There's a question I ask myself frequently. What really counts in life?
Here's my answer in 3 verses:
Galatians 5:6 "Only faith working through love" counts for something.
Galatians 5:7 "You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the Truth?"
Galatians 5:16 "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
What really counts today in all I attempt and attack and attach myself to?
What would it look like if I really walked by the Spirit today?
Struggling with jealousy over here---no place for that---may I hear His Word in deeper places inside of me and respond in faith.
"22But the fruit of the Spirit is
ReplyDeletelove,
joy,
peace,
patience,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
23gentleness,
self-control;
against such things there is no law."
I wonder if we really treasure these behaviors today. Does it really matter if we are faithful? Is love truly safe? What about kindness...for no reason at all? Won't that make someone suspicious? And self-control? Do I need that habit today?
I guess if we were to look at these behaviors from the prospective of the world, these wouldn't be so important today. I haven't seen this world place any value on "shame" in a long time.
But in God's eyes, I believe these behaviors are golden. He sees even when the whole world smirks. He allows us to be changed through the fruit of the Holy Spirit invading our thoughts and actions.
Bev, you are making an impact on each one of us by encouraging us to be in God's Word daily. And adding your own thought-provoking devotions encourages all of us to be Christ-like through the indwelling power of His Spirit.
We need to be baskets of His Fruit today. It matters today. It matters for eternity.
Yes, Deborah. I agree--We need to see more of these fruits in our world, in our own lives. And I second your comment about Bev making a difference in our lives here on Pearls! You are faithful and bless us each day. Sure love you all here...
ReplyDeleteBev, you nailed it with today's focus...
ReplyDelete"Don't Gratify My Fleshly Desires."
We are called by Christ to allow the FRUIT of His Spirit to be what He grows in us.
Love...even when it hurts.
Joy...even in the depths of despair.
Peace...especially in turbulent times.
Patience...He needs room to work miracles in our lives.
Kindness...open-handed and open-hearted.
Goodness...God is good...like Father, like daughter.
Faithfulness...pressing on when things look hopeless.
Gentleness...genuine acts of compassion ALWAYS reveal who our Father is...it's not what we say, it's what we do.
Self-control...only one prayer away...may we all pass through the refining fires of self-control, until the IMAGE of the Lord is the reflection God sees in each of us.
Goodnight, Pearls, all the way from Georgia. May our hearts be united in Christ. Annette, give Abby a hug from me!
ReplyDeleteBev, I owe you a hug today. I locked myself accidentally out of the house this morning and I couldn't drive to work, either.
I didn't panic! I just patiently worked through every fiery dart that was hurled my way today.
I'm so thankful for the relationship God is nurturing with me. I trust Him so much more today than ever before. And this site has been instrumental in bringing me to this sweet and steadfast trust in Jesus.
I love you all!
Oh Deborah---what a story. Content in calamities. Only by His Power! You so honor Him! Love you so!
ReplyDelete