Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Goodness (Galations 6:9) Day 72
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Goodness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Goodness Day 72
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall
reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians
6:9
Though often overlooked, farming is a necessary component of
any economy. No matter the economic situation, there is always a need for food.
Farmers occasionally are forced to reevaluate their dedication and commitment to
farming when encountering seasons of drought, flooding, and ever-changing costs
of fertilizer and produce. Yet, they proceed with dedication and the belief
that in time, they will see the benefits of their planted crop.
As believers, we too face questions of whether to continue
living lives that are pleasing and honorable to God. Our culture grows more
toward being self-focused, seeking immediate pleasure, and satisfying
indulgences. So, it can become easy for us to abandon our efforts of goodness
to others, if there is no immediate gratification in return. Without immediate
rewards, it is easy to forget about doing good and, instead, choose to simply
focus on ourselves. However, just as the dedicated farmer, we too should have
faith that we will reap what we have sown.
Let us not be concerned with being rewarded for our good
works. Our due season may be soon, or it may not come until we reach eternity.
Nevertheless, let us continue to show the light of Christ in us and through our
good works. Let us remember that our eternal reward will be immensely greater
than any we could ever receive now.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015
Goodness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Goodness Day 71
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect
will of God.
Romans
12:2
Just like the peer pressure experienced by teenagers trying
to find their identity, Christians also find themselves challenged with how to
adapt to an ever-changing world. Do we allow our opinions on issues to change
or shift away from God’s teachings? Do we conform to the ways of the world? Do
we seek our answers about present day issues from our eternal God or from
shifting public perceptions on temporary issues?
Instead of changing who we are as Christians in order to
avoid discomfort when we differ with those of the world, let us find our
comfort in God. He will renew our minds so that we may stay focused on Him and
His ways. By being transformed from the world’s standards to His standards, we
can reveal to the world what is the proper way of God, whether the world agrees
or not.
Yes, we have free will. Yes, we have the freedom to engage in
various activities according to our laws, even when we know the acts are sinful.
However, let us not be misguided by what the world finds acceptable.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Goodness ( Ephesians 2:10) Day 70
Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Goodness ( Ephesians 2:10) Day 70
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Goodness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Goodness Day 70
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians
2:10
Pastor Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, aided readers in understanding God’s vision for their lives. The book detailed
how we are to love God, love others, and live a life pleasing to God. While
Pastor Warren provided a detailed and contemporary guide to living a life of
purpose, Paul wrote about it succinctly in his letter to the Ephesians.
Paul’s letter reminds us that a creator has an intended
purpose in mind for His creations. Our Creator allowed for us to be saved by
grace for His good works. While we may find personal pleasure and enjoyment
with our eyes, ears, tongues, and limbs, these are not the purposes of our
lives in Christ. As His workmanship, we should walk in the path He has laid
before us - to serve Him by serving others.
Let us be thankful for grace. Let us find the good works to
which we can and will commit ourselves. By serving others, we may serve God.
Through fellowship with others, let us worship God. Let us always remember, who
we are and whose we are.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Goodness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Goodness Day 69
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts
up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
1
John 3:17
Panhandlers can often be found in most large cities. They
commonly hold signs asking for money or food. Upon seeing these signs, each of
us has decided whether to roll down our car windows and contribute to a cause
that we may have a legitimate reason to question. There are other times when we
will learn of those who have a particular need and are not broadcasting their
situation for all to know. Yet, because assisting them may inconvenience us
more than simply rolling down our window, we refuse to help.
Are we afraid to leave our comfort zones to do good for
others? Do we cling to our privacy and refuse to offer a bed or couch to a
family for more than a one night stay? Do we care so much about our schedules and
car interiors that we refuse to provide someone with a ride so that (s)he may get
to work to support his/her family? Some who are unable to bear children may
feel led by God to adopt, but refuse because it is not the way they desired to
have children.
Let us not only desire to do good for others, but let us seek
out the ways to do so. The opportunity to act may not always present itself as someone
holding a sign underneath a flashing light. It may be posted in an expression
on a solemn face, waiting for us to ask if we can help. Let us show that the
love of God abides in us, through our good works.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Goodness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Goodness Day 68
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and
anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice
and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others
undone.
Matthew
23:23
Each year, countless people vow to lose weight. They buy
exercise equipment or videos that promise a body makeover. They see commercials
with testimonials from people who say they have used certain fitness programs
and had extreme results. Many people eventually purchase the equipment or
videos expecting certain results, but fail to accept a key component to success
- the diet. One can exercise regularly, but junk food each day will prevent the
progress desired.
Believers often face a similar test. We learn outward actions
to act like followers of Christ, yet we fail to care for the more important
matters of the soul. We may have traditional religious activities and
conversations like the scribes and Pharisees did. However, unless we commit our
hearts to the weightier matters of Christ’s teachings exemplified through the
fruit of the Spirit, we cannot reach a higher place in Christ.
So, let us work to purge ourselves of the activities,
mindsets, and things that prevent us from growing stronger in Christ. Let us
subscribe to a diet that produces a closer walk with Christ. Instead of only
seeking the outward results that others can see, let us seek a makeover from
the inside out. Then, our good works will reveal our spiritual fitness.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Monday, April 13, 2015
Goodness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Goodness Day 67
Love . . . thinks no evil;
1
Corinthians 13:5
In loving others, there is often the fear of becoming
vulnerable to emotional hurts and disappointments. When we are hurt, there is
then the tendency to say, “I will forgive, but I will not forget.” Some people
even offer that it is not possible to control what we think, and thus,
impossible to forget. So, why even pretend to forgive.
We may not be responsible for what others do to us or for the
actions that take place around us. We are, however, responsible for how we choose
to respond to situations. Therefore, let us choose to respond, in love, with acts
of goodness. Let us not waste time considering potentially negative
circumstances that might never even
occur. Let us avoid spending emotional energy on how we might respond to defend ourselves against those who might upset us. Instead, we can focus on
the good that will come when we
respond positively with good works and love.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Goodness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Goodness Day 66
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew
5:16
Businesses are often successful when there is the presence of
at least two components: 1) a good product or service and 2) good marketing or
advertising to inform others about the business. As believers, we should be
about Christ’s business. Nothing can top the service He provided that made
forgiveness and salvation available to all. So, we should serve as living
commercials, advertising how we have been blessed and how He is available to
all.
When we let the light of Christ in us shine, we broadcast to
all the gift of His love and grace. Too often, we try to lead others to Christ
by revealing their sins and personal darkness without revealing to them the
light and love of Christ. Jesus tells us here in Matthew 5:16 that when we let
our light shine, others will see Christ’s goodness for themselves.
Let us live our lives in such a way that we regularly promote
Christ. Let us give others free samples of the goodness that is associated with
Christ. When we are walking models of His joy and show His light by our good
works, we glorify our Father in Heaven.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
Goodness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Goodness Day 65
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians
3:17
There are various professions in which someone is appointed to
speak on behalf of some other person or business. Whether as an agent, lawyer,
or spokesperson, the job requires spreading a particular message or idea for
another. In each case, the performance of the person hired may lead to positive
or negative impressions about who or what they are representing. The result is
that we often form our opinions about certain people or companies based on our
interactions with their agents or representatives. This may be for better or
for worse.
Similarly, those who have not accepted Christ but know of our
faith in Him, may look to us to gather an understanding of what Christianity is
really about in practice. As His representatives, we have grand opportunities
to make statements about His goodness. We can easily do this through the
goodness of our words and deeds.
What impression would others have about God based on your
actions? When you have the opportunity to reveal the fruit of the Spirit in
your words and deeds, what are you showing? Are you working to be a
representative of Jesus?
Whatever we say or do, let us try to reveal the goodness of
Jesus in us. We never know who is watching!
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Kindness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)
Kindness Day 64
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken
together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same
measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
Luke
6:38
In the movie Pay It
Forward, a young boy
creates a national phenomenon with a simple idea - do kindness to others
without expectation of something in return, and eventually, it could come back
to bless you. Instead of blindly paying it forward with kindness, today, many
believers and non-believers prefer to withhold their kindness until there is
certainty that there will be reciprocity.
When it comes to kindness, it is not necessary that we have
material wealth to share. We may be accustomed to associating scriptures about
giving in reference to tithes and offerings. There are, however, more ways that
we all are able to give other than financially. When we possess so much
kindness that it overflows when shared, we give as Christ tells us to give.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
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