Inspirational Food for Thought

Prayer Focus for Week of June 28^th

-          Pray for God’s Will to be done where you live

-          And throughout Canadian society as it is in Heaven

-          That in kindness God will lead many to repentance

-          In your city, community and across our nation

Scripture Focus for Week of June 28^th

Matthew 6:9-13 (New King James Version)

In this manner, therefore, pray:

      Our Father in heaven,
      Hallowed be Your name.
       ¹⁰ Your kingdom come.
      Your will be done
      On earth as it is in heaven.
       ¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.
       ¹² And forgive us our debts,
      As we forgive our debtors.
       ¹³ And do not lead us into temptation,
      But deliver us from the evil one.
      For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

Romans 2:4 (New Living Translation)

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Bible Study

Welcome to our first study in the Series, The Agape Person. Last month we completed the series on the 9 Attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. At that time I introduced the new series on what it means to be an Agape Person filled with character qualities that are pleasing unto the Lord Jesus Christ.

The agape person is consistently aware of the character of the Triune God, one God manifest in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. An agape person draws upon the infinite resources of God by faith in order to live the Christian life. He understands that faith is his response to all that God is and all that He promises to those who trust and obey Him.

In order for us to be the Agape person God wants us to be we need to Pray & Study God’s Word. Prayer and Bible Study go hand in hand. As we study God’s Word and learn/discover what God’s Word says about life we then can take the things we learn to God in prayer, praying that those principles we have just discovered would be applied to our daily lives.

From the moment we come to know Jesus we begin the life long journey of becoming conformed to the image of Christ.

During the next several months we will look at and study several character qualities that make up an Agape Christian.

We are going to look at 11 character qualities of a person who is demonstrating character qualities of an Agape Person. By the end of this series I trust we will be Men and Women who are filled with these qualities and living out our lives as Agape Christian’s bringing glory to God & pointing others to Him!

 Closing Thoughts From the Desk of Judith

To re-cap our study,  over the next few months we will look at the character studies of Faith, Stewardship, Power, Prayer, Obedience, Direction, Action, Love, Vision, Leadership and Fellowship. This series is based on the Course Material I took years ago with Great Commission Prayer Crusade with Dr. Bill Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ. I will use the basic material with adding my own background history and a “Word Study” on each of the “Agape Character Qualities” that will hopefully guide us into a deeper walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lifestyles where we see ourselves completely surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ and having these character qualities becoming real in our lives.

The first character quality we will look at is Faith.

Defining Faith:

Faith is Confidence, Trust, Reliance, Belief, Loyalty, Dedication and Commitment.

Hebrews 11:1 states “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.

Romans 10:17 states “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”.

Galatians 2:20 states “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”.

Hebrews 11:6 states “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”.

Hebrews 12:1-2 states “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We serve a faithful God who is the author and finisher of our faith. Our God is: Dependable, Trustworthy, Faithful to His Word, our God keeps His promises, our God who promises is Faithful.

We have discovered that an Agape Person draws upon the never-ending resources of God by faith in order to live the Christian life. When we understand that faith is our response to all that God is and to all that He promises, we will be the Agape person God desires. I challenge you today to seek out God for yourselves, strive to be filled with the character qualities of the Agape Person. Surrender to the lordship of Christ. Be the man and woman God so desires for you to be!

In His Service;
Judith S
Prayer Ministry Leader
Coquitlam Christian Centre

Symphony of Prayer Newsletter is owned, written and copyrited by Judith S. All Newsletter publications come under the Banner of our Prayer Ministry @ Coquitlam Christian Centre Church. I am their Prayer Ministry Coordinator and oversee prayer. You need permission to copy, post or quote any part of these newsletter publications from me the author first.

Bible Study

Welcome back to our ongoing study “Living under God’s Canopy of Love”, studying the 9 attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Last month we looked at the attribute of self-control. This month we will tie this together with looking at what God says about being filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

This last study on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit will also be an introduction of a new study that will begin in June’s Monthly Prayer Newsletter. The study will be about “An Agape` Christian”. We will cover 10 Character Topics of what it means to become “Agape` People” demonstrating Christ-like qualities in our lives.

In order for us to be an Agape Christian we need to Pray & Study God’s Word. Prayer and Bible Study go hand in hand. As we study God’s Word and learn/discover what God’s Word says about life we then can take the things we learn to God in prayer, praying that those principles we have just discovered would be applied to our daily lives.

I challenge you to clothe yourself in Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Gentleness, and Self-control. Let’s be the Women, Men God would have us be. Let’s seek to be filled with God’s Fruit, Shining for Jesus!

 Closing Thoughts from the Desk of Judith

 To re-cap our study on “Living under God’s Canopy of Love”, studying the 9 attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit we have discovered that God has instructed us to be clothed with the Fruit of the Spirit.

Paul’s list of what he calls moral qualities is produced by the Spirit & provides assurance that those who “live by the Spirit” will actually fulfill God’s requirements for His people. Indeed it is God who gives us the ability to live out our lives filled with all 9 attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit. We see that God’s Word puts an emphasis on being filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Our Heavenly Father desires for each of us to demonstrate these 9 attributes of the Fruit; to be ready to allow the Fruit of Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Gentleness and Self-control to flow through us.

A life that is filled with the Fruit of the Spirit will demonstrate godly characteristics. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the moral character that is developed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught that the genuineness of the Christian would be known by their fruit.  Matthew 7:17-18. Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

From the moment we come to know Christ as our personal Savior we begin the life long journey of becoming conformed to the image of Christ, seeking to bear fruit in our lives. Indeed Christ is able to display His own character qualities through us His children. And before long these characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit will flow through us to the ones He brings along our path.

Believe it or not it is possible to become “Agape` People” who have surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ seeing His character qualities becoming real in our lives. In the next few months we will look at 10 basic qualities of “Agape` People” The guide will be used as a basis to pray and look to the Lord to work these Christ-like qualities in to our lives.

We will look at the Characteristics of Faith, Stewardship, Power, Prayer, Obedience, Direction, Action, Love, Vision, Leadership and finally Fellowship. Hopefully we will discover how to apply these principles to our daily lives.

I encourage you to daily seek to be filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, being filled with Christ-like qualities becoming Agape` People, allowing God’s Hand’s to be extended through your life to the people He brings along your path.

I believe that if you earnestly seek to be filled daily with more of God and seek to have these qualities flowing through your life you will be a blessing to others and your own life will be enriched beyond measure.

In His Service,

God's Blessings

Judith S

Prayer Ministry Leader of Coquitlam Christian Centre 

Psalm 19:1-2
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

Thoughts on today's verse

God's voice is always speaking. His witnesses give testimony to his glory, majesty and creative grace. The universe shouts with joy because behind it's intricate beauty and power is the One who gave it life, purpose, and intention.

Prayer:

O Great God and Creator of the countless heavens and our own small, blue planet, thank you for noticing the heart cries of one so small in a universe so large. I love you, admire you, trust you, and worship you with wonder. Be exalted in my life, by words, and my deeds this day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/todaysverse.cgi 

Prayer Focus for Week of June 1st

-          Pray for a moral & spiritual awakening in the entire world

-          That all people will acknowledge God’s mercy & forgiveness

Scripture Thoughts for Week of May 31, 2009

2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Jeremiah 29:13 (King James Version)

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

1 John 1:9 (New King James Version)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Prayer Focus for Week of May 17^th

-          Pray for an outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit on Canada

-          Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister would be directed to do that which pleases God.

-          Pray for the Churches of Canada to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians

-          Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God’s heart for Vision, Wisdom and Direction

Scripture Focus for Week of May 17^th

Acts 2:17 (New Living Translation)

‘In the last days,’ God says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.

Proverbs 21:1 (New King James Version)

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.

Romans 10:14-15 (New King James Version)

¹⁴ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

¹⁵ And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,^[a]
Who bring glad tidings of good things!”^[b]    

Jeremiah 33:3 (New King James Version)

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Prayer Focus for Week of April 26^th

-          Pray for a Spirit of Righteousness and Holiness to prevail across our land and it’s people

-          Pray for God’s Spirit to melt the pride that causes many to hold to wrong opinions about Christ

-          Pray that hearts are awakened, that people have a deep desire to know Christ as Savior

Scripture Focus for Week of April

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New King James Version)

¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (New King James Version)

⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

2 Peter 3:9 (New King James Version)

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,^[a] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2 Timothy 2:25-26 (New King James Version)

²⁵ in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, ²⁶ and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Bible Study

Welcome back to our ongoing study “Living under God’s Canopy of Love”. As you will re-call we have begun a study on the 9 Attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The past several months we have studied the Fruit’s of Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, and Goodness & Faithfulness. This month we are looking at the attribute of Gentleness.

Thinking about the characteristic of gentleness we automatically find our thoughts drawn to both the characteristic of gentleness and powerfulness of the Holy Spirit. We also are mindful of the many acts of gentleness through Christ who touched many lives as they came along His pathway.

Gentleness is defined as calmness, kindness, tenderness, quietness, softness, peacefulness and tenderness. Looking at these definitions of gentleness it describes both our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit has been sent to us as a comforter. The Holy Spirit the Comforter is gentle, tender, who comes to us quietly and tenderly.

John 14:16- the Holy Spirit, the Comforter abides forever.

John 14:26- the Holy Spirit, the Comforter brings to remembrance Christ’s Words.

John 15:26- the Holy Spirit, the Comforter Testifies concerning Christ.

John 16:7- 8- the Holy Spirit, the Comforter convicts the world of sin.

John 16:13- the Holy Spirit, the Comforter guides into all truth.

This 8^th attribute of Gentleness can be seen through the person of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit was sent to us to be our Comforter and our Teacher. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. The Holy Spirit will guide and direct our steps daily. He desires for us to be gentle in our ways, to seek to be filled with the Fruit of the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through us in kindness and gentleness towards others. He desires for us to be God’s Hand’s extended to the hurting, lost people that are brought along our path.

The Fruit of Gentleness is demonstrated in and through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is seen as-Consoler and Comforter- John 14:1-3

Jesus is seen as- Defender of the Weak-John 8:3-11

Jesus is seen as- The Giver of the Holy Spirit- John 16:1-15.

Jesus is seen as- the Restorer of the Penitent- John 21:1-17.

Jesus is seen as- Servant- John 13:1-10

Jesus is seen as-the Great Physician- John 5:1-9

Here we see the perfect example of seeing both the Power of God and the Fruit of Gentleness touching lives that came to the Pool of Bethesda, waiting for the waters to begin moving, as soon as they stepped into the pool they received their healing. A man who had an infirmity for 38 years was lying by that pool, Jesus was there that day, by an act of His compassion, His gentleness and the Power that His Father gave him, Jesus reached out and touched this man with His gentle, compassionate Healing Hand’s.

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. He demonstrated all 9 attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, “Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control”. Jesus is our perfect role model.

We learn from Jesus who demonstrated the Fruit of Gentleness in all situations and to all people. He desires for His children to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, touching lives for the Kingdom of God. Amen!

 Closing Thoughts

To re-cap our study on the 8^th Attribute of the “Fruit of Gentleness”; we discovered that the Fruit of Gentleness was demonstrated in so many ways. We see the Fruit of Gentleness was teamed with the power of the Holy Spirit. We Jesus being used by the Power of God, allowing the power of God’s Spirit to flow through Him; Jesus with His compassion and gentle spirit touched lives, healed and delivered them to the Glory of God.

”According to the IVP New Testament Commentaries for Galatians 5:22-26 Jesus also taught that the genuineness of his followers would be demonstrated by good fruit from their lives (Mt 7:16-20; Lk 13:6-9), and he promised that the presence of the Spirit and communion with him would produce the fruit of love and obedience (Jn 14--16). These promises of righteousness by the Spirit are the background for Paul's description of the believers' eager expectation of righteousness (5:5); now in verses 22-23 he focuses on the believers' expression of righteousness, which fulfills God's promises for his people.

Paul's list of moral qualities produced by the Spirit provides assurance that those who "live by the Spirit" will actually fulfill God's requirements for his people. There is no need to worry that following Paul's ethical appeal to live by the Spirit will lead to moral license and sin. Just the opposite will be the case. The Spirit will produce those moral qualities that God requires.

Gentleness is the opposite of "selfish ambition." Gentle people are not "conceited, provoking and envying each other" (v. 26). Gentleness is an expression of humility, considering the needs and hurts of others before one's personal goals.

Jesus demonstrated the Spirit of Gentleness to the fullest. Indeed, Jesus put the needs of others over His own personal needs. Jesus lived to “Serve”. He poured out His love and compassion to all who came along His path. Jesus loved the people so much that He laid down His life for the very people He was serving.

We see that God’s Word puts an emphasis on being filled with the Fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. Our Heavenly Father desires for us to demonstrate these attributes of the Fruit; to be ready to allow the Fruit of Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, and Gentleness and Self-control to flow through us. Let us earnestly seek to be Men & Women who are filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit for God’s Glory!

 In His Service;
Judith S
Prayer Ministry Leader
Coquitlam Christian Centre

Bible Study

Welcome back to our ongoing study “Living under God’s Canopy of Love”. As you will re-call we have begun a study on the 9 Attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The past several months we have studied the Fruit’s of Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering & Kindness. Last month we looked at the Fruit of Goodness.

This month we are looking at the Fruit of Faithfulness. Reflecting on this fruit, right away one is drawn to the faithfulness of our God. We serve a God who is faithful and who is always looking out for the best interests of His children.

Faithfulness is:

1.      Unwavering in belief

2.      Consistently loyal

3.      Conscientious

4.      Reliable

5.      Someone who is faithful

6.      Reliable

7.      Trust worthy

 Our God is dependable. Our God will always fulfill His Word. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. God will never leave us nor forsake us. His grace is sufficient for us and His strength is made perfect in weakness.

 God desires for all His children to be filled with the Fruit of Faithfulness. Faithfulness is the 7^th attribute of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit according to Galatians 5:22-24.

Reflecting on these fruit’s, it is our Heavenly Father who is our perfect role model who teaches us how to invite these Fruit’s to flow out of our lives to the people He brings along our path.

Faithfulness is of God

Deuteronomy 7:9- Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep His commands.

Psalm 36:5- Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.

Psalm 89:1- I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations.

Faithfulness is of Christ

2 Thessalonians 3:3- But the Lord is faithful; and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Hebrews 10:23- Let us hold, unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

 Closing Thoughts

To re-cap our study on the Fruit of Faithfulness, we have discovered that Our God is: Dependable, He is Trust-worthy, He is faithful to His Word, Our God keeps His Promises, and Our God who promises is faithful.

Another benefit of faithfulness, staying true to our calling is receiving a reward from our Heavenly Father. According to Matthew 25:21 it states: His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of our lord”.

This verse alone will encourage us to stay on course, keeping our eyes on the finishing line. It is God who will provide all that we need. When God calls us to do something He is always faithful to equip us with the tools we need so we can accomplish the things that have been set before us.

Finally, let our lives be lead of the Spirit, demonstrating godly characteristics to those God brings along our path. Let us Keep Shining for Jesus, being that witness, being His Hand’s extended as we are filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to seek God daily to be filled with the Fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. Your lives will be a blessing to others and you will be enriched beyond measure.

Bible Study

Welcome back to our ongoing study “Living under God’s Canopy of Love”. As you will re-call we have begun a study on the 9 Attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. We have looked at the first five attributes, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering & Kindness. 

This month we are looking at “Goodness” the 6^th attribute of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Reflecting on this subject of goodness, right away we are drawn to the goodness of our God. God is good. He is kind and gentle. God is everything to us. He pours out His goodness on our lives daily. He desires for us to allow the spirit of His goodness to flow through us.

God has laid out the groundwork in His Word to show us how He desires for us to live and act. He desires that others who come along our path see the Lord in our actions and in the words we speak.

The Lord desires for us to be filled with this fruit. As we allow God’s goodness to flow through us we can be that light in our communities and in our workplaces. As God has showered us with His goodness we too can demonstrate acts of kindness and goodness on those He brings along our path.

Goodness is kindness, honesty, integrity & righteousness. These attributes can be the Hand’s of God extended to others as we allow these fruit’s to flow through us.

Philippians 1:11: Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.

Colossians 1:10: And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

Our theme text: Galatians 5:22-26, lists all 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These are fruits God desires for us to demonstrate in every area of our lives.

A Word Focus on God’s Goodness: Source Taken from the Nelson Study Bible, “Word Focus Insert: Page 161.

Scripture References: Hebrews 15:13; 20:6, and 34:6) Strong’s #2617.

When God revealed Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai, He described Himself as overflowing with goodness. This is one of the most significant words that describe God’s character, see Psalm 6:4) and sometimes as loving-kindness (Psalm 17:7). The basic meaning of the word is “loyal love or steadfast love. It refers to God’s loyalty and faithfulness to His covenant. This love is very similar to marital love, a love that is obligatory because of the marriage contract, but still intimate and voluntary. Hosea’s actions toward his unfaithful wife is a striking picture of God’s “faithful love for the people of Israel. See Hosea 1:1-3, 2:19, 3:1-5). In the New Testament, this characteristic of God is described as His grace. See John 1:17.

Kindness and goodness are joined with patience to teach that a sweet disposition and doing good toward people is the way to stay with them in love. Doing good & allowing the fruit to flow through us will encourage a bond of unity and love.

Indeed God’s goodness is complete, it is pure and holy. We serve a God who is Faithful; we can depend upon God’s Faithfulness, Goodness and His Love.

When we are filled with all 9 Fruit’s of the Holy Spirit our lives will be transformed and be made new. We will clearly demonstrate all the characteristics of the Fruit as laid out in Galatians 5:22-26 but at the same time we will be His Hand’s extended as we demonstrate the goodness of God wherever we go.

Jesus taught in Matthew 7:16 that we would be known by our fruits. See Matthew 7:16-20:  Verse 17, 18: Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Verse 20: Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Let us clothe ourselves in God’s goodness, finding ways to shower our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers in acts of kindness and goodness. Let us seek to be filled with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness and goodness so others will know us by the Fruit we produce.

 Closing Thoughts

To re-cap our study we have discovered that goodness is kindness, honesty, integrity & righteousness.  We have found that a life that is filled with the Fruit of the Spirit will demonstrate godly characteristics. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the moral character that is developed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught that the genuineness of the Christian would be known by their fruit. See Matthew 7:17-18.

In the past 5 lessons we have looked at love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness and this month goodness. According to the IVP Online Commentary from Bible Gateway we have found that “Love fulfills the law, love is the expression of faith”.

“Love is demonstrated in a tangible way in the sacrificial love of Christ and the service of Christians. All other moral qualities in the list define and flow from love”.

We found that “Joy” of the Lord is our strength. Peace is perfect and is promised to all believers. Peace is a gift from God. Peace is abundant.

Long-suffering states that an individual is forgiving, resigned, tolerant, accommodating, patient & selfless.

We discovered that Job was a man who truly painted a picture of endurance, patience, trust and faith.

Kindness is: gentleness, thoughtfulness, compassion, consideration, kindheartedness, benevolence, humanity & sympathy. Jesus demonstrated a pure heart of kindness to the people He came in touch with.

This month we have looked at goodness. Indeed God is full of goodness. Clearly, the Scripture has laid out for us that God desires for His children to share with those He brings along our path acts of kindness and goodness. Indeed a life filled with the Fruit will demonstrate godly characteristics.

From the IVP Commentary it states the following: Paul’s image of the Fruit of the Spirit is probably drawn from the imagery of the Old Testament and the teaching of Jesus. The promise of Spirit and the promise of moral fruitfulness in God’s people are connected in the Old Testament. See Isaiah 32:15-17.

Let us seek to be filled with all that God has for us. Let us look to the Lord for His direction, for His goodness to be poured in and through our lives. Let our lives be lead of the Spirit, demonstrating godly characteristics to those God brings along our path. Let us Keep Shining for Jesus, being that witness, being His Hand’s extended as we are filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to seek God daily to be filled with Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness and His Goodness.

                                                      January  7, 2009

 VERSE:

   Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

    -- Lamentations 3:22-23

THOUGHT:

   What sustained you through the night? What will get you through today? What will enable you to achieve your goals, even thrive, in the days that lie ahead? The LORD's mercies. These incredible resources never run out! Each new day brings a fresh supply of them. God is faithful to make sure we have them each day. Praise be to God for making our world new and clean each new day.

PRAYER:

   Thank you, holy God and loving Father, for sustaining me through the night and promising me endless day at the end of my life's journey. May you, my Father in heaven, find love and praise on my lips and in my heart at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

An Interview with Rick Warren (REMEMBER, HE WROTE 'PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE')

'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California

In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:

People ask me, What is the purpose of life?

And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.

I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.  

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems:

If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her- It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.

It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit.. We made no major purchases.

Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?

Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.

That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.

Painful moments, TRUST GOD.

Every moment, THANK GOD. 

Bible Study

Welcome back to our ongoing study “Living under God’s Canopy of Love”. As you will re-call we have begun a study on the 9 Attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. We have looked at the first four attributes, Love, Joy, Peace and Longsuffering. 

This month we are looking at the 5^th attribute of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit which is “Kindness”

When one pauses and reflects about the subject of kindness, immediately, our thoughts are drawn to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who has set the example for demonstrating the “Fruit of Kindness”. He is our chief role model to fashion our lives after.

Kindness is: gentleness, thoughtfulness, compassion, consideration, kindheartedness, benevolence, humanity & sympathy. Jesus demonstrated a pure heart of kindness to the people He came in touch with.

Did you know that “Kindness is Commanded” according to Scripture?

Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, Honor one another above yourselves.

1 Corinthians 13:4: Love is patient, love is kind, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Clearly scripture is instructing us to clothe ourselves in kindness and compassion to one another.

Examples of Kindness are found throughout Scripture.

Everyone is familiar with the Good Samaritan story. Luke 10:33-34. 

This kind Samaritan was travelling to Jericho and came along a man who had been robbed and beaten left for dead. He took pity on the man when he saw him lying alongside the roadway. He had a choice, leave the man on the roadside, ignore him like the others did or take pity on the unfortunate man, he chose to take pity on this poor man and looked after him by bandaging his wounds, put him on his own donkey and took him to the nearest Inn and paid for his care. This is a prime example of how we too can demonstrate the “Fruit of Kindness” to our fellow man.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law. Indeed we are to clothe ourselves with these “fruits”.

1. Kindness is being devoted to one another in brotherly love. Putting others needs above our own needs. This is going the second mile in showing Godly Kindness.
2. Kindness is being compassionate towards others.

3.      Kindness is being clothed in compassion, patience, humility and gentleness. Being God’s Hands extended to others.

Another example of Kindness is the account of the “Philippian Jailer”. Acts 16:33 Remember, Paul & Silas had been beaten & thrown in jail because of their witness. As a result of the earthquake, the prisoner’s chains were loosed & prison doors were thrown open. The jailer came to Paul and Silas, brought them out and asked “What must I do to be saved”?  In the end the Jailer and his household got saved, he them took Paul & Silas in to his house and washed their wounds. That night the jailer and his household were saved and baptized in water. It all began simply because Paul & Silas were faithful to their calling. You never know what a simple act of kindness can do. Indeed we have discovered that putting others needs above our own is not only going the second mile but it is allowing the Fruit of the Holy Spirit to flow through us demonstrating the heart of God’s compassion to others.

Closing Thoughts

To re-cap our study we have discovered that Kindness is being devoted to one another in brotherly love. Putting others needs above our own needs. This is going the second mile in showing Godly Kindness. Kindness is being compassionate towards others. Kindness is being clothed in compassion, patience, humility and gentleness. Being God’s Hands extended to others.

We have discovered that a simple act of kindness can do much. Being obedient to God’s Call, allowing the Fruit of the Holy Spirit to flow through our lives to others provides opportunities for others to discover God’s compassion in their own lives.

You never know what kindness can accomplish in a hungry soul. You might just be that one who wins that hungry soul to Christ through your simple act of kindness.

 According to the IVP New Testament Commentaries found on line at Bible Gateway: Jesus taught that the genuineness of his followers would be demonstrated by good fruit from their lives (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke 13:6-9), and he promised that the presence of the Spirit and communion with him would produce the fruit of love and obedience (John 14--16). These promises of righteousness by the Spirit are the background for Paul's description of the believers' eager expectation of righteousness (5:5); now in verses 22-23 he focuses on the believers' expression of righteousness, which fulfills God's promises for his people.

Paul's list of moral qualities produced by the Spirit provides assurance that those who "live by the Spirit" will actually fulfill God's requirements for his people…. The Spirit will produce those moral qualities that God requires.

The first place in the list, the place of emphasis, is given to love. Love is the focus of the entire ethical appeal: "serve one another in love" (v. 13). Love fulfills the law (v. 14); love is the expression of faith (v. 6). Love is demonstrated in a tangible way in the sacrificial love of Christ (2:20) and the service of Christians (5:13). All the other moral qualities in the list define and flow from love.

Joy is the result of healthy relationships. When relationships fall apart because of broken commitments, there is a loss of joy (see 4:15). When there is conflict and bitterness, as there was in the Galatian churches, there is no joy. But the first result of true love in relationships is the renewal of joy.

Peace is also the result of relationships built by loving service. Instead of "hatred, discord, . . . dissensions, factions" there is harmony and order in relationships.

Patience is the opposite of "fits of rage" or short temper. It is the quality of staying with people even when constantly wronged and irritated by them.

Kindness and goodness are joined with patience to teach that a sweet disposition and doing good toward people (see v. 10) is the way to stay with them in love.

Faithfulness is the quality of keeping commitments in relationships. The Galatians had proved to be fickle in their attitude toward Paul (4:13-16). Only the Spirit can produce the quality of loyalty no matter the cost.

Gentleness is the opposite of "selfish ambition." Gentle people are not "conceited, provoking and envying each other" (v. 26). Gentleness is an expression of humility, considering the needs and hurts of others before one's personal goals.

Self-control is the opposite of self-indulgence. Those who are Spirit-led will not indulge the sinful nature (v. 13). They are not characterized by "sexual immorality… drunkenness, orgies." They do not use other people to gratify their own appetites. They have the strength to say no to themselves, to the desires of their sinful nature.

Clearly, clothing one-self in the Fruit of the Holy Spirit fulfills God’s perfect Will for our lives. He desires for us to be clothed with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law.

We have also discovered that kindness and goodness go hand in hand with patience teaching us what a sweet disposition can accomplish as we touch lives that God has brought along our path.

The “Fruit of the Spirit” is the moral character developed by the power of the Spirit. The nine character qualities are a unity, a perfectly formed Christ-like character. Paul has expressed his desire to see Christ formed in the Galatian believers (chapter 4:19). Now he describes what they will be like when that formation is complete. These character qualities are not a new list of laws or moral codes that must be kept; they are the result of living and being led by the Spirit.

Finally, here is something for us to think about doing in our own lives. Let us put on the Fruit of Kindness and always be alert, ready to seize the moment when opportunity should present itself.

Bible Study

Welcome back to our ongoing study “Living under God’s Canopy of Love”. As you will re-call we have begun a study on the 9 Attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. We have looked at the first three, the fruit of Love, Joy & Peace.

This month we are looking at the attribute of long-suffering. When you hear that word long-suffering, what comes to mind?

One might be ushered back to a familiar story about a man who lived amongst much adversity and pain. The story is found in the first several chapters beginning in Job chapter 2.

First of all, let’s look at the definition of what long-suffering means. According to the Thesaurus on-line dictionary long-suffering means that an individual is forgiving, resigned, tolerant, accommodating, patient & selfless.

Job was a man who truly painted a picture of endurance, patience, trust and faith. 

When one thinks of Job’s life one is immediately ushered to the story that portrays a life of hardship, loss and despair. Job’s life was far from living a life of ease. In spite of all that happened to Job he had much patience, he had much faith to trust God who had the power to give or take life away life from Job. In spite of much adversity he never turned away from God. He lost his family, home, live stock, basically everything. And not only that, he lost his health. He was afflicted with painful boils, his wife told him to curse God and die. The enemy of his soul was determined to make Job’s life miserable, he wanted Job to die. Here was a man who was tried in every area of his life. The one positive outcome of Job’s life is he never gave up, he kept his eyes on the finishing line, and he kept focused on God. In the end Job was blessed with more than he started out with. PTL!!!

We can learn a lot from the life of Job. He painted a picture before us how to live a life that is pleasing in the sight of God in spite of adversity.

Yes, we can learn from Job’s example but we have a better role model to fashion our lives after. The role model is Jesus, God’s Son. Jesus, our Lord and Savior endured much long-suffering, more than any man here on earth. He patiently endured much suffering. He had the power to keep his life but he fully surrendered and gave his life so others could have abundant life. Jesus has set an example of how we should live. Jesus demonstrated all 9 attributes of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. He walked His life according to His Father’s Will. He allowed God to mold and shape His life after that of His Father’s life.

 Galatians 5:22-23 states: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law.

1.      Long-suffering is patiently enduring suffering & difficulty.

2.      Long-suffering is inclined to forgive. Willing to forgive in most circumstances.

3.      Long-suffering is tolerant, withstanding harsh treatment. Able to put up with harsh conditions or treatment.

4.      Long-suffering is to relinquish claim. To give up a right or claim to something.

5.      Long-suffering is accommodating. Obliging, willing to adjust actions in response to the needs of somebody else.

6.      Long-suffering is patient. Capable of persevering, able to persevere calmly, especially when faced with difficulties.

7.      Long-suffering is self-less. Thinking of others first. Putting other people’s needs, interests, or wishes before their own.

Looking at the above descriptive words that describe long-suffering it surely paints a picture of endurance. Job endured the loss of his son’s and daughter’s, his livestock, his health. He was alienated from his friend’s, his wife and his familiar surroundings. In all of this he sinned not. He kept his eyes on the Lord.

Jesus God’s Son demonstrated what long-suffering is all about. He endured harsh treatment at the hands of the Roman soldier’s; Jesus endured suffering to the point of death. He relinquished all for us to have abundant life.

 Closing Thoughts

To re-cap our study we have discovered that long-suffering is patient, forgiving & self-less. Long-suffering teaches us to be tolerant, forgiving; to put others needs before that of ourselves & to endure difficulties & sufferings.

According to my Thompson Chain Reference Bible the Word Study on “Longsuffering” states that it is clearly “of God”:

Numbers 14:18 The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.

1 Peter 3:20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning  His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should  come to repentance.

Longsuffering is “Commanded”.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Looking at the above scriptures clearly longsuffering is an attribute that we all should be exhibiting as Christians in our daily lives. If we would allow the Fruit of God’s Holy Spirit to flow through us we would be a better witness for those we come in contact with.

This is what Christ desires above all, that we are filled with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating in our lives all 9 attributes of these Fruit’s portrayed in Galatians 5:22-23. Let us seek to be more like Christ, filled with His Love, Joy, Peace and Longsuffering living under the banner of “God’s Canopy of Love”.