The Fruit of the Spirit – Meekness or Gentleness

The tenderness of inner strength is to become the kind of person that is teachable, respectful and yielding to God and our relationships with, families, friends, and unbelievers.  Gentleness includes true humility that does not consider itself too good or too exalted for humble tasks.

Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary does give an older meaning for meekness as “enduring injury with patience and without resentment.”

In our daily lives we cannot help coming into situations that bring conflicts with people. It is easy for us, in the natural, to react with violence or anger, especially if we feel insecure in our position. But when we accept the reality of who we are in Christ and trust the Holy Spirit to help us, we can be gentle, whatever conflicts may arise.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." Jesus is saying that we have a huge reward for being meek and gentle. Our actions dictate our motives hidden in our hearts.

Now what about a person who is in sin? The Bible tells us to be gentle in a humble attitude in restoring one who is backslidden. Galatians 6:1 says; “Brother, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”

Today, meekness is often misconstrued with a form of weakness, but that is incorrect. It is in meekness that we find our strength from God. We must think of ourselves as part of a branch that is connected to the main Source- Jesus Christ. This crucial key point is where we come into proper alignment and attached to Jesus the true vine. (John 15:1-6)

Tui Tikoduadua

The Infinitude of God

As the school quarter comes to an end, I was recently cleaning out some binders, and I came across a paper I had written a couple of years ago. As I reminisce over the topic, which was the infinitude of God, I thought it would be nice to share a piece with you and see what you think?

Our actions are limited to our own biological nature, and our thoughts are limited by both the biological, and the physical laws of the universe. These limitations, of course, come from the fact that we were created. God is also separate from us in spiritual essence. He is the spiritual and the spirit; therefore, everything spiritual is God. As humans, we are not the spiritual, and the only thing we can do is try to imitate God’s perfect spirituality through our actions. Whenever we try to define God, we often find paradoxes and contradictions which arise only because we cannot understand God’s existence as different from ours. We cannot and usually refuse to accept that he can be more because we do not know and cannot be more. Since we cannot and do not know how to be more, the paradox, then, shifts from God to us. How can we know and try to explain God as more, if we do not know what more is. Such act is as foolish and contradicting as trying to read a book never written, or trying to fall down while laying on a flat surface. Therefore, God can never and will never be a contradiction, and if we think he is a contradiction happens only because we cannot accept that we and our thoughts are the contradiction.

          God is. God is love, compassion, anger, power, creation, time, space, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The answer to our problem has been found. We cannot understand God as infinite because we want God to be how we define Him with words, but always ignore to acknowledge that He is what we think and much more. Since God is everything we can say he is, and he is much more than what we can think him to be, and since God cannot be measured in any way with any unit, and since God is separate in every way from beings that are imperfect and limited, and since God is the ultimate creator and all things that exist only do so because of him, then we are only left with one logical conclusion; God is all. God is Infinite.

Christina Lynn-Valencia

Fairy Tales

Once upon a time

Each fairy tale begins

A little girl’s favorite story

Where the good guy always wins

 

Prince Charming would come

To sweep Cinderella away

Love would patiently wait

Where Sleeping Beauty lay

 

And so each story goes

Spinning a happy tale

Adventures and romances

Where love would never fail

 

We think of them as wishful

Just as dreamy wiles

The same strange story

Made up in different styles

 

They lived happily ever after

Each fairy tale ends

Leaving the reader satisfied

With the happy message it sends

 

They all end the same

A white wedding or a victory

To the ones called heroes

Always make it a joy filled story

Yet I pity the dragon slain

The girl he didn’t pick

For in loneliness they lay

Their hearts growing sick

 

A tamed dragon in chains

With hot tears in his eyes

Cannot stop the dreams

Of soaring through thte skies

 

A broken hearted girl

Watching his walk away

With “the damsel in distress”

That he happened upon one day

 

So tell me now, who really is

The damsel in distress,

The dragon tamed and slain,

And the hero at his best?

 

These unknown characters

Are where the story fails

For they fail to mention

Their “happy” fairy tails

 

A silly poem, I know. But it holds so much truth. So often, we read or hear about something, and we don't know the other half of the story. We are quick to think that what is told it truth. But what about hte other bits and pieces that are so critical to the story line? The parts that you don't really want to know because they hit too close to reality... Remember, a story is never told right, if it isn't whole. If it seems to be a fairy tale, it probably is.

-Cherisse Peters

"A Fruitful Life"

{Mark 11:22}

             There is a fascinating story in Mark chapter 11. In it, Jesus is hungry so He goes out in search of food. Somewhere along the way, He finds a green, lush fig tree. As He draws closer to it, Jesus discovers that it is not bearing fruit – even though it wasn’t yet fruit season. To demonstrate His distaste, He rebuked the tree, causing it to wither and die. Immediately after His rebuke, Jesus and His disciples leave for the temple. Once they were finished at the temple, they made their way back toward the fig tree only to find it, and its roots, withered and dead. Upon seeing it, Peter declares the obvious by pointing its newly rebuked state of being. The most fascinating part of this story is found in Jesus response to Peter, in verse 22. “Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God”’ (ESV).

            It seems at first that Jesus’ reply has nothing to do with the accursed fig tree or Peter’s untimely declaration. In fact, it seems to have nothing to do with the story or instance at all!

            Then I remembered how Jesus took part in the creating work that brought-fourth the universe and the life of this planet. I remembered how that fig tree was part of God’s delicately designed creatures. I even thought about how this simple fig tree may be symbolic of the rest of God’s creatures. Perhaps, this great event was told to remind us (God’s beloved craftsmanship) to bear fruit. Perhaps, we, like the tree, need to produce fruit to perpetuate life. If a tree does not produce fruit, it is in danger of extinction – that very specie will not be able to produce future generations.

            We know from Scripture that we are to bear fruit (Mat. 7:19; Mat. 12:33; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9; etc…). We are to produce the fruit of goodness, kindness, gentleness, love, faithfulness, and self-control. We need to produce fruit so as to perpetuate Life on this planet. When Jesus approaches us, as He did with that tree, what will He find? Will He find any fruit? Will He be forced to tell us to “have faith in God” (Mark 11:22), or will He find us faithfully bearing fruit that glorify Him?

            Maybe, we can understand that bearing fruit starts with faith in a holy God. Perhaps, we can ascertain from this Scripture that a fruitful life is a faith-full life. Let us not wither from the Lord’s rebuke; instead, let us bear (faithfully) the fruit which are pleasing to God – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). Let us live to the fullest with the life we have been given. Let us have faith in God and bring Him glory.

-          Dusty

Lured by Passion and Self-Control, by Tui Tikoduadua

Passion is parallel with this week’s discussion of the fruit of the spirit- self-control. A subject not easily discussed, in fact, most of us turn and hide from our weaknesses. I will begin with a simple question: How many of us have fallen into the deep abyss of passion, at one time or another? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary the definition of passion is: an intense compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate. It is a desire for or devotion to some type of activity, object, or concept of deep interest.

When it comes to self-control, there are five key areas that are absolutely crucial to living a life of displaying the characteristics of God.

First, a believer must control his or her tongue.

Second, controlling our body. As Christians we should be asking ourselves why our spiritual union with Christ makes sexual immortality unthinkable. (1 Cor. 15-17)

Third, is about controlling our desires. The Bible tells us that the battle lies within each of us. (James 4:1-2)

Fourth, controlling our appetite. Proverbs warns us about addictive behavior and keeping the law. (Proverbs 28-7)

Fifth, controlling our finances, The Apostle Paul reminds us to be content with food and clothing. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

Last, we must clothe ourselves with Christ by putting on the “armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-14) These are powerful illustrations of how we are to integrate self-control and passion together. Our lives only arrive at our desired goals if our passion and self-control are perfectly aligned with the ultimate intentions of our thoughts.

Just Five More Minutes

We have all had those mornings when we have slept through the night but still wake up feeling like we have just been hit by a ton of bricks. We tell ourselves, just five more minutes: five turns into ten, and the whole day falls behind schedule. I have recently had one of those "just five more minutes" mornings, but God had a different plan.

I woke up the other day and told myself, just five minutes; I can spare five minutes. Two minutes later, I jumped out of bed and grabbed my Bible. I realized (with God's correction) that when I wanted five more minutes I was taking that time away from personal time with Him. Seek first the Kingdom of God, right?

I personally am not a morning person but I thank God for the energy and excitement He provided when I was weak and tired. Although, I did not pray "God give me strength", I know He did. It is wonderful to have such an amazing God. See, I wanted to sleep in. I selfishly wanted more rest. I had all the rest I needed, but what I was missing was time with my heavenly Father. So, the lesson I learned was even though I may be tired, weak and wanted to give up, I shouldn't. What I should do, instead of reaching for the snooze button, is reach for the Bible and pray "God, thank you for this day." 

Christina Lynn-Valencia

A "BUT NOT" TO HOLD ON TO

2 Corinthians 4 : 7-9

Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that the extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.  We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair, we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.

            Matthew Henry tells us in his famous commentary what it means to be perplexed but not dismayed.  “We are Perplexed, often uncertain, and in doubt what will become of us, and not always without anxiety in our minds on this account; yet not in despair (v. 8), even in our greatest perplexities, knowing that God is able to support us, and to deliver us, and in Him we always place our trust and hope.”

            God has reminded me of this verse over and over this past week.  First, I read it in my daily devotional book on Monday, then a friend quoted it to me on Tuesday, the sermon I heard at Wednesday night service was taken from it, and then on Thursday the professor in my Doctrine of God class just happened to mention it!  Maybe, perhaps—God is trying to tell me something!

            So, I have decided that I will open my spiritual ears and hear what God is saying.  I like how Matthew Henry tells us that even though we might be uncertain, in doubt of what will become of us, and not always without anxiety in our minds-we do not let despair come over us!  With God there is always hope, always a measure of strength given that will help us to overcome and keep on keeping on.

            Matthew Henry goes on to say “whatever condition the children of God may be in, in this world, they have a “but not” to comfort themselves with; their case sometimes is bad, yea very bad, but not so bad as it might be.”  I am so glad that we have that “but not” to hold on to! I am holding on to so much that my spiritual knuckles are bleeding!  I feel like the kitten in the poster that is barely hanging on and the caption says “Don’t give up on me yet, God promises me that he hasn’t!”  I am determined to keep hanging on and hold on to the “but not” that God has given me!  Hopefully, you will too!
Michelle McDermott

He Knows More Than Just Our Name

Jesus suffered, he was tempted, and he experienced loss and betrayal. He wasn’t  some untouchable entity. He was tangible, and he came to live on earth so that he could die for our sins, but also so he could experience the same trials we face as children of God living in a sin stained world. Its hard to imagine, isn’t it? The son of God coming down to measly little earth just to hang out with us humans so that he would be able to perfectly understand perfectly understand us, and our daily lives and struggles.  Its unfathomable, and unreal; yet he did, and so he does know exactly what we feel, and what we go through.

I lost my dad four years ago- up until then I have never known a loss so deep. It completely gutted me. I felt like an empty shell of myself for months after. Guess what? Jesus’ earthly father died as well. Joseph might not have been his real father, but he raised Him from an infant. Joseph is not mentioned after Jesus begins his public ministry, so he must have died when Jesus was in his 20s or so.

            With the loss of my dad, I also learned who my true friends were. Those people that dropped out of my life then I still have yet to hear from to this day. That deep betrayal only added to my unspeakable pain. Jesus- as we all know- experienced the deepest of betrayals from Judas. While my sense of betrayal wasn’t followed my by crucifixion, it did crumble what was left of my fragile heart.

            Loss and betrayal are two of the most commonly found causes for hurt and pain in our world today.  A wife loses her husband, a daughter loses her father; A husband has an affair with his wife’s best friend. Its all around us!!! Isn’t it comforting to know that God sent his only son just for the ability to understand and relate to his children?  Take that knowledge and chew on it for a while.

Blessings, Lacey Slifkoff

Life is a Rollercoaster

Most people say life is a rollercoaster, and with so many unpredictable moments, I agree. However, sometimes life can be a plateau of regular everyday events. This year for me has not been an easy rollercoaster. With so many minor issues popping up here and there, my life rollercoaster has been on a perpetual downward spiral--and it’s only February.

Well, I still love everything about the life God has given me. Yes, we will have struggles and distractions, but God will always be with us. Deuteronomy 31:6 states “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” I love that word because I can see struggles in life that only God can heal. When we trust Him with the easy things--like providing our every day needs--how much more will we trust in Him with the bigger struggles and distractions. Remember, God allows you to deal with more than you can handle by yourself, but God gave His Son so that we can have victory through Him and not by our own strength.

 Trusting God for everything can be a bit scary, but God has placed amazing people in my path just to strengthen and encourage me, and I know He will do the same for you. This year has started out with some struggles, and I have trusted the Lord to provide. He always has and He always will, if I keep my eyes fixed on Him. Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Christina Lynn-Valencia

Tongues of Fire!

            The Bible talks about the power of the tongue (James 3:5-9). The very Word of God claims that the tongue contains a “restless” fire. It has the power to spread an insatiable flame; one that can incite destruction or life – curse or blessing, praise or perversion. What does this mean? Is this a natural reality, or is it a divine promise to the sons and daughters of God? Furthermore, since the words of one’s mouth contain such a fire, how much power does the tongue really hold?

            Psychology has a lot to say about this Passage. Looking through the lens of psychology, with the tongue, the mind is either persuaded or dissuaded. The direction in which the mind is set enables the individual’s motivations and desires to follow. The tongue, in this way, has the power to inspire direction of thought and aspiration. This being the case, perhaps it is possible that this particular passage reveals a psychological, natural truth about how God has created us.

            There is, on the other hand, another school of thought about the power of the tongue. This interpretation of God’s Word professes that the tongue retains a supernatural fire. Some have gone to the extreme to teach that you can speak things into existence. If you speak something negative or positive over someone, it will supernaturally happen. Some would say the tongue has the power to create and work wonders. Herein, the tongue has spiritual and supernatural influence.

            I propose it may be a combination of both. I believe the Word endeavors to present a balance of these kinds of power. Being that God created the mind, the tongue has the power to influence thought and aspiration – naturally. The tongue, also, has the supernatural ability to affect the hearts of its hearers. With this in mind, I believe it is of extreme importance to watch our words closely. We need to be people of the light – spreading the light of God’s holy fire. Let us keep our words restrained when it will negatively affect those around us. With this in mind, let us loose the tongue’s power to positively share the Truth of the Gospel. As we go about our week, I pray that we will be people of power – speaking life and love.

- Dusty

Torn between Two Lovers by Tui Tikoduadua

The Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:2-4 speaks that men will become lovers of themselves rather than lovers of God. How can a person be faithful to God when his heart is faithful only to himself? We exchange our self-control for a momentary act of personal gratification. Faithfulness hinges upon what we value as important combined with commitment. Either we love Christ completely or we do not! It is that simple.

Our human nature often tells us to turn to the right or to the left and sometimes to look back, but that is not what Christ says. At all times, we should fix our eyes on Him. We must love Him from the center of our core- above our families, our children, our possessions and our friends. At times as a Christian, I find it hard to be faithful and I know that I am not the only person who feels this way. In this chaotic world, many things distract us or lure us away from the narrow path of life.

God, however, did not lose track of Noah, and He will not lose track of us! The story of the Flood does not end on a note of hopelessness. We may never have to face a trial of this magnitude, but God's faithfulness promises another great assurance: It guarantees that all our trials will be in proportion to our strength.

In 1Corinthians 10:13 it says; “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Slow Your Roll

In our busy, everyday lives, it can be difficult to remember to pause; to just stop for a moment and meet with Christ. In fact, to be honest, sometimes I used to forget entirely! As a result I began to slowly descend into a lifestyle that was not entirely pleasing to Christ. However, because I wasn’t stopping to meet with Christ, I was not pausing long enough to allow the Lord to convict me of certain habits. Slowing down to meet with God is vital to our spiritual walk.

            In Romans 7:19 it says, “For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.” (Amplified Bible) meeting with God daily ensures that we will stay on track. Because the moment we step off the path he paved just for us (if we are meeting with Him daily), the conviction of the Holy Spirit will be sure to let us know: “Ummm…. Hello? What do you think you’re doing?”

            I understand, sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done. Not to mention that Satan, and just life in general, tear us down daily. Meeting with God also rejuvenates our spirit and gives us the stamina and courage to finish the race.

            “I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing” (John 15:5, Amplified Bible). Christ is our supplier. By remaining close to him we bear fruit and can draw strength from Him.  However, as that last line says, “Apart from him we can do nothing.”

            So, if you don’t want to end up going down a rabbit trail of regret, take the time to spend a moment with our Lord. He never walks away from us, but we are constantly walking away from him. Not spending that crucial time with him doesn’t allow us to draw the strength we need to get back up after falling on our face. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty fond of the face God gave me, sure there are flaws I wish I didn’t have, but I certainly wouldn’t want to repeatedly fall down face first and ruin my face completely!!

            So, carve out a few moments a day not just to talk to the Lord but also to LISTEN.

--Lacey

A Little Beam of Light

            For those of us who are not winter friendly, we have been enjoying some lovely spring temperatures lately and I for one am enjoying the sun. Believe me, I have become accustomed to grabbing every beam of light possible with these cold winter days.

As a morning habit, I take my dogs out to exercise at the local dog park at 8:00 a. m., everyday, rain or shine. So, with these cold mornings I have definitely learned to cherish every beam of warmth that passes through the gloomy unwelcoming clouds that cover the grey atmosphere.

These involuntary actions of running for warmth while standing out in the shivering cold reminded me of how Jesus is the light of the world; He could never be covered by the clouds. John 8:12 states, "…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." We as Christ-followers shine for the world to see that He is our King. We are to be a light to those in dark places so that Christ who lives in us is ever present in our day-to-day lives and interactions.

Therefore, when you step out today regardless of the weather, take the time to let God use you in someone’s dark time, be the light that Jesus is to us and show those who need God that He is the light at the end of that dark tunnel.

Christina Lynn-Valencia