Life In The Word

[Brandy]

The Fruit of the Spirit

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit.…is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence).…
— GALATIANS 5:22,23

Each one of us is presented with a variety of opportunities to manifest the fruit of the Spirit every day of our lives. The fruit of the Spirit operating in our lives is linked to our spiritual maturity. God has shown me that the fruit should be the container in which the glorious gifts of the Spirit are carried.

There is a responsibility attached to Christianity to walk in integrity — to “walk the walk,” even when nobody notices.
At some time in life we may find ourselves involved in a relationship with someone who is difficult. We may try our best to be sweet — to obey God and bear the fruit of the Spirit despite the way the other person acts. We must not become discouraged; we must “keep on keeping on.” Some of the most severe tests in our lives can involve relationships that try the very fruit in which we are attempting to walk.

Learn to operate in the fruit of the Spirit. God has a good plan for you. The manifestation of the fruit of His Spirit through you makes the difference in how soon you begin walking in that glorious plan.

Say This:
“I allow the fruit of the Spirit to manifest in my life so that I may walk in the glorious plan God has for me.”


Joyce Meyer, Life in the Word: Devotional

 

[Brandy]

Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit

[After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
— ROMANS 14:17

God’s Kingdom is not made up of worldly things but consists of something far greater and more beneficial. God does bless us with material things, but the Kingdom is much more than that: It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Righteousness is not the result of what we do, but rather what Jesus has done for us. (1 Corinthians 1:30) When we accept this truth by faith and receive it personally, a great burden is lifted from us.

Peace is so wonderful — it is definitely Kingdom living. We are to pursue peace, crave it, and go after it. (Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11.) Jesus is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14.) God’s will for you and me is the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7 KJV.)

Joy can be anything from calm delight to extreme hilarity. Joy improves our countenance, our health, and the quality of our lives. It strengthens our witness to others and makes some of the less desirable circumstances in life more bearable.
It is clear in the Word of God: Seek God and His Kingdom, and He will take care of everything else. (Matthew 6:33.)

Say This:
“I seek first the Kingdom of God. I seek righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. All other things are added unto me.”


Joyce Meyer, Life in the Word: Devotional

 

[Brandy]

How To Enjoy Everyday Life

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.
— COLOSSIANS 3:23

In all of our lives there are large portions of our time that must be devoted to what may be called “common life and everyday business.” We tend to see these chores as being quite different from the things we do that we consider to be holy. Most of us prefer the holy tasks over the common.

Seeing the two sides of our life as being in two entirely different categories usually causes quite a problem for us. Often we feel divided within ourselves struggling to get finished with “common life and everyday business” so we can return to “holy things,” because we feel holier when we are engaged in what we believe to be holy.

Everything we do is to be offered to the Lord, and if it is done with a pure heart of love, it becomes holy. True liberty is the freedom not to have to live a divided life in which we categorize some things as common and some as holy.

The Lord is holy, and He lives in us, so that makes us holy. Therefore, wherever we go and whatever we do become holy if done unto Him.

Join me in this liberated lifestyle and begin to enjoy everyday life.

Say This:
“I am determined to enjoy every facet of my life: ‘common life and everyday business’ as well as my spiritual life.”


Joyce Meyer, Life in the Word: Devotional

 

[Overjoyed]

How To Enjoy Everyday Life

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.
— COLOSSIANS 3:23

In all of our lives there are large portions of our time that must be devoted to what may be called “common life and everyday business.” We tend to see these chores as being quite different from the things we do that we consider to be holy. Most of us prefer the holy tasks over the common.

Seeing the two sides of our life as being in two entirely different categories usually causes quite a problem for us. Often we feel divided within ourselves struggling to get finished with “common life and everyday business” so we can return to “holy things,” because we feel holier when we are engaged in what we believe to be holy.

Everything we do is to be offered to the Lord, and if it is done with a pure heart of love, it becomes holy. True liberty is the freedom not to have to live a divided life in which we categorize some things as common and some as holy.

The Lord is holy, and He lives in us, so that makes us holy. Therefore, wherever we go and whatever we do become holy if done unto Him.

Join me in this liberated lifestyle and begin to enjoy everyday life.

Say This:
“I am determined to enjoy every facet of my life: ‘common life and everyday business’ as well as my spiritual life.”


Joyce Meyer, Life in the Word: Devotional

Joy-Joy-Joy overflowing. That's where it's at.