When everything is going our way, patience is easy to demonstrate. The true test of patience comes when our rights are violated—when another car cuts us off in traffic; when we are treated unfairly; when our coworker derides our faith, again. Some people think they have a right to get upset in the face of irritations and trials. Impatience seems like a holy anger. But Galatians 5:22, our focal verse, praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit which should be produced for all followers of Christ. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Patience reveals our faith in God’s timing, omnipotence, and love.
Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the Greek words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating cheaters? Certainly not! The word translated “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
Patience does not develop overnight. God’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” Psalm 37:7. Our patience is rewarded in the end “because the Lord's coming is near” James 5:7-8. “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” Lamentations 3:25.
We see in the Bible many examples of those whose patience characterized their walk with God. James points us to the prophets In James 5:7-11, 7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. Abraham, too, waited patiently and “received what was promised” Hebrews 6:15. Jesus is our model in all things, and He demonstrated patient endurance: “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2.
How do we display the patience that is characteristic of Christ? First, we thank God. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will Philippians 4:4, and 1Peter 1:6. Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes God puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as in Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.
The next time you are in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God that, as Christians, we are no longer in bondage to a “natural response” because we are new creations in Christ Himself, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Instead, we have the Lord’s strength to respond with patience and in complete trust in the Father’s power and purpose. “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” Romans 2:7
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—PEACE
As we continue our study of the attributes of God the Holy Spirit desires to instill into our personality we come to the third listed in our focus verses. Peace is what everybody desires. Very few Christians enjoy disagreements, discord or conflict. We will take any action necessary to avoid placing ourselves in these situations. As Americans we are proud of our members serving our country in the armed forces yet we hate war because of the cost to those we love who are fighting to preserve and protect our freedom. We all want world peace. But in my understanding of our enemy which has great power in this world, world peace is unattainable.
That said peace for the Christian is attainable! It is the promise of Jesus in John 14:26-27, But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I know that of all the things our enemy wants to steal from us our peace is high on his list. He wants us to fret and worry. He wants us to keep our minds on our troubles. He wants us to forget the protection, provisions and blessings of God and only dwell on our temporal condition. He wants us to forget our Hope and mutter around in our daily strife and struggles. I’d like to share three truths that help me when I find myself overcome with the conflicts of everyday life that Satan uses to rob me of my peace.
First I have to remember to check to see if I’m at peace with God. When I delight in God’s law I’m blessed, but when I sin, I experience misery and unhappiness, conflict and chaos, tragedy and heartache. Sin separates me from God, it destroys my chance for real happiness. My salvation reconciled me to God and He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me, but sin disrupts my ability to experience the peace of a child held and hugged by a loving Father. The truth we have to face is that there is nobody, no principality and no power on this earth that can separate us from the peace we find in the arms of a loving Father other than our own sin. So the first truth is our own sin robs us of our peace.
Second I have to have peace with myself. Christianity affords peace with self, i.e., an inner tranquility, independent of circumstances. Yet, peace of mind is a rare quality in today's world. That evidence is all around us: delinquency, divorce, substance abuse, and suicide. We as Christians are not exempt for the physical signs of stress: hypertension, ulcers, heart attacks, etc. While the Declaration of Independence assures every American the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, it is painfully obvious that few are successful in their quest for serenity and inner calm. Our focal verse teaches us that we achieve peace of mind by applying God's word to our lives Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Contentment is the fruit of a spiritually-minded attitude. Inner tranquility belongs to those who lean upon the Lord. Philippians 4: 6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We as Christians should be the happiest and most well adjusted people in the world. We may face difficult problems, but the peace of God enables us to maintain a proper balance. The old gospel song, "It Is Well With My Soul," beautifully expresses this sentiment: "When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
Third I must be at peace with others. Christianity also produces peace with others. It creates a harmonious relationship among believers, and also yields relative harmony with the non-Christian world around us. Jesus told us that He didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34-36, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn" 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law 36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. This describes the struggle between righteousness and evil. It reflects that division that inevitably occurs between those who seek to please God and those who rebel against Him. At times we will experience conflict with the world, yet as a rule, obedience to the Lord will improve all our relationships. We as Christians are admonished to live peaceably with all men. If the gospel of Christ could break down the wall of hatred that existed between Jew and Gentile, it can resolve whatever difficulties exist between brethren. I don’t usually quote Longfellow, but he said, "All your strength is in your union. All your danger is in discord; therefore be at peace henceforward, and as brothers live together.” Unity cannot exist where there is selfishness and pride. If we are to achieve peace with others, we must have the humility of Christ.
to be continued……
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
That said peace for the Christian is attainable! It is the promise of Jesus in John 14:26-27, But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I know that of all the things our enemy wants to steal from us our peace is high on his list. He wants us to fret and worry. He wants us to keep our minds on our troubles. He wants us to forget the protection, provisions and blessings of God and only dwell on our temporal condition. He wants us to forget our Hope and mutter around in our daily strife and struggles. I’d like to share three truths that help me when I find myself overcome with the conflicts of everyday life that Satan uses to rob me of my peace.
First I have to remember to check to see if I’m at peace with God. When I delight in God’s law I’m blessed, but when I sin, I experience misery and unhappiness, conflict and chaos, tragedy and heartache. Sin separates me from God, it destroys my chance for real happiness. My salvation reconciled me to God and He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me, but sin disrupts my ability to experience the peace of a child held and hugged by a loving Father. The truth we have to face is that there is nobody, no principality and no power on this earth that can separate us from the peace we find in the arms of a loving Father other than our own sin. So the first truth is our own sin robs us of our peace.
Second I have to have peace with myself. Christianity affords peace with self, i.e., an inner tranquility, independent of circumstances. Yet, peace of mind is a rare quality in today's world. That evidence is all around us: delinquency, divorce, substance abuse, and suicide. We as Christians are not exempt for the physical signs of stress: hypertension, ulcers, heart attacks, etc. While the Declaration of Independence assures every American the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, it is painfully obvious that few are successful in their quest for serenity and inner calm. Our focal verse teaches us that we achieve peace of mind by applying God's word to our lives Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Contentment is the fruit of a spiritually-minded attitude. Inner tranquility belongs to those who lean upon the Lord. Philippians 4: 6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We as Christians should be the happiest and most well adjusted people in the world. We may face difficult problems, but the peace of God enables us to maintain a proper balance. The old gospel song, "It Is Well With My Soul," beautifully expresses this sentiment: "When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.
Third I must be at peace with others. Christianity also produces peace with others. It creates a harmonious relationship among believers, and also yields relative harmony with the non-Christian world around us. Jesus told us that He didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34-36, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn" 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law 36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. This describes the struggle between righteousness and evil. It reflects that division that inevitably occurs between those who seek to please God and those who rebel against Him. At times we will experience conflict with the world, yet as a rule, obedience to the Lord will improve all our relationships. We as Christians are admonished to live peaceably with all men. If the gospel of Christ could break down the wall of hatred that existed between Jew and Gentile, it can resolve whatever difficulties exist between brethren. I don’t usually quote Longfellow, but he said, "All your strength is in your union. All your danger is in discord; therefore be at peace henceforward, and as brothers live together.” Unity cannot exist where there is selfishness and pride. If we are to achieve peace with others, we must have the humility of Christ.
to be continued……
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—JOY
As we continue our discussion on living LIFE BY THE SPIRIT we now look at the attribute of JOY. Our focus verses are Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
We live in a world that is full of crime, disorder and disappointment. We see daily accounts of horrific crime and for some of us the economy has had a devastating effect on our everyday life and on our plans for the future. Some have lost jobs and remain out of work, others have had their salaries reduced and many within our community of faith face loss of their homes.
Many who do not have a personal relationship with Christ try desperately to convince themselves that they are happy. They fool everyone but themselves. Or they know they are not happy and try to drown their sorrow in drinking, drugs, sports, work or something else to keep their minds off their unhappiness. We believe there is only one kind of true, lasting, joy: Christian Joy.
Others are church members, but find no reason for joy. Because of the weakness of their faith, and the temptations that so easily beset, some have a hard time seeing the joy of salvation.
I’d like to share some of the sources for our Christian joy.
Joy is a consequence of faith.
Joy comes from having a confident trust in God.
Without faith in God and Christ, we cannot experience abiding joy.
Faith is essential to joy because it dispels the attitudes that prevent joy from occurring. Attitudes such as worry, doubt and fear evaporate in the presence of faith.
Joy is also a result of obedience.
Obedience to the Word of God fosters joy in the heart of the obedient.
Conversely, disobedience dispels joy and produces fear. Hebrews 10:26-27, If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Lack of joy could be an indication of a lack of obedience.
Joy is based on forgiveness.
The guilt of sin is a major reason many people lack joy.
Awareness of such guilt causes stress, unhappiness, and worry.
Even as Paul illustrated in describing his condition as one struggling with the problem of sin. Romans 7:22-24, For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?
But where there is forgiveness, there can be joy! When you get a chance read the 32nd Psalm of David.
If you have not yet received the forgiveness found only in Christ, there is no way to experience the abiding joy that comes only in the Lord.
Joy also comes from Christian fellowship.
Paul experienced joy by witnessing love and fellowship in Philemon 1:7 says, Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Are you developing and nurturing the kind of Christian fellowship that adds to your joy?
Joy comes from Christian service.
There is the joy of spreading the gospel.
Barnabas rejoiced in the conversions at Antioch in Acts 11:20-23.
The Christian Jews delighted to hear of the conversion of the Gentiles in Acts 15:3.
There is great joy in seeing the spiritual progress of others. To watch as others come to know our Lord and grow in the Lord.
Joy comes from giving.
Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Every believer that is willing to become involved in serving the Lord, whether it be through teaching or the giving of one's time, energy or money, will experience joy from such service!
The theme of the epistle of Galatians is Christian freedom. Regardless of the circumstances of life, believers should be able to rejoice or have joy in the freedom that is in Jesus Christ.
We have joy because of our place in Christ
We have joy because of our purpose in life.
We have joy because of our perspective of eternity.
The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is your strength. This is why it is so important that every Christian have some level of God’s joy operating through them in this life. Without God’s joy operating in your life, things can begin to dry up. Nothing is ever fun anymore. Living life by the Spirit is living a joyful life, a life blessed with the joy of salvation.
To be continued….
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
We live in a world that is full of crime, disorder and disappointment. We see daily accounts of horrific crime and for some of us the economy has had a devastating effect on our everyday life and on our plans for the future. Some have lost jobs and remain out of work, others have had their salaries reduced and many within our community of faith face loss of their homes.
Many who do not have a personal relationship with Christ try desperately to convince themselves that they are happy. They fool everyone but themselves. Or they know they are not happy and try to drown their sorrow in drinking, drugs, sports, work or something else to keep their minds off their unhappiness. We believe there is only one kind of true, lasting, joy: Christian Joy.
Others are church members, but find no reason for joy. Because of the weakness of their faith, and the temptations that so easily beset, some have a hard time seeing the joy of salvation.
I’d like to share some of the sources for our Christian joy.
Joy is a consequence of faith.
Joy comes from having a confident trust in God.
Without faith in God and Christ, we cannot experience abiding joy.
Faith is essential to joy because it dispels the attitudes that prevent joy from occurring. Attitudes such as worry, doubt and fear evaporate in the presence of faith.
Joy is also a result of obedience.
Obedience to the Word of God fosters joy in the heart of the obedient.
Conversely, disobedience dispels joy and produces fear. Hebrews 10:26-27, If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Lack of joy could be an indication of a lack of obedience.
Joy is based on forgiveness.
The guilt of sin is a major reason many people lack joy.
Awareness of such guilt causes stress, unhappiness, and worry.
Even as Paul illustrated in describing his condition as one struggling with the problem of sin. Romans 7:22-24, For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?
But where there is forgiveness, there can be joy! When you get a chance read the 32nd Psalm of David.
If you have not yet received the forgiveness found only in Christ, there is no way to experience the abiding joy that comes only in the Lord.
Joy also comes from Christian fellowship.
Paul experienced joy by witnessing love and fellowship in Philemon 1:7 says, Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Are you developing and nurturing the kind of Christian fellowship that adds to your joy?
Joy comes from Christian service.
There is the joy of spreading the gospel.
Barnabas rejoiced in the conversions at Antioch in Acts 11:20-23.
The Christian Jews delighted to hear of the conversion of the Gentiles in Acts 15:3.
There is great joy in seeing the spiritual progress of others. To watch as others come to know our Lord and grow in the Lord.
Joy comes from giving.
Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Every believer that is willing to become involved in serving the Lord, whether it be through teaching or the giving of one's time, energy or money, will experience joy from such service!
The theme of the epistle of Galatians is Christian freedom. Regardless of the circumstances of life, believers should be able to rejoice or have joy in the freedom that is in Jesus Christ.
We have joy because of our place in Christ
We have joy because of our purpose in life.
We have joy because of our perspective of eternity.
The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is your strength. This is why it is so important that every Christian have some level of God’s joy operating through them in this life. Without God’s joy operating in your life, things can begin to dry up. Nothing is ever fun anymore. Living life by the Spirit is living a joyful life, a life blessed with the joy of salvation.
To be continued….
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT—LOVE
In our previous discussions on what it means to live life in the Spirit we discovered that it was necessary to turn away from our old dead life and its personality and embrace a walk toward what God wants us to be. We began to understand that God desires to impart into us the attributes of His personality through the work of the Holy Spirit. These attributes are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
These attributes should not be an occasional manifestation in our lives rather they should be so evident in our interaction with the world that, because of them, the world will know we are Christians. Let’s take them in the order they are presented to us in these verses. The first is Love.
I guess if we were to rank all of the fruits in these two verses in order of possible importance, the quality of love would have to rank number one. This may be why it is the first listed in verse 22.
Here are some of the different definitions on what love is from the different Bible dictionaries and commentaries:
1. Unselfish, benevolent concern for another; brotherly concern; the object of brotherly concern or affection
2. The self-denying, self-sacrificing, Christ-like love which is the foundation of all other graces
3. Unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the well being of another
4. The high esteem which God has for His human children and the high regard which they, in turn, should have for Him and other people
5. To love, to have affection for someone; to like; to be a friend; the love of brothers for each other
One of the main themes that you will find as you study the Bible is the extreme importance that God’s Word places on love. The Bible teaches the importance of every believer learning how to love God, love your brothers and sisters in Christ and even to go as far as being able to love your enemies and those who will try and harm you. You all know God expects this to be a quality of your Christian life but we also understand that our abilities as fallen humans to love one another are very limited. This is why it is so important for each of us to work closely with the Holy Spirit to get this fruit or attribute worked into the very core of our personalities. It is only when the love of the Holy Spirit starts to flow and enter into your personality that you can even begin to love God, love yourself, and love one another to the degree and to the intensity that God would like to see from each one of us. Due to the extreme importance of love becoming a part of your personality you must allow the Holy Spirit to move on you to impart this quality into your mind, soul and emotions. Love is an extremely important part of your walk with Christ.
You can be the greatest person of God and have some of the greatest gifts of God flowing through you – but if you are not walking with all of this in the spirit of love and humility, it will have all been for naught. I guess the most familiar chapter in the Bible about love is 1 Corinthians 13.
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
This type of love was one of the motivating reasons behind our confession and repentance that has led us to the 51+1 theme. As we found ourselves surrounded by such a people as the people of La Mora, a people of great need, it was easy to love them. They were so grateful and appreciative of our generosity, they were so welcoming of our visitation in their village and they were willing to listen to us as we shared the Good News with them. It was easy to demonstrate to them the quality of love listed in this passage.
But what about here at home?
• How patient has your love for others been the last few week?
• How kind have you been in trying situations?
• Have you found that you have been self-seeking, seeking what you want rather than what love demands?
• Has it been easy for you to become angry with those that don’t act like you think they should?
• Have you said in your heart, I’ll remember what you said and what you did, keeping a record of wrongs?
• Have you failed in loving others?
I challenge you this week to seek ways to live out this passage. Allow the Holy Spirit to make love a part of your personality.
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed.
These attributes should not be an occasional manifestation in our lives rather they should be so evident in our interaction with the world that, because of them, the world will know we are Christians. Let’s take them in the order they are presented to us in these verses. The first is Love.
I guess if we were to rank all of the fruits in these two verses in order of possible importance, the quality of love would have to rank number one. This may be why it is the first listed in verse 22.
Here are some of the different definitions on what love is from the different Bible dictionaries and commentaries:
1. Unselfish, benevolent concern for another; brotherly concern; the object of brotherly concern or affection
2. The self-denying, self-sacrificing, Christ-like love which is the foundation of all other graces
3. Unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the well being of another
4. The high esteem which God has for His human children and the high regard which they, in turn, should have for Him and other people
5. To love, to have affection for someone; to like; to be a friend; the love of brothers for each other
One of the main themes that you will find as you study the Bible is the extreme importance that God’s Word places on love. The Bible teaches the importance of every believer learning how to love God, love your brothers and sisters in Christ and even to go as far as being able to love your enemies and those who will try and harm you. You all know God expects this to be a quality of your Christian life but we also understand that our abilities as fallen humans to love one another are very limited. This is why it is so important for each of us to work closely with the Holy Spirit to get this fruit or attribute worked into the very core of our personalities. It is only when the love of the Holy Spirit starts to flow and enter into your personality that you can even begin to love God, love yourself, and love one another to the degree and to the intensity that God would like to see from each one of us. Due to the extreme importance of love becoming a part of your personality you must allow the Holy Spirit to move on you to impart this quality into your mind, soul and emotions. Love is an extremely important part of your walk with Christ.
You can be the greatest person of God and have some of the greatest gifts of God flowing through you – but if you are not walking with all of this in the spirit of love and humility, it will have all been for naught. I guess the most familiar chapter in the Bible about love is 1 Corinthians 13.
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
This type of love was one of the motivating reasons behind our confession and repentance that has led us to the 51+1 theme. As we found ourselves surrounded by such a people as the people of La Mora, a people of great need, it was easy to love them. They were so grateful and appreciative of our generosity, they were so welcoming of our visitation in their village and they were willing to listen to us as we shared the Good News with them. It was easy to demonstrate to them the quality of love listed in this passage.
But what about here at home?
• How patient has your love for others been the last few week?
• How kind have you been in trying situations?
• Have you found that you have been self-seeking, seeking what you want rather than what love demands?
• Has it been easy for you to become angry with those that don’t act like you think they should?
• Have you said in your heart, I’ll remember what you said and what you did, keeping a record of wrongs?
• Have you failed in loving others?
I challenge you this week to seek ways to live out this passage. Allow the Holy Spirit to make love a part of your personality.
To be continued…
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
LIFE BYTHE SPIRIT—CHAPTER 2--GOD’S PERSONALITY
Last week I introduced a series of post I titled LIFE BY THE SPIRIT. I trust you have had the opportunity this past week to examine Galatians 5:16-21 and have received confirmation that you have indeed walked away from those things listed there. This week I’d like to draw your attention to Galatians 5:22-23. This is a very familiar verse to a lot of us. There are nine elements listed here which are as a group called the fruit of the Spirit.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
These are two very special incredible verses that tell us that God the Father wants to transmit and impart nine specific fruits of the Holy Spirit into our personalities. We as Christians often try and measure our spiritual condition by the manifestation of these nine elements in our daily lives. We often are pleased when we find evidence that any one of these elements has altered the way we respond in certain trying situations. That is not a bad thing but I’m afraid many of us miss the real implications of what these fruits represent.
Before we can examine these nine fruits in detail I’d like for us to consider what these fruits represent. Geneses 1:26 tells us that we are created in the image of God. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness and verse 27 says So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. We were indeed created in God’s image. We also know from scripture and from our own personal experience that our salvation was also a creative act of God. When we placed our faith in Jesus as our Savior we became a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
So you ask, “What has being created in the image of God got to do with the fruit of the Spirit?” It has everything to do with it because the nine elements listed in our focus verses are each an attribute of God. They are descriptive of God’s personality. When we placed our faith in Jesus we were once again created in the image of God. Our focus in this series is to understand what God wants us to “put on” and what God wants us to try to “put away”.
In our focus verses God has purposely isolated and spelled out nine qualities that come directly from the Holy Spirit. While there are similarities between these attributes they are different from the Gifts of the Spirit; the Gifts of the Spirit equip us with supernatural abilities for the purpose of building up the church. I believe since God has purposely isolated and spelled out these nine attributes of His image He is letting us know the extreme importance of these fruits.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Before we get into a discussion on each individual fruit lets notice a couple of things about verse 22.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
These are two very special incredible verses that tell us that God the Father wants to transmit and impart nine specific fruits of the Holy Spirit into our personalities. We as Christians often try and measure our spiritual condition by the manifestation of these nine elements in our daily lives. We often are pleased when we find evidence that any one of these elements has altered the way we respond in certain trying situations. That is not a bad thing but I’m afraid many of us miss the real implications of what these fruits represent.
Before we can examine these nine fruits in detail I’d like for us to consider what these fruits represent. Geneses 1:26 tells us that we are created in the image of God. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness and verse 27 says So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. We were indeed created in God’s image. We also know from scripture and from our own personal experience that our salvation was also a creative act of God. When we placed our faith in Jesus as our Savior we became a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
So you ask, “What has being created in the image of God got to do with the fruit of the Spirit?” It has everything to do with it because the nine elements listed in our focus verses are each an attribute of God. They are descriptive of God’s personality. When we placed our faith in Jesus we were once again created in the image of God. Our focus in this series is to understand what God wants us to “put on” and what God wants us to try to “put away”.
In our focus verses God has purposely isolated and spelled out nine qualities that come directly from the Holy Spirit. While there are similarities between these attributes they are different from the Gifts of the Spirit; the Gifts of the Spirit equip us with supernatural abilities for the purpose of building up the church. I believe since God has purposely isolated and spelled out these nine attributes of His image He is letting us know the extreme importance of these fruits.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Before we get into a discussion on each individual fruit lets notice a couple of things about verse 22.
- The word “Spirit” is with a capital “S” – which means these 9 fruits are coming directly from the Holy Spirit, not from us. While we were certainly able to exhibit these personality traits before we were saved they were void of the power of the Spirit.
- What this means is that God’s love, God’s peace, God’s joy and God’s goodness can be transmitted into our personality. These are His attributes and personality qualities that move into the core of our personality.
- Think about the ramifications of this – that God the Father Himself is allowing us to share in a part of His divine nature by allowing His Holy Spirit to transmit and impart these nine divine qualities into our soul and personality!
This is why God the Father is specifically telling us in this verse that these nine fruits are coming directly from His Holy Spirit – so that we can all fully appreciate the magnitude of such an experience.
Jesus has already told us that He is the vine and we are the branches. The branches draw their life from the vine, not vice versa. Just as the branch draws its life from the vine, so too must we draw our life directly from Jesus. Jesus will release His life directly into us through the Holy Spirit in the exact same way that the vine will release the life of the tree into the branches.
In one short, but incredibly powerful Scripture, God the Father is giving all of us an incredible revelation on what can go on behind the scenes in the spiritual realm for those who are willing to walk away from the things listed in verses 16-21 and allow Him, through the work and power of the Holy Spirit, to change our personalities by living LIFE BY THE SPIRIT.
To be continued….
Tommy—one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
LIFE BY THE SPIRIT
When Daniel Clark and I met in early July of this year to discuss a theme for our Honduras 2011 mission team, the testimonies of our share night in the dining hall of the mission home in Nicaragua were still very fresh on our mind. While we call these testimonies, they might better be described as confessions. Confession is the correct and only response to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And the common confession from our NIC2010 team was that we serve our Lord differently on a mission trip than we serve Him the rest of the year.
I’m sure you will agree with Daniel and I that the proper response to conviction is confession, but it can’t stop there. Confession must lead to repentance. Repentance is best defined as a change of direction. Our confession was that we do not serve our Lord at home, in our churches, on our jobs, in our schools or even in our families with the same fervor as we serve Him the week of a foreign mission trip. So repentance should cause each of us to serve our Lord with more fervor the other 51 weeks of the year.
The purpose of our 51+1 theme is to remind us of the fact that we have confessed and repented. So what should our repentance look like? Or maybe a better question might be; how is your repentance being demonstrated?
I’m going to start a series of post that digs into Galatians chapter five. I’m going to title this series of post LIFE BY THE SPIRIT. These series will not be posted on consecutive weeks; we will continue to post testimonies and articles from those of you that want to share.
In Galatians 5:16-25 Paul tells us what life in the Spirit should look like. Please note as you read these verses below that Paul, in verses 16-21 first presents life in the Spirit in the negative and then in the positive in verses 22-26.
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Since I was one of those that became convicted on the 51+1 necessity, my repentance has led me away from those things in verses 16-21. Now that’s not to say I don’t still have a problem with some of them, just that my repentance forces me to walk away from those things and toward the positive things in verses 22-26. Before us as a group and in particular, you as an individual can walk away from the negative (sin) and toward the positive (fruit of the Spirit) there has to have been a time of confession and repentance.
I’m asking that during this next week you find time to get alone with God and use verses 16-21 to examine your direction. I’d suggest that you do this in an audible voice by speaking aloud questions to God. For instance as you look at verse 17 you might ask God this question; “Father do I desire what is contrary to the Spirit or what is contrary to sin?” You get the idea, go through each of these verses and ask as many questions as needed till God convinces you that you have walked away from each thing listed in verses 16-21.
I also encourage you to share comments and give encouragements by using the comments tab on this blog. It would be nice for all of us to hear what God is speaking to you as we experience LIFE IN THE SPIRIT.
Tommy--one counted among the redeemed
I’m sure you will agree with Daniel and I that the proper response to conviction is confession, but it can’t stop there. Confession must lead to repentance. Repentance is best defined as a change of direction. Our confession was that we do not serve our Lord at home, in our churches, on our jobs, in our schools or even in our families with the same fervor as we serve Him the week of a foreign mission trip. So repentance should cause each of us to serve our Lord with more fervor the other 51 weeks of the year.
The purpose of our 51+1 theme is to remind us of the fact that we have confessed and repented. So what should our repentance look like? Or maybe a better question might be; how is your repentance being demonstrated?
I’m going to start a series of post that digs into Galatians chapter five. I’m going to title this series of post LIFE BY THE SPIRIT. These series will not be posted on consecutive weeks; we will continue to post testimonies and articles from those of you that want to share.
In Galatians 5:16-25 Paul tells us what life in the Spirit should look like. Please note as you read these verses below that Paul, in verses 16-21 first presents life in the Spirit in the negative and then in the positive in verses 22-26.
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Since I was one of those that became convicted on the 51+1 necessity, my repentance has led me away from those things in verses 16-21. Now that’s not to say I don’t still have a problem with some of them, just that my repentance forces me to walk away from those things and toward the positive things in verses 22-26. Before us as a group and in particular, you as an individual can walk away from the negative (sin) and toward the positive (fruit of the Spirit) there has to have been a time of confession and repentance.
I’m asking that during this next week you find time to get alone with God and use verses 16-21 to examine your direction. I’d suggest that you do this in an audible voice by speaking aloud questions to God. For instance as you look at verse 17 you might ask God this question; “Father do I desire what is contrary to the Spirit or what is contrary to sin?” You get the idea, go through each of these verses and ask as many questions as needed till God convinces you that you have walked away from each thing listed in verses 16-21.
I also encourage you to share comments and give encouragements by using the comments tab on this blog. It would be nice for all of us to hear what God is speaking to you as we experience LIFE IN THE SPIRIT.
Tommy--one counted among the redeemed
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
NOT A CAMPER, BUT A HAPPY CAMPER
No, I don’t like camping or “roughing it….yes, I grew up in the country and am used to gravel roads and without some of the city conveniences, but me…on a mission trip in a foreign country---sign me up!
When Tommy asked me about 7 years ago to go on an international mission trip, I thought, “why not!” The first trip was a real eye-opener…bathrooms not quite like home, shower bags to take a shower and sleeping under a mosquito net on a 4 inch mattress on a concrete floor. Sounds like fun, huh?
Well, I will admit mission trips are not for everybody. You have to be in good health and be willing to make a few “adjustments”. No air conditioning, no running water, no electricity (except via generators) on occasions. No biscuits or baked goods, either!
But when I think of how our Lord and Savior suffered, bled, and was crucified for me… one week is nothing compared to what He endured…for me.
Once I started going on these Medical/Dental Mission trips with BMDMI, I have to admit I was “hooked”. I received the greatest blessing ever---a smile, a hug, and people coming to know Jesus. I may not speak their language, but smiles and hugs are universal. Your life is never the same!
We are blessed beyond measure here in the USA. We have access to medical and dental clinics, pharmacies, clothing/shoe stores, transportation, electricity, water plumbing facilities. In Central America, most families live in houses smaller than a garage with only dirt floors, rough, dirt roads, a river to wash clothes and bathe in. However, they are some of the happiest people you will ever meet and they need to know Jesus lived and died for them too. They often walk 4-8 hours in the sun or rain just to receive medical or dental help or receive medicines or clothing. We often complain if we have to wait an hour at the doctor’s office, park far away at the shopping mall or wait 15 minutes in line at Wal-Mart. Moms will walk for hours with small children in tow just to receive help. Aren’t we spoiled here?
Won’t you consider giving one week to share the Gospel with someone who needs Jesus? Won’t you give up a week without the modern conveniences, to see the beauty of the countryside and the peace and quiet (no cell phones, computer, schedules/deadlines to meet)? Get alone with God and see what he created and how blessed you are. Thank Him for saving you and providing for you…you will never be the same.
Now if you cannot travel to Central America, you can still be an important “non-traveling” team member. Volunteers are needed to assist with donations (clothing, shoes, toys for children, money to purchase supplies), assist with pill packing (packing meds for dispensing in mission pharmacy), packing supplies for shipping. Most of all, we need your prayer support as without God’s protection, guidance, wisdom this is not a mission trip. Pray for the people of El Maguelar, Honduras.
Won’t you be a part of 51+1? Ask God what He would have you do. “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I send Me” (Isaiah 6:8).
LaDonna Harris
When Tommy asked me about 7 years ago to go on an international mission trip, I thought, “why not!” The first trip was a real eye-opener…bathrooms not quite like home, shower bags to take a shower and sleeping under a mosquito net on a 4 inch mattress on a concrete floor. Sounds like fun, huh?
Well, I will admit mission trips are not for everybody. You have to be in good health and be willing to make a few “adjustments”. No air conditioning, no running water, no electricity (except via generators) on occasions. No biscuits or baked goods, either!
But when I think of how our Lord and Savior suffered, bled, and was crucified for me… one week is nothing compared to what He endured…for me.
Once I started going on these Medical/Dental Mission trips with BMDMI, I have to admit I was “hooked”. I received the greatest blessing ever---a smile, a hug, and people coming to know Jesus. I may not speak their language, but smiles and hugs are universal. Your life is never the same!
We are blessed beyond measure here in the USA. We have access to medical and dental clinics, pharmacies, clothing/shoe stores, transportation, electricity, water plumbing facilities. In Central America, most families live in houses smaller than a garage with only dirt floors, rough, dirt roads, a river to wash clothes and bathe in. However, they are some of the happiest people you will ever meet and they need to know Jesus lived and died for them too. They often walk 4-8 hours in the sun or rain just to receive medical or dental help or receive medicines or clothing. We often complain if we have to wait an hour at the doctor’s office, park far away at the shopping mall or wait 15 minutes in line at Wal-Mart. Moms will walk for hours with small children in tow just to receive help. Aren’t we spoiled here?
Won’t you consider giving one week to share the Gospel with someone who needs Jesus? Won’t you give up a week without the modern conveniences, to see the beauty of the countryside and the peace and quiet (no cell phones, computer, schedules/deadlines to meet)? Get alone with God and see what he created and how blessed you are. Thank Him for saving you and providing for you…you will never be the same.
Now if you cannot travel to Central America, you can still be an important “non-traveling” team member. Volunteers are needed to assist with donations (clothing, shoes, toys for children, money to purchase supplies), assist with pill packing (packing meds for dispensing in mission pharmacy), packing supplies for shipping. Most of all, we need your prayer support as without God’s protection, guidance, wisdom this is not a mission trip. Pray for the people of El Maguelar, Honduras.
Won’t you be a part of 51+1? Ask God what He would have you do. “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I send Me” (Isaiah 6:8).
LaDonna Harris
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