A FRESH LOOK AT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

A FRESH LOOK AT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

As we move into this new year, many of us have made commitments to make
lifestyle changes -- some are health related, like new eating and
exercise habits -- or maybe you wanting to break free of a besetting sin
. . .

Here is a fresh look at "walking in the Spirit" by using the "fruit of
the Spirit"

LOVE. Love yourself enough to take care of the body that God has given
you. Love God enough to treat it properly.

JOY. Have joy for today because of exactly who you are right NOW. Have
joy for whose you are.

PEACE. Embrace the only peace God provides by fully trusting in Him his
plans for you . . . peace that tells you that you WILL have victory.

PATIENCE. Have patience for that victory. Remember God's perfect timing
in the past and cling to that evidence for your future.

KINDNESS. Show kindness to yourself. Say positive things about yourself
and don't criticize your self when you are not doing things perfectly.

GOODNESS. Dwell on the goodness of the Lord and focus on the good
changes you are making in your lifestyle.

FAITHFULNESS. God is faithful, and He will give you faithfulness in your
decision to make these new and healthier changes.

GENTLENESS. Comfort yourself . . . not with tons of 'comfort food' but
with gentleness and comfort that comes only from abiding in Christ.

SELF-CONTROL -- Yes, you can have self-control. Call upon the powers and
grace of Almighty God. He is waiting to give you strength."

Good words to help us walk today in the Spirit in this ever-crazy
changing world.

(from SCALE DOWN -- A Realistic Guide to Balancing Body, Soul and Spirit
-- published by our friends at REVELL and available at the KESWICK
ONLINE BOOKSTORE -- www.americaskeswick.org.