But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance,: against such there is no law.
We’ve been watching a lot of Berenstain Bears lately with Isaac.
My husband jokingly asked the kids if I correct them as loving and gentle, as Mama Bear corrects Brother and Sister.
The answer,
I want to, and sometimes try, but I find myself responding more like Gru from Despicable Me.
So as the Holy Spirit woos me to come up higher, He adds to the Truth,
through my devotional today.
You guessed it-
it was about faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control.
Now I must note here, my devotionals are chosen by me.
The Holy Spirit is a gentle-man and will never force Himself on you, even though He dwells in you.
You and I have to choose to be led.
So breaking it down,
for some of you that may be new to following the Holy Spirit’s leading,
it looked like this.
My friend had started reading a devotional that popped up in my Bible app on the fruits of the Spirit.
I don’t necessarily read every thing I see-
(but don’t think I’m not tempted-enter self–control-)
Another work of the Holy Spirit.
If you look at “my plans” in my app, you’ll find over a hundred!
But then God began dealing with me on quality vs quantity- (we will save this for another day)
Anyway, this particular devo caught my attention, before Mama Bear even came on the scene.
And as I shared from a previous post, The Holy Spirit and the Word of God will ALWAYS agree.
They are the “bumpers” so to speak, of our game of Life, just like in bowling.
So, the Holy Spirit challenged me-
while watching Berenstains,
and then confirmed what He wanted to show me by the Word.
Just because someone, or something adds “The Holy Spirit told me” means nothing if the Holy Spirit didn’t first say it in the Word!
Putting God’s Word in your heart will keep you from being led astray.
Let’s look at the Word like Seed, as Jesus detailed in Mark 4.
If I want that Seed (Word) to grow, it also needs cultivated.
Jesus said, “If you continue in my Word, you are my disciples indeed, and you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you FREE.”
In other Words, continuing in the Truth produces Fruit.
Water and Light can both represent the Word of God as well.
Just like natural seeds need these things to thrive, we need to Keep the Seed watered and lit up by continually beholding the Word.
So as I ask for insight this morning on what He is trying to show me,
The Holy Spirit reminds me again where Paul encourages us to receive the multiplication of Grace and Peace.
Changing from Gru into Mama won’t happen with my simple want to.
I’ve been there and done that.
Obviously, I want to be the best mom that I can be.
But wanting to, and then realizing that you aren’t yet, gives the Holy Spirit room to work.
As long as you think you are Mama like- by your own standard
(I don’t yell at my kids as much as sister so and so)
and will hear nothing opposite,
your heart is hardened.
You will remain A Gru when you have the potential to be Mama.
Father, I pray today, that as James instructed us, we will receive your Grace and Peace multiplied, and with meekness, let the Seed of your Word be cultivated in our hearts.
Our desire is to Grow and Bear much fruit for your Glory.
For Jesus sake’ and in His Name,
Amen
ThankFully Restored 