Fruit Insptector

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. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,provoking and envying each other. -Galatians 5:22-26

My Father-In-Law used to own an orange grove. This was over 40 years ago, but he has shared stories of how he, and a crew of people, would have to go out into the grove and inspect the fruit. The grove was in Florida, so one of the things they had to be aware of was the temperature. If it got too cold, they would light tires on fire throughout the grove which would raise the temperature and keep the fruit safe.

We are called to be fruit inspectors too. We are to inspect the fruit in our own lives and make sure we are keeping with the Spirit. Our passage today says, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." How can we know we are keeping in step with the Spirit?

Well, we need to inspect our fruit. Is the fruit we produce in our lives consistent with the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says,

 "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." 

If we can see the fruit of the Spirit at work in our lives then we know we are keeping in step with the Spirit, if not then we know we have some work to do.  One great way to make sure you are on a good path is to allow others to be fruit inspectors in your life.  They will see things that you may overlook.  

It is always nice to have safe accountability, someone who knows us and loves us and wants the best for us and others around us.  We need someone we can trust to inspect the fruit we are producing, because as you know, one rotten apple can ruin the whole bunch.

To Live Is Christ!

I can’t believe it has almost been six years since my dad passed away.  This February is approaching fast and my memories of his death are as strong as ever.

One of the best memories I have was taking communion together as a family.  Pastor John came over and led my father, mother, sister and I in the sacrament.  It was a touching moment.  We knew this was going to be the last time we shared the Lord’s Supper together.

After we received the elements we spent some time in prayer.  We confessed our love for each other and thanked God for the time we had together.  We made sure that all past sins were forgiven.  As our prayer ended my father looked at us and with all seriousness, spoke some of the most profound words I have ever heard.

He said, “This was great.  Praying together and loving each other, but I want you to remember one thing.  It means nothing without Jesus.”  Wow! Not what I was expecting.  I was having a moment with my dying father and he was busy pointing us all back to Christ.

This was not typical of my father.  Yes, he loved God and had a relationship with Christ, but his mind was not always on Christ.  He was human like all of us, so I knew this moment came directly from the throne of God.

This story was the first thing that came to my mind when I read today’s scripture.  Romans 8:5 says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

We were worried about my dad and our relationship with him.  We wanted to make sure everything was good before he was gone.  None of that is bad, but it was motivated by the flesh.  I love that my dad’s last life lesson for me was, “Focus on Christ and him alone.” 

That is what the Spirit desires isn’t it? Even our most pure intentions mean nothing if Christ is not at the center of it.

Read today's entire scripture here. Romans 8:5-12

Genesis 39: 1-12

Joseph Tempted

We are all tempted on a regular basis. Allured by things that are appealing to the eye, heart, and body we are in a constant battle making moral and spiritual decisions. Through repeated enticement, Joseph resisted and remained sinless. How was he able to withstand the pressure? He was human.

“The Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered…” Genesis 39:2. He had God, and because his Egyptian master recognized this he made Joseph his attendant and entrusted everything into his care. (People recognize those who have God directing their life.)

As we have learned, with power comes responsibility. Joseph took that obligation seriously.  Even after repeated propositions from the master’s wife, Joseph resisted. He likely could not have done so without the Spirit of the Lord being with him. Joseph kept God front and center.

We too, are limited with our ability to make decisions that are pleasing to God when left on our own. The Spirit is always near as Jesus promised, yet we often ignore this presence and take matters into our own hands. The regrets I have in life are numerous, and I would be forever grateful for a couple of "do-overs." Perhaps you feel the same. It makes me feel slightly better knowing that in Romans 3:10 it is written “There is no one righteous, no not even one.” Yet it doesn't change the past.

The song; Through All of It by Colton Dixon (An American Idol finalist in 2011) reminds us of our challenges, inconsistencies and need for Him. One verse reads; “I have won, and I have lost. I got it right sometimes, but sometimes I did not. Life’s been a journey, I’ve seen joy, I’ve seen regret.

Oh but you have been my God through all of it.” 

Thank you Lord, that you are a loving and forgiving God no matter how human we are.

Read/Listen to Genesis39:1-12

Ephesians 6:10-20 Life on Mission – Pray

The Armor of God

As we envision the Knights in Shining Armor of the past, we might be reminded of how courageous they appeared as the swordsmen raced toward one another upon the backs of  bold and determined steads. They were relentless until one or the other had fallen to his death.

There was a living, breathing human being inside each set of armor. Focusing on one in particular, let's speculate how this jousting match came to be: 

Likely as a young man, the knight began preparing for the day his competition would take place long before it happened. When the helmet was first placed upon his head, it strained his neck and put pressure on his temple. The breastplate made him uncomfortable as it dug into his ribs and made it difficult to breathe. As his belt was tightened, he groaned and wondered how he was going to manage. Placed in one hand was a gold plated shield he could barely lift, and in the other an ornate silver sword that made his arm and wrist ache as he raised it pridefully into the air. He was told that his feet should be at the ready at all times. Though excited about the challenge, he doubted himself and had no idea how he was going to find the strength to do the will of the king.

As time went on, the young knight to be was gaining strength. He listened to the other knights. He read up on the laws and rules of knighthood. He hung out with others who were in the same situation as he was, as well as those with more experience and asked questions that helped him grow as a knight. When he was alone, he worked with each piece of armor individually until he was comfortable with it and then added one after another until he was in full armor. Day after day the heart and soul of this knight grew stronger until he knew he was ready. Did he have a few twinges of doubt from time to time, sure, but overall he had the faith he needed to do the job . 

As we forge ahead with God's promise in hand, we too will be protected by armor, but this armor of the Lord is all housed within us.  

"Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,.....Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the work of God. And PRAY in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...." Ephesians 6:10-18

Our armor will feel heavy and awkward at first as well, yet continued prayer and faith will lighten the burden and make this "Life on Mission" well worth the challenge. How are you doing on your checklist?

Ephesians 6:10-20

1 John 3:11-24

Confidence Before God

The world is fallen and broken, walking in darkness, and ever hostile to God’s will and God’s way. It was that way in the beginning, it will be that way in the end. It was that way for Jesus, it will be that way for us. Knowing this, how do we carry on?

                                                    1 John 3:11 “We should love one another.” 

                                                     

1 John 16: This is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

John tells us not to love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth in 1 John 18.

         A true heart for God feels and behaves differently than a heart of the world.

We can tell who is who by the way they live. “By their fruits you shall know them” said Jesus (Matt. 7:20)

But what about the times when we do not walk in His ways? When we sin does it mean we are no longer a child of God? Will God turn away? Absolutely not!

Whenever you doubt God’s love for you, look to the Cross. Whenever you feel sin dragging you down, look to the Cross. Whenever you’ve convinced yourself that you’re not worth it, look to the Cross.

1 John 3:24 concludes with:                                           

Those who obey His commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.

We all lose our way from time to time, yet knowing the Spirit is within us is all we need. The Holy Spirit was sent to give us hope and strength to fight for what is right and true and love unconditionally as Jesus did, giving us all the confidence we need before God.

Read/Listen to 1 John3:11-24

Play in the Hole

Last month my wife and I rented a house by the beach. Our kids and their families joined us. We had an awful lot of fun.



My two grand-daughters are 3 and 5 years old. There were times when the adults wanted to just sit and rest by the ocean, but the kids needed constant supervision. Without someone watching them, they would wander into the water, wander down the beach or play with the crabs.



Playing in the Hole

Telling them not to do these things was fruitless. However, digging a hole in the sand, letting it fill up with water and telling them to play in the hole amused them. They spent several hours playing in a hole, doing what I wanted, not doing what they wanted.

Today’s reading is Galatians 5:16-26. Some Christians in Galatia believed that because Jesus died for their sins, they had free reign to do as they please. Paul is reminding the Galatians that if they are in the Spirit, then they should live in accordance to the Spirit.  A Christian should not live a life of constantly succumbing to desires of the flesh.

The 10 Commandments tell us what we are not to do. (Okay, they tell us to honor our parents and worship God.) But what are we to do?

If we live in the Spirit, then we do what Jesus Christ did. We love God and we love our neighbor as ourselves. We make disciples of people, and we teach them the Word of God.

When we do these things, we live in the Spirit. We don’t have to worry about breaking the Ten Commandments.  

When we do these things, we don’t do what we want to do. Rather, we do what God wants.

God wants us to play in the hole.

Eyes on the Prize

We live in a busy, crowded society.

 

Our jobs, for those that have one, may require more than 40 hours a week. Those with jobs requiring less than this may have two jobs simply to make ends meet.

 

Raising kids takes a lot of time, and not just one-on-one time. We spend a lot of time driving to soccer games, piano lessons, ballet practices and swim meets. 

 

In all the bustle, we try to treat our fellow man decently and attempt to make it to church frequently. We may even attend a few church meetings and activities.

 

Uggghh! It would be easier if we did not spend so much time in church activities.

 

Today’s reading is Romans 8:18-30. Paul explains the primary benefit derived from our faith. It is beneficial to occasionally review the hope we have.

 

Paul writes

“… but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we are saved … For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

 

 

We have First fruits of the Spirit. Other passages (Ephesians 1:14, e.g.) tell us that we currently have but a portion of the Spirit and that the remainder will be given to us in Heaven.  There is more, much more, to come.

 

We will be adopted sons (and daughters!). Jesus is God’s natural son, and we will be adopted by God. As adopted children, we will have the same rights that Jesus has.

 

We will be conformed to the likeness of God’s natural son. We will be siblings of Jesus.

 

Jesus died, rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven. We can expect the same. Jesus had a new body after death, and so will we.  Jesus was glorified, and so will we. Jesus lives with God, and so will we!

 

This is great Joy!

 

In all the hustle and bustle of life, it can be helpful to take time out and keep our eyes on the prize!

Living strong in the Spirit

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Anyone who pulls out a club and tees up the ball soon learns the agonizing truth that golf is “the game of opposites.”  When the clubhead passes through on a leftward trajectory, the ball “slices” to the right; when the pendulum swings right, the ball “hooks” left.  If we want the shot to go higher, we don’t “scoop” underneath the ball, rather we swing down on it.  But most of all, to hit the ball farther we must loosen our grip and (repeat after me) slow down!  It is the relaxed, easy swing that powers the longer, stronger golf shot.  It’s all so counterintuitive!  So frustrating!  Yet so true.

And so similar to living strong in the Spirit!  For the less we cling to our own will and the less we travel our own path, the more powerfully the Spirit of God flows in us and through us.  Jesus has coached us in this “opposites” principle clearly enough: “My power is made perfect in weakness.”  And ever his student, the Apostle Paul attested, “... when I am weak, then I am strong.”

The concept is hardly new, but a consistent truth throughout the Biblical narrative.  It wasn’t the 40 year-old, “kill-a-man-with-my-bare-hands” Moses who led Israel out of Egypt, but an older, weaker Moses, now “more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.”  And what “mighty warrior” did God commission to save Israel from the Midianites but Gideon, the runt of the litter in the weakest clan of Manasseh!  (Who?  Me?)

On its face, strength in weakness seems so unnatural.  And perhaps that’s the key!  For God’s power is always aligned with his purposes, while our sinful nature always hacks away at our own. 

Yet we are his people, and he is our God.  His purposes have become our purposes, and our struggles he has taken upon himself.  So we do well to put on Christ and rely on his strength working in and through us.  For “The spirit is willing,” said Jesus, “but the flesh is weak.”

To what impossible task has God called you?  Can you trust him to be your strength for it?

Together we Worship

John 4:19-24

                                      “I who speak to you am he.”

Can you imagine floundering through life, (as we do) experiencing one failed relationship after another, and being outcast by your community yet still having the ultimate privilege of meeting Jesus in person?

We have heard the story of the woman at the well, how Jesus acknowledged her lifestyle, and likely blew her away with his tender compassion and supernatural insight. He shared with this nameless woman what he wants us all to understand.

John 4:23-24 “Yet the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.”

What is worshiping in spirit and truth? View this website for an explanation:

In Spirit and Truth

We are called by God to gather and worship him, for there is strength in numbers, and the relational God he is, knows that being in community is what bonds our hearts to his and to each other.

As the song taken from Matthew 18 goes: "For wherever two or more of you are gathered in his name, there is love."  God is the spirit of love and truth.

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)  “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Coming Before Our God

Psalm 95:1-7

What does coming before God mean and what does it look like?

At times it may be on your knees, head in your hands and tears in your sorrow filled heart.

Another time it could look more like grateful hands raised upward for all God has offered you.

Possibly the first thing in the morning in the quiet of your favorite room, you engage in silent conversation with the Savior.

We present ourselves before the Lord in many ways and for numerous reasons, but let us be reminded that regardless of our location or stance, we are to preface our prayer and petitions with praise.  

Psalm 95:1-7 reminds us;

“Let us come before Him with thanksgiving.”

“”Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under His care.”

No matter what our prayer may be addressing, when we go to Him, we are acknowledging God as our Maker and caretaker.

Throughout the Bible, references are made to the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth.

Hebrews 12:28-29 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Lord, we praise and worship you for all that you are and always will be. We honor your unconditional love for us, and unending faith in this world. Glory to you, oh great and mighty one!

Read/Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 

Proverbs 16:9 and Psalm 37: 5-6

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, and the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

These words do not say our journey will be filled with sunshine and happiness, or that our ways and beliefs will be readily accepted by those around us as our life evolves into a series of joyous events.

What these verses do communicate, is that when we truly commit to living as the Lord commands, our righteousness (being “in the right” in relation to God) will be what is most important, and what makes us stand out among men in the eyes of God.

“Commit your way…” “Trust in Him…” 

This “shining” may never look or feel like a bright, beautiful experience to us because of the earthly burdens we bear. We might never reap the benefits of our labors directly. The one who matters most however, will be well aware of our heart’s intentions and the steps we have taken to follow HIS course. To live our lives daily, for His glory. As we were reminded last Sunday:

“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Galatians 5:22-23

amen

Read/listen to Proverbs 16:9

Read/listen to Psalm 37:5-6

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Knowing My Calling......Life By The Spirit

“Serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

We have heard these lines many times before, but what about this next one?

“If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Galatians 5:15

“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Let’s be honest. It is not that difficult to serve those who welcome our service, and ooze with the fruit of the spirit themselves. It is also quite comfortable to love our neighbor when he is appreciative, and reciprocates gentleness, patience, self control, and love. It is not easy however, to love, serve, be patient with and kind to those who consistently make us feel sad and frustrated. That IS however, living life by the spirit.

It is much more natural to harbor bitterness and resentment, and far easier on the heart than to love and serve others we feel do not deserve it. The destruction that results however, is real. We tend to judge rather than love. We put down instead of building up. We take things personally and hold on tightly to those negative feelings, rather than forgiving. I’m sure glad God doesn't do that!

Our calling is to “live life by the spirit.” Not just when it’s convenient or comfortable, easy or satisfying. In fact, when it is most difficult, is when the true reward will follow.

Thank you Lord, for not giving up on us, even when we were turning away from you. During the times we were rude and indifferent Lord, you were patient and loving. When we did not deserve your time, you gave it to us anyway, and loved us, you just loved us!

Read/Listen to Galatians 5:1

Read/Listen to Galatians 5: 13-25

Using Our Gifts

Acts 6: 1-7

We are all gifted. Some of us seem to have gotten in the right line and received many more gifts than others, but the fact is, we have all been blessed with the talents God intended for us. At what point we discover, and put these talents to use is our choice.

1 Peter 10:4 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In today’s passage, seven men were chosen because they were known to be “full of the spirit and wisdom.” They combined their energy and together caused the number of disciples in Jerusalem to increase rapidly.

We do not have to be “full of the spirit and wisdom” to be a warrior for Christ (though it might help).  We simply need to make ourselves aware of the grace of God, and what vehicle he has given us to use as a means to serve Him, serve others, and bring honor and glory to Him.

In order to live a life of service, we are not required to be missionaries, pastors, or elders. We must be who we are, growing where we have been planted, and sharing the good news with a sincere heart. 

“Let The Glory Of the Lord Shine Among Us!”

Read/Listen to Acts 6:1-7

John, More Than A Prophet

                                                                 Matthew 11: 2-11

Have you noticed that when Jesus was asked questions He seemed to indirectly respond as to make the listener dig deep within himself to understand His response? Jesus often used parables and figurative language to illustrate his point, and at times answered a question with a question.

In Matthew 11, John the Baptist was in prison and heard what Jesus was doing, so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who has come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

Before Jesus’ appearance, in John 1, John the Baptist was approached by priests and Levites from Jerusalem sent by the Jews to inquire about who he was. When asked directly, John stated that he was neither the Christ nor Elijah, but then he proceeded to tell them, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Elijah said.”

How could John have understood and been so comfortable in his role? Surely he was not born with the name John the Baptist. It is unlikely that as he was growing up his parents told him he would be cleansing the sins of man in the Jordan River. He followed the spirit of God to the place he felt he belonged.

Jesus said of John in Matthew 11:11 “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist….” 

As we grow and develop our interests and talents, we too must seek our purpose in the Lord. For some it seems easy, and they fall into their niche quite early in life. Others of us either ignore the nudging of the Lord or amidst the noise and commotion of this world do not make ourselves still to listen for our calling. No matter when we wake ourselves up to our purpose though, it is not too late. The arms of the Lord are always open to a “good and faithful servant.” 

Read/Listen to Matthew 11: 2-11