Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!


We continue our reading of “A Woman’s Walk with God” by Elizabeth George. It is a study of the Fruit of the Spirit. Today we look at chapter eight – “Giving in Goodness.”

The fruit of the Spirit is…goodness. Galatians 5:22

The author, Elizabeth George, gives us three aspects of the biblical definition of spiritual goodness which relates to our conduct toward others.

1. True goodness is spiritual in its origin. The Bible reveals to us that God is good. Due to our sin and our flesh, we need Good’s grace and the Spirit’s power to exhibit His fruit of goodness, because any and all goodness – genuine goodness – must have God in the formula.

2. Goodness is active. His goodness in us then results in active benevolence, kindly activity on the behalf of others.

3. Goodness is a readiness to do good. Goodness is completely dedicated to helping others live well. Indeed, goodness is up on tip-toe, ready and waiting to do good.

“Goodness will do everything it can to shower God’s goodness upon others. Goodness follows through on those wonderful thoughts of kindness, thoughts which came when we were praying, caring, noticing, and planning to act. Goodness takes the step from good intentions to actively serving others.”

“Goodness puts God’s love into actions, follows through on our plans for kindness, and gives – indeed, pours out! – God’s love to others."

We have been instructed to practice goodness. It is an assignment from God. “Good works does not save, but good works sooner or later accompany salvation.”

The author shares a scripture found in Galations 6:10: “Let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” We are told to do good to everyone, but especially to those at church, to those of the household of faith! Wow! The scripture says especially – meaning moreso! Unfortunately, I am sure that we all could share a story or two of how we did not receive good from those that we worshipped with, those that are of the household of faith. It would be so easy to take steps back, to not practice goodness. But God calls us to live a life of goodness. We have to lay aside our feelings of hurt, and turn it all over to the Lord.

“Doing good to everyone is a tall order, but the Lord delights in helping us fulfill it.”

Luke 6:27-28 tells us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us… “We are to love those who cause us pain through the personal response of doing good, the public response of blessing, and the private response of praying…. Thank God that He helps us fulfill this assignment by filling us with His goodness so that we have His goodness to give to others!

The author shares several opportunities we have to choose goodness:

1. As women we are to learn goodness.

2. As women we are to teach goodness.

3. As women we are to be devoted to goodness.

4. As women we are to adorn ourselves with goodness.

Several biblical examples of women who choose goodness:
1. Dorcas – Acts 9:36
2. The Shunammite woman – 2 Kings 4:8-10
3. Rebekah – Genesis 24:15-20
4. Lydia – Acts 16:15

Here is a thought provoking question the author asks at the end of chapter eight:
Why do you often not do what is good and beneficial to others?

I don’t know about you, but I have plenty of wonderful thoughts of kindness that never get acted on. Sometimes I forget. Sometimes too much time passes. In fact, I purchased a card over a week ago to send to a shut-in. I have cards in my purse that I need to address and mail. I need goodness to follow through on the thoughts of kindness!

Let's pray.  Father, I thank You that You are a good God, that You show Your goodness to us! I ask that You help me and those reading this that our thoughts of kindness will be followed through by goodness. I ask that You help us in times when we have thoughts of kindness but don’t act on it, or we allow too much time to pass and so we don’t act on it. Father, may Your goodness shine out of us to those around us. Thank You Father. We love and appreciate You. We declare that there is none like You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Blessings,

Desperate for God

1 Samuel 1:11-16 (New King James Version)
11 Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” 12 And it happened, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli watched her mouth. 13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” 15 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.”

Hannah wanted her own baby so badly. Her husband, Elkanah loved her greatly. But his other wife, Peninnah would provoke her and make her miserable because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb. Year by year when Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, Peninnah would provoke her and Hannah would weep and not eat (vs. 7).

One year when she went up to the house of the Lord it was different. We read in 1 Samuel 1:11-16 that Hannah cried out to God and made a vow to Him. Hannah was a desperate woman. Even when Eli thought she was drunk, she stood her ground in desperation. In the end we read how God granted her petition and gave her a son, a son that she gave back to the Lord after he was weaned.

I don’t know about you, but I am desperate. I am desperate for God to move in my life, in my family, in my church. Sometimes I think that if God doesn’t move I will burst. Then I remember that His time is not my time and His ways are not my ways. So I try to be patient (not always very good) in my desperation, leaning hard on Him, listening for His voice for direction.

Are you a desperate woman, desperate for God? How is God working in your life through your desperation? Has there been a time in your life when you were desperate for God to do something and He answered your petition?

Let’s take a moment to thank Him for He is able to move in our desperation!

Check out more Word Filled Wednesdays here.

Blessings,

"I Love Your Presence"

Sunday night during worship, we sang "I love your presence."  For me, the sanctuary was filled with the presence of God and I was saturated by His presence.  It was so beautiful to see one of the men in church, who is a fairly new Christian, sing out on this song.  You knew he was thankful for the presence of God in his life.  What a change God has made in his life!

Lindell Cooley is the one I have heard sing this song.  Take a listen to this version.

 The chorus goes:
I love, I love, I love your presence,
I love, I love, I love your presence,
I love, I love, I love you Jesus,
I love, I love, I love your presence.

I am so very thankful for the presence of God in my life. 

Will you take a moment to thank God for His presence in your life?


Blessings,

Fasting

This year our church, along with many other churches across the world, is participating in 21 Days of Fasting.  We do this every year in January.  Throughout the year, we reap the benefits of the first of the year fast. 

Recently my husband taught on fasting during our mid-week Bible Study.  I wanted to share with you his teaching on this subject.

What is fasting?

•      Voluntarily refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.

•      Biblical fasting is also accompanied by extended times of prayer and seeking God.

•      Fasting also includes:

–     Medical fast.

–     Digestive cleansing fast

                  –     Diet fast

What are some of the reasons to fast?

•      To crucify the flesh

•      To seek God and draw close to Him.  Personal revival.

•      The need for guidance

•      The need of a breakthrough

•      Preparation for ministry

Biblical examples of fasting:

1.    Cornelius:  Acts 10:30-33 So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,  (31)  and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.  (32)  Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.'  (33)  So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."

2.    Commissioning for Ministry: Acts 14:23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

3.    Direction/Guidance:  Nehemiah 1:4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.  2 Chronicles 20:3-4 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.  (4)  So Judah gathered together to ask help from the LORD; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.  Ezra 8:21; Esther 4:16

4.    Renewal/Revival:  Joel 1:14 Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the LORD your God, And cry out to the LORD.  Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly.

Fasting is definitely not easy and it is not supposed to be.  Fasting is crucifying our flesh so that we can better hear the voice of God.  Fasting is getting us lined up with God.  A friend of mine is fasting because she needs direction and guidance in her life.  She is believing that through this fast, God will specifically speak to her about certain things in her life.   

During this fast, may my flesh be crucified so that I can hear what the Spirit is speaking to me, may I get the heart of God and may I better walk in the power of God during 2011.

What are your “Steps of Faith” for fasting this year?

Blessings,

Conference on Communication

Today I attended a conference on communication through my job. It was absolutely fabulous! I could have sat there all day and come back for another day.

The conference was through star12 and featured Dr. Kimberly Ventus-Darks. I left the conference excited about implementing what I had learned into both my personal and professional life. If you ever get an opportunity to hear her, please take advantage of it. You will be so glad you did!

She made a few statements, one I had heard before and two others I had not. They are:

• If you always do what you have always done, then you will always get what you have always got!!!



• If you want something that you have never had then you need to do something you have never done!


• If you always think the way that you have always thought then you will always get what you have always got!!

Some other points she made that really stood out to me include:

She also talked about asking. I am going to write something on this in the next few days. I feel it swirling around in my mind and can’t wait to get it down on paper.

We look at people based on their maturity, not their age.  (They could be 50 years old but act like a 20 year old.)

I like this one –

Everything you say you should do, is exactly what you should do. Undone should become I wish I would.

If we like ourselves more, we won’t be impressed with others.  (This is one that I have struggled with. Growing up, pastor’s wives always sang and played the piano. I do not do either one. In fact, when my husband was traveling as an evangelist, someone asked me one time - what do you do? I have to accept who I am and all that God has created me to be and not be concerned with what I do not have or cannot do.)

If you don’t speak up, you lose your rights to complain!

When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.

I am who I say I am.  (Don’t allow people to say who you are.)

Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend!

Donna

 

God is Able!

This past Sunday night, my husband preached on Ephesians 3:20-21:

Ephesians 3:20-21 (New King James Version)

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I like how the New King James says it - exceedingly abundantly above all!  How awesome is that!

Two things I want to point out.  We need to change our thinking to grab hold of this scripture and we can not doubt.

We had a wonderful service Sunday night and the Lord really ministered to everyone.  I was encouraged.  We are having car issues and the Lord reminded me that He is able!  A lady in my church has been without a job for over 1 1/2 years.  The Lord reminded me that He is able!  A friend is about to loose her job in a few weeks.  He reminded me that He is able!  We have things going on at church and He reminded me that He is able!  I don't know how these things are going to take place, but I do know that my God is able!

I want to remind you today that if your situation or circumstance seems hopeless, God is able!  If you have a financial need, God is able!  When we think something is impossible, God is able!  If you need a miracle, God is able!

GOD IS ABLE!


Check out more Word Filled Wednesdays here.

Blessings,

Scriptures on Kindness

This week we have talked about kindness.  On this last day, I wanted to share a few scripture with you that talks about kind and kindness.


Ruth 3:10
Then he said, “Blessed are you of the LORD, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich.

2 Samuel 9:1
Now David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

Job 6:14
“To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Psalm 31:21
Blessed be the LORD,For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!

Psalm 117:2
For His merciful kindness is great toward us,And the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 119:76
Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort,According to Your word to Your servant.

Psalm 141:5
Let the righteous strike me;It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.

Proverbs 19:22
What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

Acts 28:2
And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.

1 Corinthians 13:4
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

Ephesians 2:7
that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

I pray that you have had a good week.  May we all continue to take steps up in our walk with God to better become a Woman of Kindness.

Blessings,

Acts of Kindness

As we continue our study of kindness, let’s look to people in the Old and New Testament that exhibited kindness.


2 Kings 4:8-10
In the Old Testament, the Shunammite woman was someone who noticed the prophet Elisha passing by her house with place to sleep or eat. Elizabeth George writes in her book A Woman’s Walk with God that “kindness went into action as she persuaded him to eat food. As she cared and thought and noticed, she soon realized that he had no other place to stay.” Acting on her concern she asked her husband to make a little room for him to stay in. “This woman’s eyes were open, and so was her heart and her home. In her kindness, she noticed Elisha’s needs.”

Acts 9:36
In the New Testament, Dorcas was someone who noticed people’s needs. She is described as a woman “abounding with deeds of kindness and charity” which included sewing garments for the widows. Elizabeth George writes “What had Dorcas seen with her eyes and heard with her ears? She had noticed that the widows needed clothes – and she acted.”


Ms. George writes of a story that Anne Ortlund shares in her book Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman that shows us a woman who walks in kindness. This story is a great example for us to follow.

“Mrs. Ortlund writes of “a Hawaiian woman who strings a number of leis early each Sunday morning, not for anyone in particular! Then she goes to church praying ‘Lord, who needs my leis today? A new comer? Someone discouraged. Lead me to the right people.’”

“Yes, this is clearly a picture of kindness – a person filled with God’s love going out looking; kindness planning to do something; kindness keeping a keen eye out and noticing others; kindness actively seeking those who are in need.”

What are some ways that you have been on the receiving end of (random) acts of kindness? Take a moment to jot down some examples. Once you start thinking about it and writing them down, you will realize how much you are on the receiving end.

An example for me is someone holding the elevator door. I work in a building with 25 floors and sometimes I can have a long wait for an elevator. I always express my appreciation to the person for waiting on me. Another similar example is someone holding a door for you. Continuing with my work, something else would be when someone offers to help me with a task when they see I am crunched for time. Our copier/printer is on the other side of the floor from my desk. We all tend to print stuff and not pick it up right away. Sometimes people will bring my documents to me and sometimes I will take people their documents. I always aim to show my appreciation. And I always try to extend the same kindness to others around me. I think it is very important for us to show our appreciation for shown kindness.

A lady in our church bakes a variety of cookies for us every year at Christmas time. Her cookies are delicious and we all enjoy them.

A couple in our church has a son that plays football with my son. They are always willing to help us with picking up or bringing home Stephen when we are not able to be at practice.

I have asked this question every day this week and will ask it again. What will it take for you to step up in your relationship with God to better become a Woman of Kindness?

Let’s live a lifestyle of kindness.

Let’s pray. Father, I thank You for those that show kindness to me in so many different ways. They are such a blessing to me and my family. I ask You to help me to live a lifestyle of kindness and to better become a Woman of Kindness. I ask You to help me learn to be concerned about those around me and to be aware of their situations and circumstances. Help me to notice others just as Dorcas noticed the widows. Thank You Father for all that You do. We love and appreciate You. We declare that there is none like You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,

Be Kind

God calls us to be kind to each other, to be Women of Kindness.  Let's exhibit random acts of kindness to those around us - whether friends, family, co-workers or even strangers.  Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus showing kindness, showing His love.

What will it take for you to step up in your relationship with God to better become a Woman of Kindness?

Check out more Word Filled Wednesdays here.

Blessings,

Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

We continue are reading of “A Woman’s Walk with God” by Elizabeth George. It is a study of the Fruit of the Spirit. Today we look at chapter seven – “Planning for Kindness.”

The fruit of the Spirit is…kindness. Galatians 5:22

Yesterday I talked about a Beth Moore simulcast I attended where she talked on the “Law of Kindness.” She taught on different taste of kindness.

Elizabeth George also takes a deeper look into kindness. She tells us right from the beginning that “the highest compliment a Christian woman can receive is to be described as ‘too nice’. When people say that of you or me, we can know we are truly exhibiting the Spirit’s fruit!”

We as women of God are called to kindness. Our walk “involves living out several commands given to us in God’s Word.”

We are warned in Ephesians 4:25-32 against conduct that hurts the heart of God. “This conduct includes various forms of meanness (bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking), all which God calls us to banish from our lives. Instead, we are to ‘be kind to one another.’” It’s obvious our kindness is indeed an action that pleases God.

Another call to kindness is found in Colossians 3:12 where God tells us to “put on a heart of …kindness.” “Kindness is one of the basic Christian virtues that helps govern human relationships.”

One more call to kindness is found in 2 Timothy 2:24. The apostle Paul tells us how to act towards those who are not Christians. “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all.” “It’s a fact that kindness has been an important element in Christian witnessing since the early centuries.”

The author then asks us the reader several important and thought provoking questions.

1. Do you consider yourself to be kind?
2. Are you trying to “stop being mean” and to instead put on a heart of compassion and kindness towards others?
3. Are you seeking to please God by your kindness rather than cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by any unkindness?
4. As you spiritually prepare yourself every morning, do you choose to put on the robe of kindness?

“Kindness has been defined as tenderness and concern for other people. Kindness is also a sweetness of disposition and a matter of the heart.” The authors own definition of kindness is “kindness plans to do something. We get up and go looking for opportunities to do something. Kindness goes out looking, wondering, and asking, ‘Who needs love? How can I ease someone’s burden? How can I touch another person?’”

The author shares about the opposite of kindness. “For instance, arguing. Certain behaviors signal to us that we are not walking by the Spirit or practicing God’s kindness, and one of those flashing red lights is arguing. In 2 Timothy 2:24, Paul says that the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all. Therefore, when you or I find ourselves striving or quarrelling, arguing or quibbling, we can be sure that this behavior ‘is not that which comes from above’ (James 3:15), but is instead coming from our own flesh. Galatians 5:20 even lists strife, disputing, and dissention among the evil deeds of the flesh.”

“Imagine the home…the office…or the church without any arguing! And imagine the same energy that contention, strife, and arguing consume channeled toward kindness instead.”

There are four ways the author gives us to cultivate kindness:

1. Caring is a part of kindness – when we genuinely care about someone, we find ourselves paying attention to the circumstances of their lives and being concerned about their welfare
2. Thinking is a part of kindness – think about others and the conditions of their lives
3. Noticing is a part of kindness – notice other people’s needs
4. Touching is a part of kindness – think of kindness as the tender touch of concern and compassion.

Here is a thought provoking question the author asks at the end of chapter seven:
     Who in your life tempts you to be unkind? What interactions with people especially challenge your efforts to be kind?

What will it take for you to step up in your relationship with God to better become a Woman of Kindness?

Let’s pray. Father, I thank You that You provide Your kindness to us. I know that I haven’t always walked in Your kindness. I ask that You help me in this area. And help those reading this to walk in Your kindness as well. Help us to care about others; think about others, notice others; and give a tender touch to others. Help us not to be quarrelsome or argumentative with others, but rather to extend kindness. Help us to be too nice to those around us. Thank You Father. We love and appreciate You. We declare that there is none like You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,

Kindness

A couple of months ago, I attended my first Beth Moore simulcast. It was amazing – as if we were right there with her! She talked about the law of kindness. Her teaching really spoke to me and all these thoughts were running through my mind.

She took her teaching from Proverbs 31:26:

Proverbs 31:26 NKJV
She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness.

She then listed eight taste of biblical kindness. I had to leave early so I only wrote down seven taste. They are:

1. Kindness is not weakness. Luke 6:35-36
Kindness is capable of speaking a hard word.
Psalm 141:5; Prov. 11:16

This one really spoke to me. I think sometimes that when we show kindness, people see it as a weakness in us, as if they can walk all over us and take advantage. This taste is telling me it actually is showing strength.

2. Kindness is not an action. It’s a disposition.
Adj. profitable, fit, good for any use-of persons, useful toward others, good natured. To be kind is for God to use in any way.
Noun one of the qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit. The word is descriptive of one’s disposition. Kindness cannot be fake.

3. Kindness wears down when we do. Daniel 7:25
We can’t take it anymore; we are worn down.
II Tim. 2:24-resentment can wear down. Gen. 37:4-hatred, jealously, bitterness are all ways that can wear down. When we are worn down, we need to be built up spiritually. Eph. 4:12, 16, 29

4. Kindness looks pain in the face. Job 6:28
Be willing to go to the places of need.

5. Kindness is a Savior. Ephesians 2:4-10
Kindness took on flesh. Jesus saved us from ourselves. Don’t be a savior to someone; rather point them to the only Savior. It’s not our job.

6. Kindness has good memory. Psalm 106:7
Kindness remembers how good God has been to me. Let God bend down and remove the yokes we have put on-yoke of approval of man. Jesus wants us to walk with Him. His cord to us is lovingkindness.

7. Kindness craves an outlet. II Sam. 9:1
David wanted to show kindness to someone in Jonathan’s family. Do I have extra? I want to give to someone else. We have an overflow. Give it.

Take a moment to remember some ways you have given or received random acts of kindness?


There is an opposite of kindness.

Law of Kindness does not:
• Gossip
• Talk about people’s dress, hairstyle, makeup, etc.
• Talk negatively about people, especially those in leadership
• Tear people down


I am sure we can all think of examples that we have experienced unkindness at church, at work, in our families, with our friends. And I am sure we can think of examples where we have shown unkindness to others.

Let’s take a moment to pray a prayer of repentance for the times we have shown unkindness to others in word or action.

Next, let’s determine within ourselves to live a lifestyle of kindness which is showing and acting kindness daily.

What will it take to step up in your relationship with God to better become a Woman of Kindness?

Let’s pray. Father, we thank You for all that You do for us! We thank You for Your provision and protection. We thank You for Your goodness to us. We ask that You forgive us of the times we have shown unkindness in word or action to those around us. Help us Father to live a lifestyle of kindness in all that we say and all that we do. Help us to be pleasing to You in every way. I pray for those reading this that we will act on Proverbs 31:26 - we will open our mouths with wisdom and on our tongues will be the law of kindness. We thank You Father! We love and appreciate You. We declare that there is none like You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,