Do you enjoy eating fresh fruit?
I love to eat Michigan apples and blueberries, but today's article focuses on the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us.
Today's Devotional Scripture
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to the cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit's power, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:22-25, The Living Bible)
Control
We want control, though we quickly surrender it to God when we have a desperate need. "I know. I know," we rationalize. "There's that verse (Galatians 5:22) in The Bible that says when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, we produce fruit."
It is the kind of fruit that Christians and non-Christians look for and need. Who wouldn't want to live in a world filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
The sad part is the fruit has been available for almost 2,000 years. Before His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus told his disciples (and us) that He would send the Holy Spirit as a comforter, counselor and advocate (John 14-16). The Holy Spirit is the truth of God in us. We just have to listen, repeat the truth of the Spirit for the benefit of ourselves and others, and act upon it.
The Holy Spirit Is Active and Changing Lives
Do I believe the Holy Spirit is active and changing the hearts and minds of people today? Absolutely!
I see and/or hear the evidence every day. The problem may be that the redemption of one soul or the victories achieved by one believer are less significant than the latest actions of popular stars, the antics of politicians and the "all information, all the time" environment that has grabbed hold of our nation.
I pray for "less of me and more of the Holy Spirit in my life" so I will be empowered to speak, write and serve like Jesus. I believe there are many others asking in prayer that the Holy Spirit would take control of their lives so we can celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on March 31st and use the days before and after Easter to help others in our community. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I rejoice because you placed the Holy Spirit in me when I said "Yes" to Jesus. I give thanks that the Holy Spirit teaches, corrects, guides, directs and empowers me. Lord, as I spend time in Your Word and in prayer, help me to allow the Holy Spirit to direct my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
The tag on Twitter for this article is #fruitoftheSpirit and it is logged by @denimartin. You can also comment on this article or send me an email at deni-martin@att.net.
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