More than a Sparrow

So, I love birds! I love the colors of their feathers, I love their sound, I love watching them fly in packs, it's everything about their daily living. Just look at this picture, doesn't it bring joy to see his little beak and his tiny body.  We can learn so much from watching the bird and all their habits. David, Solomon and the Psalmist are just a few men who bird watched. David was bird watching when he came upon a bird who was ensnared in a trap. David helps the bird and compares this bird in a trap to the traps that also ensnare us humans. He writes "Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped." - Psalm 124:7

The author in Matthew 6:26 notices how birds go about living without worry of a lack of food or shelter everyday. We are much better than a bird in God's eyes and yet we worry, but God will provide. "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor 

gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not 

much better than they?"

Solomon was watching a bird leave it's nest and the bird seems lost. He compares this to us leaving our Heavenly Father (walk away) and find ourselves in trouble and lost. "As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place." - Proverbs 27:8

The Psalmist writes "I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top" -Psalm 102:7. The sparrow is known to be a friendly bird that if it were on a housetop, there would be many birds with him, so we know that the birds loneliness was intended. In an overwhelmed hour the Psalmist poured out his heart before the Almighty. The reason he said he was like a "sparrow that is alone upon the housetop" was because it is the most unusual thing in the world for a sparrow to sit mourning alone, and therefore it attracted attention and made a forceful comparison. It only happens when the bird's mate has been killed or its nest and young destroyed, and this most cheerful of birds sitting solitary and dejected made a deep impression on the Psalmist who, when his hour of trouble came, said he was like the mourning sparrow--alone on the housetop. 

I have always thought birds were cute and nice to hear and see. But, now I see it differently. What can I learn from the bird? It is special to watch a bird. We know how important the sparrow is to God and we also know how much more special we are. We know that God is so very interested in you! The next time you see a sparrow, remember how much God cares about you---more than the sparrow (and yet He provides for them). As the birds of Spring start to arrive, you can find reason to smile and be glad, you can rejoice in His love and goodness.

 Today, make it a point to find a bird and watch it. What are you seeing?

Emotional Healing- The Words we Speak!

The other day I was in a dressing room at our local JcPenney store. As I was trying on some pants I overheard some ladies in the stall down from me. The women were talking about bathing suits and how there is NOWHERE they could possibly wear one. They started putting themselves down about their weight and lack of tan. One lady even put into words "I am a hog, look at me" I was a bit surprised, but mostly sad that she would see in herself someone that she was not. I understand the feelings of  less than perfectness, but I also understand that we can not claim negative thoughts over our own lives/bodies. We have to see ourselves for the beautiful woman God has created us to be.

In Stormie Omartian's- Lord, I want to be Whole she wrote: "When we constantly speak negatively about ourselves or our circumstances, we cut off the possibility of things being any different than what we've just spoken.The Bible says 'You are snared by the words of your mouth.' - Proverbs 6:2 
Ladies, this is saying that all words which come from you, whether they are silent messages or the words we speak aloud, you are cutting off the possibility of things being any different than what we've just spoken. We can't be healed if we are constantly speaking bondage over ourselves and infecting our own worth. Ask yourself: Who is talking? Is it the voice of God, the flesh or the Devil? When talking about yourself, speak words of hope, health, life, encouragement and purpose."

This does not mean acting like everything is perfect. Please ladies by all means be real to others and true to yourself, we all have difficulties, it's okay to show others that you also struggle. Giving the impression that nothing is wrong in your life when something actually is wrong is living a lie. What I am saying is don't believe the lies about yourselves. Stormie Omartian writes "Rather than saying 'life is the pits.' say, 'I feel sad today, but I know God is in charge of my life and will perfect all that concerns me'. - Psalm 138:8. If you can't speak anything positive, say, 'Lord, show me Your truth about my situation.'

We need to stick together, if you hear your friend say words of negativism about herself or her situation, give her a slight nudge and remind her how beautiful and worthy she is. My heart is compassionate for the woman who are under the attack of negative thoughts. I pray that you will see truth and learn to love everything good about yourself. I pray that you see yourself as the precious woman whom God sees you as.

Emotional Health- Depression

but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31


¹³ Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
   and he saved them from their distress.
¹⁴ He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
   and broke away their chains.
                                                          Psalm 107:13-14
Most of us have experienced the feeling of depression. The feeling of deep despair, the feeling that you have fallen into a pit so deep that you will never get out on your own and as a matter of fact it almost seems like no one could possibly help you out of this deep dark pit. It feels like darkness has swept over you and the light seems a thousand years away. The colors of the world turn to black and white. No one would understand you. Your problems are a million times worse than anyone could imagine. Yes, I know that feeling! Most of us woman understand and you do not have to feel alone.

Depression firstly is NOT from God. It is from our enemy, Satan. His satisfaction is dependent on our unhappiness. If you believe that God is not walking with you through your depression today, you need to pray and ask God to reveal Himself in a true way to you. Our God is a Father of good,He's always beside us and wants to deliver you from this attack. Deliverance is evicting the Devil and refusing to be crippled by him. Being depressed is a sign that your personality has turned inward and focused on itself. One of the healthiest steps to take is to focus outwardly on God through praise. Spend time with God and ask Him to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life. Ask Him to open your eyes to how He sees you and how He sees other people. Do you have unforgiveness or any negative spirits? Spend time with God. Only through God will you be set free, refreshed and whole.

Depression is not something a drug can help, it CAN take the edge off, but it WILL not get rid of the actual problems. Drugs can bring on side effects, dependency and your doses will gradually become stronger. God can fulfill your need for joy, peace and happiness. This will be a healthy dependent and the side effects are much more positive and less dangerous. We need to stop trying to have an immediate fix and look to God for a forever fix. Let's stop taking on what the "world" says is working. I am telling you from experience, only God can give you what you are looking for. His peace is real not prescribed with side effects.

If you are ready to get well emotionally and get rid of this sadness forever, take it one step at a time. Get to know God, read, read, read about who He really is and how much He loves you. Become the woman He created you to be. Even though you do not realize how great you are, you are so worthy in His eyes. Start seeing yourself in the light instead of the dark. I have been where you are and understand and know you can do it with God's help. God understands far greater and He understands all the lies Satan is feeding you to keep you in the chains of depression. Break free from that prison and stay free in the world of light.

Every morning when you wake up ask God in prayer to fill you afresh with the Holy Spirit this day and to crowd out anything that is not of Himself.

Emotional healing is about making yourself into a a woman who can take on the world and not letting the world take you. Get healthy, get free, get God!
Keep the love,

Emotional Health- Wounds that fester

Stormie Omartian wrote in her book "Lord, I want to Be Whole"
"Some people have hurts so deep that only God knows for sure what they are. These hidden hurts grow, and the pain gets worse, not better, as we get older. When you have a cut, a band-aid provides a protective covering, but if a wound hasn't been cleaned thoroughly, it can fester a long time until the infection surfaces. When you are emotionally wounded, you need more than an emotional band-aid, you need the light of God's Word penetrating like a laser beam to that hurt area and cleansing so that it can heal."



Yes! I am even thinking about wounds like bitterness, rejection and hurt. This is not just about physical pain. When someone hurts us in some way, if we allow it, that pain will fester in our hearts; it will grow 10x larger than what it should have. If someone bothers you with words or actions and you take it to not one but two or three friends, that sore is festering. The hurt feels much bigger than what may have been intended. It's not easy to let go of the hurt. Cover your wounds with God's band-aid! If you allow God to heal them, this allows faster healing and chances are there will be no infected areas. If you have been wounded by your past or maybe you are still being wounded today, pray that God would intervene, clean your wound and restore your body and soul to complete freedom!

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free. -Psalm 118:5


And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.
 - 2 Timothy 4:18

The Tyger

William Blake - The Tyger

Tyger, Tyger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? & what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger, Tyger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

A Dream Deferred

by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

Emotional Health- Forgiveness

Doesn't the words "Emotional Heath" just seem soothing to you? We all long to have total peace about who we are, what we do, and where we're going. We long to have total peace about the past, present and future. We also long to know we are in line with God's ultimate purpose for our lives.
He restores my soul. - Psalm 23:3

FORGIVENESS- This is one way God has ask us to be obedient to Him. We get so caught up and focused on how others have wronged us that we can not forgive. Even though someone has done the most wrong act they could possibly do to you, while it's not your fault that someone wronged you, your reaction in NOW your responsibility. You may feel justified in your anger or bitterness, but you still must confess this to God and forgive that person. The forgiveness may not be immediate, it may be an act of ongoing forgiveness. Does the thought of forgiving someone feel overwhelming, due to how hateful or neglectful they were to you? You don't have to feel forgiveness in order to say you forgive someone. Forgiveness is something you do out of obedience to the Lord because He has forgiven you. Forgive and release that person to God. Forgiveness leads to life, Unforgiveness leads to a slow death. It is not about being saved or not. What it's about is being able to live a life free from emotional pain and a life that God has created for you. Base your decision to forgive on not how you feel, but what you know is right. Forgiveness is right! Forgiveness does not make the other person right, it makes you free.The law of the Lord is to let go, not get even.  Unforgiveness also separates you from people you love, They sense of spirit of unforgiveness, even if they can't identify it, and it makes them uncomfortable and distant. Keep in mind, that people are often the way they are because of how life has shaped them and only God knows the full story, and therefore we have no right to judge. Without unforgiveness we can't release the past. Don't let unforgiveness keep you from the healing, joy and restoration God has for you!
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. -Ephesians 4:31-32

God's Promises About The Work We Do!

Laundry, dishes and jobs oh my! If it's not one job, then it's another one on our to do list. Do you ever feel like the work you do (whether at home or away from home) is under appreciated, to much or unimportant? Ever look at the people around you and think how unfair life is because you are doing it all or your work is worse? Never fear women of God! Your work is always appreciated and rewarded by our Heavenly Father. Isn't that wonderful? You no longer have to depend on humans to make you a worthy worker. As long as you are doing the best that you can ever day, putting your heart into it as if the Lord were your boss, you will always get your reward!

Here are some promises from the Bible about the work we do:

Our work will be rewarded
²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
Colossians 3:23-24


Your labor is not in vain
⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 


God gives you what you need to do every good work
⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8


Christ gives rest to the overworked
²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28


God's promises ladies are something we can count on! You can guarantee these words pertain to your life and you can guarantee enjoyment in the supernatural peace that goes along with trusting in these promises. 


Take the verses above with you wherever it is you spend you day working and know that your boss is God and you will be blessed for the hard work you are doing today! Know that nothing shall move you because your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Know that God will provide you with what you need to do your good work. And Ladies lastly, walk today knowing that God will give you rest when you grow weary.


Have a blessed day and remember God's promises to you!

Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace
   those whose minds are steadfast,
   because they trust in you.
⁴ Trust in the LORD forever,
   for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. 




When I allow my mind to wander and life's troubles fog my thinking, I start to feel far away from my God. I don't necessarily know it's happening at first, but by the time it occurs to me, I feel distant from Him. Although, I may feel distant, my God is still beside me. He does not leave me! I become frantic in my thinking, looking around and asking "Lord, where have you gone? I don't see you. Why have you left me?" Instead, He's here the entire time saying "Child quiet yourself and listen to me, I never left."


When we forget to spend the time with our Father, we don't feel that peace we long for everyday. But, when you are building a solid friendship with God and trusting in Him, He will give you a perfect peace. The Lord is our Rock, He is our solid foundation. In Him we find rest; lay it down, give it to Him and find peace!

Fruit Of the Spirit... Faith, Gentleness and Self-Control!

9 Fruits of The Spirit Bible Scripture Study:
Lesson 4: Faith, Gentleness, and Self-Control

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased;and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. ~ Proverbs 29:23 

We are finally entering our fourth and final lesson on the 9 Fruits of the Spirit!

We began in Lesson 1 by discussing the true purposes of these spiritual fruits - Why God gives them to us, and how He wants us to use them.


We then moved on to Lesson 2, where we began hunting through the scriptures in our Bible Scripture Study to discover what else God has to say about each of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit.


In this Bible lesson, we will continue our hunt through the scriptures by looking at the final 3 of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit: Faith, Gentleness, and Self-control.

Faith and Faithfulness

When we study this particular Fruit of the Holy Spirit, we find that it is translated differently in various translations.  Some translations show it as faith, while others describe it as faithfulness.  

The Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary explains that the term used when the scripture was written would have meant "...moral conviction of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God..."  to the readers of the time.

I think this definition more closely lines up with the way we would define the word faith, so that is what we will examine here.

What is faith?


NOW FAITH is the assurance

(the confirmation, the title deed)
of the things [we] hope for,
being the proof of things [we] do not see
and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
 -Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)

Wow!  I love using the Amplified for in-depth Bible scripture studies because it really brings the true meaning out of the text.  

Faith is the "title deed," or, essentially, the proof of ownership for the things that you are still hoping for.  The things that, with your senses, you can't even see yet.  In fact, you may be seeing the opposite!

But, it is your faith that is the confirmation that you already possess it in the spiritual realm.

Faith is probably one of the biggest challenges, because it is believing in something that you can not see, long after you thought it would have appeared.  That is why faith is not something you have to come up with on your own - It is a One of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit.

I have heard a lot of Christians say that they are not sure that they have enough faith for something.  Hey, I've even said it myself.

But, faith is not something that you just have to scrounge up from inside of yourself.  It is something that grows inside of you from spending time with God's Holy Spirit.

Never think that you do not have enough faith.  The Holy Spirit is your source for as much as you need!

Gentleness

I like the way that the Message Bible explains gentleness.  It says that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will no longer feel the need to "force our way in life" (Galatians 5:22 Message)

Our society is very Me centered. People feel that they have toTake Care of Number One,  or they will somehow miss out or be taken advantage of.

But, when you realize that God is taking care of you, and that He can do a much better job of it than you ever could, you loose the conviction that you must force your own way.  You let Him make your way, and you begin making the way for others.

Another more traditional way of describing gentleness is being meek and humble.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased;
and he that shall humble himself
shall be exalted.
- Proverbs 29:23 

Wouldn't you rather have God exalt you than you try to exalt yourself?  He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!" (Ephesians 3:20).

Though Learning How to be Humble and Meek is not easy in our society, that is why God has given you the Holy Spirit to be your teacher. 

Self- Control

And because of His glory and excellence, 

He has given us great and precious promises. 

These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature 

and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 

-2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)

As Christians, we all have two natures. No matter how holy we think we are, we are still human.

So, we have our sin nature, and, because of Jesus' sacrifice, we have God's divine nature that we are allowed to share in.

But, there is an issue.

The two natures don't get along!  "For 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." And, if you were working on your own, you would not be able to do the  things of the Spirit, even if you really wanted to (Galatians 5:17 NLT).

But the Holy Spirit has been sent to help you. God tells you to "live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."   If you live by the Spirit, you will be able to maintain self-control.


What would you look like if you were able to gain self-control through walking in the Holy Spirit?

Would there be less of those moments when you weren't walking in love. Fewer instances when you said something that wasn't kind, and then regretted it. Or less times where you tried to exalt yourself instead of being humble and counting on God to exalt you.


Allowing God's Spirit to develop this spiritual fruit within you gives you the help you need to walk in all 9 Fruits of the Spirit. No wonder God put it last.

9 Fruits of the Spirit Bible Scripture Study 
Lesson 4

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever thought that you did not have enough faith for something?  How does it feel to know that developing faith is something the Holy Spirit has been sent to help you with? 
2. Have you ever fallen into the world's trap of feeling like you have to take care of number one?  How can you safeguard yourself from feeling this way, even when you are wronged by those around you?
3. Are there any of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit that you thought would be difficult to develop?  What role do you think developing self-control can play in helping you to develop the others you had been lacking?
4. What do you think are the best ways to develop the 9 Fruits of the Spirit in your own life?

Study by Hem of His Garment

This thought has pondered in my mind....

A quote I read online (anonymous)

I've learned that many women look like precious jewels but have great pain. I've learned not to judge them because looks are deceiving. I don't know their story or their pain and as my discernment speaks to me, I find myself saying a silent prayer for them. 

Oh so true ladies! So next time you jealous or envious because some other woman's life looks greener. Just think of this... everyone has pain, everyone struggles. Even God said, the sinners and the righteous will both have trials and tribulation. Their storm may be happening the same day you think everything is perfect in their life. Let us not judge the other for what she does and how she acts.. for there may be a story on the inside your eyes can not see!

Fruit Of the Spirit... Endurance, Kindness and Goodness

Lesson 3: Endurance, Kindness, and Goodness

The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink,but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 14:15   

Patient Endurance

Depending on what translation you are using for your Bible scripture study, you will read several different words used to describe this one Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

In the King James version, it's translated as  longsuffering.  The Message Bible calls it a "willingness to stick with things."  And, the Amplified Bible says that this Fruit is manifested when the Holy Spirit gives you an even temper, and something called forbearance.

Dictionary.com says that forbearance is patient endurance!  This simply means that the Holy Spirit will give you the ability to endure trials and tribulations, as you patiently watch for your victory.

  
 

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren,
whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort
or fall into various temptations.
Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out 
endurance and steadfastness and patience.
But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play
and do a thorough work,
so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed
[with no defects], lacking in nothing.-James 1:2-4 (AMP)

Why can you patiently endure trials and tribulations?  Because you know that God's Word will always prevail in His timing.

Notice what God is telling you through this scripture.  He says that trials are only an opportunity for you to prove your faith in His promises.  Do you believe what you see in front of your eyes, or do you believe what the Word of God says about your situation?

Anyone can believe God's promises for healing when they aren't sick.  But what happens when they get a bad report from the doctor, and 6 months have passed with no improvement.  Where is their faith then?

A trial is your chance to prove to yourself, your God, and the world, that you really do believe!

It is amazing that God says we should let patience and endurance complete their work in us.  He tells us that they are what will really make us "fully developed" (James 1:4 AMP).  




Christian Kindness

We've been told to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" since we were 3 years old.  So, sometimes we can take the idea of kindness for granted.

But, when we do a Bible scripture study on kindness, we find out the emphasis that our Heavenly Father really puts on just being nice.

God tells us that, since He has chosen us to be His children that He loves, we have a responsibility to clothe ourselves in tenderhearted mercy and kindness (Colossians 3:12 NLT).

I mention mercy together with kindness, because they are so interconnected.  You may consider yourself to be kind, but can your kindness pass the ultimate test?  Can you show the mercy of God to those around you, or do you still need to learn how to forgive those that trespass against you?

Proverbs, known as the book of wisdom, holds some wisdom for us regarding kindness.  We are told that there is actually a reward for being kind.   

If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation. 

-Proverbs 3:2-4 (NLT)

I've heard many Christians confessing the end of this scripture - "I have favor with God and man."  But, as I have said before, God works in covenant promises.   If you are not doing your part of the promise, you can not expect to walk in the provision.

Yes, we all want to live many years and have our lives be satisfying.  We want to have favor with God and with people.  But, have we hung kindness and loyalty around our necks as reminders to always walk in them?

That is where the Holy Spirit comes in.  It is there to help you to be kind to people who do not deserve your kindness anymore than you deserve the kindness of a Holy God.

As you grow in the area of kindness through God's Spirit, you will be surprised how many people you begin to draw to God.  Becoming a representative of His mercy and kindness here on the earth allows you to be a reflection of God's unconditional love.

Let the world see the love of God through your kindness.

Goodness

For once you were darkness, 

but now you are light in the Lord; 
walk as children of Light...
For the fruit...of the Light
or the Spirit 
[consists] in every form of 
kindly goodness, 
uprightness of heart,
                                                       and trueness of life.
                                                        -Ephesians 5:8-9 (AMP)

Of course, God's Word can explain the true heart of goodness better than I ever could.  And I truly believe that it does in that scripture.

This Fruit of "the Light or the Spirit," as God puts it in this scripture, is being kind, having a heart for righteousness, and living a life that is true and dedicated to the source of truth - The Lord.

What makes a person good?  Sometimes religion can get us to focus on lots of little rules and regulations. We get distracted by denominations, or even things that amount to no more than rituals.

But, God is looking at your heart.  And He is looking at your life. Is it full of goodness?

The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink,
but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
-Romans 14:15 (NLT) 

Those should be the things that we focus our energies on.  Because those are the things that matter to God.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit Bible Scripture Study  Lesson 3 Reflection Questions: Have you ever had to wait on a promise from God's Word to manifest itself in your life?  What did you learn from the experience? Does it shock you to know that God believes developing patient endurance will make you "fully developed" spiritually?  Why or why not? Do you feel that many Christians take kindness and mercy for granted?  Have you ever done this yourself? What do you think qualifies a person as being "good" in God's eyes?

Study by Hem of His Garment

Fruit Of the Spirit... Love, Joy and Peace!

9 Fruits of The Holy Spirit Bible Scripture Study

Lesson 2: Love, Joy and Peace

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ~ John 13:35

In Lesson 1 of your Fruits of the Holy Spirit Bible Study, we discussed the purposes for developing spiritual fruit.  We learned that these Fruits are outward signs of an inward change in your life. Although they do not appear over night, they are proof that you are God's work in progress.  

But, Galatians 5 is not the only place in the Word that we see references to these signs that God's holy hand is at work.    

We are going to engage in what I like to call a Bible Scripture Study - Scouring the scriptures for all that God has to say on a subject.  It's time to discover what else God's Word tells you about each of the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit.   
 

---

  

A Closer Look At Each of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit

But the Holy Spirit
produces this kind of fruit in our lives: Love, 
Joy, 
Peace,
 Patience, 
Kindness, 
Goodness, 
Faithfulness,
Gentleness, and
Self-control.
 There is no law against these things! - Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Christian Love  

By this shall all men know
that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
-John 13:35

The Greek word used in Galatians 5,and again here in John 13, is Agape. 

This is the kind of love that God loves us with - It is self-sacrificing. It is unconditional. 

And, let's face it, it is impossible for any human to achieve on their own.  It can only be developed as a Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

But, Jesus says that developing this kind of love in your heart is the only way the world will be able to identify you as His.  In Matthew, Jesus explains that Agapao (the verb form of Agape)  is the actual basis of Christianity.  

Jesus tells us that everything God calls us to boils down to this:

You must love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment. 
A second is equally important:
Love your neighbor as yourself.  
The entire law and all the demands of the prophets
are based on these two commandments. 
-Matthew 22: 36-40 (NLT)

There is no wonder why Paul lists love first in his description of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

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Christian Joy

There are two kinds of joy.  The fleeting joy that the world gives. And the lasting joy that God's Spirit provides.

The joy that we find in this world is allusive.  It is like chasing a mirage.

People spend years thinking that when they finally get that promotion, or when they eventually get out of debt - They will be happy.

And, yet, when they finally reach the place where they thought they would find happiness, they only experience more longing.

Why?  They foolishly thought that they were the source of their own joy.

But, your Heavenly Father doesn't want His child sitting around "grieved and depressed."  That's why God's Word says that He's given you the very joy of the Lord to be your strength and stronghold (Nehemiah 8:10 -AMP).

So, while the world is searching for happiness, the Holy Spirit is sprouting seeds of joy and gladness inside of you.  And this Fruit of the Holy Spirit is God's gift, to be your strength in times of turmoil.

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Christian Peace

There are two kinds of peace that we have as Christians.  We have peace with God, and we have the peace of God.  Let me explain the difference.

You will learn in a future lesson about the Holy Spirit in the Old testament that, before Jesus, we were not allowed to be in the presence of God. But, through Jesus' sacrifice, our peace with God was purchased.

THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified
(acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God)
through faith,
let us [grasp the fact that we] have
[the peace of reconciliation to hold and to [enjoy] peace with Godthrough our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)
-Romans 5:1 (AMP)

In addition to Jesus' death buying you peace with God, it also serves as a cleansing sacrifice to allow you into the presence of the Lord.

With the Holy Spirit now living inside of you, you are able to experience the peace of God.  This is the kind of peace that the Fruit of the Holy Spirit manifests.

We are told in Philippians how to receive this peace for ourselves.

Don’t worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

You are promised a peace that exceeds your understanding.  That means, it is a peace that does not make sense to us mentally.  In times when we should be pulling out our hair and biting our nails, we feel an overwhelming peace in our spirits.

I think that, more and more, bearing this Fruit of the Holy Spirit is something that Christians struggle with.  I find so many Believers who are struggling with fear, doubt, stress and anxiety. But, you don't have to live like that.  God's Holy Spirit can set you free from the bondage of your thoughts and give you a peace that passes all understanding.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit Bible Scripture Study 
Lesson 2

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think that it is significant that Jesus uses the action verb Agapao to describe the kind of love that the Holy Spirit wants to develop inside of you?
2. Why do you think God tells you that His joy is what acts as your strength during trying times? Can you think of a time when His joy kept you strong?
3. Why do you think so many Christians today struggle with receiving and maintaining God's peace?  Do you feel that you have a problem maintaining your peace?

Study by "The Hem of His Garment"