Message from Scripture: 9/8/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from Gal. 5:22-23; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

 

When in college, at evening devotionals, we used to sing a song that had these lyrics: “I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got love like an ocean, I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.” You may have noticed these three qualities are the first three fruit of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in our passage today. The fulness of these blessings from God are illustrated by comparing them to a flowing river, the vastness of the ocean, and a continually flowing fountain. These and the other virtues Paul lists here are part of what God offers us when we connect our lives to Him in Christ, by living faithfully for Him.

 

You may also notice, in the works of the flesh, the poor substitutes Satan wants us to replace them with, sinful attitudes and actions that only destroy and rob us of true love, ridding us of lasting joy, and making any peace of mind impossible. Sin is always counterproductive to what is real and genuine in Christ. His blood cleanses us of our sins, and brings us back to the way of life God created us to have. How many lives lay ruined and discarded because of the works of the flesh? How many lives have confidence today and tomorrow because of the fruit of the Spirit? Why discard these precious promises for the fleeting pleasure of sin that only leads to judgment?

 

As you go about living life today, if you remember this song, maybe you should let it fill your thoughts and hearts in remembrance of the goodness of God. Remember His promises, and His provision in Christ for life today, and eternally. There are many ways we can keep ourselves focused on spiritual living, and hymns can fill our hearts with hope in what God does for us. Go about today, serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with confidence that God will finish His work in us, if we live faithfully for Him. God bless.

 

Robert