Tag: The Holy Spirit Study

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self-Control

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 tenth 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. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

All these character qualities are the virtues that Jesus Christ has and exhibits. By nature of being born-again into His body, the church, we are endowed by the power of the Holy Spirit to have these same qualities planted in seed form within our spirit. It’s then is up to us to mature the fruit seed, by spending time in God’s Word, in prayer and fellowship with the Father. Then the seed will grow into full fruit that bears the likeness of Christ to all who are in our presence.

  • FAITHFULNESS: the quality of steadfast loyalty or firm adherence to promises.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ~ Proverbs 3:3

In the world faithfulness is a rare character trait. But as believers, who have the fruit of faithfulness flowing in our lives, we can be depended on to do what is right even when no one is watching us.

  • GENTLENESS: mildness of manners or disposition.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ~ Philippians 4:5

When our heart has been softened by the Holy Spirit after we are born again we are able to be milder in our behavior and moods toward others, especially to those who are difficult.

  • SELF-CONTROL: restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires.

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. ~ Proverbs 16:32

Another rare trait in our world today is self-control. The ungodly person lives by whatever their flesh desires. By the power of the Holy Spirit working in our life, self-control helps us keep our physical nature under control so that the other fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness can freely flow and witness the power of God to those around us.

These three character traits of Christ round off the fruit section of our Holy Spirit study. Next month we will focus on the gifts of administration and helps.

Be blessed by this great worship some by Elevation Worship on the faithfulness of God!

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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 bottom-line 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.