Devotionals for the Heart: How God wants us to respond when we're tested

When Your Patience is Tested
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

—Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)

Some days I must remind myself that I need the fruit of the Spirit before I even walk into work, especially when I know my patience may be tested by coworkers who try every bit of it.

The old me would have quickly told them where to go. But once I began seriously following God, I realized something had to change. Many days I find myself praying Lord, help me display the fruit of Your Spirit today. Because it is often in the smallest daily frustrations that our spiritual fruit is truly revealed.

The world has a way of testing us repeatedly, tempting us to respond in ways that contradict the fruit God is growing within us. In Galatians, the Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Holy Spirit. These nine virtues together form the evidence of the Holy Spirit working within a believer. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are all part of the same spiritual fruit that should be evident in the life of a believer.

Years ago, if someone spoke to me the wrong way, I had plenty of sharp words ready to say. Now I pray that God will hold my tongue and allow His Spirit to guide my words. Without His help, I might still have something unkind to say.

If I am honest, forbearance is the fruit of the Spirit I struggle with the most. I once believed that if someone mistreated me, I should instantly clapback. But Scripture teaches that forbearance means patiently and lovingly enduring the faults of others without retaliation. My words could be cutting, and in trying to bring someone else down, I only ended up lowering myself. God had to teach me that winning an argument is not the same as reflecting the character of Jesus Christ.

But what about the people we must see every day, the ones who drain our time and energy or seem determined to disrupt our peace? Those moments are when the fruit of the Spirit matters most.

Over time, God began to teach me to see people differently. Sometimes the person who talks constantly is not trying to be irritating; they may simply be lonely. The one who complains often may still be learning how to practice gratitude.

Displaying the fruit of the Spirit can look as simple as giving someone five extra minutes to talk when you are ready to rush out the door. It is not about preaching to others or quoting Scripture at them. It is about allowing the Spirit to shape our responses. When we remain steady in Christlike character, others will begin to see that fruit in our lives.

This does not mean allowing people to ignore your boundaries. Healthy boundaries are important. Sometimes displaying the fruit means respectfully saying, “I’m not comfortable discussing that.” Other times it means calmly addressing an offense or examining our own hearts to understand why certain behaviors trigger us so deeply. I have also noticed that the fruit of the Spirit becomes hardest to display when I am tired or overwhelmed. When I take on too much, lose sleep, or try to control everything according to my own plans, my patience grows thin.

That is when I must remind myself to slow down and lean on God instead of my own strength. When the Spirit is at work in us, love replaces irritation and patience replaces frustration. What begins in our hearts becomes visible in our lives, the very fruit Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23. The fruit of the Spirit is not something we produce on our own; it grows as we remain connected to God and allow His Spirit to shape our hearts day by day. And when the Spirit leads our responses, others don’t just hear our words—they see Christ in the way we live.

Food for thought:
Which part of the fruit of the Spirit do you find most difficult to display in your daily life?

Let's Pray:
Lord, help me to reflect the fruit of Your Spirit in every situation. When I feel impatient, remind me to slow down and respond with love and gentleness. Guard my words, guide my actions, and teach me to see others with compassion. Shape my character so that my life reflects You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Songs of Reflection #1: “I Need You to Survive” by Hezekiah Walker. Listen to it here.

Songs of Reflection #2: “Refiner” by Maverick City Music. Listen to it here.

Songs of Reflection #3: “Spirit Lead Me” by Influence Music & Michael Ketterer. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 

With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta, Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

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Connect with Erica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsgrace2931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsgrace2931/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to bear good fruit in God's Kingdom

Fruit Bearing in God’s Kingdom
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

—Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

This morning a friend sent me a video of her little granddaughter reciting Galatians 5:22-23. She couldn’t have been more than five or six years old, but she was perfectly at ease as she quoted God’s word without any coaching. It was a beautiful testimony of her family’s dependence on the Lord and their devotion to teaching their children to memorize Scripture.

That little girl’s testimony convicted me not just because she knew all the words, but because her sweet face was wreathed in smiles as she spoke. She was dancing as she remembered each part, and when she finished her joyful rendition, she looked up adoringly at her parents to make sure she had said it all perfectly.

It convicted me because I realized how seldom God’s fruit of the Spirit in me looks like that young child. And it made me wonder if anyone who knows me would even recognize me if my face was as radiant as the girl in the video appeared. Are the spiritual fruits that the Lord wants me to exhibit evident in my life?

Lately, I’d have to say maybe not.

Why do I let the cares and concerns of daily living defeat God’s invitation to live by the Spirit and to produce His fruit in my life? How do I become so overwhelmed with calendars and schedules that kindness and gentleness rush out of my relationships? What will it take to show me how to dance again in the eyes of my Heavenly Father simply because there is so much joy in His presence? When will I wake up and realize that there is beauty in faithfulness, peace in obedience, and self-control in His strength?

As the Old Testament psalmist asked, “How long, O Lord?” Psalm 13:1 (ESV).

So, instead of whining and complaining about having too much to do, my question to God now is, “Lord, how long do I need to exhibit Your spiritual fruit in my life?” Rhetorical questions like this one deserve only one answer, and the answer is always.

Does God want us to always share His fruit of the Spirit with those in the world around us? Absolutely! How can we do that? One word: obedience. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It’s a great place to start.

Give thanks because our joints are hurting? Sure, and while we’re at it, let’s thank God for the physical therapist who is helping us to feel better. Thank Him for our meager paycheck? Of course! Thank Him for giving us a job.

Is practicing gratitude working for you yet? It is for me. Somehow life seems a little bit more hopeful. Maybe it feels a little more joyful. And maybe obedience is even showing me how to live closer to Christ. If this keeps up, I might turn into that little girl who loves learning God’s Word. My aching joints don’t ache quite as much when I’m dancing!

Whatever our circumstances, our thankful attitudes are steps of obedience to create loving, peaceful, joyful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled fruit for the Lord to multiply as He sees fit.

Jesus Christ, our Lord, cautions us about fruit-bearing in Matthew 21:18-22 (ESV). During the last few days before the crucifixion of Jesus and His resurrection, He and His disciples were walking one day when they came to a fig tree that was barren, with no fruit on it anywhere. Jesus says to the tree, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” (Matthew 21:19). That tree withered immediately at the rebuke of our Lord.

Let’s not be like that barren tree. In obedience, let us follow Jesus every day of our lives. May we have fruit to share with our brothers and sisters in this world so we can resemble that little girl who gazed up in adoration when she finished her verses. Our Father (God) sees and is glad when we follow Him genuinely.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord God, oh, how we need You! Please show us the places where You ask us to obey. Please forgive us for our gloomy outlooks and for our rebellion against You, too. Lord, we need Your spiritual face-lifts in our lives. Please let us please You, our Savior and our God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Wanna Bear Fruit (the Fruit of the Spirit)” by CJ and Friends. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers. 

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Patience

Patient Expectation
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” – Psalm 62:5-7 (ESV)

What did you do the last time you had to wait in line? Commiserate with the people you were with? Grumble? Play on your phone?

Patience is hard. I think that’s why it’s listed in the group of spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), because I dare say few of us are born with it. I don’t have data to back this up, but my guess is that it’s always been hard. However, with our pace of life and the 21st century instant gratification for so many things, patience is a virtue becoming more and more scarce.

I think the reason why patience can be so difficult is that we have certain expectations and when they aren’t met, we don’t know what to do. For example, when my children were little and we were running errands, I often had impossible expectations of how much time a trip should take. Then when they were rowdy or the lines were too long, my expectation of an easy excursion was unmet and my patience ran thin.

What about in other aspects of our lives? Today, are you waiting for something better for your tomorrow? A relationship? A change in job or financial circumstance? Physical healing? Or what if your expectation is for something unpleasant like the death of a loved one or that dreaded phone call from the doctor?

We spend much of our lives waiting and usually it can’t be helped. So maybe it isn’t what we wait for that defines us, but rather what we do with that time. No matter the outcome of our expectations, we should greet each waiting period with hope.

The Bible is full of stories of individuals and groups waiting for things: Noah expected a flood; the Israelites waited for release from slavery; Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth waited for babies; the world waited for a Savior.

All of those experiences happened. They were each beautiful in their redemption stories. But what if the good thing you are waiting for never does happen? What if your expectations are never met because you never got that job or didn’t have children? Does that mean God has forgotten you? Or worse, that He doesn’t care?

Unmet expectations can lead to hurt in human relationships and that is hard enough. What about when we expect things from God and He doesn’t seem to deliver? I do not consider myself an expert in the art of patience, but here are some things I’ve learned during my moments — or years — of waiting.

Gratitude is key. If we can wait with expectation for what we want, but can be content with what we have, we have unlocked the key to a balanced, joy-filled life.

God is faithful. If we truly believe that He is Who He says He is, then we can trust that He loves us deeply and has our best in mind. Even in the hard things, He will bring beauty to our lives and to those around us.

Jesus is present. Everywhere, at all times, and especially in the waiting. Allow His presence to fill that space with joy instead of anxiety and peace instead of frustration. Imagine how beautiful that can be!

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, remind me of Your presence with me at all times, especially when I’m hurting. I know you want the best for me, and sometimes that means waiting patiently for answers in Your timing. Help me to understand that in my heart and not just my head. I love You. In Your name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: No Law

There Is No Law
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Proverbs 25:2, Philippians 4:4-8 (NASB)

We’ve come to the end of the Fruit of the Spirit, and I have to say, God’s shown me some pretty neat things about these gifts. The progression of them has such deep meaning. I look forward to letting Him bring out more and more.

The last line in this particular set of verses has always been interesting to me: “…against such things there is no law.” Why would that need to be said? Who could think any of these fruit would be a bad thing? I mean, love is what makes the world go around, right? And kindness has had movies made about it. Songs are written about these qualities, so why point out that there isn’t a law against them?

Christ knows we are dense sometimes. I don’t say that to be mean. It’s a reality. We see the Word repeating things … a lot. That’s because we need it to be repeated. Just once isn’t enough. Repetition is how we learn. There are some who say that it takes 7 or 8 times of hearing something you’d like to remember before it starts to stick. It would have taken a lot of space to repeat all of these fruit here in the section.

We need something to snap us out of our stupor and make us pay attention. The Word says that it’s to the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to seek it out. I think this might be one of those places. Why is it important for Christ to tell us there’s no law against these fruit?

Whether we all agree what it is, we’re all born with a moral compass. One person’s may be different than another’s, but everyone has something in them that tells them something is right or wrong. Yet, don’t we see great wrongs being done every day, and by those who should “know better?” At that point, what do we tend to do? We judge that person’s walk, their faith, their relationship with God. God alone knows the heart, however, we feel we have seen enough to make a judgment on that person, sometimes based on less than a minute of time.

What if we attach the fruit of the Spirit to those situations? Since there is no law against them, put love alongside the issue. Where does that leave you in the situation? And joy? Or faithfulness? Oh, don’t forget peace.

We can’t exhibit too much of any of these things. Honestly, we can’t exhibit any of them on our own. But, Christ wants these to be our first line of defense against all the things that come at us each day. We are strengthened when we know and walk in His love. That springs joy up through us, and spills out on those around us. We’re peaceful, making everyone feel at ease or welcome, solely due to our encounters with the love of God.

I see nowhere in Scripture where we’re told to dwell on our past…our sins. What I do see are several lists of positive things that God wants us to focus on for a huge benefit. We gain a guarded mind and heart when we do. Who here needs that today? All of this stems from knowing there is no law against, and no reason not to have, these fruit freely flowing through us. They are the very essence of Christ living in us to a world that desperately needs His love. Be fruitful, and multiply.

Let’s Pray: Dearest Jesus, we know Your ways are better. We know the Fruit of the Spirit that You’ve given us are for our benefit, but they are even more for others. Let there be no boundary on how Your Fruit are used in and through us for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of eight with the heart to impart stories and God's truth. 

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Faithfulness

Faithfulness As A Fruit of the Spirit
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22 (NASB) and Revelation 1:20 (NASB)

We talk about faithfulness in many ways. Marriage vows speak of being faithful all the days we live. Someone can be known as a faithful friend, while another is a faithful worker. What ties all of them together, though?

The fruit of the Spirit known as faithfulness isn’t something we can produce in ourselves, at least not for any long period of time. Have you noticed a pattern in all of the fruits? None of them are naturally occurring in us! If it doesn’t come from Christ, first, it can have no good lasting effect, because it is all through our flesh.

Faithfulness is the seventh of the fruits Christ gives us by the Spirit. I don’t believe the number for this word is a mistake. Seven is used in many ways throughout the Bible to mean perfection. In seven days, the Lord created the earth. Seven lampstands are in the throne room of Heaven representing the seven churches, as we’re told in Revelation. While those churches were not faithful to Him, He remained faithful to them. Reminds me of Hosea and Gomer! What an amazing example of how God loves His bride!

But, what does faithfulness entail? When it comes to our relationship to God, it’s easy to make it all about works. We pat ourselves on the back when we’ve read our Bible every day, done the homework for a study, and said a prayer. Check those boxes, and now we can move on with the rest of our life. Doing for God does not necessarily mean that we’re being faithful. We can do a lot of things for Him, but if He has asked something of us we are not willing to do, then we’re unfaithful. Is spending time in the Word every day a bad thing? Absolutely not! However, it is empty if we only do it out of duty, rather than relationship.

Who of us would want a friend or spouse to stay with us only because it’s expected? We want the people in our lives to want to be with us. We need to know they love us for who we are, and not just out of necessity. God is the same way. He wants us to want to spend time with Him. He wants us to want to do as He asks in our lives. That can mean going to some uncomfortable places: Forgiveness for wrongs done to us, accepting treatment we don’t feel we deserve (never abuse!), letting someone else be honored above ourselves, or saying no to something we have dreamt of our whole lives. If the Lord calls us to any of these things, we have a choice. Will we say yes to Him, being faithful to the One Who laid down His life for us? Or will we turn our back on that sacrifice, and tell Him it wasn’t enough?

I once had the realization that I am committing spiritual adultery every time I disobey what Christ has asked me to do. That was a dagger to my heart as a marriage ministry team member! How could I do that to my Groom? Yet, every sin I allow in my life is just that. It is spiritual adultery against my perfect Groom. Every time I go against what I know to be right in the eyes of God, I am being unfaithful to Him.

He, however, takes me back. Over and over and over and over again, He accepts me in my weakness. Not only that, but He then gives me the Fruit of the Spirit to move closer to being made like Him. He reminds me that I am His blemish-free bride, chosen for the Son of God before the foundation of the earth to be His. My sins are gone. They were paid in full on the cross, long before I even knew I needed them. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Daddy, You have made me worthy to be called Your bride, even when I don’t feel like it. Remind my heart of Your truth, Your love, Your faithfulness. Let that guide my days. In Jesus Christ’s Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of eight with the heart to impart stories and God's truth. 

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: How to live by the fruit of The Holy Spirit

Living by The Spirit
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” 
— Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

I love being a high school teacher, but sometimes the workdays can be arduous. Like parenting a child, educating one also comes with challenges. During one particular start of a school year, I was having a hard time maintaining the right attitude. I dreaded each morning and became sad. I loved my students; I just didn’t love supervising them, and every moment of needed correction irritated me.

I prayed for God’s guidance and intervention. How was going to make it through when I still had months to go? Was it time to change jobs? Was I no longer cut out to be a teacher if I didn’t have the right attitude? I also knew that among my colleagues I wasn’t the only one struggling with this problem.

I turned to the Lord for help and He took me to 1 Corinthians 6:17 (ESV), which says, “He who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” As I meditated deeper on the verse, God instructed me to approach each day through the power of His Spirit by first praying for and then enacting ways to show the fruit of His Spirit.

That next Monday, I started with love in heart and mind. I prayed to love my students unconditionally and sought out ways to show them I cared for them, whether through a genuine smile or a personal hello or asking how they were doing.

Tuesday, I went in prayed up with joy. I used every opportunity to show my enthusiasm and happiness for what they were doing and the fact they were there in my class. 

On Wednesday, I welcomed peace to guide us. If a conflict or issue arose, I was slow to react and remained as peaceful on the outside as I was on the inside. 

On Thursday, I relied on patience to help me with proper responses to guide my students through their own struggles. 

On Friday, I looked for every opportunity to show kindness to everyone I met. The results were incredible! I, along with all my students and even my colleagues, were notably happier people. The Spirit of the Lord had completely changed the atmosphere of my classroom!

The next week, I continued to welcome God’s Spirit through goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In the months that followed, if I or my students reverted to bad habits or attitudes, I took every opportunity to reestablish the right Spirit, just as David prayed in Psalm 51:10 (ESV), “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Each time it worked! God’s method became so effective that I now write one fruit of the Spirit to cover an entire week on my calendar.

Are you in a situation that needs divine intervention? I encourage you to begin praying to be guided by the fruits of the Spirit. Start with God’s love that unites with your faith and hope. He won’t use His fruit to change things just for you and your situation. Unity with Him is meant to bring us all together in “one heart and soul,” as He says in Acts 4:32 (ESV).

The fruit of His Spirit are boundless! The power of your partnership with His Spirit will permeate and affect those around you too, so they may also be blessed.

We serve an awesome God! To Him be all glory and praise! Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia. She teaches television production at C.D. Hylton Senior High School. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), ACFW Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England.

In her spare time, she also writes and directs Christmas and Easter passion plays at Christ Chapel Assembly of God in Woodbridge, VA.

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mirachelle77/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: Kindness

Kindness is only from the Lord
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) and 1 John 4:15-21 (NASB)

We’ve looked at the first four Fruit of the Spirit to see that it is not a random list of attributes. There is a distinct order to the fruit that are listed. Once the love of God is shown and accepted there is joy inexpressible, which leads to peace with knowing the Father is in total control of everything, then we can be patient with the timing of the outcome. Kindness, however, is a direct outflow of ALL of these other fruit.

We are loved because He first loved us. If you read the whole passage where this verse is found, you realize that love starts everything. Love casts out fear. What an amazingly powerful thing! Love is what kindness is rooted in, because you have to have a love of God to even be kind at all.

We cannot hate our brother or sister and still love God. Hate has no place in the heart surrendered to Him. I’ve watched so many believers tear each other apart, and been brokenhearted at what the Father must feel to see His children acting that way towards one another. Someone from another denomination may be the joke or the brunt of a sarcastic comment. That is not the kindness the Holy Spirit wishes to give through us to other believers, let alone a dying world.

I have had people lie to me, talk slanderously about me, and even curse me to my face. Earlier in my life, I likely would have gotten right back in their face and given them something to think about. Now? Now I let the Father tell me what I should say…most of the time…okay, maybe some of the time.

Our fruit is not just for ourselves. In fact, I would dare to say it’s not for us at all! It is to be shown to hurting people God puts into our paths, whether they are blood brothers/sisters in Christ or not. We, as the church, look so much like the world. We treat others with disrespect when we feel disrespected. We “don’t deserve to be treated that way,” and then demand better treatment. There are times to speak up – that is true – but how many times has the Lord told you to do so versus your flesh? How kind were you in the moment when you spoke up?

I’m a pretty direct person. I say what I mean and mean what I say. My husband likes to tell people that everyone knows where they stand with me, and I don’t see that as a bad thing. Only because I allow the kindness of God to be what speaks first. Not all the time, like I wish I would, but I’m hoping it’s more times than not. There is no doubt where I stand on things. I have my beliefs. I can tell you why I believe them according to the Word of God. I don’t apologize for those beliefs. However, I don’t treat others badly if they don’t agree. Anger and contempt never won anyone to another’s side of an issue. How can I expect someone to want to know Christ if malice and hatred are what I give them?

I’ve heard it said that kindness is free. No, it’s not. Kindness still requires a dying to self. It’s easy to be kind when others are doing the same. It is Godly to be kind when they are not kind to you. That fruit has to be something the Spirit does in you. We are not kind by human nature…not one of us. Thank God that He is not done with us, yet!

My Prayer: Dear God (Heavenly Daddy), My human side wants to be respected. I want to have others treat me well. They don’t always do that, but You call me to something greater still. You call me to be kind, as Your Son was kind, even as they tried Him, flogged Him, and crucified Him. He spoke no unkind words through it all. Make me more like Him. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:
A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth. 

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Patience

Patience
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Love, joy, peace, and patience are probably the most well known of the Fruit of the Spirit, yet they are some of the hardest to see manifested in our own, or other believers’, lives. Patience tends to be difficult for me. I want perfection now. That’s likely a very common human trait, but still not what God wants from us.

Love is needed for joy to be expressed. Joy is needed for peace to flow. Peace is necessary for patience. Why? If we have peace, we’re not going to be thinking things should be a different way, or done in a different timeframe. We’ll be content with whenever God deems the timing to be right.

As with all the Fruit of the Spirit, patience is something which is given to us, not something we can do on our own. I used to tell God that I would work to be more patient. It might last a few hours before the human side of me would come back out. I would then beat myself up for not following through on what I promised to God. The issue was, God already knew I could not make myself more patient. It’s called a fruit of the Spirit for a reason. Only the Spirit can manifest this, and all the other fruits, in us. Otherwise, it’s just works, and they will burn up as nothing.

Patience only grows in me as I’ve given up. I’ve surrendered. I’ve put my life into the Savior’s hands, and said it’s no longer mine to live. I don’t want to live my life for Christ. I want Him to live His life through me. Only one perfect life was ever lived.

Giving up has been a process. We sing about surrendering all to Him, but we really don’t have a clue what that means, or how to do it. He doesn’t ask us to do that, anyway. He calls us to one step at a time. One moment of surrender, and then another, and another, and another until we look back and see how far He’s brought us.

Know where this surrender is hardest for me? Traffic. Yup. The Lord uses traffic to teach me about patience the most. Several of the other fruits get thrown into the lessons, too, but patience is the biggie. You see, I’m a rule follower. If there’s a sign that says, “Wet paint. Don’t touch,” I’m not going to touch it. If a person has a sign saying to stay off their lawn, I’m going to respect that. I use my turn signal, am careful to move out of the way of traffic on multiple lane roads, and have studied the traffic laws for the state where I live in order to be a better driver. I expect others to have done the same, but that’s not the case. Don’t get me started on driving pet peeves! I live in Florida, and it seems like every other state is represented, poorly, by the drivers who come to visit…or live.

But, if I am truly allowing the love of Christ to be a fruit of His Spirit in me, then joy will be a natural outflow, even in traffic. From that joy will come peace in the knowledge of God’s overwhelming love for me. Peace will manifest in patience, because I know that God’s got the timing down perfectly for all He needs to do in my life. I’ll be someone known as patient, peaceful, joyful, and loving. The Father’s heart will be what others see when they see me. He will be living His life through me to love those around me. That is what I want to be seen in me. Only Jesus. Only love. Only joy. Only peace. Only patience. May it be made so in me, Lord.

My Prayer: Heavenly Daddy, I can’t do any of this on my own. It all has to come from You as You get me to surrender more and more of the things which hold me back from the life You want to live through me. Show me more of You. In Jesus Christ’s Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth.

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Peace

Peace Beyond Understanding
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 

Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:7, Isaiah 9:6, 2 Peter 1:2-3, and Proverbs 25:2 (NASB)

We’ve looked at the first two Fruits of the Spirit, love and joy. When the love of God really penetrates our hearts and minds, we start to understand the depth of God’s heart for us. The result is the calm delight of a joy we can’t explain or make up. That joy isn’t based on our circumstances, but on our assurance of God’s love in and for us. Then we are led to something we humans seem to consider elusive…peace.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word “peace” as “a state of tranquility or quiet.” The original language for the Galatians passage says the word used has an uncertain definition, but implies welfare. The same word is used in the Philippians 4 verse. I looked up what the word means in Isaiah 9:6 where Christ is called, “Prince of Peace.” Here, the word “peace” means completeness, soundness and welfare.

How do you gain completeness? You have to know you are missing nothing. But is that how we feel? Do we believe we have everything we need for life and godliness as 2 Peter 1:2-3 tell us? How do we get that peace? The New American Standard Bible (NASB) version, which I use, adds a little word in this verse, and I think it has huge implications. It’s the word TRUE. The verse reads, “…seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the TRUE knowledge of Him who called us…” It’s that word TRUE that messes us up. We don’t have a true understanding of God’s love for us.

We’re told that there is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ, yet we believe He’s mad at us if something goes wrong in our lives or if we mess up. We’re told that Christ died for us, now we should live for Him. He didn’t ask that of us! He told us to let HIM live THROUGH us. The Apostle Paul said that it is NO LONGER I who live, but Christ Who lives IN me. We can’t do it! We’re given an entire “wardrobe” of armor to go into battle with Him as our Shield, yet we walk around spiritually naked because we don’t understand, or accept, the power of those pieces of clothing we’ve been given. And we wonder why we don’t feel any peace when the enemy is firing unending arrows our way.

TRUE knowledge of Who He is, who WE are because of Him, and who He is making us is beyond important. It is VITAL to thriving in this world. We aren’t meant to survive it. We are called to something very different than those who don’t know Him. If we look just like everyone else, why would they want what we have?

I can’t say I’ve got a full grasp of all of this yet. I don’t know that any human being will on this side of heaven. But, I DO believe that God wants me to see a more excellent way. He wants to teach all of us more about the TRUE knowledge of Who He is in order for us to be different in a world which desperately needs His Light.

Proverbs 25:2 is something I find very interesting. A pastor friend of mine likes to say that God doesn’t have favorites, but He DOES have intimates. Intimates are those who have dug deeply into His Word to find the nuggets of truth or the concealed gems others have overlooked. I want to be an intimate with Him. I want to hear from Him and see from Him things that others ignore because their hearts aren’t seeking. I want that because I know it is where I will find His real peace…in true knowledge of Him.

My Prayer: Daddy (God), change my eyes to see You. Cause my ears to hear You. Give me the courage to seek You even more deeply for true knowledge, and the faith to believe what You reveal. Make me different so that Your Light will shine through to those around me who desperately need Your Love, joy and peace. In the Holy Name of Christ I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth.

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Fruit

The Fruit We Grow
A devotional by Ginger Solomon

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” – John 15:2 (ESV)

It’s fruit season where I live. We’ve been getting blueberries for some time. The peaches are ripening. The apples, cherries, plums, and blackberries should be available in the next few months. Everything in its season.

We have several trees that have died or are diseased. And just like the verse above, we trim them back every year and remove the diseased or dead parts (or rather my husband does). This allows for the healthy branches to get the needed nutrients and produce the best fruit.

There are many verses in the New Testament that refer to the fruit we as Christians are supposed to bear. A few short verses after the above, Jesus continues the fruit vein. “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8) Matthew writes about those who don’t produce fruit. “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:10)

The parable of the sower is the clearest example of our lives, I think. Here's the story as told in Mark 4:3-8... “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

Stay with me for a moment, because you might be saying that this verse doesn’t say anything about fruit, but you’d be wrong. The word translated grain here is the same Greek word for fruit (karpon). And because I am a lover of words, here's the explanation: "Karpon" means "fruit, result or gain". Generally, it’s talking about vegetables/fruit or animals, but it can also mean deeds, actions, results, profit, or gain. Figuratively (which is what I’m discussing here), it refers to the things we do with Christ. It’s about a believer being united with Christ, allowing His life to flow through ours to yield eternal fruit. This is the definition from BibleHub.com.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention 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.”

I heard a sermon recently about this topic. It prompted this post, actually. The pastor said that for us to have the fruit of the Spirit, we must first have the seed of the Spirit. Just as in this realm, that seed takes time to grow. It needs to be watered and fed by the Word. It must be tended. It doesn’t happen overnight. 

We grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just as some fruits take longer to mature, so do some of these fruits. 

He also pointed out that there is no law against any of these fruits. They are all there for us to grow in and bless others with. No one is going to complain (or at least they shouldn’t) if you love them or have joy or are peaceful, or exhibit kindness, or...or...or. You understand.

John 15:4-5 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Without Him, I cannot produce fruit.

And now the hard question, one that I struggle with in my own life: What does your fruit look like? Is it withered or rotten? Are you tending the seed of the Spirit?

*All Bible verses mentioned within this devotional are from the English Standard Version of The Holy Bible.

~*~
Author Bio:

Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly). 

She writes or reads inspirational romance of any genre, and if she’s busy homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, books are on her mind.

She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), president of her local writing group, and blogs regularly for InspyRomance.com and at gingersolomon.com.

Words of Faith: Kristin's story about pure hearts and a special kind of fruit

A Pure Heart
A Words of Faith story written by Kristin Billerbeck

             “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” 

~ Proverbs 16:2 

This is my life verse. Why? Because I’ve seen a lot of people do the “right” thing for selfish reasons and it surprised me how strong the cult of image can be within the church. What I’ve discovered in my own faith walk is that it’s between God and me. No one else. Who I am when no one else is looking? That is my character and what I will answer for, not for teaching Sunday School for 52 consecutive weeks in a row, or never missing a Sunday service.

What I do for Jesus and my faith should be an outpouring of the love He’s shown me. It should be a natural extension of who He created me to be. Not something that will impress my fellow Christians.

Before I committed my life to Jesus, I had a boyfriend in college. He was the first born-again Christian that I’d really met. His family was all about rules and very black and white in their thinking. They were cold-hearted and scary. I remember their disdain for me because “I wasn’t a Christian” and their rejection and judgment. What I don’t remember is their kindness toward me, nor their love. In truth, looking back, I was actually too good for their son. They didn’t know who he really was behind the pious words and the false front. He was playing the role of Christian, but I didn’t see a lot of fruit to prove that he actually was a Christian.

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

One day, this boyfriend invited me to dinner with teachers from his former Christian school. These people were warm and loving. They made me feel welcome in their home by accepting me for where I was in life. They asked me real questions about my faith and listened intently to my answers. In short, they made me want to know, Who is this Man, Jesus?

It was less than a year from that dinner that I accepted Jesus as my Savior, but more than my faith, these people helped me realize what kind of Christian I wanted to be in life. I never wanted to be the kind of Christian who kept people FROM knowing Jesus, the kind of Christian who portrayed myself as better than others. I wanted to be the kind of person who loved people for who they were — not who they might be if they were saved. People aren’t notches to be ticked off and put over in the “saved” category. They are living, breathing human beings, each with their own special set of troubles and emotional baggage.

I want to speak the truth in loving kindness like Jesus did with the woman at the well. Life is tough enough for people. I don’t want to add to their pain by seeing myself as better than others because I’m saved. The truth is, I’m only saved because He loved me first, not because of any special qualities I have to offer. God knows my heart. He knows my motives, so I try intensely to keep those pure. And in turn, keep a pure heart.

~*~
Author bio: 

Kristin Billerbeck is the bestselling author of over 45 novels, including What a Girl Wants and A Billion Reasons Why. 

Kristin is a Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Award.

She has appeared on the Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times, the Atlanta Journal Constitution and World Magazine. 

A proud mother of four, she makes her home in the Silicon Valley of California.