Fresh fruit

 

Galatians 5:22–23 — The New International Version (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

A new year represents a new start. An opportunity to begin again.  It’s a natural marker for reflection.  A time to see what you want to carry forth and what you want to leave behind.  

I want to carry forth the fruits of the Spirit because I want to become more like Christ each and every day.  So I want my heart open to Him and surrendered to Him because I want the fragrance of Christ to bloom in my life. 

I want more love, joy, peace and forbearance. I want to be more kind, gentle, good and faithful. I want self-control.  I can’t produce these on my own.  But by living a surrendered life to the King, Christ working on the inside will yield this fruit.  

I want my garden to be pruned so that I can yield fresh fruit and fresh praise to God my Father.  I want others to know just how good God is and want to know Him for themselves.

Lord, thank You for seeing me through the end of another year.  Thank You for Your Spirit. Thank You for love.  May I live a surrendered life, deeply connected to You. And may I yield forth fruit that honors You.  In Jesus name. Amen

Good will

 

Luke 2:14 KJV

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.

Christmas is three days away.  It’s a time we share with loved ones and remember those gone too soon.  It’s a time to celebrate Christ and God the Father who sent Him to redeem us.  

This time of year is a time of peace.  A time to let go of grudges and misunderstandings.  It’s a time to unify under the banner of God’s love. 

Christmas is a 365 day event because Christ came, lived, died, and rose again so that we might be free ( for those that believe). God should be glorified and love should abound as His peace and favor rest upon us.  May we be generous in sharing that grace with others.

Lord, thank You for Your Son and the gift of You.  May we celebrate the truth of You every day of the year.  And may we share the gift of Your peace with all men.  In Jesus name. Amen

Seasons

 

Isaiah 7:14 NIV

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 NIV

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Hundreds of years before Jesus came, His birth was prophesized. God Himself gave us a sign.  Jesus, born of a virgin, God with us.  We are blessed not only in this Christmas season, but in every season and circumstance to have God with us.  So no matter the trial or test, we are not alone.  God said it and it is done.

In my study of the gospels, we ( First 5) are focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus.  His crucifixion.  The real gift of Christmas is salvation.  Jesus became the sacrificial lamb that redeems us all from the prison of sin and death.  Baby Jesus was born and destined to die for you and me.  But God is with us because He got up three days later and when He ascended to heaven He left us with HIs Spirit.  God living on the inside of us for those who accept HIs invitation and believe.

Full transparency, it has been a challenging season for me.  I feel disconnected, weary, sad, and even irritable at times.  Feelings overcome me and it can be disheartening.  Some don't understand or do not know how to react so they respond unintentionally in hurtful ways. This makes me feel isolated..BUT God.  I have Immanuel.  I have hope.  I have solace. I have peace because I have God's gift- Jesus.  He is peace and He is with me.

 I have the assurance of HIs word. He has shown that He is God and a keep of His word.  I can trust His promises and I can trust Him.  This is just a season.  Christ is forever and He is forever with me.

Lord, thank You for your Son and thank You for love.  Thank You for being with your people.  Thank You for being Sovereign God.  Thank You for being You.  Thank You for fulfilling your word and keeping your promises.  I love you Jesus.  In Jesus name I do pray Amen

God is good

 

Psalms 103:8 NIV

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

One of my favorite movies is "The Shack".  Without giving a spoiler alert, this film clearly shows the goodness of God in the Holy Trinity.  The main character is struggling with what he believes about God.  Is God good?

I ask myself this question and without hesitation the answer is yes.  In the midst of the loss of a beloved friend I know that He is because He used that friend to help mend my broken spirit.  In the midst of sorrow God is compassionate by reminding me that I will see them again.

God is good.  He puts up with all of my mess.  He strengthens me in my weakness and adds grace upon grace.  He is slow to anger, not giving me what I deserve.  But rather loving me in return.  

There are a lot of things I think about when I think of His goodness.  Like Romans 8:34- Jesus making intercession for me on my behalf.  The accuser would have me condemned, but Jesus sets me free.  I also think of Psalm 91:11 that says He dispatches His angels to take care of me.  God loves me that much.  So no matter what I face or surrounds me I am not alone.

Every day I call on God and every day He shows up.  He is good.  He is worthy of all the praise.

Lord, thank You for loving me.  Thank You for your compassion and grace.  Thank You for your mercy.  Thank You for the gift of Your Son and Spirit.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

God is with us

 

Psalms 139:7-8 NIV

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

As I have gone through the ebbs and flows of depression this week one thing is certain. God is with me.  God is with us.  There is no where I can go and God not be there.  At times it may be difficult for me to feel His presence, but He is there.  He makes Himself known in the words of a child or the touch of a love one.  God is with me and He see me (Genesis 16:13). 

I don't know why God allows me to battle with this disease, but I do know it keeps me humble and dependent upon His grace.  And I get through it because His word is true.  He has never left me nor has He forsaken me.  Even the darkness is light to Jesus (Psalm 139:12) And His light shine bright.

I am thankful for the prayers and words of encouragement that i have received- that's God too. God surrounds me with His love and tender care.  His Spirit moves within and gives me the confidence to take one day at a time.  He is the Good Shepherd(John 10:14).

He laid down his life and took it up again (John 10:17) so that I can have life and have it abundantly.  The enemy would have me wallow up in a ball, but I have Christ and thus I can rejoice even in the midst of sorrow.  I know that there are many suffering from depression, but I want to encourage you to remember that God is right there with you.  There is no where you can go where He won't be with you.  You are not alone and you are loved.

Father, you know our aches, pains, and woes.  You know the why and we trust You with it all.  Thank You for being with us.  Thanking You for seeing us through it all.  In Jesus name.  Amen