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Being Confident Of This

Grace for the work-in-progress woman

Power to Produce

June 5, 2013 by stultsmamaof4 8 Comments

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If you are anything like me, then cleaning out the fridge is low on the totem pole. You might occasionally reach in for some sustenance and pull out rotten food instead. Instead of giving life and energy, the food is wasted, worthless, and sometimes even downright disgusting.

Our spiritual fruits can be that way, too!  Have you ever tested your fruit?  Held it up to the Lamp, the faithful Word of the Lord?

Galatians 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.

 

In my bible, beside this passage I have written two small words: the test.  Do you want to know how closely you are walking with the Lord? Examine your fruit of the Spirit!  Do they pass the test?  Are you overflowing with patience, joy, peace, kindness, love, goodness and so on?

All too often I find myself trying to produce these fruit all on my own. I wake up in the morning thinking, I’m going to be patient with my children today.  I’m going to be kind and loving to my husband.  And later in the day, when strength runs low, I feel frustrated and out of control. I wonder, “Why am I acting this way?  What is the matter with me today?”  as if some sort of spell has come over me, and I’ve been rendered incapable of obedience.

Finish reading this post by following the link to its new location here.

Filed Under: Christianity, Uncategorized, Women of Faith Tagged With: Abiding in Him, Bible, Bible study, Christ-centered living, Christian living, Christian Women, Devotional Thought, Encouragement, Faith, Fruit of the Spirit, joy, kindness, love, Matthew, patience, peace, Women, Women of Faith

Comments

  1. Jules says

    June 6, 2013 at 17:50

    We recently heard a message in which the speaker asked “How does your fruit smell? Does it STINK?” Goes right along with this! This is a wonderful lesson, and one that I come back to SO OFTEN. I remember the first time I “realized” that ABIDING was so essential and that I didn’t have to “try to pop out fruit” each day. It was back in high school, and I don’t remember who was teaching or what the occasion was…. but it was definitely in PNG. Maybe you remember? It may have been a conference time or something. Anyway, good stuff! Thanks for sharing! Hugs to you!

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      June 6, 2013 at 22:44

      Thanks, Julie! 🙂 I don’t recall the time you are referring to specifically, but I know it’s something I find myself striving for so often. Trying to produce that fruit all on my own. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement!
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sarah says

    June 10, 2013 at 01:53

    Thanks for joining our momma notes. You are an encouragement to me and countless other moms. We would be delighted to have you link up this post or another again.

    Monday … join the melody.

    Simply slip your post into the link up. You can grab the button if you would like as well. I’ll start the splash on Mondays. And I know the filled to the brim momma schedules … so join us any day of the week and link up.

    Happy day,
    Sarah

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      June 10, 2013 at 13:07

      Thanks so much for the encouragement, Sarah! I plan to link up again this week.
      Jen 🙂

      Reply
  3. Crystal @ Serving Joyfully says

    June 12, 2013 at 19:44

    So true! It’s the fruit of the SPIRIT, revealed in us and through us…we cannot attain it of our own power. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts at Thriving THursday 🙂

    Reply
    • stultsmamaof4 says

      June 13, 2013 at 10:11

      Thanks, Crystal! I appreciate the encouragement.
      Jen 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fridays Link Up | Womanhood With Purpose says:
    June 14, 2013 at 06:02

    […] Jen from Confident in Grace with Power to Produce […]

    Reply
  2. How Sanctification Gives Us Hope ~ So Great a Salvation Series | Being Confident of This says:
    February 2, 2015 at 03:10

    […] offer our bodies and minds; God transforms them. The evidence of the sanctification process in us? The fruit of the Spirit. […]

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Hi, I'm Jen: a work in progress. I'm imperfect - a mom of four, pastor's wife, discipler, and sinner saved only by grace. I like to sing, read, write, teach, and smile. I have a heart for encouraging women everywhere to understand God's limitless love for them and what His grace means for everyday living. Welcome! :) Read More…

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New devotional release from Jen Stults - Being Confident of This: 30 Days to Discovering Your Identity in Christ. This book is for every Christian woman who wants to walk in confident faith instead of struggling with doubt, fear, and insecurity! self-esteem | self-confidence | self-help | motivational | personal growth | spiritual growth | how to be more confident | Christian women | devotional | Bible study | identity in Christ | superwoman myth | being like Mary

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