Category Archives: Fruit of the Spirit

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 22, 2017

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Today: Make it Count

DOING FOR OTHERS

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! [Luke 6:31 (MSG)]

Great Blue HeronYears ago I took a short class in genealogy research. One of the first things told to us was that we were obligated to share any information we discovered with the rest of the genealogy community. Genealogy research depends on the results of other people’s searches of sources like birth and death records, cemeteries, census results and newspapers. We simply owe it to those who led us to our findings to share our knowledge with those who follow in our footsteps. I thought of that class as I wrote yesterday’s devotion about offering thanks.

A few years ago I wouldn’t have been any use at all to those people we helped at the swamp. I knew next to nothing about any of the birds in southwest Florida or where to find them. I’m still a rookie birder and most of my avian knowledge is limited to the shore and wading birds. Nevertheless, thanks to the people who generously shared their knowledge with me—who so willingly pointed out birds, identified species, answered my questions, and explained their behavior—I can now help others who are even less knowledgeable than am I. As for that off-the beaten-track conservation area, the only reason we knew about it is that someone kindly shared his knowledge of it with us.

Both the genealogy information and bird lore I’ve received were given to me gratis. There was no quid pro quo—I gave nothing (but my thanks) in exchange for what was given me. It was shared out of kindness with no expectation of repayment—a little like God’s grace. We can never pay the deeper debt we owe to God for all of His goodness. Any attempt to repay Him is a contradiction of grace because grace wouldn’t be grace if it could be repaid. Just because it can’t be repaid, however, doesn’t mean it can’t be spread around. The Golden Rule tells us to do to others as we would have done to us and then I think of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet. He humbled himself to serve them and told the disciples that they must do for others what He had done for them. We must do for others that which has been freely done for us. Whether it is the giving of knowledge, service, skill, assistance, forgiveness or love, the good things that have been done for us are not ours to keep—they are ours to share. When doors are opened for us (both literally and figuratively), we are obligated to open doors for others.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. … In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. [Matthew 5:14,48 (MSG)]

Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.”  [John 13:12-14 (MSG)]

Copyright ©2017 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 21, 2017

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Joy, Love & Works, Nature, Sharing Our Faith, Thanks & Praise

SAYING “THANK YOU”

Give thanks in all circumstances [1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)]

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefit. [Psalm 103:2 (ESV)]

little blue heron (juv) - roseate spoonbill - black crowned night heronWe should thank God in all things and we’re blessed by God when we do. An attitude of gratitude invites His presence into our lives and focuses our attention on Him rather than our circumstances. It leaves no room for complaint, transforms anxiety into peace, strengthens our witness, and reminds us who is the giver of all gifts. An attitude of gratitude, however, does something more. It not only opens the door for continued blessings from God but from people as well. Good things happen to us when we have a thankful heart.

We were at our favorite swamp/bird sanctuary and perched just below us was a juvenile little blue heron. With his white feathers, he’s easily mistaken for just another egret. A man joined us on the platform and started to set up his tripod. We directed him to the little heron posing so perfectly and he thanked us for pointing it out. We chatted a bit and I spotted a beautiful roseate spoonbill. We tried to point out the pink and white bird and then he told us of his color blindness and that reds appear a brownish yellow. For him, the reddish bird so obvious to us blended right in with the foliage around it. We patiently guided his eye to the right spot and he thanked us for our patience. We helped him spot several other birds hiding in the trees and then found him another spoonie that was lurking in the shadows nearby. Each time we found him a bird, he expressed his appreciation.

Later that morning, we saw him in the parking lot as he stowed his equipment. When he thanked us again, I asked if he’d ever visited another (less well-known) conservation area that offers great photo ops. Unfamiliar with it, I started to give directions when my husband offered to guide him to the right road. Again thanking us, he asked if we’d wait while he made a return trip to the visitor center for a much needed rest stop. Five minutes later, we were leading him out of the parking lot. We paused at the turnoff and, as we waved him on, he called out one more thank you. When we drove off, my husband said he’d made the offer to become a guide for one simple reason—the man had thanked us earlier that morning!

The following day, a woman asked the species of a bird she saw. After identifying the limpkin, I guided her eyes to the dull brown juvenile night heron resting on a branch. After thanking me, she confided that she’d never seen an adult night heron and hoped to see one before departing. I continued down the boardwalk to the next lake where I spotted a beautiful night heron. Realizing how easily she might miss the sighting, I returned to her and offered to take her to the posing bird. It probably took about ten minutes of my time, but I did it because she’d been so appreciative earlier that morning.

According to 2014 study published in Emotion (a journal of the American Psychological Association), gratitude is far more than good manners. It makes you friendlier, more likeable, and opens the door to relationships. In fact, thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. We didn’t exchange emails or phone numbers with those people, but we made temporary friends and brightened each other’s day. Friends are made by being friendly, encouraging, and by remembering to say “thanks.” Acknowledging other people’s contributions can, indeed, lead to new opportunities (even if they’re just great photo ops!)

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. [Randy Pausch]

Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. [2 Samuel 2:6 (ESV)]

Copyright ©2017 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.

 

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 15, 2017

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Today: Make it Count

SERVANTS

But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born as a man and became like a servant. [Philippians 2:7 (NCV)]

There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve but the same Lord to serve. And there are different ways that God works through people but the same God. God works in all of us in everything we do. Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. [1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NCV)]

Steamboat ski areaI emailed a friend to ask about her winter and got one of those bad news/good news answers! Her husband suffered a compression fracture in his back, had a heart attack, and underwent surgery. A blizzard then deposited ten-inches of snow in their driveway! The good news was that my friend was blessed by a young man who volunteered to shovel their snow all winter as his “outreach to the elderly.” While I was struck by the man’s kindness, what really disconcerted me was that my friends and I have apparently moved into what is considered the realm of the elderly!

As much as I hate to admit it, I have chores I can no longer do easily and that list grows a little longer every day. Nevertheless, regardless of our ages, we all are called to serve. Fortunately, servanthood doesn’t require exceptional skill, special talents, or even youth.

Today, I saw a large ad for a service that provides professional readers. For a fee, a person will come and read to your loved one. I’m not begrudging people an opportunity to earn a living but I thought it sad that anyone would have to hire someone to read to children, the visually impaired, retirement home residents, or hospital patients. Is there no one who would do it out of kindness? That’s something even the “elderly” can do! We seniors may no longer be able to shovel snow but we can read to people, provide casseroles to shut-ins, and volunteer in charity resale shops. We may not be able to do the heavy lifting or install sheetrock for Habitat but we can assist in their offices or help raise funds. We may not be able to set up chairs and tables at church but we can offer respite for caregivers, become a reading partner with a child, stock shelves in a food pantry, or drive people to chemo-therapy.

While servanthood has no age constraints, it does have a few other requirements. It’s a ministry rather than an obligation and requires the heart of a servant—a heart that helps out of love rather than duty. Servanthood requires observant eyes—eyes that focus on the needs of others and look for tasks that need to be done. As servants, we must think like stewards rather than owners and understand that our time, talent and wealth are not ours to keep but God’s to use. Finally, if we’re real servants, we’re not afraid to do the work of a servant or to be treated as one. Jesus washed the filthy feet of His disciples and, as his servants, we must be willing to get our hands dirty as well!

We may get too old to shovel the walk but we’re never too old to be servants and do God’s work!

 Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. [Dalai Lama]

My brothers and sisters, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love.  The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” [Galatians 5:13-14 (NCV)]

Copyright ©2017 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 6, 2017

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Church & Worship, Fruit of the Spirit, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Today: Make it Count

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY- Carpe opportunitatem

Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. [1 Peter 3:15b-16a (MSG)]

big-cypress-fox-squirrelReturning from our walk at the park, we saw people at the RecPlex Center setting up for an event with a dais, tables and chairs. A woman was placing a sign that pictured a dog and the words “BARK-A-CUE” in bold red letters. My husband lightheartedly asked, “Are you going to grill some dogs?” In a snarl worthy of a Doberman, she replied, “No dogs!” and sped away faster than a Greyhound! As we walked to our car, we looked more closely at another sign; in small print were the words “Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs,” a worthy cause indeed.

We recalled the last time we’d come upon an event at the same park. That time we spoke with one of the volunteers who eagerly told us about the group, gave us a brochure; they ended up with a nice donation from us. The dog lady, however, missed a valuable opportunity to tell us about the event and possibly get two new supporters. Later in the day, I looked up the event and learned this is their major fund-raising effort. It offered a “fabulous BBQ” (probably not hot dogs!), a silent auction, a band, a well-known vocalist, and an opportunity to learn about service dogs and meet some service dog teams. It would have been a fun way to spend the afternoon. “Oh well,” I thought, “that’s her loss!” but it wasn’t just her loss. Her abruptness to us (and possibly others) affected the organization’s mission of raising, training and donating medical service dogs to veterans, first responders and others in need.

As I pondered how the woman blew an opportunity to share the good her organization does, I realized that most of us aren’t much different (at least I’m not). How many times do we miss an opportunity to share a little of our faith with someone? We don’t have to give a two-hour summary of the New Testament and most people wouldn’t want that. Nevertheless, we can take advantage of the many opportunities we have throughout the day to share our faith and God’s word in many small ways.

Like the Bark-A-Que woman, we can take offense when none is intended or be too busy for a few words or we can be like the eager volunteer we met earlier this year. Remembering we are Christ’s ambassadors, we can graciously answer questions or even offer correction, if necessary. We’re not likely to bring someone to Christ with a few sentences or a quick answer. Nevertheless, we can open the door for them and spark their interest as did the friendly volunteer who gave us the brochure. We do this not by being dogmatic and judgmental but with tact, gentleness, wisdom, and love.

The mission statement from a church I visited recently is, ”We the people of God…are empowered by the Holy Spirit…to be the hearts and hands of Christ.” Let us never forget that we are His voice as well!

If your Gospel isn’t touching others, it hasn’t touched you! [Curry R. Blake]

Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them. Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. [Colossians 4:4-6 (MSG)]

Copyright ©2017 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 3, 2017

Posted under

Fruit of the Spirit, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, Holy Spirit, Miracles, Peace of God, Salvation: A New You, Trusting God

HOUSE OF LOST DREAMS (Part 2 – Redeemed)

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. [Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT)]

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! [2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)]

Castle-chillon-lake-genevaAs for the “House of Lost Dreams,” about which I wrote yesterday—almost overnight, where once a dilapidated ruin stood, a beautiful house now stands. The roof tiles are repaired and clean, the house is freshly painted, the overgrown yard tamed, and a “For Sale” sign stands in the yard.

That “For Sale” sign tells me the people who redeemed and refurbished the house saw it not as a home but as an opportunity for profit. They certainly had their work cut out for them; the interior was probably infested by insects and animals and covered with mold. This hot humid climate is brutal to abandoned property and within three years a house can become irreparable. I imagine the house now looks as beautiful inside as it does from the road but I wonder if the changes were only cosmetic. What about the mold deep in the drywall and wood? Is there dry rot in the framework? Are there cracks in the foundation or stucco? What about termites? Did the contractor paint over mold rather than replace wood and drywall? Did he cut corners to increase his profit? Unfortunately, not all rehabbers are ethical and honest. I only hope that the “House of Lost Dreams” doesn’t become a nightmare for whoever eventually buys it.

In our northern community, Habitat for Humanity has started buying up foreclosed abandoned properties and rehabbing them into homes for Habitat recipients. We recently toured one of those Habitat homes while it was still a work in progress. It had been stripped down to its bare bones. Drywall, furnace, appliances, cabinets, and wiring were gone—all that remained was the frame. It is now being rebuilt with new materials by volunteers and the home’s new owners who will purchase it with sweat equity and monthly payments.

Rebuilt from the ground up—that’s pretty much what happens to us when Jesus redeems us. Of course, he doesn’t have to deal with bankers and title companies but He pays off our debt to God, assumes ownership of us, and moves right in. His is not a slap-dash skin-deep surface repair (as I suspect of the Florida house) because He is making a home fit for a King! Like the Habitat builders, He takes his time while repairing and restoring us. Although He doesn’t gut us or strip us of our wiring, He’s not about to let any mold, filth, defective parts, or pests remain. He cleans up the mess, fixes what’s broken, patches the holes, pulls out the weeds, and plants a spiritual fruit tree in the garden.

Although some homes are too far gone for even the best rehabber or most devoted Habitat group, none of us are too far gone for Jesus. He doesn’t care how long we’ve been neglected, how broken-down we are, how cracked our foundation or how rotten our core. Once redeemed, He restores us. He’ll never abandon or sell us and, as a plus, He gives us our own personal handyman in the way of the Holy Spirit!

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. [Philippians 1:6 (NLT)]

Copyright ©2017 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
Standard

Posted by

Posted on

February 28, 2017

Posted under

Church & Worship, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Today: Make it Count

HIS FAMILY

clam-pass-pelicans-terns
Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you.” Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” [Luke 8:20-21 (NLT)]

Last Sunday, my morning’s Bible reading was Luke 8 and I was again struck by Jesus’ rather brusque words dismissing his mother and brothers. They weren’t really a denial of His earthly family; after all, His last words expressed concern for His mother. He was making the point that His work as Messiah was even more important than blood ties, adding that those who heard and recognized God’s word had a closer link with Him than even His earthly family. Even so, I found His words rather curt and un-Jesus-like.

We were visiting friends so I attended church with our Roman Catholic hosts. Although I’m Protestant, as I read their bulletin and joined in worship, I found we had far more similarities than differences. We said the same creed, recited the same Lord’s Prayer, sang many of the same songs, celebrated communion similarly with bread and wine, and heard words from the same Gospels, Epistles and Psalms. We prayed, praised and worshipped as a family. Like Christian churches everywhere, their parish visits the sick, brings communion to the homebound, has a bereavement group, collects food for the food pantry, and needs volunteers for various church tasks and teachers for Vacation Bible School. I recalled Jesus’ words in Luke and realized I’d been concentrating on His rebuff of relatives rather than the meaning of the rest of His words. Jesus’ family isn’t limited to flesh and blood but includes all those who hear and obey His word. If I am His family, all believers are part of my family! Regardless of their denomination, all Christians are my kinfolk—my brothers and sisters—no matter what house in which they choose to worship.

Later in the day, I finished reading their church bulletin and saw that their “prayer intention” for the month of March was for persecuted Christians that they might be “supported by the prayers and material help of the whole Church.” According to the U. S. Department of State, Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from their governments or surrounding neighbors simply because of their belief in Jesus Christ. According to Open Doors, 215 million Christians experience high to extreme persecution. Their web site reports that every month, 332 Christians are killed for their faith, 772 forms of violence (i.e. beatings, abductions, torture, and arrest) are committed against Christians, and 214 Christian churches or properties are destroyed.

In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul eloquently points out that Christians are all God’s children, saying that “together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.” He then adds, “But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” [17b-18] If we truly share in His suffering, we also share in the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Christ. With Paul’s words in mind, I ask Protestants and Catholics alike to abide by Pope Francis’ direction to focus our prayers this month on supporting persecuted Christians everywhere.

We are One in The Spirit, We are One in The Lord. And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. … We will walk with each other, We will walk hand in hand. And together we’ll spread the News that God is in our land. … Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love. [From “We are One in the Spirit” (Peter Scholte)]

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. [Galatians 3:26-28 (NLT)]

Copyright ©2017 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.