4 May 2019 Shalom

16 April 2019 Peace by Robert Strand

Eirene (Greek), pronounced I-ray-nay, meaning: peace, prosperity, quietness, rest, or to be set at one with yourself again.
Maybe we have reason to despair when a historian has pointed out that about 85 percent of all human history concerns itself with war and conflict - personal, national, or worldwide. But into this cynical, weary, war-torn, strife-filled world there is a positive message in regards to peace and the author of peace: "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6)! Peace has come even into the midst of war.
But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.... - Galations 5:22 23

16 April 2019 Self Control by Robert Strand

Enkrateia (Greek), meaning: en, infused or within; kratos, vigor, dominion, power, strength. Having a great force within but under control.
Society today is telling us to let it all hang out, do your own thing, look out for #1, and to be free of all restraints. If we are to restrain or control ourselves in the eyes of this world it's only so that we do not abuse someone else. But the Bible goes much further. We are to manifest self-control in order to become like Jesus Christ! Self-control in reality is a very high form of worship because it is a living out of His commandments - it's a "doing" act of character in order that all of the fruit of the Spirit will be seen in us.
But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.... - Galations 5:22 23

16 April 2019 Love by Robert Strand

Agape (Greek), meaning: God's fruit of love which gives itself away with a pure motive and most generously.
The golden text of the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). God loved us into His kingdom. The toughest thing about love is being loving to others. Some people are easy to love, but what about those unlovely people, those enemies? Is it possible to love like God loves? It's impossible for us normal human beings. It can't be done alone. It can only be done in the power of the Spirit and the transformation of the human spirit.
But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control... - Galations 5:22 23

16 April 2019 Gentleness by Robert Strand

Praotes (Greek), meaning: Gentle, mild, meek, to be an in-wrought grace of the soul.
Gentleness is not a normal, native plant growing out of the human soul. It is not a natural part of our makeup. It grows as the Holy Spirit nurtures it. Meekness is to be part of your makeup no matter what your temperament might be or has been. To today's modern person, gentleness and meekness are not desirable character qualities. In contrast to that, there is hardly a single characteristic which you can name which will better distinguish the Christian from the rest of the world.
But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.... - Galations 5:22 23

Patience by Robert Strand

Makrothumia (Greek), pronounced mak-roth-oo-meh'-ah, meaning: forbearance, long-enduring, fortitude, long-suffering, and patience.
When does a person develop patience? At the point of the new birth? How long does it take to cultivate this fruit to maturity? What does it take to make the process happen? The special application of this quality of character is most often exhibited in our dealing with other people - relationships. Perhaps it's easier to approach this from the negative side. Lack of patience can poison relationships and too often ruins what would otherwise be wonderful and maybe even brilliant personalities. But this fruit takes time to mature.
But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control... - Galations 5:22 23

Joy by Robert Strand

Xapia (Greek), chara, pronounced khar-ahí, meaning: cheerfulness, calm delight; gladness multiplied greatly; to be exceedingly full of joy!
Joyful people can be found anyplace and in some of the strangest of places. Being joyful is not dependent upon circumstances. Now it must be pointed out at the very beginning that there is a natural joy possessed by lots of people, a natural joy in the beauty of music or nature. There is a human joy in delightful relationships. There is joy in the satisfaction of a job well done. There is a healthy enjoyment of life. But we must also note that this kind of natural joy, at best is fleeting, it's not permanent. The joy of God is rooted deeply in His everlasting Spirit.
But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control... - Galations 5:22 23