How can we know if we’re really making progress in our spiritual walk? After all, the Bible offers no prescribed checklist of duties to perform that prove we’ve “arrived” as mature believers. But a list provided by Paul in Galatians 5:22–23 does offer proof both to ourselves and to those around us that the Spirit of God who dwells within us controls our thoughts and actions.
And that’s the catch. We can’t produce such fruit on our own—even with the most sincere effort. We can’t fake this fruit either. Rather, the fruit of the Spirit is a supernatural result of yielding to the Holy Spirit. Once we’re exhibiting the pure, holy fruit of the Spirit, the contrast is stark between those who are filled with the Spirit and those who obey the deeds of the flesh, as seen in Paul’s other list in verses 19-21! When we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, all the glory goes to God.
We all have special gifts and abilities from God. While it's good to venture out of our comfort zones, here's a humorous illustration of why we shouldn’t force people to go too far outside the area of their gifting.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll contemplates the qualities and outcomes of a humble heart. Follow along in John 13:1–17 as Jesus washes the feet of His disciples.
You may not be able to change your situation but you can change your response. The choice is yours. You can choose to wallow in self-pity, or you can respond to a disadvantage with courage.
Are you a diligent type of person? Diligent people are disciplined, keen, alert, motivated, and have a continued stream of ideas and plans.
God loves variety. That’s why He made all kinds of people with different interests and abilities.
The mind is an amazing thing. In a matter of seconds it can transport you to scenes you thought you had forgotten. Remember when your love for the Lord was in full bloom? Remember the passion you felt? Remember your deep devotion?
How do you know when you’ve grown up? One sure sign is your ability to control your tongue.
Joy is a choice but it’s also essential to your well-being. Joy doesn’t depend upon circumstances, money, good looks, or a great job. It comes from deep within.
A new possession may give us fleeting pleasure but not lasting joy. Joy is a choice. It’s a decision we make to be happy regardless of external circumstances.
The word “addiction” typically makes us think of alcohol, cigarettes, or illegal drugs. But in this message, Chuck Swindoll will describe another kind of addiction…that’s far more subtle, yet just as enslaving. In fact, you might be an addict and not even know it!
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