Category Archives: Fruit of the Spirit

Bless A Friend Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #226

31 Friday May 2024

Posted by in A Witness--Good or Bad???, Friends, Friendship, Fruit of the Spirit, Giving and Sharing, Giving or Getting, Giving Or Taking?, Kindness, Kindness has no expiration date., Love, Love Is Action, Lovest Thou ME?

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Bless A Friend Today??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #226

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

Following up on our post about friendship last time, I want to just take a few minutes to issue a challenge to each of us.  I’ll share some scripture and ask each of you to do some kindness for a friend today.  It doesn’t have to cost money, it could be a phone call, a card, visit next door, go see a friend in confined circumstances (be that an assisted living facility, a nursing home, a jail, or any other facility that allows visitors), or cut a flower from your garden (or even veggies will do, who doesn’t like fresh veggies from the garden).

I’ll share a story, not bragging, I just want you to know that we often don’t know the effects of our kindnesses.  We had a neighbor who had a gentleman in a wheel chair living with them. I’d always wave and speak when he was outside on the porch, and one day he was outside, and I was working on my prized roses, and I felt the Spirit prompting me to take him a rose, so I clipped a pretty one, wrapped it in moist towel and went next door.  I have to tell you that man almost cried as he told me, “That’s the first flower I’ve received since my wife died!”   Well, friends I have to tell you that impacted me as much or more than it did him.  Oh, may we listen and heed the promptings of The Spirit no matter how seemingly insignificant to us.   So, make that call, send that card, take that flower—God can bless someone through you in ways that we can’t comprehend.

“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul,

that the soul of Jonathan

was knit with the soul of David,

and Jonathan loved him as his own soul…

… 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant,

because he loved him as his own soul.”  1 Sam. 18:1&3

Amen and Amen!!!

The Blessing Of Friendship??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #225

29 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Building up or Tearing down?, Friends, Friendship, Fruit of the Spirit, Full Of what?, Inspiring Others, Intercessors, Iron Sharpening Iron, Iron Sharpens Iron, Is Small Insignificant?, It's Your Choice, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Joy Is Contagious!, Joy of The Lord!, Joy To The World?, The Word

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The Blessing Of Friendship??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #225

 

I had a lovely day out with a friend yesterday, and as I sat down this morning to write, I couldn’t help but feel led to share just a few thoughts on friendship.  As my friend and I were talking over our lunch, I shared some things about my past, before I was saved and how unkind I could be—a smart alec by nature and environment–but God brought conviction to my heart many years ago, that my heart needed to be controlled more by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit than the smart alec that my fleshly habit inclines to.  Not to say that I don’t try to make a comical or timely remark when given the chance, but I try to keep it kind and friendly not snarky (as they say now—who knew that was a word?).  We talked about things that I used to do and be before I was saved and she couldn’t believe that was me, and I had to reassure her that Jesus had made the difference, and what grieves me the most was the influence that I was in the negative rather than the positive.  Oh, what a difference Jesus makes in my life!  How about you?  Has Jesus made a difference in you?  Do others see Jesus or your flesh most often?

“He that handleth a matter wisely

shall find good:

and whoso trusteth in the LORD,

happy is he.

21 The wise in heart

shall be called prudent:

and the sweetness of the lips

increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life

unto him that hath it:

but the instruction of fools

is folly.

23 The heart of the wise

 teacheth his mouth,

and addeth learning

to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,

sweet to the soul,

and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:20-25

As I was looking up verse 25 above, I was reading and this is one of those places in the Proverbs what has a lengthy flow of thought, and I just had to share this passage instead of just verse 25; for wisdom and kindness are linked hand in hand, and friendship can come out of kindness and compassion.  I have found new friends through the years, just by sharing Jesus, or wisdom from God’s Word, or just a smile and a word of positive encouragement.  Don’t miss acquiring a new friend by being more concerned about winning, rushing or ignoring others than by taking time to share a smile, or a wave, or a word of positive encouragement to a stranger!  It’s much better to share a positive word than always to be thinking of yourself and hurting an innocent recipient out of our unconcern.  How hard is to say kind things to a clerk, a cashier, an attendant, a co-worker whom you may not know well, a new neighbor, a child playing outside as you walk?

“A froward man

soweth strife:

and a whisperer

separateth chief friends.”  Proverbs 16:28

“He that covereth a transgression

seeketh love;

but he that repeateth a matter

separateth very friends.”  Proverbs 17:9

“A friend loveth

at all times,

and a brother

is born for adversity.”  Proverbs 17:17

A friend is a treasure rare; and I have been abundantly blessed with dear friends through the years, and while many have gone before me into Jesus’ presence, I am still encouraged by the things God blessed us to share—mostly time, and Jesus, and being family!

“A man that hath friends

must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh

closer than a brother.”  Proverbs 18:24

“Open rebuke

is better than secret love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”  Proverbs 27:5-6

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart:

so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend

by hearty counsel.” Proverbs 27:9

Friends are not only an opportunity to bless others, but to receive blessing, grace, wisdom and a point of view outside of our own; and that is so often of immeasurable importance.  It’s one of the things that we can share as friends, helping each other see another side of what God wants us to know.  Even teachers learn from their students—I surely have; and I thank God for that!  The Proverb says it better than I can!

“Iron sharpeneth iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

Yet, while all of these things are of great import, there is one thing better, and to me, that is to be called the “Friend of God”!  May it ever be so—thank YOU JESUS!

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,

Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:

and he was called

the Friend of God.”  James 2:23

Yet there is a danger in friendship—choosing to be the wrong friend to the wrong people, which James also warns us about.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.”  James 4:4

So, my friends choose wisely, while the choice is yours to make, remember there is a consequence.  And it may be coming very soon.  Will you choose to be a “Friend of God” in Jesus, or will you be found to be “the enemy of God”?  As I said, the choice is yours but choose wisely for there is a test!  Have you heard the voice of Jesus?  He’s calling to you!  Is He knocking at your door?  It’s your call!

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

 if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Missed Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

20 Wednesday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Almost But Lost, Believe IN Jesus, Don't Wait, Fruit of the Spirit, Glory of God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Mouth, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, HE who began it will complete it!, He's Alive, Hell, Hell's Hot, Holiness, Holy Living, If I be lifted up---, IN Jesus!, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The Gospel, the hope of glory!, This is the Way, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Walk in the Spirit, Watch Your Words, Who are you listening to?, Words Matter, You can't get yesterday back!

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 Who Missed Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

I am writing this in the semi-light of the dawn, as our power is out, yet fortunately my laptop was charged up!!!  Today my heart was thinking about missed opportunities to share Jesus, but even more significantly those who have missed Jesus because of my failures to walk in The Spirit (Holy Spirit) rather than the flesh!!!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do

the things that ye would…

….22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers gives us a great tool to use in our daily struggles.  When ugly, ungodly thoughts, desires or passions come knocking at the door of your mind—just Philippians 4:8 them!  Here’s how:

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye

have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9

Stop the temptation at the door by memorizing Phil 4:8 and if the temptation can’t pass the test of ‘true…honest…” then tell the enemy to ‘buzz off’! For when temptation comes, if you’re anything like me, it seems like the struggle is continual—well, my friends, IT IS!  Even as Paul challenges us to walk “in The Spirit”, he is calling us to be a reflection of Jesus not ‘ourselves’; for I find that my flesh and yours can be really ‘ugly’ sometimes—for our flesh still loves the things of this world!  That is why it was so imperative to heed Paul’s call to walk in the power, strength, and direction of The Holy Spirit, in God’s love which HE has planted in our hearts (See Romans 5:1-11) and not our flesh!  Yet sometimes we let old habits rule our behavior, we let old grudges color our outlook, we let unforgiveness rule our hearts and minds and spill over with unkind words and deeds, we let old corrupt words come out of our mouths, we let the enemy have way in our lives rather than The Holy Spirit—it’s why in Paul’s instructions about ‘the armor of God’ he reminds us that we ‘wrestle’ with unseen enemies in this world!!!  Peter also warned us about the very real danger of the “roaring lion” who is out to ruin your testimony and influence just as he is mine.  Peter reminds us of this fact, and the only solution that works!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

We are in a battle my friends, a battle for the hearts and souls of men, women, boys, and girls!  What are you and I doing about it?  I pray that we will heed the call and the warnings of scripture and ask God to daily “order my steps in thy word…” (See Psalm 119:133)!  It grieves my soul to see so much of the world making its way into the church!  Instead of calling people to repentance and faith in Jesus, we call them to just bring the world into our midst.  We will never win the world by competing with their modes and means!  Jesus made it clear in many passages as did the Apostles and other writers of scripture. My challenge for us today is to examine my life, as you examine yours against Scripture—what do others see in me?  A reflection of the world—in my speech, my actions, my attire, my habits, my choices of entertainment, music, and venues?  I could make a list but if you’ll simply get into the “WORD” instead of so much of the “world”, you can learn to listen to the precious Holy Spirit, who will guide you into all truth.

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.”                   John 12:32-33

Jesus knew HE would be lifted up, crucified for our sin, buried, and raised the third day, all according to the scriptures—all for our salvation; for all who would heed His call, repent, and receive His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN; the choice is yours, for HE is calling today!  Whom will you choose—the Christ of glory or the enemy who wants to take you ‘to hell’ with him?  There is no other message, and regardless of all the attractions of the world, I will stand with Paul and proclaim Jesus.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech

and my preaching was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

of the Spirit and of power:” 1 Corinthians 2:1-4

 This man took the One Way-Jesus Gospel in God’s power, not man’s wisdom, plans, or programs!  He preached Jesus! Will we?

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-21

It’s all about Jesus—because: “it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe”

Oh, that we who believe might return to the message of the cross.  My heart longs for a heaven-sent revival, but I fear that we have come to a place to see the judgment of God upon His own.

Jesus’ and The Cross are not about pantheistic health crazes upon which we try to put “Jesus’ name”, or unholy celebrations to match the world’s evil days, or accepting sin by simply changing its name, I could go on, but I’ve probably said enough.  I remember a time when the church wanted to call people out of the world of sin to the cross and the crucified life, but now it seems more popular to just invite people to bring your sin on into the church, we won’t mind.  There is no need for me to add some “disclaimer” about who or what I’m talking about—take it to Jesus—take it to The Word of God—take it to GOD in prayer, but I think we might have to change some things in our lives!  God is watching and HE will judge His own.

“For the time is come

that judgment must begin at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be of them that obey not

the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,

where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer

according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls    

to him in well doing,

as unto a faithful Creator.”1 Peter 4:17-19

What’s going on in your church?  Do you compromise truth for a crowd?  Do you stand up for Jesus, crucified, buried, risen, and coming again, The Gospel of HIS life-changing salvation or something less?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember, there is a test!  And I think the “final exam” is closer than we think!

So, my friends, my question is, “Is my/your life drawing people to Jesus or driving them away?”  Does your/my life reflect a love of Jesus or do the words of our mouth, our life-choices and actions turn them away into hell.  Remember there are only two destinies—heaven or hell?  May we be drawing people to the CROSS, not driving them the other way, or justifying sin to please the crowds we want on our pews?  Only One Way—and HE is the crucified, risen and coming again Savior, JESUS!  I pray that this will touch hearts and change lives.  May we cling to The Cross of Jesus!  I’m not claiming to be perfect, just a simple servant of Jesus who pursues HIM and HIS WORD for my life’s journey!  He does save!  He does give new life!  He is coming soon!!!  I pray that you know Him and will join me in following Jesus not anyone or anything else.

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Amen and Amen!!!

A Peaceful Moment??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #61

13 Friday Jan 2023

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Fruit of the Spirit, GET READY, Jesus is our peace, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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A Peaceful Moment???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #61

“Open ye the gates,

that the righteous nation

which keepeth the truth

may enter in.

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee.

4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever:

for in the LORD JEHOVAH

is everlasting strength:” Isaiah 26:2-4

Peace is so needed in our world as we read/hear almost daily about the ‘rockets’, ‘drones’, ‘missiles’, and a world with every kind of weapon, agony, and suffering going on around us; and there is only one place to find peace, and that is in JESUS!  Our God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–is ever present, and Jesus told us that HE is the giver of perfect peace.  And remember peace isn’t simply the absence of conflict, but confidence in the midst of any storm, confidence from, in, and through Jesus!!!

“These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

“Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:27

May our hearts and minds be fixed on Jesus, so that we can and will experience a peace beyond measure or understanding; and oh, how I thank God for that peace–comforting, restoring, precious peace!

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard, and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:7-9

And just a reminder–peace is part of the “fruit of the Spirit”!  Don’t let the enemy steal that which Jesus provides to and for you today.  When turmoil arises in your life remember to run to the eight things of Paul’s teaching and rehearse them in your mind and heart; I think you’ll find that the enemy can’t stand against these eight traits of God, and when we’re thinking on the things of God, the turmoil may not disappear, but we can find that “peace of God, which passeth all understanding”!  A peace that the world can’t take away from us, because the “world didn’t give it” so “the world can’t take it away” (From “The World Didn’t Give It To Me” by Bill & Gloria Gaither and Bill Paxton -as best as I can determine.).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23

 May this encourage your heart today.  Sometimes it’s hard to find peace, but my friend–peace is always where Jesus IS.  I pray that you will run to HIM today and find HIS peace unparalleled!  He has never failed me yet–and He won’t start today!  Blessings on your day–each day!  Love and prayers are sent your way today!

Amen and Amen!!!