Fruits of the Spirit- FAITHFULNESS

 

HOPE YOU HAVE HAD A WONDERFUL WEEK AND HAVE BEEN REMINDED OF FAITHFULNESS, FAITHFULNESS BY GOD, AND YOU BEING FAITHFUL TO HIM!

THIS IS A WONDERFUL FRUIT TO STUDY. THINK
OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO YOU, ALTHOUGH THIS IS A FRUIT WE DISPLAY AS BELIEVERS.

Deuteronomy 7:9 King James Version (KJV)

⁹ Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

* WHEN WE FOLLOW GOD, HE IS PERFECTLY FAITHFUL. HE IS STEADY, UNCHANGING, AND UNMOVING. HE WILL BE FAITHFUL WHEN THE WORLD IS NO MORE. IT IS GREAT TO KNOW WE CAN COUNT ON GOD.

* IN FAITHFULNESS, THERE IS LIFE THAT HAPPENS... EVERYDAY THINGS THAT ARE A PART OF JUST LIVING... THERE ARE PROBLEMS THAT ARE CURED, FAMILIES MENDED, HEARTS JOINED, RELATIONSHIPS RESTORED. ALL OF THESE THINGS CAN AND WILL HAPPEN IF ONE IS FAITHFUL TO THE LORD.
*WHEN WE TRUST IN THE LORD, IT MAKES US MORE DEPENDENT ON HIM.
* FAITH IN GOD GIVES US STRENGTH TO GO ON FOR HIM, THEREFORE WE ARE MORE FAITHFUL TO THE CAUSES OF CHRIST.
*FAITHFULNESS IS NOT EXCEEDING THE OTHER FELLOW, RATHER IT IS DOING THE BEST YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.

Revelation 2:10 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁰ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
BE FAITHFUL TO THE LORD TILL DEATH. THE REWARD IS PROMISED, A CROWN OF LIFE.
* AS A CHRISTIAN, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IS A PART OF OUR LIVES. WHY?  IT SHOWS THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN OUR LIVES!!
LASTLY, ARE WE FAITHFUL IN SERVING HIM LIKE WE SHOULD?? IF NOT, WE NEED TO BE BUSY AND FAITHFUL BECAUSE OUR TIME IS NOW. WE ARE NOT PROMISED TOMORROW. WE WANT TO BE FOUND FAITHFUL!!
ARE WE WILLING TO BE USED FAITHFULLY FOR HIM?  ARE YOU WILLING TO LET GOD USE YOU, WHATEVER HE ASK YOU TO DO. WHATEVER IT TAKES, THE LORD CAN USE YOU.
ASK THE LORD THIS WEEK TO HELP YOU TO REMAIN FAITHFUL AND BE THANKFUL FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.'' HE HAS NEVER NEVER FAILED, HE WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL, THE LORD IS STILL IN CONTROL. AND THERE'S NO NEED TO DOUBT HIM NOW, HE'LL MAKE A WAY SOMEHOW, SAFELY, THIS FAR JESUS HAS BROUGHT ME, THERE'S NO NEED TO DOUBT HIM NOW.!''
OUR FRUIT NEXT WEEK IS MEEKNESS! MEEKNESS IS NOT WEAKNESS THINK ON THAT THIS WEEK!

fruits of the Spirit ---GOODNESS

IT'S TIME FOR FRUITS FRIDAY YALL. TODAY, IS A GOOD ONE.. LOL IT IS GOODNESS..
*GOODNESS IS THE GOOD HEART FROM WHICH THE GOOD DEEDS COME IS ESSENTIAL.

Luke 8:15 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁵ But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
*BEING HONEST AND A GOOD HEART GOES A LONG WAY. GOODNESS IS THE PRODUCT OF A GOOD HEART.

Matthew 7:16-17 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Romans 12:21 King James Version (KJV)

²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

* A TREE IS KNOWN BY IT'S FRUIT IT BEARS. A CORRUPT TREE LIKE A CORRUPT MIND WILL BRING FORTH BAD FRUIT.
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS SOMEONE CAN SAY ABOUT YOU IS THAT YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON. THIS DOES NOT JUST MEAN BY YOUR GOOD WORKS, BUT BY THE EXAMPLE YOU LEAD, AND BY THE WAY YOU WALK WITH GOD. IF A PERSON SEES YOU PRAISING GOD IN THE VALLEY, IT IS EASIER TO SEE THE GOOD, WHY?? BECAUSE YOU ARE TRUSTING GOD AND HIS WAYS AND GOODNESS! REMEMBER HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS! THIS ALSO DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE PERFECT OR CLAIM TO BE AN ANGEL, BUT A GOOD PERSON.
* GOODNESS IS ACHIEVED BY WALKING IN THE SPIRIT! THERE IS POWER IN GOODNESS TO OVERCOME EVIL! 
*SOME RANDOM ACTS OF GOODNESS INCLUDE :
-DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT EXPECT ANYTHING.
-DO SOME CLEANING OR YARD WORK FOR AN ELDER.
-REPAIR SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE THAT NEEDS HELP.
-LIFT SOMEONE UP WHO HAS FALLEN AND NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT.
-A SIMPLE PRAYING FOR YOU MEANS AND SAYS A LOT! 
* PEOPLE WHO DEMONSTRATE GOODNESS HAVE A BIG HEART. THEY WOULD GIVE YOU ANYTHING THEY HAD. THEY WOULD PROVIDE FOR YOU IN TIMES OF NEED.
HERE IS A BIG ONE..... GOODNESS IS THE GOLDEN RULE IN PRACTICE!!
*SEE THE GOOD IN OTHERS. NOTICE HOW THEY CARRY THEMSELVES. DO THEY  LOOK LIKE THEY ENJOY LIFE?
*HEAR THE CRYS FOR THE NEEDY FOR GOOD.
*BE GOOD AND HELP SOMEONE BEAR A HEAVY BURDEN.
*HAVE HELPING HANDS WHO NEED FOR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS YOU TO BE STRONG. 
*HAVE FEET TO POINT SOMEONE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!
MR. JOHN WESLEY SAID IT BEST...'' DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN,BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN, AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN, AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.'' 
WHAT A GREAT AND TRUE STATEMENT. LET US DO GOOD THINGS BUT MOST OF ALL, SHOW THE GOODNESS OF GOD TO OTHERS!
HAPPY FRUITS FRIDAY AND DO GOOD.. NEXT WEEK, WE WILL STUDY THE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS!  OH WHAT A GREAT ONE.. GET A HEAD START AND THINK ABOUT GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO YOU AND YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO HIM!!  

Creamy Ritz Chicken Bake

I tried a new recipe tonight and it was really tasty. I did add a few of my own touches to it. Yumm for the tumm!***Creamy Chicken Ritz Bake ***

Grease a 9×13 glass dish. Take 1 to 1/2 cups of instant rice, place in dish. Add 1/2 pack of Lipton Onion Soup mix, Add 1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup, 1 can of water,1 teaspoon of minced garlic, , and mix in dish together.  Add 3- 4 Boneless Chicken Breast.  Spoon some of the mixture on top  of Chicken.  Add Salt and pepper,  and crumble 1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers onthe top of chicken. Add some Pats of butter on top ritz crackers.  Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for an hour or until chicken is done. This is very yummy!!! A very warm and hearty dish, great with a side salad also! Enjoy!

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT -- GENTLENESS

WELCOME BACK TO ANOTHER FRUITS FRIDAY, AND ALSO A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO EVERYONE!

 

THIS WEEK'S FRUIT IS GENTLENESS. OH, FOR MORE PEOPLE TO DISPLAY THIS FRUIT. I AM AFRAID THIS IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE LESS DISPLAYED BECAUSE OF THIS EVIL WORLD WE LIVE IN. KIND IS GENTLE AND GENTLE IS KIND, YET THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. IN THIS DAY AND AGE, GENTLENESS IS BECOMING SO RARE. OUR WORLD IS SO CORRUPT ALREADY, THE SIMPLE ACT OF GENTLENESS IS SO OFTEN MISSED. GENTLENESS MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE AND GIVES SO MUCH JOY TO EVERYONE. OTHER TRANSLATIONS REPLACE GENTLENESS WITH THE WORD KINDNESS.. I THINK GENTLENESS IS BETTER BECAUSE OF THE MATTER IT IS DEMONSTRATED. BEING GENTLE AND HAVING A GENTLE SPIRIT RUBS OFF. A GENTLE SPIRIT HAS A CALMING WAY ABOUT SOMEONE.THIS CAN BE EVEN TO THE POINT OF BEING ''APPROACHABLE''.  I LIKE TO USE THIS AS AN EXAMPLE, " OH, HE IS JUST A BIG POOH BEAR!'' THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE. TO ME, WINNIE THE POOH WAS ALWAYS A FAVORITE CHARACTER OF MINE. HE ALWAYS HAD THE RIGHT THINGS TO SAY, AND WAY SO CALM, AND ALWAYS MADE EVERYTHING SEEM OK..NOT COUNTING THE HONEY HE LIKED.. LOL  ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES FROM HIM IS,

“Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my new favorite day.”
—Winnie the Pooh

IF YOU LIVE A LIFE OF NOT BEING GENTLE, YOU LIFE IS A WASTE. THAT IS KIND OF BLUNT, BUT HEY, IT IS THE TRUTH. WE SHOULD BE KIND AND GENTLE TOWARD OTHERS, BEHAVE LIKE JESUS WOULD, EVEN THE FLESH WANTS TO DO OTHERWISE. THIS IS A BIG ONE .. 

* HOW ARE SOME WAYS WE CAN BE GENTLE?

--DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE WHO WOULD LEAST EXPECT IT, AND DO IT WITHOUT THEM EVEN KNOWING WHO DONE IT.

--BAKE A CAKE FOR A SHUT IN.

--TAKE A FRIEND OUT FOR A LITTLE TREAT.

--BE A GOOD LISTENER. JUST BE AN EAR FOR SOMEONE TO VENT TO.

--LEAVE A GENEROUS TIP

__ASK SOMEONE HOW YOU CAN PRAY FOR THEM

 

ALL OF THESE ARE JUST RANDOM THINGS TO SHOW GENTLENESS AND BEING KIND.

*GENTLENESS IS AN ACT OF THE HIGHEST PERSON. 

2 Timothy 2:24 King James Version (KJV)

²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

*NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE  GENTLENESS. IT GIVES EVERYBODY A CHANCE TO GIVE JOY AND HAPPINESS. 
* IT TAKES A STRONG PERSON TO BE GENTLE, ESPECIALLY TO ONE THAT HAS NOT BEEN GENTLE TO YOU. I HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THIS RECENTLY. THERE WAS SOMEONE THAT I KNEW THAT HAD NOT BEEN GENTLE AND KIND TOWARD ME AND MY FAMILY FOR QUITE SOME TIME. RECENTLY , THIS PERSON WENT THROUGH A VERY DARK TIME IN THEIR LIFE.. WE WENT TO THIS PERSON, TO HELP THEM DURING THEIR TIME OF GRIEF AND SORROW, PRAYING, AND REALLY NOT KNOWING HOW THEY WOULD REACT... BOY, WHAT A DIFFERENCE.. GOD MADE THEM THE MOST GENTLE WE HAVE REALLY EVER SEEN THEM. GOD CAN BREAK YOUR HEART, AND HE CAN BREAK IT FOR A REASON.. TO SHOW YOU A FEW THINGS. GOD ANSWERED OUR PRAYER, AND OUR PRAYER WAS TO MAKE THIS PERSON HAVE A SOFTER HEART AND GENTLE SPIRIT.* GOD CAN GROW US THROUGH GENTLENESS!!*
*JESUS GAVE US THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF GENTLENESS. IF WE ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO LEAD US, BEING GENTLE WILL COME NATURALLY. WHY? BECAUSE JESUS IS GENTLE. HE IS LOVING, A PROVIDER, AND A GREAT LISTENER. WHAT IF HE DID NOT LISTEN TO US WHEN WE CALL UPON HIM, OR NOT PROVIDE WHEN WE SEEK HIM IN NEED??? I AM SO GLAD HE IS A GENTLE GOD, A KIND AND LOVING SAVIOR IS HE!!

PEACH TREES BUDDING IN OUR YARD LAST YEAR

James 3:17 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

 NEXT WEEK , WE WILL STUDY GOODNESS.... THINK OF GOOD FRUIT FROM A GOOD TREE.. NOT A TREE WITH BROKEN LIMBS, AND NO BUDS.... HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND BE GENTLE AND KIND TO EVERYONE YOU SEE. SHOW THEM THE LOVE OF JESUS!

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FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT -- LONG-SUFFERING

HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE GIVING UP?HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY GOD IS LETTING YOU GO THROUGH SOMETHING? HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE NO ONE REALLY UNDERSTOOD?  HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SO DOWNHEARTED AND DISCOURAGED WITH LIFE THAT YOU REALLY WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT CAN'T? THIS IS WHERE LONG- SUFFERING COMES IN.
* LONG - SUFFERING IS FAITH AND PATIENCE ALL IN ONE. IT IS PROBABLY THE MOST OF THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT THAT I HAVE ENJOYED STUDYING SO FAR, WHY? BECAUSE I AM EXPERIENCING IT IN MY OWN LIFE PRESENTLY.
* HOPE IN GOD ANCHORS THE SOUL. WE NEED TO BE REMINDED THAT GOD  WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO.
*HOW DO WE NOT GIVE UP OR GIVE IN?? BY LONG-SUFFERING!. HE WANTS US ALL TO EXPERIENCE IT.

Hebrews 11:27 King James Version (KJV)

²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
*LONG-SUFFERING IS KIND OF LIKE PRUNING A FRUIT TREE. THE PROCESS INVOLVES PATIENCE AND TIME BUT THE FRUIT THAT FOLLOWS IS SO VERY SWEET.
 

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 King James Version (KJV)

⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Romans 5:3-5 King James Version (KJV)

³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

WE HAVE TO REMEMBER WE ARE GOING THROUGH LONG-SUFFERING FOR  A REASON.GOD IS TEACHING YOU TO DEPEND ON HIM LIKE NEVER BEFORE. HE IS MOLDING YOU AND MAKING YOU FOR HIM. * REMEMBER THE POTTER KNOWS THE CLAY AND HOW MUCH PRESSURE IT CAN TAKE.

Hebrews 6:12 King James Version (KJV)

¹² That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 I THINK LONG-SUFFERING IS A FRUIT THAT IS ESSENTIAL, BECAUSE IF IS NOT ,THEN HOW WOULD WE LEARN ALL OF GOD'S PROMISES? 
* LONG-SUFFERING MAKES YOU HOLD BACK OR RESTRAINING WHAT WE REALLY FEEL , AND WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO. YIELD IT TO HIM, AND TRUST HIM TO HANDLE IT.  ROMANS 5 :3-5 IS OUR REWARD.

Romans 5:3-5 King James Version (KJV)

³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

* TIME IS A BEST BUD OF LONG-SUFFERING. IT GIVES MORE TIME FOR PROBLEMS TO SOLVE THEMSELVES. THINK OF JOB.. HE IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THIS. HE WAS SICK, LOST THINGS, EVEN HIS OWN WIFE TOLD HIM TO CURSE GOD AND DIE, BUT YET HE MADE A DECISION TO FOLLOW GOD, AND TOUGH IT OUT,HE ENDURED AND IN THE END , HE WAS BLESSED TWOFOLD!
*DURING THIS TIME OF LONG-SUFFERING, WE CAN NEVER LOSE FAITH! GOD IS CARING FOR US, AND HE IS WORKING FOR OUR GOOD, AND FOR HIS GLORY.THIS IS THE DIFFERENCE IN HIS TIMING VS. OUR TIMING!  BE STEADFAST AND ENDURE!
* FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE OF LONG-SUFFERING. HE REMAINED TRUE, EVEN UNDER THE MOST DIFFICULT , AND WORST TREATMENT, WHEN HE WAS ON THE CROSS.
*SHOW THE WORLD AND YOUR LOVED ONES THAT EVEN DURING LONG-SUFFERING, YOU CAN COME THROUGH  SHINING LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)

³¹ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

*IN CLOSING, WE CAN BE GOING THROUGH LONG-SUFFERING, BUT IN THE END, WE CAN TRUST GOD, TO MOUNT US UP AND ENDURE. ENDURE- I LOVE THAT WORD AND STUDIED ON IT A BIT. IT MEANS TO LIVE THROUGH, EXPERIENCE, HOLD ON, ABIDE,AND GO ON.  
LET'S ENDURE AND GO ON, EVEN THROUGH LONG-SUFFERING. JESUS IS WITH US EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.  REMEMBER, WHEN WE CAN'T, HE CAN!
HAPPY FRUITS FRIDAY, AND IN THE MEANTIME, BE KIND.THIS CAN BE HARD, CAUSE SOMETIMES, WE DON'T WANT TO BE KIND... KINDNESS IS OUR NEXT FRUIT! BE KIND, IT GOES A LONG WAY!

BEAUTIFUL PEARS ON OUR PEAR TREE LAST YEAR