[READ + MEDITATE]
As we continue our consideration of the “Fruit of Spirit,” it’s important to remember that these fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like; and this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The seventh fruit is FAITHFULNESS. The Greek word used for faithfulness in this passage is pistis and it can mean faith, firm conviction or persuasion, truthfulness, ground of belief, and trustworthiness.
It is an interesting thought to think of God as being one full of faith and conviction. Take some time today to consider God's pistis (faithfulness). And let's ask God for some of that faithfulness and conviction...in a age of cynicism, may we be found faithful. #GCofDunedinLent
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
LENT 2017 Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 27
[READ + MEDITATE]
As we continue our consideration of the “Fruit of Spirit,” it’s important to remember that these fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like; and this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The sixth fruit is GOODNESS. The Greek word used for goodness in this passage is agathosyne and it can mean generosity, beneficence, and virtue.
Take some time today to consider God's goodness. How has God been good, generous, and kind to you? Don't just think in generality, take some time to thank for him for a specific goodness. And ask him to help you emulate the very goodness he has shown you in your interactions with others.
As we continue our consideration of the “Fruit of Spirit,” it’s important to remember that these fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like; and this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The sixth fruit is GOODNESS. The Greek word used for goodness in this passage is agathosyne and it can mean generosity, beneficence, and virtue.
Take some time today to consider God's goodness. How has God been good, generous, and kind to you? Don't just think in generality, take some time to thank for him for a specific goodness. And ask him to help you emulate the very goodness he has shown you in your interactions with others.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
LENT 2017 Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 26
[READ + MEDITATE]
As we continue our consideration of the “Fruit of Spirit,” it’s important to remember that these fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like; and this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The fifth fruit is KINDNESS. Take some time today to consider God's kindness. How has God been kind to you? Don't just think in generality, take some time to thank for him for a specific kindness.
Ask him to help you emulate the very kindness he has shown you in your interactions with others.
As we continue our consideration of the “Fruit of Spirit,” it’s important to remember that these fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like; and this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The fifth fruit is KINDNESS. Take some time today to consider God's kindness. How has God been kind to you? Don't just think in generality, take some time to thank for him for a specific kindness.
Ask him to help you emulate the very kindness he has shown you in your interactions with others.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
LENT 2017 Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 25
[READ + MEDITATE]
As we continue our consideration of Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul’s list of the “Fruit of Spirit,” it’s important to remember that these fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like; and this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
Here’s what this Lenten focus on the “fruits” of the Spirit is all about: Does our life give any evidence of an encounter with God? Do we exhibit “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and self-control” and other similar God-like qualities? Are we different from our surroundings, or do we reflect the predictable cultural values and biases of our surroundings?
The fourth fruit is FORBEARANCE. The Greek word used for forbearance in this passage is makrothumia and it can mean fortitude, long-suffering, slowness to avenge, patient in enduring evil.
Take some time today to consider God’s patience, long-suffering, and fortitude. Ask him to help you emulate the very patience he has shown you in your relationships and interactions with others.
As we continue our consideration of Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul’s list of the “Fruit of Spirit,” it’s important to remember that these fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like; and this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
Here’s what this Lenten focus on the “fruits” of the Spirit is all about: Does our life give any evidence of an encounter with God? Do we exhibit “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and self-control” and other similar God-like qualities? Are we different from our surroundings, or do we reflect the predictable cultural values and biases of our surroundings?
The fourth fruit is FORBEARANCE. The Greek word used for forbearance in this passage is makrothumia and it can mean fortitude, long-suffering, slowness to avenge, patient in enduring evil.
Take some time today to consider God’s patience, long-suffering, and fortitude. Ask him to help you emulate the very patience he has shown you in your relationships and interactions with others.
Monday, March 27, 2017
LENT 2017 Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 24
[READ + MEDITATE]
Today we will continue our consideration of Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul’s list of the “Fruit of Spirit.” These fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like. For this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The third fruit is PEACE. The Greek word used for peace in this passage is eirēnē and it can be used as a benediction or as a salutation of blessing; but it can also be used as description of something tranquil, good, and harmonious.
A very important component of the Christian message is that God speaks peace into the messiness of our lives (a benediction of peace) and brings peace into our existence (heals our fragmented and broken relationships, with him and with others). Take some time today to ponder God’s peace. Ask him to help you receive his peace and to become a mechanism of his peace for others.
Today we will continue our consideration of Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul’s list of the “Fruit of Spirit.” These fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like. For this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The third fruit is PEACE. The Greek word used for peace in this passage is eirēnē and it can be used as a benediction or as a salutation of blessing; but it can also be used as description of something tranquil, good, and harmonious.
A very important component of the Christian message is that God speaks peace into the messiness of our lives (a benediction of peace) and brings peace into our existence (heals our fragmented and broken relationships, with him and with others). Take some time today to ponder God’s peace. Ask him to help you receive his peace and to become a mechanism of his peace for others.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
LENT 2017 Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 23
[READ + MEDITATE]
Once again, consider Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul’s list of the “Fruit of Spirit.” These fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like. For this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The second fruit is JOY. The Greek word used for joy here is chara and it can be described as gladness, joyfulness, and rejoicing.
A common misconception of God is that he is always disgruntled and upset. Take time today to consider that our God is a joyful God, watching us with joyfulness and gladness rather than constant finger-wagging. And rejoice.
Once again, consider Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul’s list of the “Fruit of Spirit.” These fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like. For this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The second fruit is JOY. The Greek word used for joy here is chara and it can be described as gladness, joyfulness, and rejoicing.
A common misconception of God is that he is always disgruntled and upset. Take time today to consider that our God is a joyful God, watching us with joyfulness and gladness rather than constant finger-wagging. And rejoice.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
LENT 2017 - Lenten Activities + Prayers - 3rd Sunday
[MEDITATE + CELEBRATE]
Consider Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul’s list of the “Fruit of Spirit.” These fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like. For this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as his image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The first fruit is LOVE. The Greek word used for love here is agapē and it can be described as love, generosity, kindly concern, and devotedness.
Take time today to consider how you have experienced God as generous, concerned, and devoted. And let's worship him today by loving him and one another. And let us be grateful, for our King is love.
Consider Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul’s list of the “Fruit of Spirit.” These fruits are not only attributes for us to prize and prioritize as important, this fruit also describes what God is like. For this list of fruits are some the very character traits of God that we are called to emulate as his image-bearers (Gen. 1:26).
The first fruit is LOVE. The Greek word used for love here is agapē and it can be described as love, generosity, kindly concern, and devotedness.
Take time today to consider how you have experienced God as generous, concerned, and devoted. And let's worship him today by loving him and one another. And let us be grateful, for our King is love.
Friday, March 24, 2017
LENT 2017 - Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 22
[READ + MEDITATE]
As much as it is within your control, go the day without TV, radio, Internet, social media, cell phone apps, etc. Take a day to unplug, rest in simplicity and focus on these words from Psalm 80: “Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.”
LENT 2017 Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 21
[READ + MEDITATE]
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” ~ Ephesians 2:4-5
For some Christians, sin and death weave so familiar a narrative that we’ve become numb to their sting. For others of us, the wages of sin and our subsequent spiritual death weigh so heavily that we refuse to accept God’s gracious mercy. The balance in which God calls us to rest is certainly dissatisfied with both extremes.
Take some time today to rest in the grace of God. Take some time listen to God’s declaration of “YES!” spoken over you through the Gospel of Jesus. Take some time consider grace’s invitation to resits sinful living and to repentant from self-centeredness.
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” ~ Ephesians 2:4-5
For some Christians, sin and death weave so familiar a narrative that we’ve become numb to their sting. For others of us, the wages of sin and our subsequent spiritual death weigh so heavily that we refuse to accept God’s gracious mercy. The balance in which God calls us to rest is certainly dissatisfied with both extremes.
Take some time today to rest in the grace of God. Take some time listen to God’s declaration of “YES!” spoken over you through the Gospel of Jesus. Take some time consider grace’s invitation to resits sinful living and to repentant from self-centeredness.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
LENT 2017 Lenten Activities + Prayers - Day 20
[GIVE]
Hebrews 3:13 stresses the importance of keeping each other accountable through community.
Reach out and encourage someone you know today.
Hebrews 3:13 stresses the importance of keeping each other accountable through community.
Reach out and encourage someone you know today.
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