We are the “spiritual toddlers” when our impatience gets the best of us. But Jesus is so faithful. He is with us. He sees things that we cannot understand. When He asks us to be patient, it is for reasons like refining us more into His image, and building character and steadfastness in our lives.

Today as we study the fruit of peace, may we remember that this is a peace different from what the world offers. Many things leave someone feeling peaceful, but only the Holy Spirit can leave a person peace-filled.

The only hope we ever have of a pure heart is by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Today, as we pray, let’s reflect on the work of God’s Spirit in us. May we come to God repentant like David and surrender to His softening of our hearts.

The fruit of joy does not always include happiness. We can be happy and have joy, however Scripture also shares that we can have joy in affliction and suffering too. This is not humanly possible, but with God, all things are possible.

The first fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5 is love. When we try to grasp the Biblical definition of love, we see themes of sacrifice and selflessness. God Himself is love (1 John 4:8). This is known as agape love.

Aging is spoken highly of in the Bible. It can be a sign of wisdom. Not everyone who is a senior citizen has wisdom, but many elderly believers do because of Christ in them.

There is a verse in the Scriptures that is often misquoted. Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This is not a guarantee that we will “get what we want” if we follow God. However, when we truly delight in the Lord, He becomes the desire of our hearts and He will gives us Himself.

Paul and Timothy had their need of a relationship met in one another. They realized that God had blessed them with a special friendship and bond like family. They were spiritual father and spiritual son. They were brothers in Christ.

Today, I invite you to join with me in praying together to intentionally reflect in three areas. Our sin, His greatness, and His Spirit’s leading.

Many of us, as modern-day Christians, often feel distant from the Old Covenant found in the Old Testament of our Bibles. The first covenant that God made with His people is now fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He brought the New Covenant into action.

Will we act like the world to be loved by the world, or will we be set apart as a witness to Jesus? Will we honor family, friends, or even ministries more than honoring Christ? Will we use our words to puff others up, or tell them the truth in love?

“Do y’all spank your kids?”

A friend of mine recently asked in a group conversation. These topics can often lead to uncomfortable (sometimes strong) opinions in various directions. However, this ended up being a really precious conversation. We discussed our hope as mothers to provide instruction, and our desire to lead our children from a Spirit-filled place of love, not a sinful state of hate or anger.

What does the Bible say about disciplining children?

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Even if you do not like to read or are slow at reading comprehension, God can equip you with a heart for His Word. He delights to give us that desire.

Right before the pinnacle of Jesus’ ministry here on earth (Maundy Thursday), He decided to take the place of a servant and wash His disciples’ feet. It is the picture of a teacher serving the students, a boss honoring his employees, or a king placing himself below his citizens.