SPIRIT OF FEAR

SPIRIT OF FEAR

2 Timothy 1:7   ⁷      for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

These three characteristics mentioned here; power, love and sound mind, (self-discipline) are available to us because the Holy Spirit lives in us.

The evil spirit of fear will cancel out your faith. Fear and faith are like hot and cold, belief and unbelief. The grip of fear is like being chained down. Only our faith in God can break the chains of fear.

Luke 12:32   ³² Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Jesus is saying don’t be afraid, for it gives your Father great pleasure (or happiness) to give you the kingdom.

Making the Kingdom of God your primary concern means making Jesus the Lord and King of your life. He must control every area: your work, your plans, relationship is the kingdom of many concerns central to all you do.

As the Lord and Creator, he wants to help provide what you need, as well as guide you how to use what he has already provided.

Jesus says I have not given you the evil spirit of fear, this is a direct evil, seducing, controlling spirit of Satan himself. He is using fear to cancel out the faith you have through the word of God.

Romans 8:5-7   ⁵ For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

⁶ For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

You can see here that the bible divides people into two categories: those who let themselves be controlled by their sinful nature and those who follow after the Holy Spirit.

All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn’t offered us a way out. Once we have said yes to Jesus, we will want to continue to follow him as born-again Christians.

The Holy Spirit gives us the power we need to walk our Christian life, he helps us to control our sinful nature, rather than being controlled by sin.

Jesus lives within us, even though our bodies will die, our spirit will live on with the Lord. Our choice to accept Jesus as Lord has made us right with God.

This spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. He will give you the same life to your mortal body. That same spirit Jesus had lives within you.

Take authority over the spirit of fear and trust God regardless of how you feel. Keep faith in the Lord, he will not leave you or forsake you.

Now let us talk on the sound mind. A sound mind is a person’s way of thinking; guided by the Holy Spirit, not being led or dictated to by your natural mind.

Since your soul is made up of your mind, your will, and your emotions; spiritual guidance from God must be the center of our thinking.

Luke 12:29-32     ²⁹ And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

³⁰ For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

³¹ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³² Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Don’t have a doubting mind. When God says he will do something, he will. Why? One reason is God can’t lie. Another is His word to us is a covenant that He will not break.

A sound mind is a worry-free mind. It can’t fill any of our needs, God loves us and knows our needs, he even promises to meet all our needs. 

Philippians 4:19      ¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

A sound mind must be a disciplined mind. Start by letting the word of God be the final authority. Not what you are thinking in the natural or what everyone else thinks. Let the Spirit of God give you the discerning of what is correct.

Daily we must consciously choose to center our life on God, he gives us guidelines in his Word for every situation. The Holy Spirit will point out what is right.

 We have talked about the spirit of fear (which is straight from the devil) and the sound mind. Now let us talk about Gods love, which conquers all fear.

Ephesians 5:2   ² And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

We are to live a life filled with love for others. Following the example of Christ Jesus who loved us so much that he gave himself as a sacrifice to take away all of our sins.

He did this and God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like a sweet perfume to Him.

Romans 8:37-39   ³⁷ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms and sometimes it has caused them to fear thinking that they have been abandon by the Lord.

But the word exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ Jesus. Nothing can separate us from his presence. God tells us how great his love is so that we will feel totally secure in Him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid.

We are super conquerors through Christ Jesus, and His love will protect us from any evil forces.

John 3:16   ¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God loves us so much that he sent his beloved Son that through Him we could receive eternal life. Eternal life is God’s life embodied in Christ Jesus, given to all believers as a guarantee that they will live forever in eternal life, where there is no death.

While we were still sinners God shared His love toward us. Whenever you feel uncertain about Gods love for you remember that he loved you even before you turned to Him.

Now we will talk about the power you got when you made Jesus the Lord of your life.

When Timothy said God did not give us the evil spirit of fear, that fear came from somewhere, it came from Satan

Thanks be to God he gave us power and authority to be an overcomer of this spirit called Satan.

Ephesians 6: 10-11   ¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Be strong in the Lord. Put on the whole armor of God, so we can stand against this spirit of fear; Satan the devil.

If Satan can keep you in fear, it will cast down your faith, and in your faith, is where your power is.

Ephesians 6:12   ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

For we fight not against flesh and blood, we are talking about spirit. Satan is a spirit, God is spirit. This is not a natural battle in the flesh.

This is why we can’t fight a spiritual battle with natural weapons. We are kept by the power of God through faith. Fear will put doubt in our minds, and doubt in God will cause you to lose your supernatural battle.

Proverbs 18:21   ²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Your God given power and authority over the enemy (who is the devil) totally relies on your faith; The strength of your faith and the power in the words that you say.

If you say I am sick, Satan will be happy to oblige you with sickness. If you confess you are well and made whole, God can sustain your health.

First, he puts a thought in your mind and you let this thought dominate your thinking, it goes down into your heart and you speak it out of the abundance of your heart. Your word can manifest either good things or bad things…

Either way God and Satan are both willing to use your words, the choice is yours… choose Gods way.

Matthew 12:34   ³⁴ O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Stay in the word. Learn about your power and authority through Christ Jesus. 

Brother Andy.

Keep on Trying

                                                                         Keep on Trying

I had a very interesting dream. I dreamed my dad had let me drive the family car. We were all going out to eat. It seems I had a terrible time turning the car around, then I drove it into the yard and started telling my father. Dad I just can’t do this, I am no good, I can’t do anything right. Just let me stay home and you guys go ahead without me.

My dad got in the car and drove it back into the driveway and motioned for me to come to him. I did. He said looking all over me, I’m looking for the tag that says where you originated from. Can you tell me where you came from? I thought about it at great lengths. I looked into his loving eyes and said I originated from the Father. He smiled a loving smile and put me in the drivers seat and said, continue on my daughter.

When I awoke I understood, my dad was the Heavenly father, He didn’t want me to feel sad or inadequate. He just wanted me to keep trying… Thank you Father for loving me and watching over me.

Our heavenly Father is watching over us all. He's right there with our every move. Trust in Him and just keep on trying...

Stay in the word.

Sister Gloria

A new home church

With a heavy heart we left our home church when we made our move to Arizona. With a little searching we have found a new home church. We are getting to know the people and volunteering to help. The people at our new home church are amazing. You can feel the love and support they freely offer.

If you have been displaced from your church, don't give up. Keep looking until you find one that feels like home to you.

I am looking forward to the friendships I know will come with time at our new home church.

God has been good to us. He is faithful and longsuffering. If you're having difficulties connecting with a church, ask Him for his help.

Stay in the word.

Sister Gloria.

THE LAW AND THE NEW COVENANT

THE LAW AND THE NEW COVENANT

2 Timothy 2:1   As for you, my child, be strong by the grace that is in the Messiah^[a] Jesus.

The Grace that Timothy is speaking of is a special favor through what Jesus did at Calvary for believers

That’s what it means when it speaks of hope in glory through Christ Jesus.

Under the Law, before the cross, if you did good, you were blessed; if you did wrong, you were cursed.

Deuteronomy 28:15   ¹⁵ “But if you don’t obey the Lord your God and faithfully carry out all his commands and statutes that I’m giving you today, then all these curses will come upon you and overwhelm you:

Deuteronomy 28: 1-2   “Indeed, if you diligently obey^[a] the Lord your God to carry out all his commands that I’m giving you today, then the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. ² Moreover, all these blessings will come upon you in abundance,^[b] if you obey the Lord your God:

Now when you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and make him Lord of your life, it is a whole different covenant. No more curses because Jesus took our curse on himself at the cross.

For this new covenant to work in your life you need to understand when you are reading Gods word, was it written before the cross under the law or was it written after the cross and under grace.

When Jesus walked the earth, the old covenant called the Law was still in force, still valid.

The new covenant did not start in the book of Matthew. The new covenant started when Jesus shed his blood at Calvary, when He said, “it is finished”

So to understand the old covenant and the new covenant you must ask yourself, was this before the cross?

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John was written after the cross but taught about things he did before the cross.

Jesus was born a Jew, taught only to the Jews, the Law he taught was old covenant law until the cross.

Most Christians and people still live under the old Law. They want to be blessed, but don’t understand the requirements of how to receive blessings.

2 Timothy 2:15    Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision.

We must rightfully divide the word of the truth, we must correctly analyze the time the word you are reading; is it pre-cross or post cross.

In the old covenant of law, first you had to obey the commandments, then you received your blessings.

Galatians 3: 10-14   ¹⁰ Certainly all who depend on the actions of the Law are under a curse. For it is written, “A curse on everyone who does not obey everything that is written in the Book of the Law!”^{[a] 11} Now it is obvious that no one is justified in the sight of God by the Law, because “The righteous will live by faith.”^{[b] 12} But the Law has nothing to do with faith. Instead, “The person who keeps the commandments^[c] will have life in them.”^{[d] 13} The Messiah^[e] redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written, “A curse on everyone who is hung on a tree!”^{[f] 14} This happened^[g] in order that the blessing promised to^[h] Abraham would come to the gentiles through the Messiah^[i] Jesus, so that we might receive the promised Spirit^[j] through faith.

This is new covenant, we are saved by grace through faith, by Christ Jesus our Lord and savior. Not by our works… Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb, that shed His blood to redeem us.

Curses are done with words. You can’t curse what God has blessed. Jesus took the curse on himself at the cross.

Obedience has its place in our lives, not a requirement to be blessed. God can bless or not bless.

Romans 5:19   ¹⁹ For just as through one man’s disobedience many people were made sinners, so also through one man’s obedience many people will be made righteous.

One mans disobedience (Adam) caused all persons born before the cross to be made sinners. So, one man’s obedience (Jesus) has caused us to be made righteous by accepting Him and what he finished at the cross.

Righteousness is a gift from God. We need to respond to what has been done for us.

You became righteous by accepting the one who made you righteous under the new covenant of grace.

You can wrongly divide the Word by wrong thinking. There is so much difference between old covenant teaching and new covenant teaching.

The old covenant under the law is invalid under the covenant of grace. It is like using a credit card that has expired. If you are living under requirements in the Law; It won’t work if you are claiming salvation under the new covenant.

If what you want requires you to do something first in order to get something from God, it’s the pattern of the old covenant.

Matthew 19:16-17   ¹⁶ Just then a man came up to Jesus.^[a] “Teacher,”^[b] he asked, “what good deed should I do to have eternal life?”

¹⁷ Jesus^[c] asked him, “Why ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good.^[d] If you want to get into that life, you must keep the commandments.”

Acts 16:30-31   ³⁰ he took them outside and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you and your family will be saved.”

Same question, one requirement under the Law of the old covenant, one under grace of the new covenant.

Before the cross you had to keep the commandments. After the cross you had to believe in Jesus. That is how you rightly divide the truth.

Under the Law, to be forgiven of sins they had to shed the blood of animals for the remission of those sins, even though the animal blood only covered the sin.

At the cross when Jesus was sacrificed by the shedding of his blood, His blood blotted out and removed all sin. Our sin is forgiven; past, present and future by accepting Jesus as Lord and savior.

Forgiveness is very important.

Mark ll:25-26   ²⁵ “Whenever you stand up to pray, forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins. ²⁶ But if you do not forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.”^[q]

Colossians 3:13   ¹³ Be tolerant of one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord^[a] has forgiven you, you also should forgive

This is based on the covenant of grace. The order has changed, we are empowered to forgive as an act of love through faith.

Galatians 2:16   ¹⁶ yet we know that a person is not justified by doing what the Law requires,^[a] but rather by the faithfulness of Jesus^[b] the Messiah.^[c] We, too, have believed in the Messiah^[d] Jesus so that we might be justified by the faithfulness of^[e] the Messiah^[f] and not by doing what the Law requires, for no human being^[g] will be justified by doing what the Law requires.

We are declared righteous, not by the law, we are not justified by the works of the Law, only by the faith of Jesus Christ. No one, by the works of the flesh is justified.

Being justified is as if you had never sinned. Not by self-effort, saved means born again only.

Stop taking things out of context. Learn the truth about dividing the word rightfully. Most people, yes even believers, believe they are saved, but believe they have to work for everything else. Instead be a partaker of everything Jesus made available for you at the cross.

When Jesus said it is finished, He had done everything he needed to do for mankind.

Be blessed, stay in the word.

Bro Andy

Fruit of the Spirit- Goodness… A deeper look

Fruit of the Spirit- Goodness… A deeper look

pt. 6 of 9

At this point in our study on "the fruit of the Spirit", we are     examining those graces which relate especially to how we relate with    our fellow man…

    ​Longsuffering ​is defined as "that quality of self-restraint in the       face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish." in essence, patients. ​Kindness ​is defined as "the sympathetic sweetness of  temper which puts others at their ease, and  avoids causing pain”   And now we come to Goodness  

This particular fruit is perhaps the most difficult to define, because it is so general in nature. We may say things like “he's a good guy/gal” or “we had a good time today” But good in what way? Exactly what does that mean? The context you use it in defines the tense .The problem with its use in Galatians 5, is that there is little in       the context to guide us. 

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. * 

Goodness is virtue and holiness in action. It results in a life characterized by deeds motivated by righteousness and a desire to be a blessing. It's a moral characteristic of a Spirit-filled person. The Greek word translated “goodness,” agathosune, (Uh-gath-o-soon) is defined as "uprightness of heart and life." Agathosune is goodness for the benefit of others, not goodness simply for the sake of being virtuous. 

Someone with agathosune will selflessly act on behalf of others. Confronting someone about a sin in their life demonstrates goodness. So, do giving to the poor, providing for one’s children, visiting the sick, volunteering to clean up after a disaster, and praying for an enemy. Expressions of goodness are as varied as the Spirit is creative...And He ​does ​get creative!!

 Remember, Goodness is not a quality we can manufacture on our own. 

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. *

  This certainly includes a life characterized by goodness. In letting the Holy Spirit control us, we are blessed with the fruit of goodness. As others see our good works, they will praise our Father in heaven.  

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. * 

Goodness is the fruit that virtue and the rest of characters combine to produce endearment. It is the character that makes people liked and even lovable by others. It is what is attractive and luring, that catches people's attention and respect. This is the main element that attracts people to you and finds and keeps friends. It builds marriages and shows God's love to others around us. It is virtue in action; it is being a role model and putting into practice excellence in all that we do to God and others. Goodness enables us to be liked and enjoyed, even if an enemy comes against us. 

Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. * 

It is the taste of what is to come, the way we are to be to one another at all times. 

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! *  Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! * 

 This is our expression of worship and gratitude to Christ played out in our lives, so we can enjoy Him and He can enjoy us, and so that life can be more enjoyable for all. 

Why are we to be good? Because God is good to us!! 

Psalm 86:5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 

Psalm 145:4-13 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will 

meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] *   Goodness is the application of love to others, whereas in the opposite of pride is a love... the only love we have and we often use it for only ourselves! 

Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. 

Proverbs 29:23 One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. * Being good will help us be patient, kind, understanding and forgiving to others. It will be the fruit that helps us build each other up, build His Church, reach His community and restore relationships and seek the best in all we do. It is excellence in action! It is what builds great societies and its absence causes those same societies to collapse into the dust!! 

Remember; the fruits and character cost dearly, they are not cheap by and from the One who bought them for us, for our betterment and for His glory. We must not take for granted what Cost Him so much!

 Prayer:

Almighty God, every good thing comes from you. Fill our hearts with love for You, and for others! increase our faith, and by Your constant care protect the good you have given us. Help it to grow and flourish, help us to be the example you gave! AMEN

Fruit of the Spirit – Kindness …. a deeper look

                                                                                    part 5 of 9

What is kindness? Kindness starts with caring —being tenderhearted and compassionate toward others. Let's look at what, according to Scripture, accompanies true kindness: 

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. *

So, how important is kindness? In a 2003 study of 37 cultures around the world, 16,000 subjects were asked about their most desired traits in a mate. For both sexes, the first preference was kindness!

We often think about kindness in terms of a single “act of kindness” instead of a lifestyle. However, the Bible tells us that we are to clothe ourselves in kindness, which goes far beyond just doing kind things for others every now and then.

The Greek word for “kind” is chrestos. Part of its meaning is “useful”, which makes it clear that biblical kindness involves action also. Our world places more emphasis on actions than words. For the most part, this is true but it doesn't mean words are not important also. Encouraging words of comfort, courtesy, compliments and even correction can be heartwarming acts of kindness. As attested in:

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – wear kindness. like a beautiful set of clothes.

People want to be treated kindly but have a harder time being kind themselves. A large-scale study of school bullies was recently conducted to learn why they bully other kids. The conclusion? Most do it because they enjoy doing it.

This illustrates how cruel, mean and sadistic raw human nature is. Kindness is another one of those things that must be learned, and many children are not being taught it.

In fact, much of the media they’re exposed to teaches the opposite. Violence and other terrible influences in media entertainment cause people to become desensitized and calloused toward the needs and feelings of others.

Some people think kindness is weak—not something for “go-getters” to be bothered with. Big mistake! If we want God, who has ultimate control of how things go in the universe, to be kind to us, we’d better be kind to others. 

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy

Proverbs 12:10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. or in another translations, If God wants us to be kind to animals, how much more should we be to undeserving people.

Next, we must make it our goal and habit to be actively looking for opportunities to show kindness. When we see one, we need to act quickly before the opportunity is gone. Part of allowing the full Fruit to work in your life is to strive to apply kindness to your lives in the following ways...

Kindness with your words It’s incredibly easy to be unkind with your words. Saying the first thing that comes to mind, or not taking time to think about your attitude before you speak can result in a lot of hurt feelings and a lot of regretted words. However, it can also be incredibly easy to be kind with your words. How? By taking a little extra time to think about your words before you speak them out loud. This may sound like a lot of work, but it’s really not. Actually, it’s pretty easy. You just need to ask yourself one question: Are these words kind? If the answer is yes, that’s awesome. Clothe yourself in kindness with your words! If the answer is no, then just don’t say them. Think of a different way to say what you want to say, this time using kindness.

What to say and not say should be guided by awareness of the sensitivities of others. We must help people heal from their emotional wounds rather than rubbing salt in those wounds. Sadly, when people know what “buttons to push,” they often use that insight to further hurt each other.

Kindness with your actions Our actions should be kind. This may seem like a “duh” point, but ask yourself—do you take the time to think about whether or not your actions are done in kindness? In the busyness of everyday life, kindness can quickly become something that is shoved aside in favor of convenience. Why? Because it’s just not convenient to be kind! It’s way easier to just be selfish.

Kindness with your Attitude This can be a tricky one. How many of you struggle with having a kind attitude all the time? Think about it—when someone is getting on your nerves, is your attitude toward them kind?

What about when someone is unkind to you? Or what about when things don’t work out the way you wanted them to—does your attitude always show kindness? If this is something you struggle with, ask God to help you! When you feel yourself struggling to have a kind attitude, pray and ask Him to help you have more kindness in your heart and less of whatever else is going on. 

  ​Job 6:14 Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” –

Kindness should begin with our kin. Ironically and tragically, many people display their most unkind behavior with the ones they should love the most. God is not unaware of this hypocrisy. God's standard requires being kind to all. Strangers are another subject altogether!! But these people need kindness more than anyone! Persistent efforts to be kind to them can gradually convince them that you are a true friend. Furthermore, your kindness can not only bring about healing for their wounded hearts, but can encourage them to mirror your example, thus filling the world with more kindness!!!

How to cultivate kindness Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus * Our innate human nature must be replaced by God’s nature, and that can happen by receiving the gift of God’s Spirit dwelling in us and the wonderful fruit it produces: “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Each characteristic here clearly relates to the others. Longsuffering, the previous one explained in this series of articles on the fruit of God’s Spirit, and is an important component of love:

1Corinthians 13:4 “Love suffers long (is patient) and is kind” 

Another example is the “virtuous wife” of Proverbs 31 fame, who diligently attends to the needs of her family and of many others.  “She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20). “And on her tongue, is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26). 

May ALL of our tongues be guided by the law of kindness! Jesus Christ practiced kindness that was radical for that time and culture. He always had great concern for women as well as men, for children as well as adults, for other races as well as the Jewish race, and for the sick and weak as well as the strong. Often, He wore Himself out praying for people, healing people, feeding people and helping them in other ways. 

When Jesus looked on the multitudes of people with all their problems, sicknesses and confusion, He was “moved with compassion” As we look at the people around us, we, too, should be moved with compassion. We, too, should be helping, giving, sharing, caring, encouraging, extending mercy, filled with compassion and acting on it as we are able—in a word, kind.

With each of us, may the fruit of kindness continue to blossom and grow. Above all, may we strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who personified God’s best in the greatest example of loving-kindness

Prayer:

Dear God, If I cannot be brilliant, let me be kind. If I cannot change the world, let me inspire just one other to do so. If I cannot give away riches, let me be loving. Let me be known for kindness, for it is the greatest glory in your eyes! I love you Lord. AMEN!

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, JOY PART 2 OF 9

Fruit of the Spirit- Joy

 What is Joy?

A deeper look. Part 2 of 9

BY MATTHEW CORTINAS

In English, joy has many synonyms, such as happiness, pleasure, gladness and delight. But the meaning the world places on these words does not necessarily reflect what the Bible means. The Greek translation ‘simcha’ gives a more direct meaning of “happiness in the fullest sense.” or Abiding Joy!

Selfish happiness vs. Godly joy Often today people and sometimes Christians even, think that pursuing the things of this world, equals searching to find what will make them happy. But in doing that (as long as no one gets hurt), can’t be wrong? Why do you think this IS WRONG? For example, if we think it makes us happy to put money (or the pursuit of it) above all else, or fudge a little on our taxes to get a bigger return, or criticize or bully others to make ourselves feel better, These aren't the best of examples and I’m sure you all can possibly think of many others, but does that mean we should do those things in the pursuit of happiness or Joy?

No!

 The Bible says: in Proverbs 21:15… ¹⁵ It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

 The joy talked about as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 is the positive and cheerful outlook of a person who has been called by God and understands how beneficial it is to follow God’s example.

Breaking God’s law never produces real, lasting joy. Selfishly seeking our own pleasure is not the way to achieve real joy either. Real joy is a gift from God, and it is something He wants us to give to others unselfishly. We can have joy from God even when facing things that would naturally make us unhappy, such as adversities.   James 1:2-4 says, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

But thankfully the Bible promises us that in the long run, joy, and even happiness and pleasure will all align perfectly in His presence ...  Joy is the realization that God loves us and wants to give good things to His children—those who have repented, been baptized and have received His Holy Spirit. 

Psalm 67:4

“Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth”. *

What is Godly joy? Joy is the response of Christians to the fact that we have been given a precious truth, a gift and understanding of a way of life that brings fulfillment in God—now and forever.

Why do you think God want us to demonstrate joy? As we’ve seen, joy that is gained through selfish desires and activities only brings a superficial high or temporary enjoyment. Yet there is another joy that comes through the Holy Spirit and following God’s way of life that brings real contentment and true happiness.

God wants us to have Joy in order to prove to the world that He is the One who brings happiness! 

Also, when we demonstrate joy, we are actively showing where our priorities are. Notice the parable of the treasure in a field: 

Matthew 13:44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” * think about this... The joy over the coming Kingdom and what God has revealed makes everything else in life seem less important. Grouchy, ungrateful, negative and angry Christians don’t exactly demonstrate the truth about the Kingdom of God—something so wonderful that nothing else should take priority over it. It is something to rejoice about every day, all day: at work, at home, while driving, while playing—everywhere. But why demonstrate joy? If we truly believe what God has told us in His Word, then we have plenty to rejoice about. There will be tough times in this life (deaths of loved ones or life changes, etc.), but even in those times of sorrow and weeping, the underlying joy of God’s plan for us must reign in our hearts and actions. Easier said than done, right?

An example; The apostle John gives us an example of joy that should be present in our life always. In his letter to Gaius, an elder he greatly admired, he said in the following verse: “

3 John 1 :3-4 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 John was exceedingly cheerful and happy that people he had ministered to were continuing to walk in the truth. He was also joyful because he knew as long as they walked in the truth, they would also have happiness and joy—for eternity.

John’s example explains where joy comes from and why it’s important. Joy comes from staying true to God’s teachings, and it’s important because it gives others joy and shows a grateful response to what we’ve been given.

An example to avoid Christ mentions joy in His parable of the sower and the seed: 

Matthew 13: 20-21 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. * This is only temporary joy, not real, lasting joy. The person in the stony places may have had sincere joy at the beginning, but he soon focused on trials and let that joy fade away. Our joy, excitement and happiness in God must always be growing and expanding by staying close to Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." * Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. Adverse circumstances, instead of hindering our faith, can actually enhance our joy. Paul and Silas knew adversity as they sat with their feet in the stocks in a Philippian jail cell. Their legal rights had been violated. They had been arrested without cause and beaten without a trial. At midnight, since they couldn’t sleep, they sang—loudly—the praises of the Lord they were serving!

Acts 16:25-26 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. * And as you can see Paul and Silas reveling in the Joy of the Lord brought a miracle!

The joy of the Lord may defy understanding to ones who does not possess it. But, for the believer in Christ, the joy of the Lord comes as naturally as grapes on a vine. As we abide in

Christ, the True Vine, we the branches are full of His strength and vitality, and the fruit we produce, including joy, is ALL His (God’s) doing!!

END

Heavenly Father, what a comfort to read and study your word, giving us examples of those, who despite the difficulties and dangers that they were called upon to face, were able to rejoice in the Lord and trust in Your never-failing faithfulness. We pray that like them we too may receive Your abiding joy and discover like them… that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that the peace that comes from You is an abiding peace that enables us to overcome all difficulties of life. We ask this in Jesus’ name! AMEN!