heart.  (Matt 5:43) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

It is sometimes hard to have love for our fellow coworkers, students, or even family members, but with Christ, all things are possible. We live in a fallen world and we all have faults, that is why it is important not to be critical of others. Longsuffering is another fruit of the Spirit that is love in action. Love keeps no record of wrongs but endures all things. The patient enduring of the character or personality flaws of others is demonstrating true Christ-like love. However, in order to maintain peace, as well as to avoid conflicts, it is sometimes necessary not to associate with certain people. Nevertheless, we are to continue to love that person, and not to allow bitterness into our heart.

1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

James taught that faith without works is dead. James states, that if you see your brother or sister naked, or hungry, and say to them, “be warm and filled,” but do not give him what he needs, then your faith is dead. Caring for those in need is love in action.

 James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

I admire the good work of ministries like the Salvation Army, homeless shelters, and food banks. They show the love of Christ to the hungry and homeless, by living what they preach. My wife and I used to do volunteer work for a Salvation Army homeless shelter and it was very fruitful. A person is more likely to listen to your testimony, if you are showing loving kindness toward them, rather than begging for their money. If the church would learn to be givers, rather than takers, then we would see a large harvest of souls overnight. The wheat and the tares grow together in Christianity, but the day is coming when the tares will be removed, and cast into the fire. Consider Christ’s teaching on the separation of the sheep and the goats on judgment day. The sheep, who enter God’s kingdom, are those who have fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, gave shelter to the stranger, clothed the naked, visited the sick and prisoner. The goats that go into punishment are those who have NOT done these things for their fellow man. If we claim to know Christ, we should have love, accompanied by action, for our fellow man. I encourage you to be a good Samaritan and reach out with the love of Christ to a hurting world! 

 

  Matt 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.  33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'  37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire  prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' 44 Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

  

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit: Self-Control (Written by my Wife))

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit: Self Control (Written by my Wife)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

There are countless ways in which we can choose to exhibit self-control, most of which are obvious.  It is also apparent that pursing self-control is indeed an active choice.  When you drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, take drugs, swear, have sex outside of marriage, cheat, lie, steal, gamble, etc., you must first make the conscious decision to go against God’s laws.

Let’s look at the verses directly before the above scripture that speaks of the fruits of the Spirit:

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish... Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-21

Can it be any more clear that our works do indeed matter?  If you do not exercise self-control and “practice such things [you] will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  When we pursue the Holy Spirit and His purity, when we make a daily choice to “walk in the Spirit,” it is so much easier to live a life of righteousness than when we try to rely on our own strengths.  Human nature is carnal and wants to please only itself.  But when we remember that there are consequences to our actions that will hurt others, it is easier to say “no” to the sins of the flesh. 

God does not expect us to live a dull life, He specifically designed us to enjoy pleasure, but we must do so within the laws He designed to protect not only us, but others as well.  For example, sex outside of marriage creates diseases, unwanted pregnancies, broken marriages, etc.  Yet, sex within marriage is a fun, beautiful, bonding experience and enhances married life.  Before you choose not to exhibit self-control, stop and think of how your actions will most likely hurt someone else and remind yourself of how you would feel if you were on the other side of an affair, a theft, a lie, gossip, etc.   

We are all faced with many temptations throughout our lives. There are too many to name, some of which I am sure I am not even aware.  God, however, knows our weaknesses and The Bible promises that He will always give us many opportunities to escape all temptations, and thus exercise self-control. 

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13

All one needs to do is walk away.  It really is that simple.  Better yet, do not even get to the place where you need an escape.  You would not intentionally walk across four lanes of heavy traffic at night in a big city wearing all black, so why would you put your walk with the Lord at risk. For example, if you are addicted to pornography, turn off the Internet and television and do not pick up filthy magazines.  If you are so tempted that you cannot even turn on the Internet without going to the ungodly sites, cancel your Internet service. 

Other than simply walking away from the things and people that tempt us, we need to pray a wall of protection against our family and ourselves.  When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He told them they should ask to be kept far away from unholy enticements.  Remember to ask God to keep you from evil every day and be proactive by pursing self-control and walking away when you know it is the best course of action. 

For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.   Matthew 6:8-9 & 13

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  Matthew 26:41

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. II Timothy 3:3-7

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; or so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. II Peter 1:5-11

The Gift of Faith

 

The Gift of Faith

 

Mark 11:23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive [them,] and you will have [them.]

What are the mountains in your life? Jesus paid the price on the cross to set you free from the evil one. By faith, speak to those mountains and tell them to be gone in Jesus' name! You have the authority by God's Holy Spirit. Faith moves the hand of God on your behalf!

 

So often people live their lives in fear of what could happen, or they worry about finances, or health problems, however, fear is the opposite of faith. The Lord understands that we are human, and anxiety is common to man, but he desires that we trust him with every aspect of our lives. Fear will empower the enemy in your life. If you live your life in fear, you will never have a breakthrough with God. Fear may even lead to demonic oppression. You must have faith in God that He is able to deliver and heal you to see results.

 

 Fear also hinders many people from pursuing ministry work, because they feel they can’t accomplish the task. If the prophets and apostles had given into fear, we would not have the scriptures to guide us, and Christianity would never have spread beyond Judea. We must believe that God is bigger and more powerful than our problems, or limitations, to be useful for the kingdom of heaven. Moses had a speech problem and argued with God that he was not able to speak to Pharaoh. God commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh and allowed his brother Aaron to speak for him. Moses was chosen from birth to be the deliverer for the captive Hebrews, but he felt inadequate for the task. Fortunately, God did not allow Moses to give in to fear, but used him to show forth his power to the entire world. Elijah feared for his life and hid in a cave, but the God of Elijah protected him, and Elijah never saw death because he was taken to heaven in a flaming chariot.

 

The apostle Paul wrote powerful letters, but he did not impress some in person. However, this did not deter Paul from taking the gospel to many lands. Paul understood that he was a vessel for God’s Spirit to work through. With God, all things are possible; he is looking for humble vessels that he may work through. God is not impressed with your fancy attire, eloquent speech, or theological degrees. God is looking for common people, full of faith, which he may work through. Peter, James, and John were uneducated fishermen, however Christ chose them to be his Apostles, and to turn the world upside down. If you will put your faith and trust in God, he will use you to minister into the lives of others.

 

Why do we so often worry about life’s problems? Does not God promise to meet our needs if we seek after him? Does not the Lord feed the birds, and clothe the lilies of the field? If we will replace fear and anxiety, with faith and thankfulness, we will know the peace and provision of the Father. If you live with a defeated attitude, you will not be useful to the kingdom of God. Faith will open the door to many blessings from God, including healings, deliverance, ministry, peace of mind, as well as many answered prayers. 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.   2 For by it the elders obtained a [good] testimony.   3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.   4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.   5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.   6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him,] for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.   7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.   8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.   9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as [in] a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;   10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

 

(Matthew 6:25) " Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 "and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, [will He] not much more [clothe] you, O you of little faith? 31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day [is] its own trouble.

 

 

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit, Part 2: Gentleness

 

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit, Part 2: Gentleness

(Written by my Wife)

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

 

As I was gathering the scriptures for the second part of this series that Mel and I are writing, I noticed a trend.  Pursing gentleness (and any other fruit) is equated with pursing the good works that are so important to our Lord.  And, yes, our works do matter! Gentleness is not merely a personality trait, it is an active decision to treat each other with tenderness (Please read all the scriptures I listed at the end).

 

In a world full of strife and antagonistic people, it is not always easy to be gentle, especially when the other person is being the opposite.  Do not make the mistake of assuming being gentle is being weak.  Most of my life I have been told I need to grow a backbone and learn to stand up for myself.  Although I enjoy being in the right as much as most people, I am very shy and I hate confrontation.  It used to bother me that I was not more bold, but the more I read my Bible and study the fruits of the Spirit, the less I have the need to prove the other person wrong. 

 

I currently work at a job with many strong personalities and, let’s just say, “bossy” tendencies.  I often came home feeling frustrated and even ganged up on, especially when I had done nothing wrong.  I struggled with wanting to fight back and with wanting to walk away from the job.  Then one morning I started to pray, “Dear Jesus, I want to purse the fruits of Your Spirit and not let my co-workers’ need to always be right make me so upset.  Please give me the wisdom and strength I need to glorify Your name.”  Since that day, after about my fifth or sixth week on the job, I was finally able just to smile and say, “Thanks for the advice,” or, “I’ll try it that way next time,” and not feel offended.  It was that prayer, and the direct answer to it, that inspired the theme for this blog series I asked my husband to write with me.

 

As I said above, being gentle is not just a personality trait one is born with, it is something most of us have to make a deliberate effort to convey.  Rather than shouting back at a smart alec when you feel it is your right to put  him in his place, walk away.  The old saying, “If you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything,” is actually good advice.  Who cares if the bully thinks you are being weak by not fighting back?  What truly matters is what God thinks.  And our Savior very much wants us to pursue gentleness with others.

 

Being gentle also means being compassionate.  Earlier today, Mel and I were at a yard sale where a woman stubbed her bare toe (she was in sandals) on a hard wooden crate.  Mel quickly asked, “Ma’am, are you okay?” but the woman’s own husband coldly turned his face away from her and walked away.  Mel and I both observed the hurt look on the face of the wife, as her husband did not bother to acknowledge her bloody toe.  How much it would have meant to her had he shown her gentleness even if he had used few words but assisted her to a chair and even kissed her cheek!  Mel and I discussed on the drive home how badly we felt for the wife.  Wives and husbands, please show each other gentleness and compassion from everything to a stubbed toe to depression and grief!  We do not have to relate to what the other is feeling or even react to pain in the same way to be able to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). 

 

Jesus Christ was by far the most incredible example of gentleness anyone could ever have exhibited.  It is why so many scriptures refer to Him as a lamb.  No, He was not weak, as being gentle does not make one cowardly.  Yes, He corrected the Pharisees of their legalistic ways and scolded his disciples when they were too stubborn to understand His words.  However, He spoke the Truth in love.  He wept and prayed for all those he walked among just as He still intercedes for mankind today.  When led to His own horrendous crucifixion, He did not fight back, but allowed His false accusers to torture Him so He could die for our sins.  That is not only gentleness personified, it is sacrifice and love exemplified.  Doesn’t that only make you want to be gentle as Christ was (and still is) gentle?      

                                                                                                                  

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

 

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. II Timothy 2:19-26

 

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:1-2

 

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.
This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18

 

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Ephesians 4:1-3

 

Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--
rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands.  I Peter 3:3-5

 

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit, Part 1: Peace

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit, Part 1: Peace

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

 

I recently dreamed that I was in a large church filled with young men. Two, very tall, male angels were passing out headphones to many of the young men. A message from the Father was broadcast over the headphones to those who put them on. God the Father said, “This is a message to all of the young men who refuse to work on their lives. Don’t shoot one another; this is how the world will destroy itself.”

 

I understood that when Christians attack one another, this is very displeasing to the Lord. When I was a young man, I was taught to stand up for myself and to fight back when attacked. If someone would make me trouble, I would give it back to them. I felt at  times, that turning the other cheek was a sign of weakness. However, God’s Word teaches us to pursue peace with all men. I have witnessed many quarrels in the work place, in families, among church members, and on a larger scale among nations. The contentious nature of people leads to wars among nations, and ultimately to nuclear destruction. When the restraining hand of the Lord is removed, sudden destruction will come upon mankind.

 

Christians are to reflect the attributes of Christ. We are to bless those who curse us, and to do good to those who persecute us. When slapped upon one check, we are to turn the other. We are to love our enemies as our self, as well as to pursue peace with all men. We are not to render insult for insult, or reviling for reviling. When we bear the good fruit of God’s Spirit, we will bring glory to our Father which is in heaven. Fighting and bickering among Christians, will push people away from the truth of salvation through Christ. We need to keep in mind that people are watching us. We need to give the world a reason to want the hope that we have in Christ. Showing kindness and love toward others is the greatest witness of our faith in Jesus Christ.

 

 It is not wrong to defend our lives, or the lives of others. Christ’s disciples had two swords for their personal protection. It is also honorable to defend your nation when it is unjustly attacked. However, offensive warfare is to be deplored. We must use wisdom in interpreting the scriptures. Old Testament Israel was commanded by the Lord to fight many battles. Christians should obey the laws of the land, as well as be subject to those who govern over us, as long as it does not compromise our faith. Immoral laws, such as gay marriage and abortion rights, should be protested.

 

Pursuing peace with all people is not easy. It requires work on our part, as well as guidance from the Holy Spirit. Many people will say or do things, which may inflame us, but we must be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, because the world is watching us.  (James 1:19) So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

 

(Heb 12:14) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

 

(1Peter 3:8) Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

 

(1 Peter 3:10) For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

What Does Repentance Mean?

 

What Does Repentance Mean?

 

(Acts 2:38) Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

 

Many churches today avoid the topic of repentance because they don’t want to offend their tithers. Some also teach that repentance is only necessary one time, when you ask the Lord into your heart. This greasy grace message will give you a fatal heart attack if you accept it. The Lord has spoken to me countless times that most churches are in a state of apostasy, and they are responsible for shutting people out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The apostle Peter exhorted people to be saved from this perverse generation (Acts 2:38-41). Peter told them to Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

 

Saying a prayer, or water baptism alone, will not save your soul. The sinner’s prayer is great if it is prayed with sincerity. You must make Jesus Christ the Lord of every area of your life to be truly saved. This means that you must be born again by turning from your sinful ways, and becoming a new creation in Christ. The Lord showed me that a person should repent of their sins on a daily basis. However, this does not mean that we may willfully sin, then repent, and commit that sin again the next day. True repentance of a sin, is to have heartfelt remorse for that sin, as well as to stop committing the offense. If you are bound to substance abuse, you must stop drinking, smoking, or using drugs, to be truly forgiven and set free. If you are bound by pornography, lying, or stealing, you must stop the sin, and seek the Lord with heartfelt repentance to be forgiven, and set free. Grace is not automatic, grace follows repentance.

 

When a new believer comes to Christ, the Lord will give them grace to grow in their new faith. A new believer will take baby steps at first, and will only be able to handle milk. However, in time, God expects us to grow in our faith, and to produce good fruit and works. We should all grow in Christ, as well as consume the strong meat of God’s Word. Christ said, that any tree that does not produce good fruit, will be cut down, and thrown into the fire. Christ also said, that some will produce 30,60, and 100 fold fruit, but we must produce good fruit to be saved.

 

The works of the flesh will send you to hell. (Gal 5:19-23) lists the works of the flesh, as well as the good fruits of God’s Spirit which will lead to eternal life. In (Gal 5:21) Paul states that those who commit these sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. Christ died upon the cross to provide atonement for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for sins that are truly repented of.

 

 No one is perfect, but through the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit, we have the power to live an overcoming life. We must be sanctified (set apart and purified by God’s Spirit) to be saved. If you willfully commit the same sins as the world, and people cannot tell the difference between you and the unsaved, then you are not truly born again. The word saint is translated set apart, or sanctified one. Are you a saint, or is your lifestyle a compromise of the faith that you claim?

 

Galatians 5: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 

To the church at Ephesus Christ said, (Rev 2:4) Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.

 

Like many Christians today, the Ephesians were beginning to compromise with the world and were considered unfaithful to Christ. Christ said, that if you love him you will keep his commandments. When Christians take on the attributes of the sinful culture, they are committing spiritual adultery; unless they repent, they will be lost. Christ said that unless the Ephesians repented, he would remove their lampstand from its place before the throne of God. This passage alone makes it clear that Christians can fall from grace, because of un-repented sinful compromise. That is why it is important that we examine ourselves daily and repent of willful sins.

 

 Christ told the Ephesians, not only to repent, but also to do the first works. The first works is a reference to being born again. When we first come to Christ, we die to our old nature and become a new creation through heartfelt repentance. Unless a believer has a transformed life, they are not truly born again. This passage indicates that when we backslide, we are in need of another born again experience. (Rev 2:7) Christ said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." This verse is clear that the overcomers will inherit the Kingdom of God. An overcomer is one who endures unto the end and crosses the finish line. You must keep the faith, as well as live a sanctified life until the day you die, to enter God’s paradise. Please also consider the verses listed below.

 

(Acts 3:19) Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

 

(Rev 3:1) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

 

(Rev 2:4) Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.

 

(Rev 3:14) "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

 

(Luke 13:1) There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

2 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?

3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."