Hiding Your Words in My Heart: 3/25/12

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Day 4 - Week 57 - 2 Timothy 1:14 "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."

We'll continue tonight looking at the next one-third of verses in the New Testament that reference the Holy Spirit. I'm using the NIV translation, and only picking up the verses that include the specific name "Holy Spirit" which the NIV consistently uses. Did you look through all of the verses on yesterday's post? Did you explore any of them to learn more of just who the Holy Spirit is and what His role is in the godhead and in our lives? I really hope you will get into the Word and learn something new. As I said, you should be able to click on the Bible references and you will be linked to www.biblestudytools.com which gives you all kinds of tools for deeper Bible exploration.

OK - let's look at tonight's verses:

Acts 2:4 NIV - The Holy Spirit enables us with supernatural gifts

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:33 NIV - This is a tough one - Jesus received the Holy Spirit upon His ascension, which enabled Him to be able to dispense the Spirit to His disciples. Have you read this verse before...how do you interpret it?

Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Acts 2:38 NIV - With repentance and baptism, Peter explains, comes forgiveness and "the gift" of the Holy Spirit. Not gift(s)...just one singular gift...the Holy Spirit.

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:8 NIV - Again, the Holy Spirit emboldens and enables those filled with extraordinary ability to proclaim the gospel

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!

Acts 4:25 NIV - Yes, the Holy Spirit was present in the Old Testament. But people were not filled with the Spirit as we are able to be since the ascension of Christ. In the OT, the Spirit "fell" on people at specific and special times for specific and special enabling.

You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

Acts 4:31 NIV - Another reference to the Holy Spirit's power, both physically evident and personally...do we limit the power of the Holy Spirit by our limited view of Him?

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 5:3 NIV - How does a person lie to the Holy Spirit? You may want to dig into this one...

Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

Acts 5:32 NIV - This is pretty cool...the Holy Spirit has witnessed everything that has taken place in the heavenly realms...firsthand...and now He lives within us. Is it any wonder that He is the confirmer of our faith? He is there saying..."Yes, it is true."

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

Acts 6:5 NIV - Full of faith and the Holy Spirit...inseparable combination!

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Acts 7:51 NIV - the Holy Spirit has tried to bring truth to people from the very beginning...through nature, through the prophets, through the Gospel..and people unwilling to bend to His call have always resisted.

"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!

Acts 7:55 NIV - The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to eternity

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Acts 8:15 NIV - We can pray for others to receive the Holy Spirit. Are we doing that?

When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,

Acts 8:16 NIV - And how do you handle this verse? Didn't Peter say that baptism brings with it the gift of the Holy Spirit? What was the delay? The KJV says that the Holy Spirit had not yet "fallen" on them. Could it be that they had the gift, but did not know it and had not experienced it? Could that be the case with many believing Christians?

because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 8:17 NIV - the filling?

Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:19 NIV - There is no allowance for the abuse of the Holy Spirit or the powers He bestows. This section of Scripture makes it clear that the gift of the Spirit can never be used for personal gain - in the manner of personal glory or personal material gain. What does that say about some who seem to do this very thing?

and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

Acts 9:17 NIV = Saul to Paul --- the difference? The Holy Spirit!

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Acts 9:31 NIV - the Holy Spirit encourages the church.

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

Acts 10:38 NIV - Yes, Jesus also was filled with the Holy Spirit, giving Him, while He was on earth, the power of God.

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

Acts 10:44 NIV - The Holy Spirit not only gives the speaker's mouths their words, but He gives the hearers ears to hear!

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

Acts 10:45 NIV - the Gift of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any group of people...the only limiting factor is belief in the atoning work of Jesus Christ!

The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

Acts 10:47 NIV - OK - Here's another one to ponder....these people received the Spirit prior to baptism!

"Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."

Acts 11:15 NIV - Another evidence that the Holy Spirit is not limited

"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.

Acts 11:16 NIV - Peter remembers and understands...he is seeing what Jesus told him would happen...the Holy Spirit is coming to those who believe.

Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'

Acts 11:24 NIV - Another coupling of Holy Spirit and faith

He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Acts 13:2 NIV - Would you say this is specific instruction given by the Holy Spirit? What did it follow? Worship and fasting...complete focus.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Acts 13:4 NIV - The Spirit directs....

[On Cyprus] The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Acts 13:9 NIV - Do you want to know what Paul said? click on the verse! And remember, he said these words, "filled with the Holy Spirit"....

Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,

Acts 13:52 NIV - I L-O-V-E this coupling... "filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." Just as we have learned that joy is one component of the fruit of the Spirit, here is evidence of just that. Filled with joy - the Spirit brings joy!

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Are you amazed at everything we have already seen regarding the Holy Spirit. Don't just read through these verses lightly. Read them in context - where you don't have understanding at the beginning, study until you do. Make your determinations as to what the Scriptures really bring to light regarding the Holy Spirit. And remember that our key verse this week tells us to guard our faith with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us....He helps us, He lives in us. Again, He is God.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Day 3 - Week 57 - 2 Timothy 1:14 "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."

Tonight we're going to look at multiple verses regarding the Holy Spirit. I view the Holy Spirit as the "middle child" of the Trinity...you know, the one who is always overlooked! (Straight from the mouth of a middle child!) We talk often of God the Father and we feel comfortable in our idea of His role, and even more so with Jesus the Son. But the Holy Spirit, the third element of the Trinity...how much do we know of Him? How much do we truly acknowledge Him as God?

His name is included in the New Testament (NIV) about 90 different times. If we want to understand God the Spirit, we must read of Him and understand what Scripture has to say of Him. So tonight and in the other two days' of this week's studies, we will look at all these verses...around 30 verses each night! (You should be able to click on the bold gold Scripture reference and open the link so that you can read the verse in context and have access to other Bible study tools to help you dig into the verse.) Wow!! Read through each verse...when one seems especially interesting to you, look it up. Read the context. Get into it. This is more than we usually do, but this is a very understudied subject for most of us and I think it's time for us to catch up. Let's be diligent.....let's get started!

Matthew 1:18 NIV - the Holy Spirit as the source of the incarnation of Christ

[The Birth of Jesus Christ] This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:20 NIV

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:11 NIV - the Holy Spirit foretold by John the Baptist

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Matthew 12:32 NIV - the seriousness of the Holy Spirit and our acceptance of Him

Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Matthew 28:19 NIV - the Holy Spirit, the third side of the triangle of the Trinity

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Mark 1:8 NIV (Matthew 3:11)

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Mark 3:29 NIV (Matthew 12:32)

But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."

Mark 12:36 NIV - the Holy Spirit, revealer of spiritual truths

David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." '

Mark 13:11 NIV - the Holy Spirit, the inspiration for words of testimony

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:15 NIV - John the Baptist was a picture of a human being filled with the Holy Spirit...hmmmm...how much did he care about the world's opinion of him?

for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

Luke 1:35 NIV (Matthew 1:18)

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:41 NIV - Again, the Holy Spirit reveals truth...read Elizabeth's proclamation to Mary

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:67 NIV - ...and Zechariah's prophesy....

[Zechariah's Song] His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

Luke 2:25 NIV ....and Simeon's ability to recognize the Savior....

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Luke 2:26 NIV ....the Spirit reveals things we could otherwise never know....

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Luke 3:16 NIV (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8)

John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Luke 3:22 NIV ...another depiction of the Trinity, the Spirit as a dove, the voice of the Father, Jesus in the flesh....

and the Holy Spirit

Luke 4:1 NIV ...the Holy Spirit, when we are filled, leads us to where we need to be at the time...

[The Temptation of Jesus] [4:1-13pp -- Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12,13] Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,

Luke 10:21 NIV ...the Holy Spirit enables us to be filled with joy....

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Luke 11:13 NIV ....the Holy Spirit is a gift given to those who ask for Him...

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 12:10 NIV (Matthew 12:32, Mark 3:29)

And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

Luke 12:12 NIV (Mark 13:11)

for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

John 1:33 NIV ...since we already know that John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit, should it surprise us that he was able to hear God's voice...

I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'

John 14:26 NIV ...again, the Trinity. The Father will send the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name...the Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us of Christ's teachings...complete truth.

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 20:22 NIV ... OK - study this one...do the disciples receive the Holy Spirit at this point, or at Pentecost?

And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:2 NIV ...and this one...why does Jesus, who has taught the apostles all through His ministry, now give instruction "through the Holy Spirit"?

until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

Acts 1:5 NIV ...look back at Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8 and Luke 3:16...did Jesus physically baptize anyone while on earth?

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

Acts 1:8 NIV ...the Holy Spirit brings power...power to witness to all.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:16 NIV ...the Holy Spirit...present in the Old Testament? Yes. In the same way? No. What's the difference?

and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus--

Is your interest sparked? I hope so. I hope you will dig into the Word and become comfortable with the Holy Spirit. It's rather ironic that we're not...since He lives within us!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Day 2 - Week 57 - 2 Timothy 1:14 "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."

This is one of those verse that I have never dwelt on much, and I have a feeling that I have missed out because of that oversight!

How much do you consciously depend on the Holy Spirit? I know that in the past, I have not nearly as much as I should have. This week we're going to look at why the Holy Spirit makes Christianity unique among all other religions, and why Jesus promised Him to us. What is His role in our lives?

In this small verse, we are told that we have a "good deposit" that is to be guarded, and that the Holy Spirit can help us to guard it. And that the Holy Spirit lives in us as believers in Jesus Christ. Let's look at the verse in its context to gain a little more understanding.

2 Timothy 1:9-14 "This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

From the context, I think we are safe in saying that the good deposit that we have been entrusted with is the gospel...the good news that Jesus Christ has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light! That is what we are to guard in our hearts...and if we are warned to guard it, it's because Paul knows that there is danger of it being stolen. Paul knows that without the help of the Holy Spirit we are vulnerable to all sorts of attacks on our faith and love of Jesus.

The outside world is an enemy of God (James 4:4, "Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.") and is vicious in its lies regarding its enemy. Paul had undergone these attacks ("that is why I am suffering as I am") and completely understood how difficult it is during these times of duress to keep his faith, to hold fast to the love of Jesus that he had. But he did it. And he did it because he leaned on the help of the Holy Spirit living within him.

Do you want to keep your faith no matter what comes in life? I do. No matter what storms whirl around me, no matter what the enemy does to pressure me, I want to stand firm. I want to be found faithful. Can I do that on my own? I shouldn't even presume to do so. It's not what God has designed...He has given me His Spirit, to live within me, to help me in guarding my faith. If I am not calling on the Spirit to strengthen me every day, then I am missing God's intent.

I have not been taught to pray to the Holy Spirit - but I have begun to do so. He is God, and He is in me to help me through each moment of breath-filled life.

Thank You Father God for allowing Your Spirit to live within me. Thank You Jesus my Savior for living, dying, rising to life, and then ascending to heaven to allow Your Spirit to live within me. Thank You Holy Spirit for being with me right now, at this very moment, to empower me to live not as I would, but as You lead me. Guard the very good deposit, the treasure, that I have been given...my faith in the work of Jesus to forgive and to bring me to immortal life with God, Father, Son and Spirit, Three in One. Amen.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Day 1 - Week 57 - Amazing, isn't it?

Amazing that again we come to another Sunday...another start of another week. We'll bring March to a close this week and next Sunday will be April 1. One-quarter of the year will have already been accomplished. Amazing, isn't it? And Easter is on its way...lovely, lovely time of year to reflect on regeneration, renewal and resurrection!

We are traveling along our journey at a remarkable pace it seems...onward my fellow journeyer!! I am encouraged by you by my side!

Let's review....

Promises of God (10)

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

Obedience (10)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle word turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath."

The Holy Spirit's Role in our Lives (6)
Ephesians 5:18 "And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit."
Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making music in to the Lord in your hearts."
Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:21 "Submitting to one another in the fear of Christ."
Galatians 5:22 "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

I actually snuck in a little extra verse last week. The sentence that we memorized overlaps into Galatians 5:23, with the additional sentence completing that verse, "Against such things there is no law." There certainly is no law against the nine characteristics that we have studied. If the world in its entirety could exhibit these characteristics, we would have no need for any other laws, would we? Don't be discouraged...that world is coming...that's the world we will live in for eternity! Have you ever thought about being surrounded by those attributes for the rest of your life? Can you even begin to imagine where everything would consist of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? No wonder it is called heaven!

Robert J. Morgan uses Galatians 5:23 as the next verse in our set of 100. But I have chosen to substitute another verse this week in our list of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. Our verse this week will be 2 Timothy 1:14, "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."

I want us to look at the fact that the Holy Spirit helps us --- every day --- and I believe we so often overlook His help. Let's not. Let's examine it. Come with me a little farther down the trail.

Days 4 & 5 - Week 56 - Galatians 5:22 "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

I know this isn't usual for me, but this week was my Mother's 89th birthday celebration and we had our usual Mother/Daughters sleepover. My mother won our Hearts tournament and stayed up with us until the movie was over (1:15a). We had a wonderful breakfast time together and talked, drank coffee and just enjoyed the 4 of us being together. What a blessing this is to be able to enjoy such a great time together!

The celebration threw me a bit behind in my week, so I'm going to combine Days 4 & 5 so we can then move forward on to Week 57 on schedule.
Day 4 - Goodness and Faithfulness
Characteristics 6 and 7 of the fruit of the Spirit are goodness and faithfulness. How would you define goodness? Just as we found that patience and kindness carried with their definitions a little deeper spiritual meanings than what we normally associate with them, I think we will find the same with goodness, and possibly as well with faithfulness.
The Greek word used in this verse for goodness is agathosune, meaning "uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness." The same word is used in 2 Thessalonians when describing God's goodness, so again, we are to reflect a characteristic of God. And what does God's goodness look like? How can we define that? The first thing that I think of when I try to put words to God's goodness is, total and complete...God is totally good, completely good, there is nothing in Him that is not absolute good. Paul seems to be urging us to reflect this completeness in our lives in Romans 15:14...

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now, my brothers, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another.

When we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we will convince others around us that we are also full of goodness. They will see within us an absence of the malice of the world, and of the envy and greed that is shown by so many of our times. We should exude goodness. That doesn't mean that we should come across as "goody-two-shoes" (where in the world did that phrase come from, does anyone know?). There is a vast difference between a person full of goodness and a person who can't stop telling you how good they are! I believe a key ingredient of goodness is humility...without humility, a person can "act" good, but that's just what it is...an act. True and complete goodness is not a human trait...it's a Spirit-given trait.

Faithfulness. Do we need an explanation for this? What's your idea of being faithful? Maybe the simplest is just not being unfaithful! Faithfulness is staying true to your vows. Standing firm in your commitment. Faithfulness is not wavering in times of trial. We remain strong, anchored in our faith, allowing nothing to move us. Faithfulness is driven from an absolute faith...a conviction so strong, a belief so grounded, that nothing can shake us. That kind of faithfulness is not born into us through our natural birth, only through our rebirth through Jesus can we gain access to the ability to such commitment. Faithfulness is grown in us through the Holy Spirit's work.

Day 5 - Gentleness and Self-Control

I love the pairing of the characteristics...gentleness and self-control seem to go hand-in-hand, don't they. Have you ever seen a grown up throw a real fit? It is anything but gentle and it certainly shows a complete lack of self-control.

Gentleness, praotes in the Greek, is translated as meekness in the King James Version. I prefer gentleness just because of the connotation of weakness that we usually associate with meekness. But that is an inaccurate rendering. Neither gentleness nor meekness indicate weakness...actually it takes a very strong person to restrain themselves into a consistent manner of gentleness. In 2 Corinthians 10:1, Paul describes Christ as being meek and gentle...yet Jesus Christ exhibited unmatched strength of character and unparalleled fortitude. Gentleness is the opposite of harshness, brashness and arrogance. Gentleness is what allows someone to wash another's feet, or to offer a cup of water to someone who is thirsty, passed to them with a soft touch of the hand. Gentleness doesn't demand any acknowledgement for its actions....gentle actions are driven by a heart that is tender.

Self-Control...I think there is a good reason that the characteristic of self-control is the last one listed. The Spirit will never be able to completely exhibit its fruit in our lives until we completely relinquish our control of self to the Holy Spirit, and then when we do, we find that we gain a supernatural self-control. For without the Spirit controlling our lives, we fool ourselves when we think we have control of our lives. Without the Spirit, generally our lives are out of control! We are running this way and that looking for fulfillment...reaching for the next "something" that will make us feel that we have mastered control over our lives. We listen to the age-old lie of Satan whispering in our ears, "You can be like God." We cling to our rebellion, striking out in all manners of over-indulgence and craziness. All the while, God is ready to give us His Spirit to enable us to live lives that are Spirit-controlled. The Spirit-controlled life allows us to live lives that exhibit all of the other characteristics that we've already discussed...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. Live in the Spirit...allow Him to do His work in you, allow Him to control, and you will find your life being lived within the boundaries that bring you true blessing.

God is so good...He has given us His Spirit to produce in us all that we need to be complete, all that we need to be the creation that He intended each of us to be. Praise Him!