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I WILL NOT FORGET YOU

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. ~ Isaiah 49:15   REFERENCE: Isaiah 49:13-17   These trying times can make you feel alone and wonder if God still knows your postcode or cares. You may have had an item on your prayer list for years that has yet to be sorted out by God, and it heightens your uncertainty about the days ahead. Do not fret. The devil wants you to think God has forgotten about you, but He says, "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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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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BE A TRUE FRIEND

"Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel." ~ Proverbs 27:9   REFERENCE: Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 27:9   In concluding the devotion to fostering friendships, let us focus on being true friends to others. Just as we desire meaningful connections, we must extend the same love, support, and grace to those around us. Instead of wondering if people are good friends, be one; be to people what you would want them to be to you. Be a true friend. Today's verses show the ingredients for friendship; you will be considered a...
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THE SIGNAL IS FOR CHANGE

“When birth pangs signaled it was time to be born, Ephraim was too stupid to come out of the womb. When the passage into life opened up, he didn’t show.” ~ Hosea 13:13 (MSG)   REFERENCE: Hosea 13:12-13 (AMPC)   This imagery is quite disheartening; Ephraim sinned against God, and He brought the tribe into distress and trouble – intense sorrows like the pangs of a woman about to give birth. The plan was that the distress would signal the need for repentance to Ephraim and that a new nation would be born. However, Ephraim did not see that but remained...
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REPENTANCE: TRUE TRANSFORMATION

"Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance..." ~ Matthew 3:8   REFERENCE: Matthew 3:1-8   It is a season of transformation (moving from one form to another). A transformed person is a changed person, and true change begins from the mind; hence, repentance. The Greek word 'metanoia' means a change of mind or mode of thought. Biblical repentance is a genuine turning away from sin and a sincere desire to return to God. It is not just admitting you are wrong; it is a spiritual awakening that leads to restoration and a renewed relationship with God.   Let us consider the characteristics of...
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