11/18/08
"It's A Tough Road...But I Want the Fruits!" That was the quote of the week ever so appropriately and timely delivered by Dianne!
Digging into the Word of God to realize and exercise the fruits of the Holy Spirit...

GALATIANS 5:22 "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
5:25 "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Our meeting last night brought us all to the place where we were reminded that we must PRAY FIRST (Thanks for that one Trish!) before we respond or in my case...REACT! Everyone of us indeed had several current events in their lives that required all the fruits of the Spirit.
Kay talked about the JOY she experienced while praying with her 3 & 1/2 year old grandson, Austin...that precious moment of pure JOY completely minimized the unkindness and impatience directed at her last week. Her emotional wounds were instantly healed... JOY can change your circumstances in a single second! When Kay read from scripture,(Proverbs 15:1 & 1 Corinthians 4:21) her voice had a tone of gentleness and peace. It occurred to me the moment I heard her speak.. that when I read God's word (silently or out loud) I find I am speaking softly with a gentle spirit and with a special JOY in my heart!
Shirley reminded us all of that CIRCLE she lives in. That sphere where she dresses in the Armour of God and stays within that protection. The moment any of us step out of that circle without our Armour...you know who is lurking outside the circle waiting to trip you up! Shirley is so wise. She has learned to say a little with a BIG impact! Her scripture she brought to us is Colossians 1:10 & James 3:17-18. She warns us that our thoughts are often sinful and we must jump back in that circle ASAP so that we can keep the enemy out! Out of our minds!
Shirley has a new bumper sticker...a nondenominational one...LIVING A LIFE WORTHY OF THE LORD!
Trish said...I can never be in His Word too much... wonderful wisdom from Trish! PEACE is what Trish wants. She loves the fruits of the Holy Spirit and has a true desire for having them all! After her time spent in the word, she came to realize that three in particular...Peace, Gentleness, and Joy were missing in her life. She had us look at Romans 5:1 & 15:13. Also, Trish took us to Hebrews 12:2 where the good news that "JOY awaits you" is written!
For me... I had a week of total weakness! My fellow believers of wise women filled my heart with renewal and hope by their humility and grace. By their words of wisdom they imparted through the Word of God... I am aware that my gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ is my greatest Treasure. Having said that..my husband, family & friends are my Gems that reflect complete unconditional LOVE. If I can be QUIET...I will receive and recognize the fruits of the Spirit.
Lord, help me be more like you. AMEN...oh yes...please help me be quiet too :)
Be Kind and know you are loved by your Heavenly Father,
Marianne