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EMPTY BOASTING

"So the king of Israel answered and said, "Tell him, 'Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.'" ~ I Kings 20:11   REFERENCE: I Kings 20:1-13   Men often fall into the trap of measuring themselves by wealth, success, intelligence, possessions, might, or physical and mental prowess. It makes them compare themselves to other men, believing they are much better and fare better than them. If caution is not applied, the spirit of pride seeps into their heads, leading to empty boasting. King Ben Hadad had many military victories under his...
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MY WORDS WILL NOT FAIL

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” ~ Luke 21:33   REFERENCE: Luke 21:31-33   We live in changing times and are confronted daily by several uncertainties. Technology is changing at the speed of light; there is climate change, economic flip-flops, and governments and their policies are constantly changing. Sometimes, it is people that we once trusted and believed in that change; they make promises they never intend to keep, and it becomes difficult to handle. Companies hire people on particular terms, but they do not honor the words; some have been told, “I...
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NO LAW AGAINST

“…Against such there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:23b   REFERENCE: Galatians 5:22-25   We have spent the last nine episodes studying the beautiful virtues produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers who are filled with, and allow Him to guide and influence them. If you have the Holy Spirit, then you have these virtues as a seed buried in the soil of your heart; your duty is to cultivate them until they manifest as fruits that will bless all you relate with.   These nine virtues (fruit of the Spirit) are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,...
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FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: SELF CONTROL

We all make mistakes often, but those who don’t make mistakes with their words have reached full maturity. Like a bridled horse, they can control themselves entirely. - James 3:2 (CEB)   REFERENCE James 3:1-10   Self-control is the virtue that restrains you from doing things you want to do but which are not in your best interest or that of others, e.g., eating an extra plate of unhealthy food despite the doctor’s caution. It is the power to self-regulate and adjust your responses to avoid undesirable behaviors, increase desirable ones, and achieve long-term goals. It is the ability to...
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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23   REFERENCE Galatians 5:22-25   Gentleness speaks of kindness and warm-heartedness, the opposite of a harsh and crooked temper. It is the mildness of temper, calmness of Spirit, and a calm disposition to treat people politely. The Greek word for gentleness, ‘Prautes,’ describes meekness or mildness of character. It talks about “power under control” and paints the picture of a tame horse.   Today, we live in a world where being harsh and brash in...
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FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: FAITHFULNESS

But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. - Ruth 1:14   REFERENCE Ruth 1:6-19   King Solomon, perhaps, frustrated over having been disappointed over and again by people he trusted or relied on or committed responsibilities to, one day said, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?” (Proverbs 20:6). Why is faithfulness so scarce amongst many? Psalm...
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FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GOODNESS

Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked…far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? - Genesis 18:25   REFERENCE Genesis 18:20-26   A particular pastor used to say, "God is good," and the church responded, "All the time." It speaks of a core nature of God – 'goodness." Goodness is virtue, generosity, and holiness. God cannot be accused of wrongdoing; He has no capacity for evil or wickedness, and only good comes from our God. If we understand this about God,...
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FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: KINDNESS

And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome… - Acts 28:2   REFERENCE Acts 27:41-28:2   Kindness is being considerate, tender, or warmhearted towards others. A kind person has a gentle nature, is always ready to help others, and occupies himself with finding ways to bring happiness to others. Doesn’t that sound like Jesus? As a kid, we sang in Sunday school about Jesus: “Everywhere He went, He was doing good….” He was tender, warm, ready to do a favor, and was about alleviating the burdens of others. His kindness was...
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FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: PATIENCE

Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. - I Peter 2:23   REFERENCE I Peter 2:19-23   Webster's dictionary says Patience is "To be able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people." It can be arduous since such an expression of Patience contradicts (our fallen) human nature. We often beat traffic lights, are unwilling to stay in queues, become harsh and impatient with a slow motorist with the 'L' sign...
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FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: PEACE

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” – Mark4:39   REFERENCE: Mark 4:35-41   Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]….” (AMP). Peace is another fruit of the Spirit that believers are to manifest; “To this peace indeed you were called….”   This peace comes from intimacy...
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