Wednesday, July 20, 2016

HOLY SPIRIT FRUIT PRODUCTIVITY - Do not give up growing spiritual fruit. Cultivate it with the light of Jesus, the wind from the Spirit, the bread from the Word of God, and the fellowship of the saints.

Fruit of the Spirit: List with Descriptions
Have you ever bit into a piece of fruit that was perfectly ripe and tasty? It’s a satisfying experience and a wonderful treat for your taste buds. 
In contrast, have you ever bit into fruit that had all the appearances of being delicious, yet it was sour, moldy, or dry? Not so good, right? 
Does your fruit of the Spirit look appetizing? 

Notice it is “fruit” of the Spirit, not “fruits”.
Our “fruit of the spirit” is one piece with many different characteristics. We know the fruit is:
“Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
All believers have the fruit of Spirit available to them.
You don’t have to ask God for love, joy, or peace…you already have it in you. However, you may need to ask for a greater yield of your fruit on a day to day basis. The size of the fruit is different among believers. Some people spend time cultivating their fruit so that it’s flourishing; while others tend to neglect their fruit and it becomes unproductive.
Our “fruit of the spirit” is one piece with many different characteristics.
Every so often believers need to make sure they are growing up spiritually. Perhaps it is time for your fruit inspection. Use the following Fruit Development Assessment (F.D.A.) to determine the condition of your spiritual fruit. Check the fruit you need the most nourishment to grow.

Love

“Dear children let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
Is your love unconditional? Or is your love most evident when everything goes your way? This type of fruit keeps on loving even when it’s difficult to show affection to others. The capacity to love grows out of the agape love from the heavenly Father.

Joy

“For the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Can you have joy in the chaos? Or does your moodiness hover over everyone like a cloud? Not that anyone should be joyful about the hard times, but rather your joy comes from
-#1) God is with you through it, and
-#2) God uses every trial to help you become stronger in the faith.

Peace

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-8).
Is your inner person wrecked with anxiety and worry when everything falls apart? Or can you rest in God’s peace? There is no peace for the wicked; however, for believers it is available every time you pray and leave your concerns with God.

Forbearance

“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:11).
Can you be still and wait on God? Or are you tempted to always move ahead so you can stay in control? Forbearance is a fruit that will grow with your experience of being stretched in faith especially in times of trial.  Forbearance is another word for patience; you don’t have to pray for patience…it’s there already!

Kindness

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24).
Do others sense your kindness in words and actions? Or are they more accustomed to your angry response? A gentle word, a soft answer, or a helping hand—all demonstrate the fruit of kindness in this culture of rudeness and selfishness.

Goodness

“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).
Are your conversations marked with genuine virtue and honor? Or is your conversation tainted with worldly language, immoral tendencies, or gossip? Goodness does not mean that you are perfect, but rather someone who sincerely reflects the integrity of God within. A believer who demonstrates the fruit of goodness has the tendency to believe the best about people.

Faithfulness

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Does your reputation reflect dependability and steadfastness in the faith? Or do people expect you to be late, undependable, or to drop off the map on a project? Your faithfulness represents God’s Spirit dwelling within. Those who cultivate the fruit of faithfulness are compelled to complete every good work for His glory.

Gentleness

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5).
Is your meek spirit felt around those who live or work with you? Or do they feel that you are a hard and legalistic person to deal with? A spirit of gentleness gives grace freely and consistently. Believers and unbelievers should feel at ease around you because of your presence of gentleness.

Self-Control

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12)
Do you control your appetites? Or do they control you? Believers can demonstrate of life of self-control and discipline in a world where everyday is an opportunity for gluttony. You have the power through the Spirit to control your cravings.

Results

Are you at 10%, 50% or 100% in your fruit productivity? What matters most is that you don’t give up growing spiritual fruit. You cultivate it with the light of Jesus, the wind from the Spirit, the bread from the Word of God, and the fellowship of the saints.

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Child of God, whether you realize it or not, people are watching your life. What will they see?
Are you bearing much fruit and so proving to be a disciple of Jesus? Is the power of Christ at work within you evident?
Will they see the fruit of the Spirit abundant and at work through you? Would they see Jesus through you?
Will you let your life speak of Christ?
Ask God to show you what to do. Pray the following prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I admit that I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and begin a new life with you.
Please forgive me. I now receive Your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior, my Master and my Lord. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.
I want to receive all that Jesus Christ has provided for me as my Savior. Your Word says, "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes unto the Father, but by Him.
Lord Jesus, I pray and ask You, to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I thank You that You have given me eternal life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that is in me now. I surrender my life to You.
Use me for Your glory.
In Jesus Name. Amen.
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        “Spirit Song”         Maranatha


lyrics

Oh, let the Son of God enfold you
 with his Spirit and his love;
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
Oh, let him have the things that hold you,
and his Spirit, like a dove,
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Oh, come and sing the song with gladness
as your hearts are filled with joy.
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name.
Oh, give him all your tears and sadness,
give him all your years of pain,
And you'll enter into life in Jesus' name.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Oh, let the Son of God enfold you
with his Spirit and his love;
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
Oh, let him have the things that hold you,
and his Spirit, like a dove,
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.
Will descend upon your life and make you whole. 

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