Pandemic Preaching - Real Joy Part 7
"But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard — things like affection for others (love), exuberance about life (joy), serenity (peace). We develop a willingness to stick with things (patience), a sense of compassion in the heart, (kindness) and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people (goodness). We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments (faithfulness), not needing to force our way in life (gentleness), able to marshal and direct our energies wisely (self-control)." Galatians 5:22-23
This series (on joy) within a series (pandemic) has taken a whole life of it's own. Like the Word of God, it is alive*. It grows, it is living and active within us. It discovers even the hidden desires and thoughts of our hearts, for God sees through everything.
Series on Joy
What started out as what sounds like a punchline (ftom a stand up comedian) is now a full blown TV series (a drama about real life).
God's Spirit and God's Word are God's twin gifts for us. We may not have received them. We may not have even cared for them. But they are there for the taking.
Goodness
God, like His gifts is gentle, good, kind, patient. He will not force His way into our lives. We will need to voluntarily receive Him on our own.
God is not a religion which we are born into. He is not restricted as to where we were born, where we are right now and how we live. He is not a set of dos and don'ts, which you think are meant to cramp your style. In short, He is not what we might think He is.
He is our Creator. He is our Father, who wants nothing more but what is good for us.
And this goodness, as well as all of God's gifts are available to us, if we want it. He knows we need them but His gift of a freewill will not allow Him to force His way on us. If it ever feels like that it is, then it is not of Him.
God's love is what will bring us back home to Him. Aside from being good, He is patient and kind.
God, like His gifts is gentle, good, kind, patient. He will not force His way into our lives. We will need to voluntarily receive Him on our own.
God is not a religion which we are born into. He is not restricted as to where we were born, where we are right now and how we live. He is not a set of dos and don'ts, which you think are meant to cramp your style. In short, He is not what we might think He is.
He is our Creator. He is our Father, who wants nothing more but what is good for us.
And this goodness, as well as all of God's gifts are available to us, if we want it. He knows we need them but His gift of a freewill will not allow Him to force His way on us. If it ever feels like that it is, then it is not of Him.
God's love is what will bring us back home to Him. Aside from being good, He is patient and kind.
Kindness
Today is World Kindness Day, may we see that kindness in humanity today and everyday, and see a glimpse of who God really is.
Today is World Kindness Day, may we see that kindness in humanity today and everyday, and see a glimpse of who God really is.
We will continue this series next time (be patient) and if you missed some or all of the previous messages in this series, click on the series link below.
Joy Series
*Hebrews 4;12-13
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Joy Series
*Hebrews 4;12-13
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Image Credit: awarenessdays.com
November 13th is World Kindness Day, 2020 being the year that it is, it also is Friday the 13th. We may think not everything is happening right this year, but don't you worry, God's knows everything that is happening. The question is, do we know Him?
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