End Result Wednesday February 9, 2011

Reading: Galatians 5:22-23, 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I can just hear some reading this that are saying, “Yeah, that’s nice and all. I read these qualities, but you just don’t understand what I go through… at my work… or with my wife… or with my kids… or my finances… or with my physical problems… and the list goes on.” You notice other people at church or elsewhere who seem to really demonstrate these characteristics and, for some reason, you think that they must not have the same problems that you have. Men, please take note that the verse does not say that the “fruit” of an easy, challenge free life is “love, joy, peace, etc.” It is the “fruit of the Spirit”, which, if you know Christ, you have the “key” to unlock those qualities in you. It becomes your decision. It is not the dictate of all the events, circumstance and people around you that produces that or extinguishes that… it is your choice. And, the choice is not to “perform” these qualities. According to these verses, it is a fruit… a result, of living a Spirit filled life. You can work on love… and work on being happy… and work on having peace… and work on being patient, to no avail. God just wants you to be filled with His Spirit and He will produce it in you. Being filled with the Spirit is not just a “pastor” or “minister” thing to do. All those that know Him have that amazing ability to experience.

To be filled with the Spirit, you must first empty the sin and yourself. To “fill” something, especially with a holy, righteous God, it must first be empty. This is not a process, so don’t get discouraged. It is merely a confession and repentance to God for your sins and for His forgiveness. You give it to Him and He’ll remove it.
Challenge #1: Come before God and confess and repent of your sin.

Challenge #2: Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit today and believe that He can and will do what He says He will do.

Challenge #3: Walk in stride with the Spirit, which means, as He leads you… simply follow, no matter what that may mean.

REVIEW

First, did you complete all three challenges?

What did you experience today that was different from a normal day?

Did you experience the fruits of the Spirit today and how did you?