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For the last few days, we have been looking at the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We have been focusing on Galatians 5:22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in nine terms. We have been looking at these characteristics one per day. So far, we have looked at LOVE, JOY and PEACE.

Today we will look at PATIENCE! I find it interesting that as God lists the fruit of the Spirit. He makes us wait to get to patience.

When I have talked with new members in our “Life with God” sessions over the years, I hear that patience is one of their biggest struggles. I must confess that I struggle with this one as well.

It’s not an excuse but the world that we live in doesn’t help:

• Because of our impatience we invented microwave meals
• Faster and faster computer speeds. (We feel that we need to call a repairman if we have to wait 2 seconds for our computer to respond to our keystroke.)
• We have one minute rice, instant coffee, fast food, etc.
• 1 Corinthians says that “Love is PATIENT”.
• Throughout the Bible we see people having to wait.
• Noah waited 120 years for the flood!
• Moses and the people wandered 40 years before entering the promised land!
• Abraham waited for a son, Jacob waited for Rachel, Joseph waited in jail, mankind is waiting for the Savior to return.

How many more can you come up with?

One Sunday morning a pastor’s wife was teaching her class of small girls the subject of patience. She asked, “What is patience?” One little girl raised her hand and said, “Patience is when you are sitting in church and the preacher is preaching. You’re just sitting there, and he is preaching. He keeps preaching and you keep sitting there. That’s patience.”

OK…one more funny one!

A couple with three children waited in line at San Francisco’s Pier 41 to purchase tickets for a boat trip to Alcatraz. Others watched with varying degrees of sympathy and irritation as the young children fidgeted, whined, and punched one another. The frazzled parents reprimanded them to no avail. Finally, they reached the ticket window. “Five tickets, please,” the father said. “Two round trip, three one way.”

I heard it say that…Patience is letting your motor idle while you want to burn rubber! We find ourselves  saying “Lord…give me patience…and hurry up!”

So we understand having patience as we wait at the grocery store checkout or the drive through at Starbucks but what are some situations that we need the Holy Spirit to fill us with PATIENCE?

Waiting for:

• The chemo to do its thing!
• My job to resume or business to reopen!
• For live church and small groups to resume!
• For my marriage to get healthy again!
• For the Lord to call me home and Him to return!
• What situation do you need GOD’S PATIENCE____________?

I saw a sermon by James Merritt that looked at 3 areas of patience, I want to share them (and some of his thoughts) with you:

1. A Patience with Difficult People. We all have been there! I call them the EGR (Extra Grace Required) people! They can test our patience.

James 5:7-8…”Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the lord is at hand.” The word patient is the same word sometimes used for longsuffering. In this section…James illustrates patience with the picture of a farmer.

A farmer plants, weeds, waters, cultivates. Every day he does two things: he watches, and he waits. Because he knows that you cannot hurry the harvest, but he also knows that the harvest will come in due time.

1. A Patience with Demanding Problems. God tells us that “in this world you will have troubles.” We face many problems in our daily lives…and many more due to this pandemic.

James 5:10-11…”My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

Now why does he mention Job? Well, think about what Job faced. First of all, he faced destitution. He lost everything that he owned. Then he faced death. His children and grandchildren were wiped out. Then he faced disease. He was covered with terrible sores and boils. Then he faced desertion. Even his own wife basically turned her back on him. Just like Job, every one of us are going to face demanding problems. Just as you cannot hide from difficult people, you cannot run from demanding problems. Now understand that problems are not meant to defeat you, nor are they meant to depress you, nor are they meant to discourage you. They are meant to develop you. Problems are not tools to tear you down, they are tests to build you up.

III. A Patience with a Definite Purpose.

Now why does God allow difficult people and demanding problems into our lives? It is to develop maturity. James 1:3-4…”knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

The word for complete here means mature. God’s goal for you is maturity, and patience may be a bitter plant, but it always bears sweet fruit. For full- blown patience makes for a full-grown Christian. Troubles and troublemakers are in your life to develop longsuffering, and you will never graduate to maturity until you go to the school of hard knocks and learn the discipline of longsuffering, which is patience, perseverance, and persistence.

So….You see, it is by patience that we see God’s work in us, and it is by perseverance we learn God’s will for us.

So…when you are feeling impatient…ask God to slow you down…to trust in His timing…to focus on … Isaiah 40:31…”Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

——-

This was a long devotion but if you want one more funny illustration:

This first grade teacher, and her class of thirty-two first graders, had watched it rain all day long. The last bell had rung, it was time to go home, and this teacher began putting galoshes on all thirty-two of those first graders.

She came to the last little girl and she was so excited that she was about finished with this dirty chore, and she began to put the galoshes on this little girl, and they were unusually tight. She struggled, she strained, she pulled, she tugged, she grunted, she groaned, and finally got the galoshes on that last little girl. Just as she finished snapping them into place, the little girl said: “You know what teacher? These aren’t my galoshes.”

The teacher couldn’t believe it. She struggled, she strained, she pulled, she tugged, she grunted, she groaned, until glistening with sweat, she finally yanked the galoshes off those little girl’s feet. Just at the moment she finally snapped them off, the little girl looked up at her and said: “They’re my sisters and she lets me wear them.”

For the last few days we have been looking at the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We have been focusing on Galatians 5:22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We’re not speaking of spiritual apples, grapes, pears, or peaches here. We are talking about what’s going on in the orchard of your life. If the goal of the Christian life may be stated as Christlikeness, then surely every trait developed in us that reflects His character must be fruit that is very pleasing to Him. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in nine terms. I have been taking each of these characteristics one per day. So far, we have looked at LOVE and JOY.

Today, I want us to look at PEACE.

Brett Blair tells this story. One of the best newspaper cartoons of all time is Calvin and Hobbes. One day Calvin and Hobbes come marching into the living room early one morning. His mother is seated there in her favorite chair. She is sipping her morning coffee. She looks up at young Calvin. She is amused and amazed at how he is dressed. Calvin’s head is encased in a large space helmet. A cape is draped around his neck, across his shoulders, down his back and is dragging on the floor. One hand is holding a flashlight and the other a baseball bat.

“What’s up today?” asks his Mom.

“Nothing, so far,” answers Calvin.

“So far?” she questions.

“Well, you never know,” Calvin says, “Something could happen today.” Then Calvin marches off, “And if anything does, by golly, I’m going to be ready for it!”

Calvin’s mom looks out at the reading audience and she says, “I need a suit like that!”

That’s the way many of us feel as we see the news and deal with life. Sometimes this world seems quite violent and people seem to be at each other’s throats, we deal with upended economies, and odd family dynamics, and the collateral damage of the pandemic. A suit like that might not be such a bad idea! And yet, GOD’S PEACE can protect you from whatever this world throws at you! How about you? Can you say with Calvin, “Whatever may come my way, I’m going to be ready for it! Bring it on!”

Well I don’t think we need to wear a suit like Calvin, but we can have a PEACE in our lives that’s even better.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Did you catch the phrase that says “Not as the world gives.” The world promises peace through the rule of law. Law and order are the only way for a society and a people to experience earthly peace and oddly enough, law and order must be kept by the aggressive use of force. That is the only way that the world can bring about peace. (which by the way, since Cain and Abel earthly peace has never existed)

But here is how Jesus will give you peace. You ask Him for it! You trust in Him as your Lord and Savior. His peace will make its home in your heart. The world’s peace is peace through strength. The Lord’s peace is peace through surrender to Him and His unconditional Love and strength.

We have all been asked: “if you could have any wish what would it be?” I think the most common answer given is “world peace.”

World peace would be great, but God offers a peace that is beyond understanding! So what’s that all about?

God, His Word, and angels often (over 300 times) said “peace be with you”. When people face the toughest circumstances…God says, “Peace be with you!”

God’s Peace is a Spiritual Peace! Rom 5:1-2…Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Our peace with God is a product of our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit producing fruit in us. It’s a peace that lives deep in our hearts as we trust God with our life and our circumstances.

God’s Peace is an emotional Peace! Col 3:15-17… Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. HOW DO YOU DO THAT? You Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. We have talked about fruit being a result of deep roots. Are your roots deeply into God’s Word and prayer? Go back and re-read this verse a few times.

God’s Peace is a relational Peace! Rom 12:17-18 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. It’s hard to have peace when there is relational conflict in our lives. Who do you need to make peace with? We can mend broken relationships by taking on the character of Christ. To see past the indiscretions, and see the person that God created and forgives.

So ask yourself… What is robbing you of peace. Is it health, family issues, finances, guilt, grief? I suggest you turn it over to the Lord ask Him for His peace that is beyond our human understanding.

We have all been walking through this pandemic over the last months. It is very real and has caused many issues including, loneliness, depression, financial issues, relationship battles, and many more situations that can threaten to rob us of peace. I saw an illustration (ironically from long ago) about a different (positive) condition that spreads from God to and through contact. It speaks about a very powerful condition spreading in epidemic proportions. The condition originates by faith in Jesus as Savior it is called “God’s Peace“. Here are some signs and symptoms of God’s Peace:

+ An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

+ A loss of interest in judging other people.

+ A loss of interest in conflict.

+ A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a powerful symptom.)

+ Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

+ Contented feelings of connectedness with God and with others.

+ Frequent attacks of smiling.

+ An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others…as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

There is a painting titled “Peace.” It depicts waves crashing against the jagged rocks. It portrays the violence of a crushing storm. It seems anything but peaceful. But down in a small corner of the painting, tucked away in the rocks, is a little bird sitting on her nest totally oblivious to the raging storm. That is peace!

Picture a massive hurricane raging over the ocean. On the surface of the sea the violent winds whip the water into giant waves and create a scene of havoc and chaos. Yet, a mere twenty-five feet below the surface, the waters are clear and calm. The fish there go on living their lives totally unaware of the thunderous tumult just above them. When there is “depth,” there is peace.

I encourage you to re-read the above verses. Get deep into God’s Word! Ask Him to give you HIS PEACE…on good days and when the storms of life are all around you. Ask Him to hold an umbrella over you during every financial, relational, physical, spiritual, emotional storm you encounter.

As we work our way through the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. I pray that God will produce PEACE in you…as well as through you to others seeking His Peace. Who do you know that is in the midst of chaos? Who needs you to share the peace the God offers?

For the last few days we have been looking at the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We have been focusing on Galatians 5:22…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We’re not speaking of spiritual apples, grapes, pears, or peaches here. If the goal of the Christian life may be stated as Christlikeness, then surely every trait developed in us that reflects His character must be fruit that is very pleasing to Him. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in nine terms. I would like to take each of these characteristics one per day. Yesterday we looked at LOVE.

Today, I want us to look at JOY.

In the year 1806, a well-dressed man in his twenties visited a doctor who was renowned throughout London for being able to treat what nowadays we’d call depression, but back then was called melancholia. The patient explained that he felt overcome by a terrible sadness, that he didn’t want to get up in the morning. He could not see any point in his existence. “With your condition I would normally prescribe a course of my patent powders,” said the doctor, “but it so happens that I have recently come across something which will alleviate your condition much more quickly .“You must,” he continued, “go to the Covent Garden theatre to see the pantomime, Harlequin and Mother Goose. This is the happiest thing I have ever seen performed on a stage, tears of laugher ran down my face. Why, sir, I can almost guarantee that watching Grimaldi the clown will cure you completely!” “Ah, but doctor,” said the man sadly, “I am Grimaldi the clown.”

Have you ever felt like that man? Sad, hopeless, depressed… your situation has sucked the joy and happiness out of your life?

Or conversely, maybe today you might say I am happy because things are going my way. It’s sunny out, I won the lottery, I am going on vacation soon. I act happy, talk happy, look happy and maybe even smell happy!

But then tomorrow you find yourself back saying, I’m sad because things don’t go my way, I lost my job, my sports team lost…it always rains on my parade.

Happy and sad are dependent on our situation. It’s like riding a roller coaster of emotions, up one day and down the next. By the way God wired us with those emotions.

And yet, JOY is different – it’s an inside job. The Holy Spirit working in and through you. We have JOY on good days and the not so good days. Why is that? Because God Loves you everyday! Our Hope is in Him. Romans 5:1-5  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You can be full of JOY knowing that God is with you working good in every situation.

You may say “I have a lot of issues stealing my JOY! Maybe the Covid world we live in as zapped you of your Joy! Financial, relational, health issues have drained you!”

And yet, Paul who wrote these words was falsely imprisoned, flogged, shipwrecked, endangered, hungry, thirsty, (read about it in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33). Those were awful situations (just like you may be facing) and yet he was filled with the same JOY that God wants to give you, the JOY of knowing that God is with you and Loves you and has a plan for your life here and into eternity.

Joy is based on who we know (Jesus as your Lord and Savior)! My favorite section of God’s Word is Phil 4:4-7. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! To rejoice….to be JOYful.

Did you notice that it says “always”? Not just when things go your way! Our JOY is a condition of our heart…How do we get that JOY?…. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  JOY IS OUR ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

So…now what? Well this verse says:

• Don’t be anxious! Be concerned about issues you face. Do what you can and then leave the rest to God. Worry will rob you of your JOY and never fixes the problem anyway.
• By prayer and petition. Talk to God, listen to Him respond to your concerns. Let Him give you action steps. Find your Hope in Him. The more time you spend with God…the more JOY you will have in your life!!!!
• With Thanksgiving…Being thankful changes everything! Count your blessings. If you lost a job…be thankful you had one in the first place. If you lost a friend…be thankful that you had a friend. No matter how dark life seems, be thankful for your many blessings and for your loving Lord and Savior. Count your blessings!
• What does all of that give you….you can “rejoice always” You will find JOY…and God’s Peace! We will look at Peace on Monday.

Yesterday we started to look at the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We looked at: Galatians 5:22-25…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

We’re not speaking of spiritual apples, grapes, pears, or peaches here. We’re talking about what’s going on in the orchard of your life. We acknowledged that we are all sinful and fall short and celebrate the fact that God loves us anyway!

“Christian character” follows faith and is produced by the Holy Spirit not by merely trying to live by the law. The indwelling Holy Spirit produces faith and Christian virtues. If the goal of the Christian life is to be stated as Christlikeness, then surely every trait developed in us that reflects His character must be fruit that is very pleasing to Him. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in nine terms. I would like to take a look at each of these characteristics one per day.

The first that we will look at is LOVE!

Here is a test for you…which phrase seems out of place?

• I love pepperoni/double cheese pizza.
• I love to watch basketball games.
• I love walking beside a creek.
• I love my wife of 47 years.

I assume you would see my point. We use the same word for loving pizza and loving a spouse?

We romanticize the word love with song lyrics like… “All you need is Love”, “Love makes the world go around” and even “Love Hurts”. Can that be what God means when He says He loves you?

The Greek (New Testament) language has many words that further describe love.

• Storge…natural affection like a mom’s love.
• Eros…A physical/ sexual love
• Philia…An emotional / brotherly / friendship love.
• Agape…Unconditional…This is God’s Love for us.

Let’s look at God’s (unconditional) Love.

A new lawyer came to town. New town, new office, No clients. When he saw that someone was coming to his office, he immediately picked up the phone and said, “I’m flying to New York in the Timmons case. It looks like a biggie. And bring Paul in from New Jersey on the Pettus case. Gotta go now, someone just walked in”. With that he hung up the phone, turned to the man, and said “now, how may I help you?” The man replied, “I’m here to hook up your phone!”

The good news is that you do not have to impress God. He loves you with all your short comings!

• God loves you! We sin and disobey God and what does He do to us in return? He loves us!
• John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
• I know that you have heard that verse 100 times but stop and focus on what it says!
• God Loves YOU! So much that He died in YOUR place (YOUR wage of sin is death). Forgiveness and eternal life are YOURS simply by faith.
• He loves YOU in spite of YOU! It’s a free gift from God to YOU personally!
• As a matter of fact…He has to love you because it is who He is! 1 John 4:16 God is love.What a short and yet so powerful verse.

So God loves you now what? In response to His love we are called to love others. And the Holy Spirit wants to produce LOVE in and through us.

• 1 John 4:19-21 We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.  And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Look at it this way: God loves you which produces the fruit that we are looking at (Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control.) And the Holy Spirit fills us with love for God and love for those we interact with. When we strengthen the vertical (with God) relationship…then the horizontal (with others) relationship will follow! Want to be more loving, spend more time with God. His Love will wear off on you!

So what about these verses on love?

John 15:13-17…Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.  This is my command: Love each other.

Each year on Memorial Day our nation focuses on unconditional love. Men and women who gave the ultimate act of love by giving their life for you. For families that have suffered the loss of loved ones who served their country.

These verses point us back to Jesus giving the ultimate act of love on the cross! He willingly died so you will have eternal life.

So the fact is that God is Love and we are to be Christlike…The Holy Spirit produces fruit including Love in our lives, so that we will share that love with others. Jesus was asked of all the commandments which is the most important? Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

So I challenge you to focus on a few things:

• Thank the Lord for loving YOU in spite of your sinfulness!
• Devote time every day to prayer and study of God’s Word.
• Reflect and assess on how the Fruit of Love is growing on the tree of your life?
• Do people see God’s Love shining through your words and actions?
• Who can you reach out to today? Perhaps a relationship that has gotten tense recently…too much time isolated together. Perhaps someone lonely, depressed, and isolated in their home. Perhaps someone having financial issues due to the coronavirus world we are living in. Perhaps a neighbor that would LOVE a wave, call, or an act of kindness.

So yesterday’s (fruity) devotion was a bit of a downer. We looked at God creating a paradise for man to live in one rule don’t eat from the tree of good and evil. Eve did! Adam did! Each of us do! The good news is that God still loves you, he sent His Son to pay the price for you sins.

Today we will begin to look at what the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is all about. We begin in Galatians chapter 5. Starting in verse 19 we see the problem: The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions  and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. These verses confirm what we talked about yesterday…we are all sinners!

So now what? Do we just throw our hands in the air and say “that’s just who I am so I might as well give in to those sinful ways!” NO! God wants us to be transformed…changed to be more Christ-like. This section of scripture goes on to say…

Galatians 5:22-25…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

This section may be familiar to you. We call this the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT section. We’re not speaking of spiritual apples, grapes, pears, or peaches here. We’re talking of what’s going on in the orchard of your life. What are you producing?

“Christian character” is produced by the Holy Spirit…not by merely trying to live by the law. The indwelling Holy Spirit produces faith and Christian virtues. We contrast the plural “sinful acts” described in the verses above (vs. 19-21)…with the singular “Godly Fruit” (like a cluster of grapes) listed in Galatians 5:22-25 above. If the goal of the Christian life is be stated as Christlikeness, then surely every trait developed in us that reflects His character must be fruit that is very pleasing to Him. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit in nine terms.

So, let’s get personal.

• Which of these virtues or characteristics do you seem to be lacking in?
• Would your friends recognize these qualities in you?
• Would a stranger meeting you for the first time see those characteristics in the way you talk and act?
• If there were 9 buckets filled with these virtues and you could get more of one of them…which would you take?

The fable tells of three merchants who were crossing the Arabian Desert. Because of the heat of the desert they were traveling at night. On that starless night they were crossing over a dry creek bed. As they were crossing a voice in the darkness spoke to them. The voice told them to stop right where they were. Then they were commanded to bend down and pick up the pebbles that were around them in the dry creek bed and put them in their pockets. After they did this they were told to leave and continue on their way and not to camp near the creek bed. The voice from the darkness continued to tell them that in the morning they would be both happy and sad. Being very frightened by all of this, they traveled through the night and did not stop until they could see the sun. With the arrival of the morning they began to look in their pockets. Instead of finding pebbles in their pockets they found precious jewels. Yes, they were both happy and sad. They were happy that they had listened to the voice of the night but they were also sad that they did not pick up more pebbles.

Note that the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is not something that you earn or buy or go “pick up”…this fruit is a gift of the Spirit…as He works in you and transforms you from the inside out, but:

I want to end this devotion by painting a picture using Colossians 2:6-7… So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Think of a healthy tree…strong roots for strength in the storm, and for nourishment. It grows and is built up with branches and places for birds to rest…overflowing with leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Colossians describes a Christian life (our intimate, spiritual, living union with God) in the same terms:

• Rooted in God’s Word for strength and nourishment. (do you connect with God and read His Word daily?)
• Growing to become all that God has planned for your life. Strengthening in your walk as to be a blessing to others. (Are you responding to God’s direction in your life?)
• To be Christ-like…producing good fruit…living out the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT characteristics and virtues for all to see. (Are you loving others?)
• Over the next devotions, I want to look at each of these 9 characteristics and virtues, mentioned in these FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT verses.

I encourage you to worship with us at royred.org (also onsite worship Sunday’s 8:30 and 10:00am…as well as outdoor worship at 6:00 pm…weather permitting). While you are online, check out the other tools and opportunities to connect with us. Spend some time looking at the verses that I have used in this devotion and look for God for direction, hope, strength.

We have hired a friend (Steve) to do landscaping around our house… it looks great. I assume that many of you have planted flowers and of course the vegetable gardens. Some of you are fortunate enough to have fruit trees! Fruit plays an important part in the story of God’s creation. He personally designed  all of the plants, flowers, trees, fruits and vegetables. I saw this funny fruit story:

Whenever your kids are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God’s omnipotence didn’t extend to God’s kids. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. 

And the first thing he said was: “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” Adam replied

“Don’t eat the forbidden fruit.” God said

“Forbidden fruit? We got forbidden fruit?….Hey Eve! We got forbidden fruit!”

“No way!”…”Yes way!”. 

“DON’T EAT THAT FRUIT!” Said God…. 

“Why?”

“Because I am your Father and I said so!” said God, wondering why he hadn’t stopped after making elephants. A few minutes later God saw his kids having an apple break and was angry. Didn’t I tell you not to eat the fruit?” the First Parent asked.

“Uh huh,” Adam replied.

“Then why did you?”

“I dunno,” Eve answered.

“She started it!” Adam said….”Did not!”…”Did too!”…”Did NOT!”

Having had it with the two of them, God’s punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus, the pattern was set, and it has never been changed!

Well, that’s not how the story really goes, but it may sound that way in your home. God created paradise. He sat back after each day, looked at His masterpiece and said, “It is good!”

God gave this paradise to Adam and Eve to enjoy. He wanted them to show their love and trust in their Father by having one rule to follow. Following that rule would show God that they loved and trusted Him…and keep them safe.

Genesis 2:15-17…The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;  but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.

Sounds pretty simple…enjoy paradise…don’t mess with evil! As we know, Satan tempted Eve. He questioned if she really knew what God said. Genesis 3:1…He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

At first she stood her ground, Genesis 3:2-3…The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” Not exactly what God said, but close enough.

Satan does not stop there; he says that God’s rule is unfair…she deserves the fruit. And Eve gives in. Genesis 3:6…When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Not only did she eat it, but she passed it on to Adam. Sin entered into the world!

Let’s take this story and update it. A parent tells their 7-year-old to play in the yard and don’t wander…you may get hurt, run over by a car, or worse. Everything is going well, after all he has a swing set, basketball hoop, and toys. Then his 9-year-old classmate from the next block comes over to play. He later says, “let’s go over to my house, I have a go cart we can ride”. The 7-year-old says “no, dad said to stay here”. The 9-year-old says, “it will be ok…he didn’t mean my house”. The 7-year-old says “no, he said don’t leave the yard.” The 9-year-old says “dad’s a spoil sport, dad gets to leave the yard and has fun, why can’t you”. The 7-year-old defies dad’s rule and leaves the yard, rides the go cart and gets hurt!

You may be reading this and wondering where I am going with this devotion.

Like the father in the Garden of Eden and the father in my 7-year old’s story ,your Heavenly Father loves you! He wants to protect you, so He has given us rules to keep us safe.

Deep down, we want to obey God…but often fall short! There are 3 things that cause us to break the rules…to eat the fruit to fall short to miss the mark to sin.

• Satan… He lost and is defeated. He is bitter and wants to take as many of us as he can with him! He wants you to misunderstand and doubt God’s Word. He wants you to question if His Word applies to you. He appeals to our desires and tempts us to turn away from God’s plans for our lives. The 9 year old in my story is not Satan, but many times, he uses those closest to us to tempt us to sin. “Did God really say not to do that” “Come on, everyone else is doing it” “God won’t mind” “If He really loved you, He would want you to have fun” “you deserve it.” We hear these types of words and get tempted to play god…to make and bend the rules. The good news is we have God on our side. James 4:7-8…Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
• The Sinful World…Let’s face it, we live in a sin filled world that denies that there even is a God. The world wants to play god by making their own rules…and even bending the rules that exist. But we can turn to God for wisdom and direction. Romans 8:31…What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
• Our Sinful Nature…Just as you inherited your hair, eyes, physical attributes from your parents…you also received a sinful nature. You were born (conceived) with a sinful nature. Psalm 51:5…Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
  • The Coronavirus is on all of our minds. What is its origin? What is its cause? How would I get it? Is there a cure?
  • We need to be concerned and do our part to overcome this virus…but
  • We were all born with a more deadly disease called sin…Its 100% fatal. It’s called sin. We inherited it. The symptoms that we have this disease are shown from our sinful thought’s words, and deeds.
  • OUCH…WHAT A DOWNER! The reality is that we (like Adam and Eve) sin…and sin separates us from God…. That is bad news!!!

There is GOOD NEWS! It’s the Gospel! 1 John 1:8-9…If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. We sin (it’s our nature) and God forgives (it’s His nature)

Here is what I want you to do:

• Acknowledge that you are a sinner.
• Spend time reflecting on your “signature sin.” The sin that you keep having to confess. You say that you will not do it again…but you keep doing it. Maybe you justify it. Maybe you blame others for it. Maybe you rationalize why it is ok.
• Humbly confess that sin to the Lord. Ask Him in His mercy and for the sake of Jesus death to forgive you.
• Ask God to help you to avoid the triggers to this sin…or the people that lead you to it. Ask Him to help you make the needed changes to become all He created you to be.
• Know and thank God for the fact that you are forgiven!

Tomorrow….we will begin to look at a different (and much better) kind of fruit!

Back in March as our world as we knew it became uncertain, I started writing daily devotions to help us focus on our Lord and Savior. I wrote 70 devotions that I sent to you and put them on our website (they are still below). Here we are, a few months later and things are still uncertain. With that in mind, I will be updating 30 of those devotions for the next few weeks Monday thru Friday. I pray that you will read them, ask God to speak to you through them, apply them to your life, and find Hope and Peace. Feel free to forward and share them with others.

I saw a funny story the other day by Wayne Rice:

Disney’s Chip and Dale always got the best of Donald Duck. In one of those cartoons, those pesky chipmunks were taunting him from their little tree hole, about 15′ above the ground. Putting on some spiked shoes, Donald Duck attempted to climb the tree. Fuming and muttering he reached the hole. In a Flash Chip and Dale untie his shoes, and he falls to the ground. Next, he tries using a ladder. When he reaches the top Chip and Dale pushed the ladder over, and Donald tumbles down. For a 3rd assault on the tree he straps a rocket to his back and launches towards the top of the tree. No use. Chip and Dale jolt the rocket off course, and it crashes with Donald Duck still attached. Finally, Donald Duck decides to chop the tree down. With steam coming out of his ears he snatches a big ax and started swinging. Every time the ax hits the tree chip and Dale shake in their perch. In agitated chatter they wonder how to save themselves this time! Meanwhile the tree begins to fall and Donald Duck quacks with glee, certain of his success. Then for no apparent reason the tree not only stops falling but it begins to right itself again. A furious Donald circles the tree, trying to figure out the reason why. The cartoonist reveals it all. Inside the hollow tree. Chip and Dale are pushing with all their might to upright the tree!

This story makes us laugh! We know that it’s impossible to push the tree up from inside the tree! As the tree was falling, their pushing was useless because they had nothing to lean on for leverage. To stop their tree from falling, they would have to brace themself against something and it can not be the tree or their own willpower.

So…How about you?

Have you been (or perhaps you are right now) in a tree that seems to be falling?…..Try as you may, you can’t get it back upright by your own power.

Maybe it’s a coronavirus tree with the weight of health issues, financial issues, loneliness, fear, relationship struggles and the tree seems to be falling. By your own strength, you push as hard as you can, but a crash seems inevitable!

Maybe you are not struggling from corona issues but something else is cutting down your tree maybe emotional, financial, or relationship struggles. Maybe they have been there for years and things seem to be crashing all around you.

The biggest question for you to answer is… who or what are you leaning on? If it’s your willpower, good looks, money, or a rabbit’s foot the result will come crashing down upon you.

I would like to point you to the One to lean on The Solid Rock of Jesus Christ! You can lean on Him to get your life upright and solid. He gives you His Word for time like this. After Moses died and Joshua was to lead the people into the promised land, it must have felt overwhelming like the tree was falling and where were Joshua and the people to lean? On God, His promises, and His Word!

Joshua 1:7-9…Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Isn’t that a great section of scripture? It gives us hope and direction for every struggle we face. By the way…this is Royal Redeemer school’s verse for this year!)

• Be strong and very courageous! Why? Because you can lean on the Lord…He will be with you wherever you go and whatever you face! He is there with you, for you to lean on and brace against. He is there on the good days and the not so good seasons of life. He wants to change your outlook, your self-image, your Hope, your purpose, and direction… and your next healthy steps.
• Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips. Make the commitment to get into God’s Word daily! For Joshua it was the Book of the Law (the first 5 books.) We have God’s Word in our Bibles, both the Law to guide us and show our sins and the Gospel to bring us hope and show our Savior. The truth is that God hand made you and wants to spend eternity with you but there is a problem! You (and I) sin, and that sin separates us from God. The good news is that God still loves you in spite of your sins! He sent His son (Jesus) to pay the price for your sins. Our relationship with God is restored! Our response to this free gift is to want to know what God’s plan for our lives is.
• Meditate on it day and night. Don’t just read it, ask God to speak to you personally and into all of the situations that you face. Spend time and seek God’s guidance for your life. Sit quietly asking for God to speak to you through His Word.
• So that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Knowing God’s Word is great…but doing what it says is what it’s really all about. Seek God’s will for you. Ask Him to guide your steps so that you can accomplish His plans for your life. Apply God’s Word to each situation you face.
• Then you will be prosperous and successful. For Christians “success” is measured by God’s definition, not the world’s definition. For Joshua it was to conquer the promised land. What is it that God wants to help you conquer? In what ways will you prosper? How will God use you to impact others? Will He use you to help someone else whose tree is falling?
• If left alone in our sin and weakness…we will fall…the tree will crash. And yet, God enables you through the promise of His Word to “be strong and courageous”…to face the day and whatever comes your way not to inherit a piece of land like Joshua but to inherit a place in God’s eternal kingdom!
• Pray that as you get into God’s Word, it will permeate your heart…and transform you into the person God hand made you to be.

If you would like to receive these devotions directly to your email, please contact Pastor Dave Timm at dtimm@royred.org and he will add you to the e-mail list.

I was thinking back to mid-March when life as we knew it suddenly changed. One of the things that changed for me was church buildings being closed. I have been leading a group called Life Hurts God Heals for many years. We suddenly could not meet! I decided that I should write a devotion and send it out to those whose email address I had. I chose to send a new one out every day (Monday thru Friday with online worship over the weekend). The email list grew for many reasons to include 80+ every day. We then decided to put them online along with Pastor Harris’ devotions. There are about 70 of my devotions on this page.

Well, our Life Hurts God Heals group has been meeting outside the church in the parking lot for about a month now and will be moving back into the church’s gathering room this week. You are welcome to join us Tuesday night 7:00-8:30.

With all of that being said…I will be taking a break from writing new devotions. Now that I am partially retired, my wife and I do devotions together most days. I am a great fan of devotions that give God’s Word and then apply it to our daily blessings, as well as our daily struggles. We use 5 different devotional books. When we get to the end of the book, we start over again, re-reading them. We find that they seem fresh and hit us in different ways…because we are in a different place than when we read them the first time.

My desire is for you to go to royred.org click on resources and re-read (or perhaps read for the first time) my devotions starting with my March 23^rd one. Read one per day then move on to the next day. As you read, ask God to apply the verses and concepts to where you are in life. How Jesus Loves you…and how Jesus wants you to reach out to others.

My desire is that you worship each week. Royal Redeemer is back to having on-site worship…as well as live-streamed worship.

My offer is to talk with you…or meet with you if you have questions or issues. Call me at 440-237-7958 ext.118.

Join us Tuesday at 7:00.

One more devotional thought for you!

Are you a thermometer Christian or a Thermostat Christian?

Let’s define the 2 words. I heard it explained this way.

“A thermometer reflects the temperature of the environment. It simply reacts to what’s happening around it. If the temperature is hot, it tells you so. If it’s cold, the thermometer reflects that reality as well. It’s a dumb instrument in the sense it doesn’t contain intelligent, multipurpose functionality. It has one purpose and one purpose only.”

Paul urges us to not be thermometer Christians. Romans 12:2…Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

“A thermostat, on the other hand, regulates the environment. It sets the desired temperature of the room and actively works to maintain it within a given range. If the temperature rises above the goal, the thermostat signals the air conditioner to crank up and cool the room down. If the temperature falls below the goal, the thermostat causes the heater to turn on in order to warm the room up. The thermostat is intelligent in the sense it’s always monitoring the environment, and if the temperature gets too hot or cold, it decides what to do to correct the situation.”

Jesus prayed that His disciples would be in the world, but not of the world, that they would be thermostats, not thermometers. Matthew 5:13-15…“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Do not merely reflect the temperature of your environment. Instead, set the temperature.

Our world is far from God’s plan and desire! Don’t join in and compromise. Be who God created you to be…accomplish what He created you to accomplish.

How does that all work in real life? Well we took off our winter gloves and mittens a few months ago…and exchanged them for corona-free surgical gloves! Gloves can do all sorts of things…pick up a magazine…wave hello…scratch your head…shake a hand…protect us from germs. And yet…the glove can not really do anything! It just lies there on the shelf. You can yell at it, get mad at it, give it the evil eye…but it will do nothing without a hand in the glove!

It’s the same way with you. You are helpless to achieve anything unless God is in you!!!

And also, remember that by itself, a thermostat does not do the heating or cooling either! It identifies the need for more heat or cooling and initiates a change to happen….thru the furnace / air conditioner.

God wants you to be the thermostat (the light and the salt) and let the Holy Spirit cause the change! He wants you to let Him into your life (the glove so to speak) so He can accomplish much thru you.

Invite Him into your life… let Him work through you.

Where has God placed you to be a thermostat.

The children of a well-to-do family decided to give their father a book containing their family’s history for a birthday present. They commissioned a professional biographer to write the book, carefully cautioning him about the family’s “black sheep” – their Uncle George had been executed in the electric chair for murder, and they felt it would be best if the biographer left Uncle George out of the book.

“No need to do that,” said the biographer. “I can report the situation in such a way that there will be no embarrassment to your father or to you. I’ll merely write that Uncle George occupied a chair of applied electronics at an important government institution. He was attached to his position by the strongest ties and his death came as a real shock.”

The Bible teaches us that when you die, there’s nothing else you can do to get ready to meet God. It won’t matter what people write about you or say about you to make you look good. It’s about faith in Jesus.

So in case you don’t know or haven’t thought about it lately:

• God hand made you…wanting to spend eternity with you.
• But there is a problem…you are a sinner! We all are! Romans 3:23…  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
• And yet God still loves you! Romans 5:8… But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
• Our sin separates us from God (not His Love). Romans 6:23… For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• You are saved…and told to share the Gospel with others. 1 Peter 3:15…  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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

Do you believe this? I mean really believe this. The truth is that you were on your way(and deserve) to spend eternity in hell….but Jesus saved you so that you now will spend eternity in heaven!

Do you believe that there is a heaven or hell in your future?

Now…we hear phrases about heaven and hell in our daily conversations. Things like “these cookies taste heavenly…that guy irritates the hell out me…this campground is heaven on earth…it will be a cold day in hell before I vote for him”

Those phrases can make us minimize an important fact.

Here is my point… HEAVEN AND HELL ARE REAL and therefore it follows that real people like you and I are going there! How’s that for a heavy statement!

Matthew 25 talks about it (verse 34)…”Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (verse 41) “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.(verse 46) “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

So why is it so awkward to talk about it to friends and family? Did you know Satan hopes you don’t talk about it?

It is said that a long time ago there was a conference in hell, and ol’ Lucifer was plotting and scheming how he might catch the human race and keep them from God and heaven.

One fiendish lieutenant came to the master of evil and said, “If you will send me to earth… I will tell the people that there is no heaven to be gained.”

Lucifer said to him, “No, no! They’ll never believe it because there is a little bit of heaven in every heart.”

Another fiend came forward, darker and fowler than the first, and he said to Lucifer, “If you would send me to earth, I would convince the people that they can sin with immunity. That God would continue to love and forgive. That He would never, ever, ever judge anyone – even if they didn’t repent. I will convince them of that.”

The father of darkness said, “No! These humans must not be underestimated. They have a conscience ……and deep within the heart of every human is this sense of righteousness. They know that evil will be punished……. They know that good will triumph over evil.”

A third lieutenant, from the very darkest pit, emerged into the shadow of Lucifer and said, “Master, if you would send me, I would tell them this:

There is no hurry. YOU CAN TELL OTHERS TOMORROW.

And Lucifer said, “Yes, go tell them that!”

Many people think “let someone else tell them!”. Many people consider themselves too sophisticated to believe in the devil and hell. That’s dangerous because they are real. I doubt that the Hollywood version of a guy in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork is what we will find…but the bible speaks of the devil from Genesis 3 through Revelation!!!!

And hell is the end result of not trusting in Jesus as Lord and Savior…and living a life that shows that disrespect for His Word. Revelation 21:8… But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars ….(and have not trusted in Jesus’ for forgiveness of these sinful actions)– their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

The worst part of hell is eternally separated from God and good.

Heaven on the other hand is…Revelation 21:3-4… And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

And the best part of this is that it is prepared for and purchased for you…John 3:16…”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This is where other religions differ from Christianity.

Hindus believe that they need to reach salvation through their own efforts. (following 1 of 4 paths…love, work, knowledge, psychology)

Muslims need to earn favor with God through laws and works. (5 pillars)

Buddhist reach peace through right thinking and living following the 8 fold path to Nirvana.

The bible is very clear that salvation is a free gift from God to you through faith…Ephesians 2:8-9… For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.

So…if we are saved by faith…where does faith come from? Romans 10:17… Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

So…stop and think about…who shared Jesus with you? How did they do it? Why did they do it? Who is God wanting you to share Him with?

I get a disturbing image in my head from time to time.

It can’t happen since there is no sorrow in heaven but…

What would it be like to get to heaven…start looking for “old so and so”. You can not find them, so you ask. You are told “they are not here…no one took the time to tell them about Jesus!”

So…since heaven and hell are real…let’s get real!!!

Who do you know that you are not sure of their relationship with Jesus? Who is God nudging you to reach out to?

Fill in the blanks:

• Who in your immediate family_________________
• Who in your extended family__________________
• Which of your friends________________________
• Who at work or school________________________
• Who at businesses you frequent_________________

What is the first step…be ready…Share your Hope…Let the Holy Spirit do the rest!!!

1 Peter 3:15-17… Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath. It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad.

I recently read about a man who took great pride in being a former Navy Seal. And why not? That’s a very elite group of people. It takes a special sailor to qualify as a Navy Seal. This man told about sharing his military exploits with his grandson’s kindergarten class. This former Seal regaled the children with his war stories. After he finished, hands shot up all over the classroom. The kids were eager to ask questions. He called on one little girl who asked, “So, can you balance a ball on the end of your nose?”

Sometimes learning humility can be painful!

Do you have any Bible verses that you have memorized? I have never been good at memorizing anything…so I gravitate to short (but powerful) bible verses. A great example of such a verse is found in the Old testament. Micah 6:8 (niv)… what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

So…what is humility? The dictionary says it is…” a modest or low view of one’s own importance; humbleness.” Some characteristics include…

• They acknowledge they don’t have it all together. …
• They know the difference between self-confidence and pride. …
• They seek to add value to others. …
• They take responsibility for their actions. …
• They are filled with gratitude for what they have.

Henry Augustus Rowland, professor of physics at Johns Hopkins University, was once called as an expert witness at a trial. During cross-examination a lawyer demanded, “What are your qualifications as an expert witness in this case?” The normally modest and retiring professor replied quietly, “I am the greatest living expert on the subject under discussion.” Later a friend well acquainted with Rowland’s disposition expressed surprise at the professor’s uncharacteristic answer. Rowland answered, “Well, what did you expect me to do? I was under oath.”

So…what does it mean to walk humbly with your God? I looked online and found some interesting quotes:

• It was John Riskin who said, “I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his own power, or hesitation in speaking his opinion. But really great men have a … feeling that greatness is not in them but through them; that they could not do or be anything else than God made them.”
• Andrew Murray said, “The humble man feels no jealousy or envy. He can praise God when others are preferred and blessed before him. He can bear to hear others praised while he is forgotten because … he has received the spirit of Jesus, who pleased not Himself, and who sought not His own honor. Therefore, in putting on the Lord Jesus Christ he has put on the heart of compassion, kindness, meekness, longsuffering, and humility.”
• M.R. De Haan used to say, “Humility is something we should constantly pray for, yet never thank God that we have.”
• Benjamin Franklin, the early American statesman, made a list of character qualities that he wanted to develop in his own life. When he mastered one virtue, he went on to the next. He did pretty well, he said, until he got to humility. Every time he thought he was making significant progress; he would be so pleased with himself that he became proud.

Humility is an elusive virtue. Even Jesus’ disciples struggled with it. When Jesus learned that they had been arguing about who was the greatest, He responded, “If anyone desires to be first, he should be last of all and servant of all” (Mk. 9:35). Then He took a little child in His arms and indicated that we need to humbly serve others as if we were serving Christ.

Let’s take a look at our opening verse again but this time in the message translation. Micah 6:8 (msg)… It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.

The Bible is full of self-humbling (man bowing down before God)…as well as doxology (man giving praise to God). The healthy heart is one that bows down in humility and rises in praise and adoration.

So…now what? It can seem confusing to ask for humility…while finding Joy in accomplishing much for the Lord (or through the Lord). While it’s hard to avoid those feelings of pride…focus on Who is working through you and Who gets the glory.

God has called you to walk a path…it is different than anyone else’s path. All equally important! Each of us are part of God’s big picture! Don’t let anyone convince you that their path is better than yours…and don’t act like yours is better that theirs.

1 Peter 5:5-6… All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

This topic is especially important in this time of pandemic and social unrest! We need to treat people the way that God treats us…with grace, mercy, forgiveness. To humbly treat them as equals.

All right…this is too good to not include… A husband said to his wife one day, “I’ve noticed that you always carry my photo in your handbag to the office. Why?” His wife said, “When there is a problem, no matter how impossible, I look at your picture and the problem disappears.” The husband puffed himself up and said, “You see how miraculous and powerful I am for you?” And his wife answered, “Yes, I see your picture and say to myself, What other problem can there be greater than this one?”