An Apple tree may have many apples, but the tree only produces one fruit, Galatians 5:22-23 discusses that Fruit of the Spirit and outlines what that fruit looks like. It is no accident that the Scriptures call the Third person of the Trinity the Holy Spirit , because one of the main functions of the Spirit is to impart the holiness of God to us. As He does this He develops within us a Christ-like character. God’s purpose is that we would “become mature, attaining the full measure of perfection found in Christ.” (Eph. 4:13 NIV). These Characteristics outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 cannot be manifest in a persons life unless they have learned to walk in the Spirit of God. The characteristics are also such that we grow in our ability to manifest them the closer our walk with God is. I would encourage you to look over Galatians 5:16-25 and evaluate your growth and development in these characteristics. I would also like to begin to take us on a journey to understand the significance of this passage of Scripture. So buckle up your minds and begin to think with me as we explore this rich passage of Scripture. … READ MORE

In John 14:1, While the disciples genuinely believed in Jesus, their faith was already beginning to waver. Jesus began by telling them to stop allowing their hearts to be troubled by the news of his impending departure, the reason for that command is based upon their belief in the plan of God. He closes this powerful verse by reminding them that as they believe in the plan of God, to believe in the Jesus’ design to fulfill that plan. He wanted them to understand that he did not need to be visibly present for them to receive comfort and strength from Him. In face in John 20:29, Jesus would tell Thomas, and the rest of the disciples, “because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus would go on in John 14 to share with the disciples the ministry of comfort that the Spirit would provide because of His departure. The presence of Christ is enough to calm the believing heart in whatever perplexing troubling situation it finds itself. The Puritan John Wene noted, “A sense of God’s presence in love is sufficient to rebuke all anxiety and fears; … READ MORE

As we approach a new year, allow me to share with you some Scriptural principles to work on every day in the coming year. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us that we must forget about the victories and defeats of yesterday; at the same time according to Philippians 4:6-7 we must not worry about Tomorrow. We must remember that according to Philippians 4:19, “God will supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God will provide the strength we need day to day, so we we need to remember that Psalm 118:24 says “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” This is a reminder that we need to make each day count as we are afforded a new day. We must focus on that new day. With that in mind allow me to suggest 4 scriptural principles to consider:1. Galatians 6:10 encourages us to “do good unto all men” in other words as we approach each day, we need to help every person we can. We need to make life about others nor ourselves. Jesus reminds us in John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that … READ MORE