"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
What a wonderful week-end we had at our retreat! For those of you who could not make it and for others who read this blog, I would like to take the next couple of entries to highlight some of what we talked about regarding the fruit of the Spirit.
First, let me remind us that the wording in Galatians is "fruit" of the Spirit and not "fruits" of the Spirit. God's Holy Spirit actually blesses us with one giant "fruit" if you will, with many parts. We often think of getting some fruits and not others, but actually the Lord give us the whole package when we surrender ourselves to the working of His Holy Spirit. Some parts of the fruit, however, are more evident than others at certain times in our lives.
I believe that love is the first part of the fruit that is mentioned here for a reason. Love must be the foundation for all of the other parts of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that without love--we are nothing. Once we truly grasp just how much our Father loves us and receive that love from Him and others in the body of Christ, we are then in a position to be able to surrender and allow the rest of the fruit to work its way into our hearts.
If you sense you are missing peace--go back and check your love. If you aren't walking in joy--go back and check your love. If gentleness isn't evident in your walk--go back and check your love. 1 John 4:10 says,"...this is love, not that we loved Him but that He loved us and sent His Son... As we daily set aside time with God we are keeping that line of communication open that helps us receive all that He has for us and continually confirms to us how much He loves us. That's why the enemy fights so hard to keep us from spending time with the Lord. He knows what can happen when we know who we are in Christ and walk in His love.
Set aside that time today. Even if it's just 5 minutes it will be the best 5 minutes you spend all day.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
No Cost Refi?
"...For I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing..."
2 Samuel 24:24
My husband have been considering taking advantage of the low interest rate offers for refinancing our home. After some considerable research, we came across a product that sounds pretty enticing. It's called a "No Cost Refi". Wow! Who could pass that up? No cost--really? Well, actually it does cost, just not up front. Still in all though, not a bad idea.
As often as I can, I try to see if there are any parallels to what is going on in the natural in my life to what God may be doing in the spiritual. So I asked myself, "What about a 'No Cost Refi' in my spiritual life"? Do I find myself "shopping" for the spiritual relationship that doesn't cost me much or for the church that doesn't ask much? Is bargain hunting a wise idea when it comes to spiritual things? Do I often approach my relationship with Christ like I do other areas in my life? Am I always looking for the best deal?
King David was a man after God's heart, not because he was perfect but because his heart was humble before God. He received correction, he desired to know God's will and maybe more than anything--he understood the meaning of sacrifice. In this passage, David was building an altar to the Lord in order to sacrifice and stop the plague on the people of Israel which his own sin had caused. Araunah the Jebusite not only sold David his threshing floor on which the altar could be built but also offered to give David the sacrifice as well. David knew this could not be. He could not make a sacrifice to the Lord which didn't cost him anything. You see, a sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it doesn't cost us something!
How expensive is your walk with Christ?
2 Samuel 24:24
My husband have been considering taking advantage of the low interest rate offers for refinancing our home. After some considerable research, we came across a product that sounds pretty enticing. It's called a "No Cost Refi". Wow! Who could pass that up? No cost--really? Well, actually it does cost, just not up front. Still in all though, not a bad idea.
As often as I can, I try to see if there are any parallels to what is going on in the natural in my life to what God may be doing in the spiritual. So I asked myself, "What about a 'No Cost Refi' in my spiritual life"? Do I find myself "shopping" for the spiritual relationship that doesn't cost me much or for the church that doesn't ask much? Is bargain hunting a wise idea when it comes to spiritual things? Do I often approach my relationship with Christ like I do other areas in my life? Am I always looking for the best deal?
King David was a man after God's heart, not because he was perfect but because his heart was humble before God. He received correction, he desired to know God's will and maybe more than anything--he understood the meaning of sacrifice. In this passage, David was building an altar to the Lord in order to sacrifice and stop the plague on the people of Israel which his own sin had caused. Araunah the Jebusite not only sold David his threshing floor on which the altar could be built but also offered to give David the sacrifice as well. David knew this could not be. He could not make a sacrifice to the Lord which didn't cost him anything. You see, a sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it doesn't cost us something!
How expensive is your walk with Christ?
Saturday, April 3, 2010
If Christ Did Not Rise
"...And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." I Corinthinas 15:14
Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen! This traditional orthodox greeting will be heard in millions of churches around the world this Easter Sunday. It is known as the "Paschal Greeting" taken from the Latanized spelling of the Hebrew word "Pesach" or "Passover".
Many times we shrink back at the mention of the word tradition and quite honestly many traditions unfortunately become meaningless half-hearted attempts at going through the motions of some long forgotten ritual. But many others are timeless and powerful. The Paschal Greeting seems to be at the top of that list.
I love the directness of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15:14. He is basically telling those struggling Corinthian christians, "Listen up folks! If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, then my preaching is a waste of time and, by the way, your faith is a waste of time as well."
The resurrection is central to all that we are and proclaim to be as believers. It is the focal point for everything that we are and believe and do--it defines us!
Sadly, I must confess that I am so often defined by pride, worry, concern and frustration. This is an obvious sign that my focal point is so often--me. Forgive me, Lord. As a follower I am to reflect You to this hurting world.
There is beautiful old chorus that our church often sings at our Sunrise Service each Easter:
I live, I live because You have risen
I live, I live to worship You
Thank you, Jesus
Thank you, Jesus
Because You're alive, because You're alive
Because You're alive--I live.
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen! This traditional orthodox greeting will be heard in millions of churches around the world this Easter Sunday. It is known as the "Paschal Greeting" taken from the Latanized spelling of the Hebrew word "Pesach" or "Passover".
Many times we shrink back at the mention of the word tradition and quite honestly many traditions unfortunately become meaningless half-hearted attempts at going through the motions of some long forgotten ritual. But many others are timeless and powerful. The Paschal Greeting seems to be at the top of that list.
I love the directness of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15:14. He is basically telling those struggling Corinthian christians, "Listen up folks! If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, then my preaching is a waste of time and, by the way, your faith is a waste of time as well."
The resurrection is central to all that we are and proclaim to be as believers. It is the focal point for everything that we are and believe and do--it defines us!
Sadly, I must confess that I am so often defined by pride, worry, concern and frustration. This is an obvious sign that my focal point is so often--me. Forgive me, Lord. As a follower I am to reflect You to this hurting world.
There is beautiful old chorus that our church often sings at our Sunrise Service each Easter:
I live, I live because You have risen
I live, I live to worship You
Thank you, Jesus
Thank you, Jesus
Because You're alive, because You're alive
Because You're alive--I live.
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Help Is On The Way
"As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now. You are my helper and my Savior. do not delay, O my God." Psalm 40:17
People say that time will heal
But you know, they just don't feel what you feel
Times are hard but God is so good
He's never failed you, and he said He never would
He sees your tears
He fights your fears
Hold on, help is on the way
He said he'd never leave you or forsake you
Stay strong
Help is on the way
He said he's help you
Just reach out and take his hand
He knows your heart, He lifts your head
He's always close enough to hear every word you said
When you're weak, He said He's so much more
His arm is long enough to reach you where you are
He sees your tears
He fights your fears
Hold on - Help is on the way...
Words and Music by Michael W. Smith
People say that time will heal
But you know, they just don't feel what you feel
Times are hard but God is so good
He's never failed you, and he said He never would
He sees your tears
He fights your fears
Hold on, help is on the way
He said he'd never leave you or forsake you
Stay strong
Help is on the way
He said he's help you
Just reach out and take his hand
He knows your heart, He lifts your head
He's always close enough to hear every word you said
When you're weak, He said He's so much more
His arm is long enough to reach you where you are
He sees your tears
He fights your fears
Hold on - Help is on the way...
Words and Music by Michael W. Smith
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Are You Neck -Reined?
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" Isaiah 30:21
Horses are a curious animal. They each have their own personality and level of willingness to obey. I guess you could say they are a lot like us humans actually. I learned as a youngster that the reins that are connected to the horse's bridle are the means by which they are controlled.
Some horses have to be forced to go to the right or left or to back up by pulling hard on the reins from one side or the other or straight back. They still have a mind of their own and have not been fully taught to follow their master's leading. They get confused, frustrated and down right stubborn at times and getting them to obey can often be a test of wills. These animals consistently try their owners and often make riding them a chore rather than a delight.
There are others though, those that have been completely broken, that need only a slight nudge or to simply have the reins laid over on one side of their neck or the other to move obediently to the right or to the left. The rider need only to barely lay the leather against the animal's neck to easily obtain the desired response. Slight nudges with the heels or clicking of the tongue are all that is often necessary to begin the ride. Riding these horses is simply a pleasure. No battle is necessary, the animal almost anticipates the desire of it's master. His master's will becomes his own.
Is the spiritual lesson obvious? Have you been broken before your Lord to the point that His will has become yours? Are you neck-reined?
Horses are a curious animal. They each have their own personality and level of willingness to obey. I guess you could say they are a lot like us humans actually. I learned as a youngster that the reins that are connected to the horse's bridle are the means by which they are controlled.
Some horses have to be forced to go to the right or left or to back up by pulling hard on the reins from one side or the other or straight back. They still have a mind of their own and have not been fully taught to follow their master's leading. They get confused, frustrated and down right stubborn at times and getting them to obey can often be a test of wills. These animals consistently try their owners and often make riding them a chore rather than a delight.
There are others though, those that have been completely broken, that need only a slight nudge or to simply have the reins laid over on one side of their neck or the other to move obediently to the right or to the left. The rider need only to barely lay the leather against the animal's neck to easily obtain the desired response. Slight nudges with the heels or clicking of the tongue are all that is often necessary to begin the ride. Riding these horses is simply a pleasure. No battle is necessary, the animal almost anticipates the desire of it's master. His master's will becomes his own.
Is the spiritual lesson obvious? Have you been broken before your Lord to the point that His will has become yours? Are you neck-reined?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Where Does My Help Come From?
"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
How often do you look up? No, I mean really, "How often do you look up?" If you're like me you spend a lot of time looking around - at your situation and circumstances, a significant amount of time looking down--perhaps because you don't want to connect with others or deal with certain situations, and way too much time looking inward--focusing on your own struggles, disappointments and frustrations.
The Psalmist, in this case many believe it was Hezekiah, knew how to get his perspective adjusted right away. Notice he says, "I lift up my eyes to the hills". This was a willful choice on his part to lift up his eyes. In order to look up at the hills he had to stop looking around and down and in. We can only look one direction at a time. We have to choose where we will look.
As soon as he looked up he realized where his help comes from - "...the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." If we're looking for help from anywhere else we will likely be disappointed along the way.
Looked up lately?
How often do you look up? No, I mean really, "How often do you look up?" If you're like me you spend a lot of time looking around - at your situation and circumstances, a significant amount of time looking down--perhaps because you don't want to connect with others or deal with certain situations, and way too much time looking inward--focusing on your own struggles, disappointments and frustrations.
The Psalmist, in this case many believe it was Hezekiah, knew how to get his perspective adjusted right away. Notice he says, "I lift up my eyes to the hills". This was a willful choice on his part to lift up his eyes. In order to look up at the hills he had to stop looking around and down and in. We can only look one direction at a time. We have to choose where we will look.
As soon as he looked up he realized where his help comes from - "...the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." If we're looking for help from anywhere else we will likely be disappointed along the way.
Looked up lately?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
One Thing I Know
"...because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." 2 Timothy 1:12
On my first break back home from my freshman year in college, my Dad asked me a question, "Well, now that you're in college what have you learned?" I distinctly remember answering, "I've learned that there is a whole lot that I don't know!"
After nearly 30 years in ministry I hear myself saying the same thing, "The older I get, the more I realize that there is so much I don't know!" But you know what? That's OK with me. I would be foolish to pretend that I have all of the answers. My goodness, I don't even know all the questions!
In ministering to those who are questioning their neglect or abuse by a family member, or rejection, or grieving the loss of a loved one, I often hear myself saying, " I don't know..." What I do know is that God loves me and he loves you, that he desires to bring good out of the most painful situations, and that someday when we get to heaven our questions will be answered and the pain and tears of this life will be but a brief memory. That is what I hang my hat on when things around me don't make sense. I have to trust the heart of the One who loved me so much that he gave his life in exchange for mine.
Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:12 that even in the midst of suffering he held on to the fact that he knew who he had believed and was fully convinced that the Lord was able to take care of what he had entrusted to him. Because of what he did know, it was OK to admit the things that he didn't know.
What do you know?
On my first break back home from my freshman year in college, my Dad asked me a question, "Well, now that you're in college what have you learned?" I distinctly remember answering, "I've learned that there is a whole lot that I don't know!"
After nearly 30 years in ministry I hear myself saying the same thing, "The older I get, the more I realize that there is so much I don't know!" But you know what? That's OK with me. I would be foolish to pretend that I have all of the answers. My goodness, I don't even know all the questions!
In ministering to those who are questioning their neglect or abuse by a family member, or rejection, or grieving the loss of a loved one, I often hear myself saying, " I don't know..." What I do know is that God loves me and he loves you, that he desires to bring good out of the most painful situations, and that someday when we get to heaven our questions will be answered and the pain and tears of this life will be but a brief memory. That is what I hang my hat on when things around me don't make sense. I have to trust the heart of the One who loved me so much that he gave his life in exchange for mine.
Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:12 that even in the midst of suffering he held on to the fact that he knew who he had believed and was fully convinced that the Lord was able to take care of what he had entrusted to him. Because of what he did know, it was OK to admit the things that he didn't know.
What do you know?
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