Malice Vice

 

Malice – a desire to harm, hurt or get even with someone.  Although I may not have ever desired to actually harm someone, getting even with someone?  Well, that is a different story.  We have discussed anger, the feeling that burns inside of you when you have been wronged.  Rage is the outburst that happens, our mouth takes over and says things out of anger.  Malice moves towards intent.  You want ill on the person.  You may want some sort of revenge or may even silently rejoice when the person suffers.  Have you ever felt that way?

I am not happy to admit it, but in my lifetime, I have experienced malice.  Thinking back upon those times, I am deeply ashamed of that feeling.  Often, we believe it is ‘justified’ to feel malice.  The person hurt us so much that our hearts and souls were broken.  They deserve what they get, and I hope it is something bad!  Although I may not have outwardly shared those words (maybe I have), I have certainly thought those words.  Have you?  Have malice thoughts crossed your mind?

Friends, isn’t it wonderful that we have a loving and forgiving Lord?  He has given us the perfect example of how we should respond when someone hurts us so deeply.  Think about all those close to Jesus who hurt Him and how He responded with humility and love.  One of the greatest examples of this would be Judas.  Judas betrayed Jesus and brought the soldiers to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus knew this long before the Last Supper and when He washed the disciples’ feet.  Yet, He did not single Judas out.  He did not show malice to Judas.  He showed humility by washing Judas’ feet and continued to love Judas to the end.   

The next time the urge to seek revenge on another comes to our hearts, may we remember our Jesus.  Replacing thoughts of malice with humility and love can be difficult.  It is hard to forgive someone to the point of kindness, yet that is what our Lord showed us.  If Jesus can show humility and love to the disciple who gave Him up for death, I can certainly try to show kindness to someone who hurts me.  When we do that, I am certain the Holy Spirit will fill our souls with peace.  The peace of wishing good versus harm can permeate your heart and become a blessing.  This is not easy, but it is possible – with the grace of God and simple faith!

Video that complements this post:  Malice Vice

Heavenly Lord, please replace malice with kindness in my soul.  May the situation that hurt me so much be turned around.  Help me to see goodness in the other person and be a model that walks in your light.  Bring me peace through the kindness shown.  Amen!

Rage Vice

 

This morning when I was watching the news, a story of road rage came on.  Two people stopped right in the middle of a highway, got out of their cars, and proceeded to barad each other and then damaged each other’s cars.  Rage takes anger to an entirely different level.  When I think of rage, either mine or others, I see red faces, flanging arms, burrowed brows, standing tall, and lips filled with angry words.  Rage is the outward expression of anger that encompasses yelling words and showing explosive behavior. 

As Paul asks us to rid ourselves of the vices listed above, rage is outwardly powerful.  I have experienced rage towards me; it was one of the most frightening experiences of my life!  I was scared – scared mentally and scared for my physical being.  This incident happened decades ago, but it has stayed with me all this time.  Rage has a way of hanging on.  Experiences of rage are not easily forgotten.  The same holds true when we show rage in a situation.  Although it may not be often, I am certain that I have had moments of impulsive outbursts that have embedded their ways into people’s memories as well.  This is behavior I am not proud of and have asked for forgiveness from those I offended and from God.  Rage is an emotion that can be contained and responded to differently.

Self-control, a fruit of the spirit, is a way for us to contain rage.  Our ability to NOT lash out but to control our responses to another in a combative situation is what Paul is asking of us.  This means that we have to change the response from demeaning words and explosive actions to thoughtful words and respectful actions.  How can we do this when we are so angry we want to “spit nails”?  In walks our Holy Spirit!

Friends, when anger fills us up and rage is upon us, we need to step back.  Often, this can take the form of actually stepping away from the situation.  Gaining perspective, breathing while counting to ten (or maybe fifty) can lead to a vastly different response than shooting words towards the one you are angry with - words you cannot take back.    While stepping away, it is time to have a conversation.  Not a conversation with the person you are angry with, but a conversation with God.  This is your opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to step in and relinquish your anger for self-control.  This is the time to let the Holy Spirit know you need help and to remove the rage you are feeling.  Asking for help in this manner is why God is within us – helping us and guiding us to better decisions. 

When anger is getting the better of us and rage is gaining control, remember to call upon our Lord.  He knows our flaws.  He knows our sinful nature.  He is ready and waiting for us to call upon Him for help in all situations – even those of anger.  Have Simple Faith that He is available to us at all hours to help us and rid us of the vice of rage!

Video that complements this post: Rage Vice

Dearest Lord, please remove rage from my heart.  Take away the moments where I want to explode in anger and replace them with self-control and respectful words.  Fill my heart, Lord, with your grace and mercy.  Amen!

Anger Vice

 

Coming off our series of the Fruits of the Spirit and how we can expand the positive behaviors in our lives, I thought it would be appropriate for us to also explore the vices we should remove from our lives.  For this we will be exploring Colossian 3:8. The first vice to explore will be anger.

Have you experienced anger, deep-rooted anger?  The kind that quickly builds to a level of resentment to a person or a situation.  Unfortunately, I have.  It has reared its ugly head on numerous occasions.  It could be when people have hurt me or disappointed me and my heart cannot believe this person responded (or did not respond) in the manner I anticipated.  Anger is mostly seen as an ‘internal’ attitude that hangs on. 

I have felt this in my life, and it changed the way I was responding to all people around me and my ability to find happiness and joy.  I would not let it go, and the anger built up inside in such a manner I had difficulty sleeping.  I often said to myself, “Let it go!”  My mind knew that it was the right thing to do, but my heart felt different.  The resentment was building, and I could feel it! 

My friends, the only way I moved on from this anger was to go to Jesus.  As Paul shared with the Colossians, we need to rid ourselves of these vices – starting with anger.  I was not able to do this on my own.  In walks prayer!  I prayed – and prayed and prayed.  Over time, I felt the burden of the anger I was carrying lifting.  I felt Jesus walking into my heart and healing it.  The Holy Spirit replaced my anger with peace.  Yes, when I think of the situation, I can feel my blood begin to boil a bit – yet I also can replace the anger with the sense of peace knowing that it is out of my control and in Jesus’ hands.

Our goal should be not getting that angry in the first place.  Easier said than done!  Coming to these occasions with a praying heart of calmness and control versus anger and resentment brings us closer to the person Jesus wants us to be.  How do we do that?  I find that when a situation arises where I begin to feel anger, I either step away or slow down and say a prayer.  Something like, “Jesus, I need you right now.  Help me to replace the anger I am feeling with a sense of calm.  Show me a way to respond as you would Jesus, with patience and control.” 

The Book of Proverbs offers many opportunities for us to put words on our hearts for anger situations.  One of my favorites is: 

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."  Proverbs 14:29

Friends, let us pursue a sense of patience in troubling scenarios.  May our responses mirror those of Jesus.  Have Simple Faith He will always be there for us!

Video that complements this post:  Anger Vice

Jesus, we need you.  Stand with us as we enter situations where anger may take over.  May we respond with a sense of patience and calm.  In your name we pray, Amen!

Fruit of Self-Control

 

Our Fruits of the Spirit journey is coming to an end with self-control.  This ‘fruit’ has always been close to my heart.  Perhaps it is due to the fact that I can’t get away from this being about me, with self in the actual word!  Self-control comes into many facets and phases in one’s life.  I typically associate myself with a healthy eating program and self-control.  Often, I set my sights on ensuring I eat properly, especially as I age.  I find that my desire to have ice cream every day and sticking to my healthy eating program is definitely about self-control.  There are days when I am more successful than others.

Yet, self-control falls into many other aspects of my life, and I’m assuming yours as well. 

·         Words – do I have control over the words that come out of my mouth?  Are they words that are uplifting for those around me and not judgmental?  “The tongue has the power of life and death.”  Proverbs 18:21

·         Actions – are my actions aligned with what Jesus has planned for me?  Am I acting and reacting in away that is pleasing to Jesus?  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  Colossians 3:17

·         Thoughts – what are you thinking?  Is what you are thinking about true to God?  “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

·         Temptation – what are you tempted by?  There is much in this world that tempts us every day.  Are we quick to anger?  Does the gossip pool include you?  Are there other ways that you are tempted that do not align with God’s plan for your life?  “…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure.”  1 Corinthians 10:13

Friends, the beauty of the Fruits of the Spirit is that the Holy Spirit is with us for each and every one listed.  He is there to help sustain us and our efforts to live our best lives in Jesus.  Our job is to remember this and to rely on Him and the power that He has inside of us to live with self-control. 

We have discussed much on all the Fruits of the Spirit.  In doing so, one may think, “Great, how do I live a life filled with all these good things?”  It comes from a place of humility.  It comes from fully understanding that we are sinners and we cannot do this on our own.  Praying for the Holy Spirit to show up in our lives, to guide us on the paths that Jesus has for us, and doing so with all of the Fruits of the Spirit by our side will greatly assist our goal of living the life for Jesus.  What we need to have is Simple Faith!!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Self-Control

I’d like to thank Mary for suggesting this series.  I hope all have found it beneficial.  It certainly opened my eyes!

Holy Spirit, please give me the fruit of self-control throughout my day.  May I be reminded you are in me, guiding me, and helping to hold me accountable.  Amen!

Fruit of Gentleness

 

Ahhh, to be gentle and receive gentleness.   I know there are many times over the years I wished I were treated with more gentleness and, quite frankly, even more times that I wished I had shown gentleness.  As a Fruit of the Spirit, gentleness can be explored in a variety of aspects, all of them intertwined to offer a sense of compassion, humility, and calmness.  To provide gentleness in a situation is a behavior that one needs to be cognizant of and to practice.

The greatest factor impacting gentleness is an ability to respond to a situation without pride.  This does not mean that we should not share our opinion or belief, but it does mean doing so in a manner that does not demean or belittle the person with whom we are communicating.  We need to leave the harsh words at the door and replace them with words of grace and love.  We need to suppress the facial expressions of anger and replace them with expressions of worth and value.  There are a variety of scenarios where gentleness can be seen.

Response to mistakes: How do you respond when someone makes mistakes?  Do you ‘come at them’ with wild eyes and harsh words?  When we approach people that way, we often find ourselves regretting our behavior.  This response can ruin relationships quickly.  When we respond with gentleness, and the understanding that people make mistakes and are not perfect, we come to the situation with a sense of humility.  We have made our fair share of mistakes as well. Leave your pride and move forward with gentleness – in words and behavior.

Sharing of beliefs:  Here is a news flash – not everyone is going to have the same opinions and beliefs as you do!  We see that play out every day in the media.  Disagreements over beliefs that not only end in harsh words but violence.  God wants us to show people the path to heaven, but to do so with a sense of gentleness.  Peter says the following when Christians are called to speak the truth of Jesus, “… Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect…”         1 Peter 3:15. Preaching God’s word is effective when we live by the gentleness Fruit of the Spirit.

There are many more opportunities for us to live out gentleness in our lives.  Our body language alone can portray a sense of gentleness – responding to people with a smile, kind eyes, and wearing your love for humanity on your sleeve.  Our words can be the greatest expressions of gentleness – leaving unkind and bitter words behind and replacing them with words of uplifting and grace.  Gentleness does not mean we have to be meek, but it does mean that we can show calmness and compassion, regardless of the situation.  If this is a ‘fruit’ that you need to work on, take a few moments before responding to people.  This is about these verses, and know that the Holy Spirit is in you, working on gentleness.  Have Simple Faith!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Gentleness

Holy Spirit, thank you for your help with my gentleness.  May I respond to those around me with a gentle approach, letting them know unconditionally that you are working in me and through me for all goodness.  Amen!

Fruit of Faithfulness

 

Our Fruit of the Spirit journey takes us to faithfulness.  As I reflected on this ‘fruit’, a hard reality came to mind.  The world we are in today doesn’t promote faithfulness.  You have a favorite restaurant that you have been faithful to for years that receives some ‘less than stellar’ reviews and you may choose another establishment.  You have been faithful to a car brand for years, but ‘the one over there’ is shinier and has more features.  You have been faithful attending the same church for years, but you are growing tired of the preaching on the Bible and want them to be more open to society today.  Lastly, in a more disheartening way, the spouse you have been faithful to for years has become ‘boring’. 

Our world today seems to have us searching for the ‘new and shiny’ instead of holding on to a sense of faithfulness.  This can be apparent in many different scenarios.  I have had to self-reflect on this myself.  Are there areas in my life where I am shedding faithfulness for the next shiny thing?  Friends, we need to ensure we always keep our faithfulness to the One and Only, our Lord.  We need to ensure we are faithful to him and the path He has laid in front of us.  We can wrestle with this level of faithfulness when we don’t believe God is walking with us during challenging times or He is not responding the way we think God should.  He has, and will continue to be, faithful to us.  Let us evaluate our behaviors and actions to the words of the Bible that show us how faithful our God is.

·         “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love.”  Deuteronomy 7:9

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

·         “If we are faithless, He remains faithful.”  2 Timothy 2:13

·         “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” 1 John 1:9

God never leaves us or forsakes us, regardless of our waywardness or grave sins.  He is faithful to us, and we need to ensure the fruit of faithfulness that the Holy Spirit gives to us is front and center in our faithfulness to Him.  God is good, ALL THE TIME!  It may not seem like that when the life we are living here on earth is filled with despair.  Yet, I promise you, God’s goodness for you will never waiver.  He is faithful to us each and every day in whatever we may be facing.  He loves each and every one of us and when we reflect on that love, that unconditional love, we will see His faithfulness shine.  Let our faithfulness for Him shine in all we do!  Have simple faith that our faithfulness in God will always yield great blessings – and eternal life!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Faithfulness

Holy Spirit, light the fire of faithfulness within me.  May my faith in God and all He brings to my life never wander.  May all that I meet know of my faithfulness to Jesus, and the abundance that He brings to me each day.  Amen!

Fruit of Goodness

 

Here we are again, my friends, on our Fruits of the Spirit journey.  This week has our reflection pointed to goodness.  Often, kindness and goodness can be seen as similar.  Yet, the difference is between you and me.  How so?  Kindness is what we show and how we treat others – YOU.  Goodness is how I behave, actioning what is right and with a level of integrity – ME. 

Goodness offers us the opportunity to not only be nice to others but to also do what is right.  I can hear y’all saying, “Of course, I do what is right, Susan!”  I believe, if we truly self-examine, we may find that our actions are not always what is right or good.  To act with a level of integrity, a level of goodness, can be easier said than done.  Our actions, as much what we do as what we do not do, dictate how we live our lives.  What does goodness look like in the eyes of Jesus?

·         Honesty: Living our lives with honesty at the forefront.  Honesty needs to begin with us.  This means looking at ourselves, our gaps, and having a sense of humility that we have areas where we sin, and where we need to be better – for God and ourselves.

·         Integrity: Doing what we say we are going to do.  If we sit in a pew on Sunday morning and profess that we are Christians and do what is right, then our actions as we leave the church doors should reflect that.  Taking a strong look at this may reveal this is easier said than done.

·         Stand Firm: Standing up for what is right.  It takes a lot to be the ‘one person’ to stand up for what is right.  It is much easier to go along with the crowd.  Nobody modeled this better for us than Jesus.  He always stood up for the righteous thing, the Godly thing, those who were not able to stand up for themselves.  This is incredibly difficult to achieve.

The above examples of goodness are not easy.  Challenging ourselves to truly reflect on our actions as they are described above may lead us to realize we have work to do.  We SHOULD have work to do!  We are sinners, my friends.  The only way we will be able to move forward in goodness is by the grace of God.  Jesus walks with us every day to help us attain the goodness for which we are striving.  Living in goodness will feel good.  When we are honest about our gaps and work towards being better; when we live with integrity every day; when we stand up for a situation so it will mirror what Jesus wants – all those examples will provide you with goodness in your soul.  Let us step up, in simple faith, that we can do this – with the grace of the One who can help us – Jesus!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Goodness

Holy Spirit, be with me as I work to integrate goodness into my life.  Let my actions reflect the love that I have for Jesus and that He has for me.  May goodness radiate from me and ensure that I am living the life I want to live for Jesus.  Amen!

Fruit of Kindness

 

Turn on the news, open up a newspaper, or scroll through a news service and I believe we can all agree that we consistently see examples where kindness has been replaced with judgement, hostility or even violence.  We can walk through our days experiencing people’s inability (including ourselves) to show kindness to others.  It seems that if you disagree with another individual, if you do not have the same beliefs or values, it provides a person with a clear path to be nasty to that person – either through thoughts, words, or actions.

In walks our Fruit of the Spirit for this week, kindness.  You may be thinking, “I’m a kind person,” and you very may well be a kind person.  The question becomes WHO are you being kind to?  Are you kind to your friends, showing up for them and performing kind acts for them?  Are you kind to your family members, ensuring that they have the best version of you in all their needs?  That is great and it is important for you to share kindness with those closest to you.

I believe the challenge the Holy Spirit asks of us to bring kindness to ALL our interactions, even with those that we may disagree with, have different value systems, or even those we would consider to be our enemies.  Now there is a challenge I face every day – how about you?  Why should we show kindness to those that do not show kindness to us?  We have the best example of that in Jesus.  Think of how kind He was to those around Him that may not have believed He was the Savior.  His kindness, His generosity – it is all there for us to use as examples.

He respected ALL people, not just His family and the disciples.  He believed each person was created by God for God’s journey.  Shouldn’t we share that same level of respect and consideration?  He showed compassion, even to the least of God’s creatures.  There are times when we cannot show compassion or empathy to our neighbor!  Jesus shows us that even the smallest lamb deserves our compassion.  Jesus did not just ‘think’ about kindness, He acted on it!  He healed, He listened, He performed miracles – for ALL people.  Jesus showed us that acting out kindness to ALL people is why the Holy Spirit is within us.

Let us move from performing Random Acts of Kindness to Intentional Acts of Kindness.  Seek out the person you may be struggling to have a relationship with.  Reflect upon the folks that you may have shared sharp words of disagreement or those who may have ‘done you wrong’ and you have decided to disassociate yourself with.  How can you life out Jesus’ love through kindness with those people?  Your mind may be telling you, ‘no way.’  Let your heart and soul share with you a ‘way.’  Have simple faith that the intentional act of kindness is the Holy Spirit working within you to bring Jesus’ kindness to all.  We can do this.  I have faith in us!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Kindness

Holy Spirit, guide me to perform Intentional Acts of Kindness, especially to those that I may not consider a friend or a family member.  Help me to see the value they bring to this world, as God sees their value.  May I be respectful and compassionate to all people I meet.  Amen.

Fruit of Patience

 

Patience!  A word each time I see it slaps me in the face.  I would welcome the feedback of “You are so patient.”  Yet, I cannot say that has been on anyone’s lips – both personally and professionally.  I have gaps, and patience is one of them.  I have attempted to bring a stronger sense of patience into my life, as a mother, as a wife, and as a working professional.  Looking back upon each of those roles, there have been moments where I failed, miserably.

This reared its ugly head in a couple of situations – typically when things are moving as fast as I am moving.  At home, this can show up when I am entertaining.  Everything has a place and time.  If it is not as I ‘planned,’ my lack of patience shines through – like a spotlight.   Those around me?  They prefer to hide under the nearest chair.  At work, it came in lack of my ‘planned goal’ not being achieved.  If things were not getting done, that meant we needed to do more and do it quicker.  By recognizing this negative response in myself, I provided my staff to share the words ‘Jersey Mode.’  When those words were shared with me, I knew I was working too quickly and needed to step back in patience.

Having patience means having to rely on God.  When the Holy Spirit touches us and provides us opportunities to show patience, we need to take these opportunities as gifts of learning and growth.  Patience means we are going to remain calm during adversity.  It means we are empathetic; it means we are not impulsive in our reactions.  The situations above did not exude a sense of calm; I was reacting purely impulsively.  Patience is a fruit God gives to us to deal with earthly circumstances.  It helps us and it helps those around us.

Where can we practice patience?  By turning to God.  My friends, the realization that He is in control, working for our benefit even though we may not recognize it, can bring us patience.  Patience means it will not happen in our time, but in God’s time!  Patience means we will continue to put our simple faith in the fact that God is working on our behalf, even when we cannot see anything happening.  Patience means we respond with a trust in God, not a trust in ourselves.

When we need patience, go to God first.  Ask for His hand as you walk a difficult journey or a journey of waiting.  Ask the Holy Spirit to touch your heart and soul so that you can respond to others in God’s light.  Ask for a calm voice and a steady process of hope.  It is there for all of us; all we need to do is ask for God’s help for patience!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Patience

Holy Spirit, help me to recognize when my patience is wearing thin.  Provide me the nudge to seek God and ask for endurance, trust, and hope.  In your name I pray.  Amen!

Fruit of Peace

 

Our journey continues through the fruits of the spirit as we explore peace.  Peace is defined differently among people.  Whether utter silence or complete chaos, people can experience peace.  Personally, this word has been defined by me numerous ways throughout my life.  As a young adult, I wanted peace to calm my anxious thoughts about a new job.  As a new mom, it was definitely the peace of silence.  As a working woman, the peace I sought was the ability to successfully balance all that was delivered to my plate.  Although what peace looked like in each phase of my life may have changed, what anchored all of those definitions was peace for my soul.  When my soul was at peace, I was able to attain the peace I sought.

We may believe that peace can be attained through the outside entities around us – a calming environment, a stress-free vacation, a checklist that is complete.  Those external factors are quickly replaced with direct opposites in our lives.  The calming environment becomes chaos, the stress-free vacation has a hiccup, the checklist gets ‘one more thing added.’  Peace is replaced by a number of conflicting emotions.  When my soul was at peace versus the world around me, I realized that I had met the goal, the peace I was looking for.

So how do we gain a peaceful soul?  There is truly only one way that is achieved – by having peace with God.  Peace from God is freely given to us through the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit touches our souls and gives to us the peace that God wants in our lives – the peace that passes all understanding.  As humans, we may resist gaining peace from God.  We may find getting peace from God too simple or too easy.  God provides us the ‘easy’ peace because He wants our souls to be rooted in Him.  This means that in order for us to have a peaceful soul, we need to trust God.  Now there is the trick question, do you trust God?  Stop before answering! 

Do you go to God with all your decisions in your life?  Do you accept His answers?  Do you trust Him with the chaos in your life?  Do you have complete confidence that in the messy parts of your life, God is present and is walking you through the mess to cleanse you?  When we can get to that part of living, regardless of the circumstances, we can trust God is with us, forgiving us, directing us, and loving us.   Then we can experience His incredible peace.  His peace washes over us in happiness and sadness.  His peace finds root in our soul and every part of our body can feel it.  When peace seems to evade you, look to where you are putting your trust.  Have Simple Faith!  Trust in God!  Enjoy a Peaceful Soul!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Peace

Holy Spirit, remind me of God’s peace for my soul.  Help me to trust all that He is doing in my life and let peace wash over me.  Amen!

Fruit of Joy

 

The fruit of JOY!  There is nothing better for our souls than joy.  It is better than good; better than great.  It is that deeper and richer feeling we have when joy permeates our being.  We are blessed to have that feeling because the Holy Spirit resides inside us.  There are numerous times and situations that can bring us happiness.  I firmly believe to have true joy means that Jesus is with us.  The reason behind that is that there can be joy in difficult times.  Remember James 1:2-3?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

When I think back upon my life, was I able to consider joy during trials?  To be honest, I am not certain.  Yet, I do remember two distinct moments when joy replaced sadness in my life.  Both of these scenarios were when I lost my parents.  It has been 25 years since my dad passed.  We did not anticipate his leaving us so soon, and as sad as I was to see him leave earth, the joy I felt in my heart is that he was in heaven with Jesus – singing with the angels.  The same feeling of joy came over me as I watched my mom pass into her heavenly home, almost ten months ago.  As difficult as it was to watch her pass to Jesus, my heart was joyful because she so yearned to see Jesus’ face.  I knew the joy she wanted.

Joy can creep up on us and provide us moments of peace during moments of trial.   The joy that comes with challenges is reflected in our true understanding that Jesus is with us, the Holy Spirit is in us.  When we fully experience the fruit of joy, we know that walking with us is the One who can give us certainty amongst the uncertain; the One who can give us purpose amongst the confusion.  Falling into the Holy Spirit’s arms of joy, and knowing we carry that joy within us, assists us in sharing our joy with others.

During my battle with cancer, there were times I felt joyful.  When I finally realized that Jesus was with me, fighting my battle with me, ensuring we were in this together, joy filled my heart.  My head may have been bald, but my heart was full of joy!  Friends, our joy, the joy found in the Holy Spirit, can fill us up when we least expect it.  Our hope and joy and anchored in Jesus.  What do we need to do to have this joy?  Have simple faith that He has freely given joy to each and every one of us.  By His death and resurrection, we can live in the joy of a heavenly home!  May joy fill your soul!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Joy

Holy Spirit, thank you for filling my soul with joy.  May I share this joy that you so freely provide me with to all that I meet.  May they know that my joy, in all circumstances, comes from you.  Amen!

Fruit of Love

I would like to take a couple of sentences to say, “Thank You”!  April 7^th noted the 13^th year I have been writing my Simple Faith for Today weekly blog.  Started as a personal release for my own thoughts on the impact of Jesus on our lives, through your continued support, you have inspired me to write on topics that have uplifted all of us!  I appreciate your wonderful comments and look forward to the years ahead, with God’s grace.

As a suggestion from my friend Mary, the next few weeks will focus on the Fruits of the Spirit.  We will highlight each of the wonderful fruits that the Holy Spirit has placed in our lives.  What better way than to start with LOVE!  The fruit of love can span numerous aspects of our lives.  The word love tends to bring reflection of those close to us, our spouses, significant others, immediate family members, etc.  We are supposed to love them, they are family!  Yet, what does that love look like?  How are we supposed to share this love with family?  It looks different for each person, each family.  Exploring what this looks like for you is the goal.  How do you express your love to your family members?  Are there areas where you can improve what love looks like for those closest to you? 

There is also love expressed to ourselves.  I hear so often, “You need to love yourself before you can love others.”  I have always had a hard time with that statement – it seems very self-centered.  But I can understand that if we are not able to accept ourselves for who we are, the good and the ugly parts of ourselves, it will be hard to accept that in others, to love that in others.  We are all imperfect.  Celebrating those imperfections is part of the love experience.  Looking inward to who we are and understanding our imperfections and our sinful nature gives us the capacity to be less judgmental and more empathetic with those around us. 

Speaking of those around us, loving our neighbors is a charge that comes directly from Jesus.  “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22: 37-39) Ah, the words of Jesus piercing our hearts and souls.  This should be easy enough, right?  Yet, I challenge you to think of times when you may be frustrated and angry with those you meet.  Is the fruit of love emanating from you?  Are you reflecting God’s love for you to others?  I can very definitively state that there have been times when I have not behaved and showered those around me with love.  Reflecting upon the fruit of love provides us an opportunity to determine where we struggle most with love.  Is it loving all aspects of yourself?  Is it loving your family members, those you may take for granted?  Is it loving your neighbor, the strangers you may meet?

This is an opportunity for all of us to answer the following question:  Where can I improve sharing my love to others as Jesus shared His love for me?  Take the moment to reflect and make a commitment to move forward in love – the love that Jesus wants us to share through the Holy Spirit that He so richly gave to us.  You can do it!  Just have simple faith!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Love

Holy Spirit, continue to ignite love within my heart and provide me with the knowledge of how I can improve sharing that love with others.  Show me the path to showing others the fruit of love.  Amen! 

Renewed Heart

 

Halleluiah!  Happy Easter.  The day we have been waiting for is here.  Christ is Risen!  I adore the hymns of Easter.  The hope and energy that surrounds those words singing from the rafters leaves me walking on air as I exit the sanctuary.  I am almost certain that is the way the women must have felt when they met Jesus on the path that first Easter morning!  The energy seems as if life starts all over again.  And it does!

Holy Week brings us such insights into Jesus’ walk.  From the temple in Jerusalem to the cross at Golgotha, walking in Jesus’ steps can bring sadness and despair.  When that rock is rolled in front of the tomb, closing Jesus’ body inside, the world became dark.  Our world can seem like that as well.  When sadness and despair rains upon us, it can seem as if we are in the darkest place of the world.  Sadness and despair can be driven by external circumstances, such as physical pain, relationship suffering, or death of loved ones.  Sadness and despair can also be driven by our internal circumstances such as leading a sinful life that we cannot break hold of.

My friends, the good news is found today, at Easter.  As our verse for today shares, our sadness and despair, whatever may cause it, is buried with Jesus in the tomb.  When Jesus was raised from death to a new life, we too live our new life.  The weight of our sin is lifted, from our shoulders to Jesus’ shoulders.  Our sadness and despair can break free from our hearts and given to Jesus.  With His love, mercy, and grace, we know that we are saved.  The light that comes with Jesus’ resurrection is the light that we live – new every day.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!”  2 Corinthians 5:17.

May Jesus fill your heart and your soul.  May you feel the new life that He has given you; may it fill you with hope and joy.  May His blood that was shed on the cross, fill your veins with love.  May you know that your sadness and despair can be replaced with happiness and shouts of Halleluiah!  Our hearts are renewed as we continue to bring Jesus into our lives.  Each day that we worship Him, He fills us with His blessings.  “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.  Sing His praises.  Live in His light.  Surround yourself with the newness that only Jesus can bring.

On this Easter, walk in your renewed heart of wonder.  Have simple faith that Jesus is always with you.  Happy Easter!

Complementary video to this post:  Renewed Heart

Dearest Jesus, thank you for fulfilling God’s prophecy.  Because of Your death and resurrection, we are new in life with You.  May we be reminded of this goodness each and every day.  Praise be to You!  Amen.

Joyful Heart

 

Palm Sunday!  There were many hearts that I wanted to write about this Palm Sunday.  I chose a Joyful Heart to God!  When I read any of the Gospel’s account of Palm Sunday, I can’t help but smile as I read how the people of Jesus’ time welcomed him into Jerusalem.  Although His entrance was on a meager donkey, the King of Kings received the praises that He so justly deserved.  How wonderful it must have been to be among the crowds who were spreading their cloaks and waving palm branches high in the sky!  How happy they all must have been. 

Being happy tends to be associated with a certain situation.  We can be happy about many things, a situation that leaned in our favor, a compliment, recognition, etc.  All of these and many more can bring happiness to our lives.  Joy is an emotion so much richer than happiness.  Joy is deeper and more internalized.  Times in our lives can bring happiness to the forefront, but when have you felt true joy?

Our joy is anchored on the shoulders of Jesus.  Knowing that unconditional love, unconditional acceptance and forgiveness of sins come from the One who entered Jerusalem on a donkey can bring true joy.  That knowledge brings a joyful heart to God.  That level of joy is rooted in fertile soil, bringing rich growth to our lives.  If you have experienced joy, you know that it sets your heart on fire.  Joy grows from within you; happiness happens to you.

When I reflect on when joy seeped from my soul, it was when I married my husband with God a strong part of our relationship.  It was when I saw my children confirmed, knowing that God was planted firmly in their hearts.  There was joy when my grandchildren were baptized/dedicated.  A smile crossed my lips on those occasions, but I also remember crying tears of joy.  The emotion was something deeper, something richer.

Our joy comes from the trust and simple faith we have in Jesus.  It is seen not just in times of goodness, but it also evident in challenges.  James 1:2 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  Joy during trials?  YES!  Even in those times, even more so, we feel Jesus’ unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness of sins.  Joy sets our heart on fire.  Although we will face difficulties, we have joy in knowing that God is there with us, walking right beside us.

On this Palm Sunday, may we share our joy for Jesus as we sing “Hosanna in the Highest.”  May the joy that fills our hearts be shared with Jesus not just on Palm Sunday, but every day.  His mercy, grace and blessings are worthy of our joyful praises.

Video that complements this post:  Joyful Heart

Dearest Jesus, Hosanna in the Highest!  We thank you for giving us the joy that only You can give.  May our joyful hearts reach you each day.  Amen!  

Hopeful Heart

 

A Hopeful Heart.  Hope is one of those words that can be misleading, at least in the Biblical sense.  “I hope so” or “Here’s hoping it happens” are phrases I hear.  It is almost as if hope can be replaced with wish.  I am sure I have said those phrases myself!  Hope, in that context, seems to give off the air of uncertainty.  Maybe what I am hoping for will be attained.  Maybe it will come to fruition.  I am not sure it will occur, but I really wish it does.  Not sure if this is in my future, but I hope it is.

 When we really delve into the word hope, there is so much more there to unpack.    As Christians, hope brings about a much stronger sense of actualization, a stronger sense of certainty.  Our hope is rooted in the Lord.  My friends, there is no ‘wishful thinking’ when it comes to Jesus.  With our Lord, we can move from wishful thinking to confident expectation.  The key word is confident.  When we pray to Jesus, we bring our confident hope that He is listening.  We can stand firmly in the knowledge that He will see us, hear us, answer us, and love us.

 Jesus’ hope is far different than earthly hope.  Jesus’ hope is rooted in the trust we have for Him.  Trusting that God knows best for our lives, we can have confidence that our future will be His plan, as long as we follow where He wants to take us.  When we hope in the Lord, our future is set and our strength is renewed.  This is where the basis of simple faith begins.  I have heard people discuss faith as if it were a difficult thesis that needed to be dissected.  I look at faith in a much more simplistic way.  Hebrews 11:1 says it best, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” 

 As Easter approaches, we are reminded of what Jesus did for us, how He fulfilled prophecy, for our souls, for our hearts.  His death on the cross gave us the hope for an eternal life with Him.  Our hope is grounded in the knowledge that we will see Jesus’ face one day.  With that hope, we are able to get through life on earth.  During the difficult and challenging times, when our strength is wavering, we can hope, with confidence and trust, that Jesus will see us through those times.  It may not be the result that we were expecting, but we can be assured that it is the plan that He has for us when we put our hope in Him.

 Hope is there for all of us.   When life has us wondering if we can move forward, fall softly into Jesus’ arms and know that your hope for the future is with Him.  Have simple faith and gain strength from the hope He provides.

 Video that complements this post:  Hopeful Heart

  Dearest Lord, we thank you for being assured that our hope lies in you!  Thank you for giving us confidence for tomorrow and the faith to know you have us in your loving arms.  Amen!

Grateful Heart

 

 

Thank You, Jesus!  It is easy to muster those words when our lives are full of blessings.  Reflect upon the times when you thanked Jesus for His goodness.  Could those words have been shared to Jesus when you received great results on a health condition?  Did you possibly give thanks to Jesus after completing and delivering that very difficult work presentation?  Upon the delivery of a healthy baby, did you reach out to praise Jesus?  Maybe it was the milestone wedding anniversary where thanks to Jesus parted from your lips.

Today’s verse, though, is stating that we should always give thanks for EVERYTHING.  Not just the good times, but the difficult times as well.  This mirrors up with 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which states to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  My friends, it may be more challenging to muster a thank you to Jesus during those times, the times of waiting.

• Waiting on the results of a health condition is not only painful physically, but mentally.  Waiting puts a strain on our soul and can put a strain on our faith.  Jesus, why are you letting this happen to me? 
• Preparing for that work presentation may have meant sleepless nights, tons of revisions, and could have produced a sense of self-doubt in your ability.  Jesus, why are you letting this happen to me?
• Delivering a healthy baby could have been the result of years of waiting to get pregnant.  That waiting and trials can erode one’s faith.  Jesus, why are you letting this happen to me?
• Rejoicing in a milestone wedding anniversary resulted in a challenging relationship journey, filled with times of miscommunication and lack of respect that begged to wonder if the marriage should continue.  During those times doubt crept in.  Jesus, why are you letting this happen to me?

Choosing gratitude in difficult times, in times of waiting is hard.  It is normal to question Jesus during the challenging situations in our lives.  My friends, it is during those times that Jesus is there for us.  Just the fact that you can go to Jesus with your questions, with your pain, and with your doubts is reason for gratitude.  He is always there for us, listening to us, and providing us comfort in the chaos of life.  His grace is always present.  Giving Him praise that He has our lives under control and that there is a path forward that is best for us is the simple faith we need to hold on to each day.

Video that complements this post:  Grateful Heart

Dearest Jesus, remind us to give thanks for ALL that is happening in our lives – to blessings and the challenges.  Your path for our lives is one that will always be revealed to us, in Your time.  Amen.

Repentant Heart

 

Moving along with our Lenten series, this week we focus on a repentant heart.  Have to share, sometimes I forget that God knows everything!  Yes, I am always aware that He sees all that I do, but I have to be jolted into remembering that He also knows all that I think!  During my daily prayers, I tend to ‘ask’ God for things – healing those that are hurting, providing direction during uncertainty, covering my family with blessings and peace.  My focus in prayer is not always on asking God for forgiveness, which I certainly should be doing daily!  When I do go to God with a repentant heart, I typically will ask for forgiveness in the things/actions that I did or did not do that go against His will for me.  Speaking harshly to someone out of frustration.  Not going the extra mile when I should have.  The list is long! 

Where I am deeply remiss is asking God for forgiveness in my ‘thinking’ sins, ways that my mind may have gone astray during the day, when my mind should have been on Godly thoughts.  When I have bad thoughts about someone or a situation.  When my pride takes over my mind instead of humility.  When I am distracted from Godly focus, such as when I am in devotion.  Again, the list is long of areas where I should be bringing those to God as well, items of the heart.

There are numerous verses in the Bible that focus on God’s forgiveness.  When I ask for God’s forgiveness, it is always with a heart filled with shame.  “I did not meet your expectations, God.  Please forgive me.”  I am ashamed of my thoughts and behavior.  What I absolutely love about this verse is the invitation to return to God, not out of shame, but out of love.  Here we are reminded that He is gracious and compassionate, ABOUNDING IN LOVE!  His love is so great for us that our broken heart of sin is quickly restored by God to a heart of love.

Friends, during this Lenten season, may we remember that our Lord is a gracious Savior, filled with love, grace, and compassion for us sinners.  Go to Him.  Share your sins.  Be restored with His love and grace.  Have simple faith that He is waiting to hear from us!

Complementary video to this post:  Repentant Heart

Dearest Lord, thank you for your love that covers all my sins.  May I come to you with a repentant heart, filled with humility and may you restore my heart to one of love – for You and others.  Amen!