Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 90

Fruit of the Spirit – You’re invited to Plant, Grow, & Cultivate

About six weeks ago I planted two fruit trees – one lemon and one lime. I carefully placed them in large pots on the patio using the soil recommended by the nursery for citrus trees. Both received the same amount of sun and water. Both bloomed. Both had numerous visits from bees and butterflies.

The two trees have had the same care and nurturing, but the fruit production has been drastically different. The lemons seem to be growing overnight. The flexible young tree branches curve down under their weight. My husband and I anticipate large slices of the tangy fruit for our iced tea later in the summer.

In contrast, the limes look pitiful. When the blooms faded, tiny little fruit balls emerged, but only two or three have grown much. Many have turned brown and dropped off. God intended for both trees to grow fruit, but only one is fulfilling its purpose.

Fruit of the Spirit

God also intends for us, His children, to bear fruit. According to Jesus, when we follow Him closely our lives will produce “much” fruit (John 15:5). Is your life producing an abundant harvest or are you in serious need of some spiritual fertilizer? Whether we need some major pruning or just a little shaping up, all of us could benefit from studying and applying what God’s Word says about the fruit of the Spirit.

You’re invited to join me this summer for a slow and easy walk through Galatians 5:16-25. The summer months can be busy with vacations, family visits, and time away from work, but don’t take a holiday from God’s Word. This study is designed to fit into the summer flow – less reading, small chunks, slow pace.

Study of Galatians 6:16-26

Here are a few things we’ll learn in Fruit of the Spirit: Plant, Cultivate, Grow

What are the characteristics of a “fruitless” life?
What does it mean to “live by the Spirit?”
Just what is “fruit” anyway?
Am I “fruity?”
What should the fruit of the Spirit look like in my life?
How can I improve my harvest?

Every Thursday for the next couple of months, I will post the weekly lesson right here on my blog. Each week as we study together we will Plant God’s truth in our hearts, Cultivate our own lives to receive that truth, and take action to help it Grow!

You’re invited to study with me!

Are you in? Will you join me for Fruit of the Spirit: Plant, Cultivate, and Grow?

Let me hear from you! Will you join me and from where will you be joining in? Where do you usually do your Bible study? Have you studied the fruit of the Spirit before?

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Monday Minute in the Word – Capable, yet Powerless

We humans are intelligent, creative, and capable. We can hang a massive station in space, split an atom, and clone a sheep. We can build beautiful buildings, paint masterpieces, and create entire new worlds for epic stories. We can find cures for diseases, break the sound barrier, and scale Mount Everest.

We can do all this and more. But we can’t save our own souls. We are powerless, dead in our sin. Every one of us has sinned (Romans 3:23). Our sin has earned eternal death, separation from God (Romans 6:23). But God – who is rich in love and mercy – stepped in. When we could not help ourselves, He reached out to help us.

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8, NIV

The greatest human accomplish is nothing compared to Christ’s saving work on the cross. The sharpest mind, the brightest talent, the strongest body is only temporary. Their highest achievements are merely a blip in the scope of eternity. When death finds us – and it will find each of us – the only thing that will matter is what we did with Jesus.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? How does it compare with Christ’s work on your behalf?

Do you have a saving relationship with Jesus? If not, find out more about how to know Jesus.

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Stories for a Life-change

“Once upon a time…”

We love stories. Fictional stories. True stories. Someone else’s life story. Our own story. Stories capture our attention, hold us captive by the action, and teach us valuable lessons.

The Bible is full of stories – historical narrative that tells us God’s story in human history and parables. Jesus taught with stories because He knows their impact.

Parables and Word Pictures from the New Testament

Author Cheri Cowell also knows the value of stories. Cheri’s newly released 13-week Bible study, Parables and Word Pictures from the New Testament, is a comprehensive look at the New Testament parables. The study explores the parables of Jesus in the four gospels and those of Paul and the apostles in Acts.

Cheri Cowell tells the story behind the study

Cheri graciously stopped by today to chat with us about her new study. She is also giving away a gift basket overflowing with her study and other great resources. Leave a comment on this blog for your chance to win! (The winners will be chosen July 6th. Please leave your email.)

What should readers expect to gain from this study?

This study will help readers develop an ear for the message the parables convey – that the Kingdom of God is both here and near. Through this study, readers will be challenged to live faithful and holy “Kingdom lives” in a broken and unholy world.

How can we use the power of parables in our own lives to reach people for Christ?

I believe this is the most important reason to study the parables. If we allow our own lives to be shaped after Jesus then when others “read our lives” they see Him. How we treat others, how we respond to sorrow and obstacles tells a story. When asked how and why we are able to be at peace, or turn the other cheek, we don’t need a canned presentation. We simply share our story of how God’s story has changed us.

The study concludes with a look at the Parable of all parables. Tell us about this because this is the heart of your study.

Jesus didn’t just teach in parables, He was also a living parable. Jesus lived His life as an example of what a life shaped by the truths taught in the parables should look like. Jesus invites us to live parable-shaped lives so we can show God to the watching world.

Comment on the blog for a chance to win the gift basket. Ask Cheri a question, leave a comment about the topic, or answer the following:

If your life was a parable, what would people learn from it?

More about Cheri Cowell and her new Bible study

Cheri Cowell, who describes herself as a “sidewalk theologian,” is passionate about discipleship and challenging believers to holiness of heart and life. Cheri’s love of story and the Word shines through in her writing and teaching. Cheri is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary where she learned the Inductive Bible study method used in this study to encourage, challenge, and equip the body of Christ to live story-shaped lives. 

You can purchase Cheri’s study at Amazon

Watch the book trailer now!

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Famous Last Words – Paul

Time was running out; he sensed his execution looming. While Paul hoped to see Timothy one last time, he also knew this letter might be his last chance to share his thoughts and words of encouragement with his spiritual son.

Paul wrote Second Timothy from a Roman prison shortly before his death. No time remained for trivial chit chat. Paul needed to tell Timothy the important things, the things that had eternal significance.

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus… 2 Preach the word of God… Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear…  5 Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:1-3,5, NLT

Rejecting God’s Truth

Sounds a lot like today, doesn’t it? Many of us reject the truth of God – either in whole or in part – because it conflicts with our sinful desires. Instead, we listen to the voices that condone our behavior. That way we mistakenly think we don’t need to change.

Years earlier, Paul had heard the truth of Christ on the road to Damascus and had fully submitted his life to God. And Paul never looked back.

6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, NLT

Faithful to the End

For Paul, physical life meant an opportunity to serve Christ and he had been faithful. But with his earthly service almost complete, Paul would soon meet his Savior. Emperor Nero would order his execution, the guillotine blade would drop, and Paul would receive his reward.

Paul longed for Timothy to run his race with the same faithfulness. To earn the prize and stand before Christ without shame of defeat.

Are you faithful in your Christian race? Are you fighting the good fight?

What kind of things tend to trip you up on the path?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Recipe for Faith – Monday Minute in the Word

I smiled at the yellowed recipe card. Memories rushed back at the sight of my grandmother’s familiar handwriting. She lovingly prepared this very dish for many family feasts. As she got older, there were lots of grandchildren and even great-children to help with the cooking, but she always insisted on contributing. Today, years after her death, my grandmother’s recipes are still found at family gatherings.

Her love of cooking was not the only thing my grandmother shared with her family. She always told us what God was teaching her and she strongly encouraged each of us in our own faith. She often wrote us notes or sent timely devotionals. And she never stopped praying. My grandmother actively passed her faith to the next generation. Her faith fostered mine.

The faith of our family and close friends plays a vital role in the development of our own faith. The following passage from Paul’s second letter to his spiritual son, Timothy, illustrates this truth.

3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. 5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 2 Timothy 1:3-6, NLT

Spiritual Legacy

Paul was influenced by his ancestors’ example and encouraged by Timothy’s sincerity. Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him their faith. He shared that same faith with others. From life to life and heart to heart, faith in Christ is passed from one to another.

My grandmother entrusted me with a precious gift – her faith. I must guard it, nurture it, and share it with my children. This commitment is a recipe for a legacy of faith.

Who has influenced and encouraged your faith?

In what tangible ways can you share your faith with your family and friends?

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Last Words of the First Martyr

Born behind the Iron Curtain in Bulgaria, Margaret Nikol has experienced persecution first-hand. Many times the police left her unconscious father at their door after a severe beating. She witnessed the confiscation of Bibles by the communists. Her mother, then her father, and finally her brother were martyred for their faith in Christ.

Through God’s working, Margaret became a concert violinist in East Germany. But because of her commitment to Christ, the communists threatened prison for her and an orphanage for her young son. Determined to stay faithful to Christ, it became clear they had to escape. During a concert season in Austria, God provided the opportunity. Miraculously, Margaret evaded a dozen KGB agents and found asylum with the Austrian government.

Margaret Nikol has made her home in the United States since 1981 and I had the great privilege of meeting her a few weeks ago at a women’s event. Her joy in Christ shines through her powerful testimony. Her comments about martyrs struck me. She said that martyrs are not “super Christians.” They are simply normal, faithful Christians that God empowers with His grace when persecution comes.

Persecution in America?

Christians die for their faith every day around the world. They make a decision to stand for Christ in the face of death. Persecution is not that extreme in the America, but it’s here. In fact, Margaret said she sees it building.

Let’s look at the last words of the very first martyr and see what we can learn to prepare our hearts.

54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coatsat the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  Acts 7:54-59, NIV

How can we stand firm?

Two things jump out at me as I read this passage:

Stephen kept his focus on Christ – In the middle of the persecution he looked at Jesus. He felt God’s pleasure and approval of his faithful obedience. I pray that when persecution comes in any form we will all keep our eyes on Jesus.
Stephen committed his life to Christ’s will – Like Jesus committed Himself fully to the Father, Stephen surrendered everything he had and was to Jesus. Nothing else mattered but belonging wholly to Him.

Stephen was the first to die for faith in Christ, but many have followed. Since Christ died for us more than 2,000 years ago, untold numbers of faithful ones have identified with Him in His suffering. Around the globe, millions of Christians have been rejected, beaten, and killed for the name of their Savior.

As persecution escalates in our own country I pray that you and I will stand firm in our faith. May we keep our eyes on Christ and commit ourselves fully to Him.

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What’s your favorite Bible verse?

Last week I had the honor of being interviewed during a great online event called the “Bible Study Expo.” I got to share about “Unshakeable Faith” with all the women listening in. At the end of my time, the hostess asked me one more question: “What is your favorite Bible verse?”

I love God’s Word and so many verses have a special place in my heart. After about ½ second of wondering which verse I should share out of all the glorious truths in God’s Word, Galatians 2:20 began to come out of my mouth.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20, NIV

God embedded this verse in my heart about 25 years ago when He did some major work on my faith. Until that point it had been very shallow and me-centered. Then during my first ever women’s Bible study, God opened my eyes to see that my faith should be all about Jesus! (I know it seems obvious, but I guess I’m a slow learner.)

This verse embodies that truth. When I gave my life to Jesus, my entire life became His. “Kathy” should no longer exist. When people look at me they should see Jesus instead. I still have a long way to go, but at least now I have my eyes on the goal and am moving in the right direction.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why? I’d love to hear about it!Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Famous Last Words – Jesus’ Great Commission

When my son completes his final exams this week he will finish his first year of college. My husband and I are pleased with how he has done academically these last nine months, but we are especially proud of how successfully he has navigated his first year of independence.

We took him to campus the end of August and helped him get settled in his dorm. The morning we left him, I wanted to say so many things. I felt the need to impart last words of instruction and wisdom. Things like, “study hard,” “choose friends wisely,” “be careful with your money,” and “get enough rest.” As usual Mark just responded, “I know.” Well, it seems like maybe he really did!

Jesus’ Last Words

Last week we explored Jesus’ last words on the cross, His dying words. Today, we will consider His other last words, the ones right before His ascension. Jesus had spent forty days after His resurrection teaching and instructing His disciples. But these are the words He chose to share in His last moments with them.

 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20, NLT

The Great Commission

We refer to these parting words as the “Great Commission.” Our Savior commissioned us, His disciples, with the task of making disciples of “all nations.” The wonderful truth that our Lord has “all authority” should give us the desire and the confidence to go and share Jesus’ great salvation. And as we go, we know that Jesus will be with us.

I completely agree with the Great Commission. I know I should go. I know I should make disciples. I know I should teach them everything about Jesus and His commands. I know Jesus’ parting words, but I don’t always heed them. Often a large gap exists between my “I know” and “I go.”

Jesus’ parting words are for all disciples, including you and me. How are you doing? Do you just “know” or do you “go?”Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Strap on Your Sword – Monday Minute in the Word

Are you facing any big challenges in your life right now? Is there a wall blocking your path or a Goliath taunting you to fight? Sometimes God intervenes in the circumstances of our lives and flings the obstacle to the side while we simply sit back and watch Him work. Other times He tells us to strap on our sword.

When the Israelites entered the Promised Land strong nations still lived there. Armies protected fortified cities. The people did not simply vacate their homes and walk away. Yet God told Israel the land belonged to them. So, Joshua led the people across the Jordan and camped near the first major obstacle.

Victory over Jericho

Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a  long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” Joshua 6:1-5, NLT

photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

God declared victory over Jericho and its “mighty men of valor.” But He did not send fire down from heaven to consume the city. Instead God chose to use His people as His tool. He commanded the Israelites to fight. The battle was already won; it was a done deal in heaven. Joshua and the Israelite army merely acted on that reality.

Time to fight for God’s victory?

Sometimes we sit back in inactivity waiting for God to work when we should be fighting to take what God has already won. Yes, God still works in miraculous ways without our involvement. In those times we get to stand and watch His mighty hand from the sidelines. But other times, He calls us to strap on our sword and follow Him to victory.

Tell us about a time in your life when God has miraculously knocked down a wall or when He has called you to strap on your sword.

How can we know when it’s time to watch or time to fight?!Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Famous Last Words – Jesus on the Cross

Darkness shrouded the city at noon. Even the sun mourned the imminent death of the Son. Although physically crucified by the hands of Roman soldiers, Jesus went to the cross willingly, in obedience to the Father. The Jewish leaders, their mock trial, and Governor Pilate were all just tools in God’s hands.

No one could take Jesus’ life without God’s approval. Jesus had the authority to not only lay down His life, but to take it up again (John 10:18). No one took Jesus’ life. He gave His life as act of obedience to His Father. Jesus’ last words on the cross accentuate this truth.

Jesus on the cross

44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:44-46, NIV

Submitting to God

Jesus completely submitted His life and death into the Father’s hands. Jesus’ obedience provided the way of salvation for you and me. Jesus’ death provided forgiveness for our sins and opened a way for us to enter into God’s presence. Jesus’ last words on the cross have significance for every person who has ever lived. Because He was “obedient to death” (Philippians 2:8) we can have life.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16, NIV

Trusting God in every situation

Jesus fully trusted the Father. He walked in complete obedience – all the way to the cross. He trusted God with the process and the pain. He trusted God with the reason and the result. He committed Himself to the One worthy of trust.

Is there a situation in your life right now you need to commit to God?

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