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.