Catching Up on Lent

I've been playing catch up in my Lenten Studies of the "Fruit of the Spirt" lessons.

I'll share the pictures without a lot of commentary beginning with the most current.

Lessons #10 - Gentleness
Phil. 4:5
Let your gentleness
be evident to all.
The Lord is near.

Lesson #9 - Faithfulness
For we live by faith,
not by sight.

Lesson #8 - Goodness

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil,

but overcome evil

with good.

(Lesson #7 was posted on 3/23/17 Bible Journaling for Lent)

Lesson #6 - Patience
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.

 This picture is Lesson #6 after I put the tip-in in the Bible.

Gratitude
1. Time to catch up
2. Another rainy day
3. Laundry done

Ephesians 1:6
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.

Blessings,
Deborah

Fruit of the Spirit - Self-control

Milky Way. Chocolate. Fun.

I have a hard enough time resisting chocolate on any given day, but when you put "fun" on the label it is almost impossible. Chocolate fun! Yea. Someone might ask me why I bought those little rectangles of "fun" and I would tell them that I heard them calling to me across the vast expanse of a Walmart Super Store! Calling. Really. I couldn't resist. I have very little self-control when it comes to chocolate.

I am on a diet. Geez, aren't most women? I need to lose about 20 more pounds. I've lost nine since the beginning of the year. It is coming off slowly, but it is coming off. II Peter 1:5-7 tells us that in the building blocks of Christian character, perseverance is added to self-control. Ahhh. I find I have much more self-control when I pray and ask for help. I pray, sometimes, before I go into the store and if I have faith, He will answer me.

You can substitute any other habit for the word chocolate; cigs, soda, alcohol, etc. If you ask you will receive help.  Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Ask. Receive. Persevere.

Did I ask?
No.
*sigh*


Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 Gifts found around a table
1. Family
2. Friends
3. Strangers who become friends

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Fruit of the Spirit - Love Part 3

Unconditional love.

Webster's defines unconditional as being "not limited in any way."

God's love is unconditional.
No limits.
Unlimited.
Eternal.

Is there anything that is able to separate a believer from the love of God?
No.
Not a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. (Romans 8:37-39)

As children of God, we are to walk in the way of love. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

God = Love
Jesus = Love
Holy Spirit = Love

Unconditional love.
Eternal love.
God is good.

John 15:12
This is my command:
Love each other the same as I have loved you.

Prayer (from "365 Pocket Prayers")
O Lord Jesus,
If I get anything right in this life, help me get love right.
I want to love you and others with the unconditional love you model for me.
Too often I think of love as just a feeling. I know that is part of it, but according to Your Word, it's so much more than that. You show me that it is a commitment. (...) I am making a commitment to develop a relationship with you, the Creator of the universe. Thank you that you loved me first and daily pursue me with Your love.  Amen.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 gifts in your Dad
1. Unconditional love
2. Great sense of humor
3. Safety

My cup runneth over.
Blessings,
Deborah

Love - Part 1 http://sharing1000epiphanieswhilewaiting.blogspot.com/2016/05/fruit-of-spirit-love.html

Love - Part 2 http://sharing1000epiphanieswhilewaiting.blogspot.com/2016/06/fruit-of-spirit-part-ii.html

Fruit of the Spirit - Faith

Matthew 17:20 "Because you have so little faith. Truly, I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Let's see. My faith. Hmmm... Now where did I put that?

Do you ever have times when you rely on yourself and not your faith in God? When you're having a tough day, or you can't figure something out or think up a post for your blog? I rely on myself far too often. I forget, at times, to use my faith to get things done, to take a little quiet time to listen for that inner voice. I wanted to write here today, but I couldn't think of anything. I wracked my brain to come up with a topic. Something! Anything! It wasn't until I tripped over my faith in the "darkness" that I remembered Who to speak to about a topic. It is His blog after all and shouldn't He have some say about what I write here? Yeeeeeees. He always does when I ask Him and have faith that He will answer.

People have struggled with faith for centuries, so I don't feel too alone. Paul tells us in Acts 20:21, that we must repent and have faith in Jesus and in Romans 3:27-28, he says we are justified by faith. The great benefit of being justified by faith is God's grace. (Romans 5:1b)  *sigh* That is all I ever want is God's grace and mercy. All so easy to have, if I just have faith.

I wrote this piece in 15 minutes. My brain was working so fast my hand almost couldn't keep up. Faith. I must remember to always keep it front and center of my mind. To always rely on God and have faith He won't let me down.

In 1Corintians 13:2b Paul describes himself as "being nothing" if he has faith without charity.
Amen, Paul. Amen.

Romans 1:17c "...the just shall live by faith."

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 gifts smelled
1. Fresh baked bread
2. Roses
3. After the rain

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

 

 

 

Fruit of the Spirit - Love Part 2

Mark 2:30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself."

Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for them who persecute you."

A few years ago I awakened every night at 2:00a.m. for two weeks, because the Lord laid on my heart, "Love your neighbor." I would tell God that I did love my neighbor and that I knew "neighbor" didn't mean just those who lived on my block, but everyone. Then I would go back to sleep. The next night the same conversation would happen and the next night and the next until after two weeks of this I got up and sat on the couch and said, "Okay, Lord. What are you trying to tell me? Obviously there is more to this lesson you want me to learn." He answered, "Love your enemies." I couldn't think of anyone personally who was my enemy, so I asked, "Who?" He gave the name of a man who was in the news at the time. This man was the leader of another country, a murderer of his own people, corrupt and the list goes on. I told the Lord this was too big for me! How could I love someone like that??! The Lord said, "Pray for him and people like him." Epiphany! I could do that. I could pray that his heart was enlightened by the One true God and that he would change his evil ways. So I did. The man has since died and I pray he has now seen the light.

We still have people like him in this world today that we are commanded to pray for. Not all are leaders of countries, but they need our prayers regardless. Please pray for them. Pray that they are released by the evil one where they live in darkness and are possessed by it. Pray they come into the light of God. Pray in earnest.

1Timothy 1:5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Gratitude (Prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 Graces overheard
1. Let me help you
2. Can I give you a ride home?
3. Can I carry that for you?

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

The goodness of God is immeasurable. From creating the whole world from nothing for us to the goodness and mercy He shows daily, He continues to prove His love for us.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Everything we receive we must give. The Lord requires us to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with Him. (Micah 6:8) We can glorify the Father by letting our light shine, ( Matt. 5:16) and we are instructed, when we have the opportunity, to be good to all people. (Galatians 6:30)

I remember reading that St. Francis said to his followers, "Go out and preach the Gospel; if necessary, use words."
I still love that.

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is a sin for them." James 4:17

Being good and kind and just is the right thing to do in any situation. Being Christ-like is required for the journey to be heaven bound.

We've also been taught The Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Old advice that still rings true today.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to rest and approve
what God's will is - His good, pleasing and
perfect will.

Gratitude (Prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 Gifts you gave today
1. Love
2. Thankfulness
3. Servitude

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Fruit of the Spirit - Patience

Patience is the first attribute of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4. I think that makes it pretty important. We all struggle with it from time to time; I'll admit I do. Awareness is the first step in changing any habit.

Again, God commands us to be patient with one another through out the Bible. We first learn that He himself is slow to anger (patient) in Exodus 34:6 and  Psalm 86:15.  Romans 9:22 tell us of His great patience.

Ephesians 4:1-2 instructs believers to be humble, gentle and patient to one another in love. Paul tells us we need to stay in "the unity of the Holy Spirit" to endeavor to keep these.

Finally, our patient God does not want any of us to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (Peter 3:9)

A Prayer for Patience
From "365 Pocket Prayers"
by Ronald A. Beers

Dear Jesus,

Forgive me. I have been more frustrated than usual. I long for you Holy Spirit to produce patience in me. I feel as if I'm losing my cool over everything. I want to be patient right away - buy how can I without the opportunity to practice patience? Your Word tells me that I need patient endurance to do your will. By enduring life's difficulties without becoming anxious or annoyed, I can be more patient. And as I grow in patience, my trust in You will also grow. Lord Jesus, you have answered my prayer for patience by bringing opportunities for Your Holy Spirit to perfect this area in my heart. When frustrating circumstances come my way, help me to react with calm dignity and quiet strength. Amen.

Psalm 86:15
But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger,
abounding in love and faithfulness.

Hebrews 10:36
Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
A gift worn, white, whispered
1. My wedding ring
2. A skirt
3. I love you

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Fruit of the Spirit - Peace

Peace is a very important Bible concept; not just world peace, but inner peace. I truly believe that is where it has to begin, with our own inner peace. If we are peaceful inside we are better able to handle anything that comes at us on any given day. If we don't let others effect our peace, we have begun the journey. This takes training, discipline and time to cultivate, but it can be done. It is a goal I am working on, but I've a long way to go. Meditation and contemplative/centering prayer are helping me gain the inner peace I desire and, of course, spending time daily reading His word and through study.

The Bible says we are to "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it,' according to Psalm 34:14. A believer's heart should not be troubled because, not only did Jesus leave us His peace, He gave it to us. (John 14:27). We are to strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind and live in peace. (II Corinthians 13:11)

If we have faith, we have peace with God. (Romans 5:1)

A prayer from "365 Pocket Prayer," by Ronald A. Beers.

Dear Jesus,
So many things rob me of peace - conflict, uncertainty, busyness, worry, fear. How can I have peace amid so much turmoil? Lord, I want to have the quiet, unshakable peace that comes from placing my trust fully in you, the same peace that allowed you to go to the cross on my behalf. Help me to rest in the knowledge that my treasure is truly in heaven. Amen

Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
Make me dwell in safety.

James 3:18
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.come)
3 Gifts hard giving thanks for
1. Criticism
2. Comparisons
3. Illness

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Fruit of the Spirit - Joy

I don't know about you, but when I read some of the Psalms I just want to jump up out of my chair, raise my arms and dance! They are so joyful, uplifting and full of hope.

"Joy is in the presence of the Lord!" (Psalm 16:11)

David desired to be restored in the joy of God's salvation. (Psalm 51:12)

Psalm 66:1 says, "Shout for joy to God, all the earth," and Psalm 100:2 tells us to "worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs!"

We find in Psalm 126:3 that, "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

There are many more Psalms that tell us of joy, but we can find it in other books of the Bible, too.

Isaiah 12:3 tells us that water will be drawn from the well of salvation with joy and the humble will increase their joy in the Lord. (Isaiah 29:19)

As a mother I agree with 111John 1:4 that says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Did you know that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent? (Luke 15:7)

All of this makes my cup run over with joy! In a world of chaos we need all the joy we can find. You know where to look for some.

Nehemiah 8:10 "...the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Gratitude (prompts found on aholyexperience.com)
A gift n a plate, pot, package
1. Breakfast served in bed
2. Homemade soup
3. A present from a friend

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Fruit of the Spirit - Love

The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a love story about God's love for us, that gives us many instructions on how to love.

We are to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength and all our mind. (Luke 10:27) God  loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) by giving His only Son. (John 3:16) Love fulfills the law to love our neighbors as ourselves (Romans 13: 8-10) and we are to even love our enemies, not always easy. (Matt 5:44) Peter instructs us to respond to each other deeply, from the heart, (1 Peter 1:22) and John tell us that love is from God and you cannot know God if you do not know love. (1 John 4:7-8) John also tells us that perfect love casts out fear. (1John 4:18)

We learn in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, that love is patient, kind, it does not envy or boast, it is not proud nor does it dishonor others. It is not self-seeking, not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but truth and protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres and does not fail.

Let your love be sincere and know that God is rich in mercy and has great love for all of you. (Eph. 2:4)

Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good;
His love endures forever.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 Gifts found in community
1. Friends
2. Loyalty
3. Belonging

Phil 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings, Deborah