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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Gifts of Tongues & Interpreting Tongues

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the ninth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues. And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:10

Like so many of the gifts from Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues and the interpretation of tongues are misunderstood, criticized and even condemned among the Christian church body today. For things that are so divisive among believers, I give God the final word. In other words, I will go to Scripture to find the bottomline truth on the matter. Which really is what we should do on all things.

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:4

Depending on which translation you read, the verse above tells us that the person who speaks in tongues builds up their body and grows spiritually. Because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit this is a vital practice we must embrace.

For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things]. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:2

The gift of tongues is primarily for the purpose of private worship; for personal prayer and praise to God. In doing so, Holy Spirit uncovers and reveals things to us that we need to know. When we pray in the Spirit we are in direct contact with God and our minds can be enlightened.

So then, if you speak in a tongue, pray for the interpretation to be able to unfold the meaning of what you are saying. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:13

Interpretation isn’t always needed or necessary. However, Scripture tells us we are to pray for the interpretation so that we may understand the meaning of what we are saying. This isn’t a word for word translation like we think of from an earthly language perspective. But rather, words, ideas, concepts, insights, thoughts and actions will be revealed to us in our spirit not from any metal activity.

So here’s what I’ve concluded. I will pray in the Spirit, but I will also pray with my mind engaged. I will sing rapturous praises in the Spirit, but I will also sing with my mind engaged. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:15

For the apostle Paul, praying in tongues had two specific way to be manifested: in corporate gatherings or private settings. When in a public setting and someone is praying in tongues and other are listening, it is necessary to have someone who can interpret so that the Word from God may minister to the group as a whole. Tongues in a private setting with no need of interpretation, is for personal edification.

But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit. ~ Jude 20

Friends, if you haven’t been born again and received the filling of the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to reach out to God right now and ask Him for the gift of salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual life walk will be so much richer for it! I pray God will bless you richly!

Enjoy this clip from Joseph Prince on why we need to pray in tongues.

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PSALM 91 :: AUTHORITY OVER THE ENEMY

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the first Friday of each month in 2021 we will be studying Psalm 91. We’ll be learning this powerful psalm and applying its phenomenal promises to our life one phrase at a time.  We continue today with verse thirteen.

You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! ~ Psalm 91:13

So far in our Psalm 91 study the focus has been on the defensive elements of God’s protection. We’ve learned that we are covered under God’s wings and surrounded by an army of mighty angels. However, a battle isn’t won by only fighting from a position of defense. There comes a time when we must go on the offense and confront our enemy. Today’s verse takes an offensive position of authority over the enemy!

God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:27

In our ordinary day-to-day lives we may not feel like we have any power over the evil forces around us. But we must remember, in Christ we are stronger that we realize. God has chosen what the world may see as weak to confuse and take down the powerful.

Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit. ~ Ephesians 6:14-17

When you look at all the pieces of the spiritual armor above, all of them are defensive weapons designed for protection: belt, helmet, breastplate, shoes and shield. God has given us everything we need to not only protect ourselves from the enemy. He has also given us the best weapon possible to defeat Satan… the sword of the Spirit: God’s Word.

And the God of peace will swiftly pound Satan to a pulp under your feet! And the wonderful favor of our Lord Jesus will surround you. ~ Romans 16:20

When we  use the authority give to us by Jesus and wield the mighty sword of God’s Word, we have power unlike any other. It gives us the ability to slice the devil down to nothing, to render him powerless in our lives. Scripture us the God of peace will pound Satan under our feet. Then God’s wonderful favor will surround us! What an incredible promise!

Don’t forget or forsake the authoritative promises that are available to you in God’s Word. Use it. It works!

Be strengthens by this powerful song by Crowder! Go crush some snakes!

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: TRUST GOD IN EVERY SITUATION

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the eighth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM THE FEAR THAT BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN

Honor me by trusting in me in your day of trouble. Cry aloud to me, and I will be there to rescue you. ~ Psalm 50:15

The world is full of trouble. And just like Scripture promises in the end times, things will continue to get worse. Jesus himself even promised that we would have trouble. But with that He also encouraged us that we shouldn’t worry because He has already overcome the world and all its trouble. He has left us His special peace, that is nothing like what the world offers. But His peace is true peace!

I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! ~ John 14:27

“When Jesus warns us of trouble ahead of time, I believe He does it not so we will not be afraid, but so we can be prepared. Those who believe in Jesus have no need to fear, because in addition to giving us warning of how difficult the end times will be, He has also promised to take care of us and to not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.” ~ Joyce Meyer

But we are certainly not those who are held back by fear and perish; we are among those who have faith and experience true life! ~ Hebrews 10:39

Satan  is constantly trying to distract us from the life opportunities God gives us by throwing trials and trouble in our path. We should not cower in fear but rather stand firm in our faith. When we’re living in fear, worry and dread we are on a dead end path. Only a life of faith and trust leads to the peace-filled existence that Jesus has for us.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. ~ 1 Peter 1:6-7

If we don’t give up on God, and endure the trials and troubles that come our way, God promises us that our faith will be stronger than it was before it was tested. With every trial and tribulation we are sure to grow in our walk with God!

Be blessed with this sweet rendition of Proverbs 3:5-6 put to music by Hillsong Kids.

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THE TWELVE LIFE RECOVERY GIFTS :: SELF-CONTROL

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH BEGINNING IN JANUARY. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC. COME ALONG. LET’S LEARN SOME NEW THINGS TOGETHER!
For my addiction recovery work this year I’m going through The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. On the third Friday of each month in 2021 I will be sharing the blessings God brings us to honor our choices and encourage our recovery journey.
This is the eighth post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of self-control.

The gift of self-control is the ability to control our emotions, desires and actions especially during difficult situations.

When the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. ~ Romans 8:9

When we give in to our weaknesses and system of addictions we are opening the door for the enemy to attack us and shutting the door to God’s protection over our life. This is very serious. God has called us to live in His kingdom not the kingdom of this world. We aren’t supposed to look like the other people or behave like other people.

As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life. When your self-life craves the things that offend the Holy Spirit you hinder him from living free within you! And the Holy Spirit’s intense cravings hinder your self-life from dominating you!  ~ Galatians 5:16-17

Self control isn’t something we have the power to create in ourselves. It’s a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  When we make a decision to walk in our addictions we aren’t walking in the Holy Spirit. We’re actually grieving or squelching the Holy Spirit when we give in to our areas of weakness. We are preventing the Holy Spirit from having full reign or room to live in us.

God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. ~ Romans 1:24

If we continue giving in to our weaknesses God may eventually give us over to those fleshly desires and allow us to go down the dark spiral of death. Sure we might still make it to heaven. But we will have lost our witness and the opportunity to bring others with us.

The gift of self-control changes our orientation: Instead of seeking to accomplish our own will, we desire to understand God’s will for us. The more our desire to do God’s will overrules our own will the more our experience of self-control grows. It’s not our willpower that does it; it is God’s gift to us in our recovery. ~ The Life Recovery Bible

We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out. ~ Step 11

Let’s protect ourselves, our life, our family, our future and our testimony by leaning in to God’s loving hands. He will be with us and protect us as we do.

Be blessed by this short teaching by Stephen Arterburn on The Gift of Self-Control.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Goodness & Kindness

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the eighth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! ~ Galatians 5:22-23

While the gifts of Holy Spirit are virtues, the fruit are the resulting moral actions that flow from those gifts. With the help of Holy Spirit we are able to walk in these fruit during our daily lives and display them to those around us. In today’s post we will focus on the fruit of goodness and kindness.

GOODNESS: excellence; moral virtue; expressing itself in deeds

KINDNESS:  goodness in action; hospitality; benevolence; charity

Living our life while operating in our fleshly, worldly nature, we represent the antithesis, or complete opposite, of the qualities of Christ which flow in and through us when the Holy Spirit has complete control of our life.

The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. ~ Galatians 5:19-21

We don’t have to look very far to see examples of ungodly behavior in our culture today. Sadly, even among people who claim to follow Christ. God truly wants more and better for all of us. If we will only give him full reign in our life.

Scripture tells us it is the kindness of God that causes people to turn to Him.  Unfortunately, some people never experience kindness and goodness in their life. When we express the kindness and goodness of Christ in our lives, we are truly being the hands and feet of God to those around us.

You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. God, everyone sees your goodness, for your tender love is blended into everything you do. ~ Psalm 145:8-9

As a beneficial by-product of allowing Christ to have control of our lives, the Holy Spirit produces the beautiful character traits of Jesus in us, known as the fruit of The Holy Spirit.  We have no control over how we get them. We can’t obtain them on our own.

If we want them to grow in our life we must know Jesus, love Jesus and imitate Jesus. When we do we will be living examples of Christ’s character that is so desperately needed in our world today.

Be blessed by this lovely worship song performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty and others.

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PSALM 91 :: ACTIVATE GOD’S ANGELS

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the first Friday of each month in 2021 we will be studying Psalm 91. We’ll be learning this powerful psalm and applying its phenomenal promises to our life one phrase at a time.  We continue today with verses 11-12.

For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.~ Psalm 91:11-12

This must be a very important Scripture because it was quoted by Satan when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. However, because the devil is the father of lies he couldn’t speak the truth of God’s Word and so he left out a pivotal portion: wherever you go. As believers we want the full measure of God’s Word. Today we will learn how to activate God’s angels over our life wherever we go!

  • GOD OUR HABITATION

Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. ~ Proverbs 3:6

As we acknowledge God in everything we do and choose Him as our holy habitation He surrounds us with His divine protection and sends His angels to watch guard over us wherever we go.

  • WORSHIP AND PRAISE

The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers. ~ Psalm 34:7

As we have a reverential fear of our God and sing our praises up to Him we are activating God’s angels around us. This verse tells us that it is our worship that causes the angels to camp around us and keep us safe.

  • SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. ~ 2 Kings 6:16

As we continue in fellowship with God, in His Word and prayer we will have a more sensitive spirit to recognize the things of God in our lives when they show up. However, whether we can see them physically with our eyes or not, we can trust by faith in God’s Word that His angels are here protecting us.

Be blessed by this beautiful worship song by HungryGen Worship.

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MUSIC REVIEW :: MILK & HONEY by Crowder

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
In every month with five Fridays I’m reviewing Christian music that has really inspired and touched me. Today’s post is the third Music Review for 2021.

Milk & Honey: 12 songs…Running time less that 45 minutes.

If you haven’t heard this album yet… friend, you need to buckle up for a Holy Ghost gospel ride of your life!

Texas-based singer/songwriter known for his wide-ranging fusion of hip-hop, rock, pop, folk, electronic, bluegrass, and gospel, David Crowder comes across very unassuming. Unless you’ve heard his music before, you may be taken by surprise with his country boy look.

Milk & Honey is humble, down to earth, old-time soul music with Biblically sound lyrics telling the sweet, simple healing story of God’s love for us.

An incredibly diverse album; Milk & Honey is edgy yet intimate…. beautiful worship songs with full choirs backing up, country gospel mixed with some R & B, hillbilly rock and a touch of heavy metal thrown in. I fully expect to be singing several of Crowder’s songs in a worship service for years to come!

Incredibly diverse and edgy… yet intimate and personal.

As I was preparing to write this review I realized I could take the titles of some of my favorite songs on Milk & Honey and put them together and basically tell the Gospel  story of Jesus Christ….

Good God Almighty… He Is... Higher Power... In The House…

Sweet Jesus…  Better Than Sunshine

Glory Glory...  God Really Loves Us…

 

Enjoy this video of Crowder sharing the story behind the Milk & Honey album. Be blessed and get this album!

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: BELIEVE GOOD THINGS ARE AHEAD

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the seventh post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM FEAR OF THE FUTURE

 I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.~ Jeremiah 29:11

One of the strongest fears among people is the fear of the unknown. Add to that our tendency to lean toward negative thoughts of the future. This combination can wreak havoc on the peaceful life available to us. God doesn’t want us to live our life filled with fear and dread. All through Scripture we’re commanded to not fear but trust.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:8

If we can push past our human weakness of fearing the unknown future and trust that because God is not only for us, but He is with us, we will find a much more peaceful daily existence. But actually walking in trust is often very difficult depending on our season of life or current circumstances.

We are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good. ~ Romans 8:28

Life is filled with challenging and disappointing situations. But by daily staying in fellowship with God, through prayer and His word, we can transform those negative fearful thoughts into positive trust in God. We will begin to trust God truly has a plan. Soon we will see that He can and will take all things and create something good to bless our lives and the lives of those around us.

Be blessed by this beautifully uplifting song by Gateway Worship!

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THE TWELVE LIFE RECOVERY GIFTS :: WISDOM

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH BEGINNING IN JANUARY. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC. COME ALONG. LET’S LEARN SOME NEW THINGS TOGETHER!
For my addiction recovery work this year I’m going through The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. On the third Friday of each month in 2021 I will be sharing the blessings God brings us to honor our choices and encourage our recovery journey.
This is the seventh post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of wisdom.

The gift of godly wisdom is a combination of the depth of our relationship with God and our ability to bring our experiences into relationship with Him. ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

WISDOM: knowing what’s right and doing it.

And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace. ~ James 1:5

“All of us have made wrong choices that have led us into trouble, ultimately affecting our relationship with God and with others. When we ask God for wisdom, He is more than willing to give it. Since God is the source of all wisdom, we can make fewer unwise decisions by turning to Hi for guidance. In recovery we are told to improve our conscious contact with God so we can better know His will for us. This can be achieved by studying God’s Word and praying regularly.” ~ The Life Recovery Bible

We develop the gift of wisdom as we seek God’s will and carry it out. Through daily prayer and meditation in God’s Word, His truth will eventually begin to infiltrate our lives. We will begin to make wiser decisions and soon become strong enough to overcome our weaknesses.

One caution is the sneaky false pride that may try to creep in, telling us that we are strong enough to make it in our own power. That’s a recipe for certain disaster and relapse. Scripture teaches us that pride leads to a fall!

When you act with presumption, convinced that you’re right, don’t be surprised if you fall flat on your face! But humility leads to wisdom. ~ Proverbs 11:2

Stay fully surrendered to God. Do whatever it takes to change your life and keep it changed! It takes a humble heart that’s willing to change and continue a life of recovery.

Be blessed with this sweet song by Colton Kelley.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Peace and Patience

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the seventh post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

While the gifts of the Holy Spirit are virtues, the fruit are the resulting moral actions that flow from those gifts. With the help of Holy Spirit we are able to daily walk in these fruit and display them to those around us. In today’s post we will focus on the fruit of peace and patience.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

God has given us the powerful fruit of the Spirit to help us live a life of victory and to protect us from our enemy, Satan. As born again believers we’re all filled with the Holy Spirit and have the ability to walk in His fruit of peace and patience. We also have the ability to squelch the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives with worldly behavior or lack of faith.

  • THE FRUIT OF PEACE: a state of quiet of tranquility, calmness and rest; freedom from strife or agitation; denotes perfect well-being, health, welfare, prosperity; harmony in all relationships: spiritual, familial, the world and among nations.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! ~ Isaiah 26:3

True peace isn’t the absence of problems but rather the presence of God. It’s our job to stay closely connected to God in His Word, in prayer and fellowship so we will remain in the perfect peace that is promised to us.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15

Jesus, The Prince of Peace, came to bring the world peace with God but also peace with themselves and others. Jesus promised us His gift of peace, not a worldly type of peace. He told His disciples the Father would be sending the Holy Spirit to reveal all truth. Then just before Jesus ascended to heaven He breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit.

Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! ~ Romans 15:13

 

  • THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE:  an attitude of cheerful endurance during tests, hopeful forbearance, long-suffering; the emotional and mental strength to face difficulties with courage; the quality that doesn’t surrender to circumstance or under trial.

While all the fruit of the Holy Spirit are available to us when we’re born again, they’re mostly in a seed form and haven’t had time to develop. They need to be nurtured and mature with God’s Word and by exercising them in practical application in our daily lives. That’s where the real learning and growth begins.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. ~ James 1:2-4

The fruit of patience gives you the strength to overcome temptation… enables you to wait faithfully without giving up. It helps you remain steadfast in faith, believing God for the impossible no matter what. Patience is often the key to our prayers becoming reality and the supernatural manifestation of miracles.

Stand firm with patient endurance and you will find your souls’ deliverance. ~ Luke 21:19

These fruit of the Holy Spirit: peace and patience go together in such a perfect way. If we our impatient we’re likely not walking in peace. When we’re not walking in peace we can easily succumb to impatience.

Let’s lean into a closer fellowship with God and His Word. Holy Spirit will lovingly guide us into a deeper dimension and experience of these fruit. As we do, our lives will become a rich walking testimony of God’s goodness for others to witness. And we will have the goodness of God fulfilled in our own lives.

Be blessed by this beautiful video by Hillsong Young & Free.