Dawn Renee Stephens's Blog, page 4

fruit of the spirit is patience- 3 practical ways to show patience

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, and patience. Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel created by the potter. It is given the privilege of growing fruit. You can find the full story here. The allegory mirrors the relationship that we have with our creator. We are also vessels created to bear fruit. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is the substance God grows through us when we allow Him to work in our lives. The verses in Galatians describe this fruit with nine words. Therefore, each week we look at a word from the list and what Paul meant when he portrayed this fruit to the church.

Consequently, last week, we looked at peace. In the previous week, we studied love and joy. Click here to read how the Bible describes this love. In addition, click here to see how to explain love to children. This week, we will consider what Paul meant when he labeled the fruit of the Spirit as being patient.

Bible definition of patienceThe Bible’s definition of patience is

Google defines patience as “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Likewise, you may have heard the phrase, “Patience is a virtue.” That statement is usually said to remind someone that it is good to show patience. Patience is indeed a virtue. However, it is even more than that. It is a quality that the Holy Spirit grows in us. The fruit of the Spirit is both something we possess and give to others. Consequently, we have patience and also show patience. We do this even if we don’t feel like waiting for something to happen.

We already know that the fruit of the Spirit Paul describes is not feelings. He explains that producing this fruit is done when we “live by the Spirit” instead of “living by the flesh.” He lists acts of the flesh in Gal. 5:19-21. These behaviors arise when we allow our feelings to control us. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise us that patience requires our actions. The following video provides a good description.

The fruit of the Spirit is patience, longsuffering, and forbearance

Some bible versions use the words longsuffering and forbearance in place of patience. While these words are synonyms, they present a slight difference in our understanding of this fruit. Longsuffering means enduring trouble, injury, and provocation. It reminds me of James 1:2-4.

“… count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

James 1:2-4 NKJV

Forbearance fruit of the Spirit

Forbearance means to refrain from something and endure it with self-control. (We’ll talk more about the self-control quality soon.) We often think of patience as simply waiting for something we want to have or happen. In other words, longsuffering and forbearance can show us that the fruit God grows in us will also help us withstand trouble and pain. Love, joy, and peace can continue when we add this more profound meaning of patience.

Want to understand how you can grow patience and the fruit of the Spirit? For example, do you find it hard to wait? While God’s Spirit can produce patience, it requires our participation. Our lives should cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. However, understanding how to become fruit-bearing vessels is a God-sized calling and one of the most important things we do as followers of Christ. Likewise, I’ve seen how God produces the fruit of the Spirit, and I’ve explained the process in seven steps. I have used these steps with children, teachers, and parents. It includes the three areas of spiritual, social, and academic growth. In these areas, you’ll learn practical things to do. Consequently, you will be a fruit-bearing vessel.

If you join me on this fruit-bearing journey, I promise we will see how God works in our lives and with others around us. Just type in your email address and name below.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

Disclosure: The Amazon links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Go here if you prefer to buy the entire set as a signed copy. Go here if you want to schedule Dawn for a speaking engagement or author visit.

The post fruit of the spirit is patience- 3 practical ways to show patience appeared first on Creative Teaching Resources and Inspirational Children's Books from Dawn Stephens books.

fruit of the Spirit is peace – 3 practical ways to make peace

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace. Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel created by the potter. It is given the privilege of growing fruit. You can find the full story here. The allegory mirrors the relationship that we have with our creator. We are also vessels created to bear fruit. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is the substance God grows through us when we allow Him to work in our lives. The verses in Galatians describe this fruit with nine words. Therefore, each week we look at a word from the list and what Paul meant when he described this fruit to the church.

Consequently, last week, we looked at joy. In the previous week, we studied what love is. Click here to read how the Bible describes this love. In addition, click here to see how to explain love to children. This week, we are attempting to define the third word in the description, peace.

The Bible about peaceBiblical peace is contentment because we know God is always with us.

Google defines peace as a time when there is no war. Dictionaries agree and add that it can mean harmony between people and people groups. Verses in the Bible about peace take the meaning deeper.

We already know that the fruit of the Spirit Paul describes is not feelings. He explains that producing this fruit is done when we “live by the Spirit” instead of “living by the flesh.” He lists acts of the flesh in verses 19-21. These behaviors arise when we allow our feelings to control us. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise us that peace requires our actions.

fruit of the Spirit is peace

The Bible Project has a great video to explain this peace.

When peace like a river attendeth my soul

An old hymn: It is Well with My Soul, describes peace as a river. This description comes from Isaiah 66:12 and Isaiah 48:18. In these verses, Isaiah describes that God will give HIs people peace like a river. I have often thought it interesting that peace would be represented by a river instead of a calm pond. Rivers can be rough and rocky. These verses in the Bible about peace also mention “waves of righteousness” and “overflowing streams.” Therefore, Isaiah was describing a relatively large moving brook.

Likewise, if you consider that rivers connect people and continually flow over rocks through rugged terrain, you can appreciate the peace that God offers us. The peace He grows through us is something we cannot produce alone. Only through Him can our relationships be at complete peace.

Three practical ways to grow the fruit of the Spirit: peace

Want to understand how you can grow peace and the fruit of the Spirit? For example, do you find it hard to make peace with some people? While God’s Spirit grows peace, it requires our participation. Our lives should cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. However, understanding how to become fruit-bearing vessels is a God-sized calling and one of the most important things we do as followers of Christ. Likewise, I’ve seen how God produces the fruit of the Spirit, and I’ve explained the process in seven steps. I have used these steps with children, teachers, and parents. It includes the three areas of spiritual, social, and academic growth. In these areas, you’ll learn practical things to do. Consequently, you will be a fruit-bearing vessel.

If you join me on this fruit-bearing journey, I promise we will see how God works in our lives and with others around us. Just type in your email address and name below.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

Disclosure: The Amazon links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Go here if you prefer to buy the entire set as a signed copy. Go here if you want to schedule Dawn for a speaking engagement or author visit.

The post fruit of the Spirit is peace – 3 practical ways to make peace appeared first on Creative Teaching Resources and Inspirational Children's Books from Dawn Stephens books.

fruit of the Spirit is joy – 3 practical ways to find joy

The fruit of the Spirit is love, then joy. Immediately after love comes joy. Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel created by the potter who is given the privilege of growing fruit. You can find the story here. The story mirrors a relationship that we have with our creator. We are also vessels created to bear fruit. This fruit is called the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is the very substance that God grows in us when we allow Him to work within our lives. It is described in these verses with a list of nine words. Therefore, each week we look at a word from the list and what Paul meant when he told of this fruit to the church.

Consequently, last week, we looked at what love is. Click here to read how the Bible describes this love. In addition, click here to see how to explain love to children. This week, we are attempting to define the second word in description, joy.

What is joy? Joy is more than a feeling.

Google defines joy simply as a feeling of pleasure and happiness. Dictionaries describe it as an emotion of delight caused by something good. Likewise, it is the expression of glad feelings.

However, the fruit of the Spirit Paul is describing is not feelings. He explains that producing this fruit is done when we “live by the Spirit” instead of “living by the flesh.” He lists acts of the flesh in verses 19-21. These behaviors arise when we allow our feelings to control us. Therefore, we must dig deeper to know what this type of joy truly is.

What is joy in the Bible?

Biblical joy is a choice. It shows contentment and satisfaction in all circumstances because we know God works in every situation. It has more to do with the future than the present. Throughout the Bible, people find joy in what God will do above what is happening at the moment. The Bible Project has a great video to explain joy.

Are happiness and joy the same thing?

Happiness and joy are sometimes used as synonyms. However, joy is something much deeper than the feeling of happiness. As we’ve stated above, joy is more than a feeling. It comes from the Holy Spirit. God supernaturally gives it to us despite our circumstances. Joy is everlasting, and happiness is temporary.

Three practical ways to grow the fruit of the Spirit: joy

Want to understand how you can grow joy and the fruit of the Spirit? For example, do you struggle to find joy when your circumstances seem more significant than Jesus’ promises? The qualities produced through us by the Holy Spirit require our participation. Our lives should cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. However, understanding how to become fruit-bearing vessels is a God-sized calling and one of the most important things we do as followers of Christ. Likewise, I’ve seen how God produces the fruit of the Spirit, and I’ve explained the process in seven steps. I have used these steps with children, teachers, and parents. It includes the three areas of spiritual, social, and academic growth. In these areas, you’ll learn practical things to do. Consequently, you will be a fruit-bearing vessel.

If you join me on this fruit-bearing journey, I promise we will see how God works in our lives and with others around us. Just type in your email address and name below.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

Disclosure: The Amazon links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Go here if you prefer to buy the entire set as a signed copy. Go here if you want to schedule Dawn for a speaking engagement or author visit.

The post fruit of the Spirit is joy – 3 practical ways to find joy appeared first on Inspirational Children’s Books & Creative Teacher Resources.

fruit of the Spirit is love – 3 practical ways to grow love

The fruit of the Spirit is love. At least according to Galatians 5:22. Have you ever wondered why love is listed as the first quality of this fruit? I recently began a study on Philippians. You may know this book to be Paul’s most joyful letter. Likewise, the fruit of the spirit is joy. However, without love. there is no joy. In just the first week of this study, I studied other scriptures that tell us the true meaning of love and why it comes first.

what is true meaning of love?

How we define love will affect our understanding of the fruit of the Spirit. If you think love is romance and sexual chemistry, you’ll probably be led astray. Likewise, if you think love is accepting others who live in sin without passing judgment, you’ll miss it. God’s love is much richer and deeper. His love may not even look like love in the eyes of the world. Therefore, let’s look at a few different passages in the Bible that better explain what love is.

In 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, we read that love is necessary to every other aspect of Christian living. Love is patient and kind. By the way, these are also listed within the fruit of the Spirit. However, there is a reason that love is listed first. Kindness and patience cannot exist without love. In addition, these verses tell us that love keeps no record of wrong. It rejoices in truth, protects, trusts, and perseveres. Love lasts. It is greater than faith and hope.

In Colossians 3:12-14, we are told to dress in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. Furthermore, it says that love is what binds these things in unity. In John 2:15-17 we read that we should not love the world or the things in the world. It lists these things as the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. these verses help us to gain a picture of God’s love. However, we still might not be sure we know exactly what love is.

We can know the true meaning of love as we study different Bible verses.how do we know what love is?

I John 3:16-18 says that this is how we know what love is. Jesus laid down His life for us. In the same way, we are to lay down our lives for others, giving of ourselves and our possessions. These verse tell us that love is action and truth.

Explaining this type of love to children might seem difficult. Check out this blog for how to best explain it to children.

3 practical ways to grow the fruit of the spirit

Want to understand how you can grow love and the fruit of the Spirit? For example, are you hoping to be more loving, joyful, peaceful, or patient? Similarly, becoming kinder and gentler and showing more self-control. These are not just character traits. They are qualities that are produced through us by the Holy Spirit. Our lives should cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Understanding how to become fruit-bearing vessels is a God-sized calling and one of our most important things.
This model includes 3 practical ways and it works! I have seen how God produces the fruit of the Spirit through me and the teachers, parents, and students I’ve worked with. It includes the three practical areas of spiritual, social, and academic growth. In these areas you’ll see seven steps that you can implement in your life. Consequently, you will be a fruit-bearing vessel.

If you join me on this fruit-bearing journey, I promise we will see how God works in our lives and with others around us.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

The post fruit of the Spirit is love – 3 practical ways to grow love appeared first on Inspirational Children’s Books & Creative Teacher Resources.

Making New Year Resolutions. 5 Steps to include

Making New Year Resolutions is an ancient tradition. The Babylonians were the first people to make New Year’s resolutions. Eventually, Christians thought of the first day of the new year as a time to forget past mistakes and resolve to do and be better in the future. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service, most commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. This article from History.com gives more details.

Make a New Year Resolution

Then how should we make New Year Resolutions? Goal setting is a healthy practice. Biblically, we need to make sure that we commit whatever we do to the Lord and let Him establish our plans (Proverbs 16:3). Likewise, many more bible verses give wisdom to planning and goal setting. Therefore, setting goals and making New Year’s resolutions are good practices as long as we keep in mind that God wants to work in and through our lives.

What should our New Year’s Resolutions Be?Your new year resolutions should produce the fruit of the Spirit.

God cares about every aspect of our lives. Consequently, setting goals to make more money, eat less, or exercise more is not wrong. However, we can sometimes have objectives different from what He is doing in our lives. To set biblical goals, we must align with how He works in and through us to produce the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. He wants us to partner with Him for our growth, not just spiritually but socially and academically. All three of these areas of development are essential in the fruit-bearing process. Using the same steps Little Pot uses to grow a strawberry, we can set successful goals that produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The following is from a goal-setting worksheet used with children and adults in the field of education. Use the steps to growing the fruit of the Spirit to complete SMART goals.

Each part identifies the specific actions needed to accomplish a resolution. We will be following the fruit-bearing steps in reverse. Educators know this technique as “backward planning.”

Step 1. Identify the goal and the action steps. (Bloom Knowledge)Step 1 is to identify the goal and the actions.

In the center of the flower, write a new year’s resolution to be more loving, peaceful, patient, kind, etc. (See Galatians 5:22-23). We can confidently know that God can grow His fruit. Therefore, whatever characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit we choose, the sentence should read,

” I know God will grow __(love, joy, patience, self-control, etc.)__ in me by _(date)__.”

The fruit grows in seasons. Therefore, this must be a timed goal and needs an end date. Some may work to accomplish their goals in one week or three days. Others may set goals lasting a month or six weeks. It just depends on the age and specific purpose.

While God grows the fruit, we are responsible for the actions or work it requires. Next, write one to three action steps inside the pedals.

Here are some examples I wrote with children over the years.

“I know God will grow patience in me by (end-date).”

Action Steps:

Raise my hand before I speak. Let my friends be first in line. Patiently waiting my turn at the water fountain.

“I know God will grow kindness in me by (end-date).”

Action Steps:

Share the math tubs with friends.Say nice things to my classmates. Keep my hands to myself and not hit.

 “I know God will grow self-control in me by (end-date).”

Action Steps:

Complete my morning work every day.Not get upset if others do not play fair at recess.”Not play in the restroom.

Note: Some need to focus on only one action step.

The action steps should be relevant to each child’s abilities. If the end date comes and the child still needs to complete an action step correctly, set a new goal to accomplish the specific action step in a shorter time frame. Step 5 will allow you to celebrate all fruit-bearing that takes place.

Step 2. Identify people in your life that can help you achieve your New Year resolutions. (Leaf Relationships)Step 2 is to identify people who will support you.

In Little Pot’s fruit-bearing model, the leaves represent relationships. Everyone knows that if you share your goal with someone, you are more likely to achieve it. Therefore, select two or three people to lean on at each action step. In addition, be able to identify precisely how the chosen person can help. Set a time to ask each person if they are willing to help and participate in the goal. God sometimes uses complex relationships as our most profitable opportunities. This step is a great way to work at getting along with others. If two friends need to be kinder to each other, they may each be a leaf on the other one’s diagram. Counselors and student advocates are sometimes great accountability partners too. Here are a few more examples:

“Samuel can help by not sitting next to me on the carpet because I like to talk to him.” “My mom can help me by waking me up earlier, so I will not be late each day.” Mrs. Jones can help by giving me the single to raise my hand if I begin to talk out of turn.” “Cindy can help me by reminding me to get all my supplies before we begin to work. “Mrs. Jones can help by giving me a quiet corner to work in alone.” Pastor Tim can help by praying for me every day this week.”

Remember: It is never anyone else’s fault if a goal unmet. If at the end date, the person has yet to be helpful or do what they promised, they can set a new plan and choose a new person. We sometimes must pluck leaves off of plants if they are not healthy.

New Year New Goal – Step 3. Commit to it. (Stem integrity)Step 3 is to have integrity and make a commitment.

The stem of Little Pot’s fruit plant represents integrity. Accomplishing goals takes integrity, and honesty is a big part of achieving goals. Some of the action steps may take a lot of work to monitor. Therefore, the participant must be honest and trustworthy. Remind them that the stem connects the different pieces of the fruit plant. Likewise, their integrity will connect all the parts of their goal. They must have strong integrity for the duration of the plan.

Step 4. Be humble, and plant scripture shows you why you need to make New Year Resolutions in the first place. (The soil and the seed)Step 4 is to use God’s word to support you and pray humbly over your goal.

The soil in Little Pot represents our humility. Therefore, step four is one of the most difficult to complete. It is challenging to admit why the goal is needed. However, it is an integral part of their journey. Likewise, it may be necessary to start with this step—record why improvement is needed and set the goal first.

Once they realize their need for the goal, find a Bible verse that relates to the situation. Below are some Bible verses that can connect the different characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. You may even choose to have the child recite it on the end date. 

Love: John 15:9; 1 Corinthians13; 1 John 4:19 Joy: Psalm 71:23; John 16:22-24  Peace: Romans 12:18, 14:9; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:6-7  Patience Proverbs 14:21; 15:18; 28:11; 1 Thes. 5:14; James 5:8-9 Kindness: Proverbs 11:16,17; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Luke 6:31; Job 6:14 Goodness: Psalm 23:6; Ephesians 5:8-10; Galatians 6:9,10 Faithfulness: Proverbs 3:3, Matthew 23:23; Revelation 2:10b Gentleness: Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 3:12, Philippians 4:5,1 Peter 3:15 Self-control: Proverbs 25:28, Proverbs 29:11, Titus 2:11-12, 1 Peter 4:7Step 5. Celebrate when you’ve been successful at your New Year Resolutions. (Bear Fruit)

When the end date arrives and you’ve met your New Year resolutions, praise God that He grew fruit through you. Celebrating is an excellent way to practice praising God for the good things that happen in life. Place a strawberry sticker on the chart and dance. Achieving a goal is no tiny feet. Consequently, the more we celebrate, the more eager we will be to set the next goal!

When making new year’s resolutions, the final step is celebrating your achievements.

Purchase the complete Goal Diagram (including more detailed instructions, goal worksheet, and reward stickers).

More on How to Grow the Fruit of the Spirit

Want to understand more about how you can grow the fruit of the Spirit? For example, are you hoping to be more loving, joyful, peaceful, or patient? Similarly, becoming kinder and gentler and showing more self-control. These are not just character traits. They are qualities that are produced through us by the Holy Spirit. What if you could help cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? I’m here to tell you. You can!

Understanding how to become fruit-bearing vessels is a God-sized calling and one of our most important things.
This model works! It works because it follows scripture, and I have seen how God has used it to produce the fruit of the Spirit through me and the teachers, parents, and students I know.

Furthermore, I will show you how spiritual, social, and academic growth will lead to fruit-bearing. Consequently, I have created a curriculum and lessons that follow this process. Above all, being a fruit-bearing vessel is what I strive to do every day. It is my greatest passion.
If you join me on this fruit-bearing journey, I promise we will see how God works in our lives and with others around us.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

The post Making New Year Resolutions. 5 Steps to include appeared first on Inspirational Children’s Books & Creative Teacher Resources.

Prayer for Advent Wreath. 5 Ways to adore Christ in the New Year.

Have you had a prayer for your advent wreath? This month we’ve studied the four weeks of advent and the terms each candle represents. Because each week symbolizes a time that is also a part of the fruit of the Spirit, Little Pot (a fruit-bearing vessel created by the potter) spent the advent season sharing about each one. So far, we have discussed hope, faith, joy, and peace. This week is Christmas, and the final candle is white. It stands for love.

With each week and each candle, a prayer for the advent wreath was suggested. This week we will look at ways we can carry hope, faith, joy, and peace into the new year and adore Christ with the greatest of all His qualities, love.

Prayer for Advent Wreath. Hope

Dear Lord,

I adore the hope you bring. You never break your promises. I know that you promised to come and save people from their sins. Coming to earth as a baby on that first Christmas was how you would fulfill that promise. Then, your death on the cross was payment for my sin. Oh, how the people in the Old Testament must have hoped for the Messiah. They celebrated the advent of your first coming.

Because you came and died for my sins, you now promise to come and live inside me. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit and growing hope through me. I believe in you and celebrate the advent of your daily presence in my life.

I also know that you promise to come again. You will one day return and reign forever. I hope for that day and celebrate the advent of your second coming, too.

Amen

The first advent candle stands for hope.Prayer for Advent Wreath. Faith

Dear Lord,

You are so faithful! Thank you for coming to earth and saving me from my sins. The faithfulness it took to come to earth as a baby and die on the cross amazes me. Your faithfulness inspired Mary, Joseph, and many others to be faithful.

Because you were faithful and died for my sins, your Holy Spirit lives inside me. You faithfully grow the fruit of the Spirit through me. I have faith in you and celebrate the advent of your daily presence in my life.

I also know that you promise to come again. You are faithful to one day return and reign forever. I anticipate the advent of your second coming, too. Continue to grow your faithfulness through me.

Amen

The second candle represents faith.Joy

Dear Lord,

You are Joy! Thank you. for coming to earth and saving me. Coming to earth as a baby on that first Christmas was difficult for many. Babies were even killed when Harod searched to find you. Mary and Joseph faced many trials. Yet, it was still a moment of great joy.

Because you came, you now promise to come and live inside each of us. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit and growing joy through me. I adore you and anticipate your daily presence in my life.

I also know that you promise to come again. Oh, the joy I have knowing you will return and reign forever. I celebrate the advent of your second coming, too. Continue to grow your joy through me as I wait for that day.

Amen

The third advent candle stands for joy, and joy is a part of the fruit of the Spirit.Prayer for Advent Wreath. Peace

Dear Lord,

You give peace that passes all understanding. Thank you! Coming to earth and saving people from their sins was just the beginning. You are called the Prince of Peace on that first Christmas because we cannot find peace without you. We celebrate the advent of your birth and the peace it brings.

Because you came and died for our sins, you now promise to come and live inside each of us. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit and growing peace through me. I need that peace and anticipate your daily presence in my life.

You promise to come again. I have peace knowing that you will return and reign forever. I celebrate the advent of your second coming, too. Continue to grow peace through me and free me from worry.

Amen

The fourth candle represents peace.The final candle and the first quality in the fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, and patience. In addition, it lists kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. We’ve already seen how these qualities overlap with the terms used in the advent wreath and the Christmas story itself. The final candle lit on Christmas day is white and represents love. Christ says many times in scripture that love is the greatest gift. See 1 Corinthians 13. There is no greater love than laying down your life for someone else. See John 15:13.

We should adore Jesus because He came to earth as a baby to lay down His life for us. He demonstrated the greatest love of all. In John 13:34 and 15:12, He commands us to love others the way He loves us. That means we should also be willing to lay down our lives for others.

Why is the final advent candle white?

Before Christ died on the cross, the Jews would sacrifice white lambs without blemish or spot. See Exodus 12:5. The sacrifice is atonement for their sin. The lamb was a representation of Christ because He was without sin. See 1 Peter 1:19. For Jesus’ death to be the payment for our sins, He had to be without sin Himself. The white candle, therefore, represents Christ’s purity and sinless life. His death takes away our sins so that we are now pure and sinless in the sight of God.

The last candle we light on the advent wreath is white and stands for love.How God produces the fruit of the Spirit

The story of The Little Pot is about a potter growing fruit through the vessel he made. Likewise, our creator wants to grow the fruit of His Spirit through us. His fruit includes love, joy, peace, faith, and hope. (Galatians 5:22-23).

Therefore, to truly celebrate the advent of Christ’s first coming, His daily presence, and His return, you’ll want to learn more about growing the fruit of the Spirit. To discover how Little Pot becomes a fruit-bearing vessel, sign up below. In addition, you will be added to our email list, and each Friday, you will receive a short, fruitful email. I hope you will join me.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

The Little Pot, The Tea Pot, The Oil Lamp, and The Little Pot Rhyme Boardbook are also available on Amazon.

Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Go here if you prefer to buy the entire set as a signed copy. Go here if you want to schedule Dawn for a speaking engagement or author visit.

The post Prayer for Advent Wreath. 5 Ways to adore Christ in the New Year. appeared first on Inspirational Children’s Books & Creative Teacher Resources.

Four weeks of advent. Peace, a candle, and one part within the fruit of the Spirit

This month we’ve been learning about the four weeks of advent and the terms of each week. The traditions of the advent wreath and the lighting of candles is an old tradition that many still celebrate. Because each week symbolizes a term that is also a part of the fruit of the Spirit, Little Pot (a fruit-bearing vessel created by the potter) is spending the next few weeks sharing about each one. Some list peace as the second candle. However, our second candle represented faith. The first candle stands for hope, and the third week was joy. Therefore, we will be focusing on peace this week.

Four weeks of Advent

Advent is a term from the Latin word adventus, which means coming. The dictionary defines advent as “the coming of a notable person or event.” Originally advent was thought by Christians to anticipate Christ’s second coming, not the first when he was born on Christmas.

The history behind the four weeks of advent

The advent wreath and advent season being a pre-Christmas celebration, started in the 1800s in Germany. Likewise, immigrants from Germany brought the tradition to America in the 20th century. It traditionally contained four candles. Three are purple, and one is pink.

Advent four candles meaning

The four weeks of Advent and the candles sometimes have different descriptions. Some list them as hope, peace, joy, then love. Another listed hope, peace, and then love before joy. Likewise, a third description of the candles was hope, faith, joy, then peace. Each word references a part of the Christmas story. In addition, these same words are included in the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, since Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel like us, we will examine these words about the advent season. Consequently, each week we will discuss a different candle.

Week One – HopeWeek Two – FaithWeek Three – JoyWeek Four – PeaceChristmas Week – LoveThe third candle – PeaceThe fourth candle represents peace.

This week’s candle is purple and stands for peace. We read about Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah in the first week. In those verses, Isaiah refers to Jesus as “the prince of peace.”

Peace is also listed within the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit. The peace that comes to us from the Spirit is not dependent on our circumstances. It is an inward peace that exists amongst the turmoil.

What is biblical peace or the peace of God?

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul gives some final advice to the church in Philippi. He tells them not to be anxious about things. Instead, pray and ask God with a thankful heart. In doing so, the peace of God will fill you. Likewise, this peace is stronger than our understanding of our situations. Therefore, biblical peace is a state of mind. For example, the Greek word for peace is eirén, which means “one, quietness, or rest.” The root word eiró means “to join,” as in a state of harmony and connection.

Biblical peace is when we rest in the Lord, joining in His purpose. It is a part of His spirit that grows through us when we pray with a thankful heart.

Prayer for Advent Wreath

Dear Lord,

You give peace that passes all understanding. Thank you. for coming to earth and saving people from their sins. You are called the Prince of Peace on that first Christmas because we cannot find peace without you. Oh, how your people must have anticipated the advent of your first coming with great joy.

Because you came and died for our sins, you now promise to come and live inside each of us. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit and growing hope, faith, joy, peace, and love through me. I believe in you and anticipate the advent of your daily presence in my life.

You promise to come again. I have peace knowing that you will return and reign forever. I anticipate the advent of your second coming, too. Continue to grow peace through me and free me from worry.

Amen

How God produces the fruit of the Spirit

The story of The Little Pot is about a potter growing fruit through the vessel he made. Likewise, our creator wants to grow the fruit of His Spirit through us. Therefore, producing love, joy, peace, faith, and hope is all a part of understanding the 4 weeks of advent. (Galatians 5:22-23).

If you want to learn more about growing the fruit of the Spirit and discover how Little Pot becomes a fruit-bearing vessel, sign up below. In addition, you will be added to our email list, and each Friday, you will receive a short, fruitful email. I hope you will join me.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

The Little Pot, The Tea Pot, The Oil Lamp, and The Little Pot Rhyme Boardbook are also available on Amazon.

Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Go here if you prefer to buy the entire set as a signed copy. If you want to schedule Dawn for a speaking engagement or author visit, go here.

The post Four weeks of advent. Peace, a candle, and one part within the fruit of the Spirit appeared first on Inspirational Children’s Books & Creative Teacher Resources.

What js advent? Joy, 3rd candle and one part within fruit of the Spirit

What js advent? This month we’ve been discovering more about advent and the terms of each week. This is the third week. In addition, this week’s candle represents joy. The traditions of the advent wreath and the lighting of candles is an old tradition that many still celebrate. Because each week symbolizes a term that is also a part of the fruit of the Spirit, Little Pot (a fruit-bearing vessel created by the potter) is spending the next few weeks sharing about each one.

You can read about the first week and the candle of hope here. The second candle stands for faith. You can read about it here.

What js Advent

Advent is a term that comes from the Latin word adventus, which means coming. The dictionary defines advent as “the coming of a notable person or event.” Originally advent was thought by Christians to anticipate Christ’s second coming, not the first when he was born on Christmas.

The history behind the 4 weeks of advent

The advent wreath and advent season being a pre-Christmas celebration, started in the 1800s in Germany. Likewise, immigrants from Germany brought the tradition to America in the 20th century. It traditionally contains four candles. Three are purple, and one is pink.

Advent four candles meaning

Knowing what js advent can be challenging. There are a few different descriptions of the four candles and what each stands for. Some list them as hope, peace, joy, then love. Another listed hope, peace, and then love before joy. Likewise, a third description of the candles was hope, faith, joy, then peace. Each word references a part of the Christmas story. In addition, these same words are included in the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, since Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel like us, we will examine these words about the advent season. Each week we will discuss a different candle.

Week One – HopeWeek Two – FaithWeek Three – JoyWeek Four – PeaceChristmas Week – LoveThe third candle – JOYThe third advent candle stands for joy, and joy is a part of the fruit of the Spirit.

This week is the 3rd week of the advent season. In a traditional advent wreath, a pink candle is lit. Since all the other candles in the wreath are purple, it is special that this week is pink. This candle stands for joy. The Sunday that begins this week is known as the Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means to rejoice. Similarly, the third Sunday in Lent, known as the Laetare Sunday, stands for joy.

During the Laetare Sunday of Lent, the pope is known to give pink roses and wear a pink robe. Therefore, the color of joy is pink and is represented as a pink candle in the advent wreath.

Joy is also listed within the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit. The joy that comes to us from the Spirit is not dependent on our circumstances. It is an inward joy that exists amongst our trials. I Peter 1:3-9 describes our trials as pale compared to knowing the glory that awaits us in heaven.

What is joy?

Likewise, joy in the original greek means cheerfulness, calm, and delight. In addition, James 1:2 tells us to consider facing our trials with pure joy. This joy is Kath-ar-os which means clean and clear. Therefore, these verses tell us that we are to have a clear cheerfulness and a calm delight when we face trials. That type of joy is something that comes from the holy Spirit.

The Christmas story is full of great trials. For example, Mary traveled to Bethlehem, left her family, and gave birth in a barn. Likewise, Joseph faced trials when he found out Mary was pregnant before he married her. Then, having to travel with her. to Bethlehem to register for their taxes. In addition, being told there was no room for them in the inn. Regardless of these harsh circumstances, Mary ponders things in her heart. She maintained joy because she focused on the purpose of the child she carried.

As Christmas approaches, the season will bring trials our way too. However, these trials should remind us of the joy within the fruit of the Spirit.

Prayer for Advent Wreath

Dear Lord,

You are joy! Thank you. for coming to earth and saving people from their sins. Coming to earth as a baby on that first Christmas was difficult for Mary or Joseph. However, Mary and Joseph must have anticipated the advent of your first coming with great joy.

Because you came and died for our sins, you now promise to come and live inside each of us. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit and growing hope, faith, joy, peace, and love through me. I believe in you and anticipate the advent of your daily presence in my life.

I also know that you promise to come again. The joy I have knowing that you will return and reign forever. I anticipate the advent of your second coming, too. Continue to grow your joy through me in every trial I face.

Amen

What js advent and the fruit of the Spirit

The story of The Little Pot is about a potter growing fruit through the vessel he made. Likewise, our creator wants to grow the fruit of His Spirit through us. Therefore, producing love, joy, peace, faith, and hope is all a part of understanding the 4 weeks of advent. (Galatians 5:22-23).

If you want to learn more about growing the fruit of the Spirit and discover how Little Pot becomes a fruit-bearing vessel, sign up below. In addition, you will be added to our email list, and each Friday, you will receive a short, fruitful email. I hope you will join me.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

The Little Pot, The Tea Pot, The Oil Lamp, and The Little Pot Rhyme Boardbook are also available on Amazon.

Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

If you prefer to buy the entire set as a signed copy, go here. If you want to schedule Dawn for a speaking engagement or author visit, go here.

The post What js advent? Joy, 3rd candle and one part within fruit of the Spirit appeared first on Inspirational Children’s Books & Creative Teacher Resources.

4 weeks of advent. How to grow faith and the fruit of the Spirit.

We are exploring the 4 weeks of advent. This is the second week. In addition, this week’s candle represents faith. The traditions of the advent wreath and the lightening of candles is an old tradition that many still celebrate. Because each week symbolizes a term that is also a part of the fruit of the Spirit, Little Pot (a fruit-bearing vessel created by the potter) is spending weeks sharing about each one.

You can read about the first week and the candle of hope here.

What js Advent

Advent is a term that comes from the Latin word adventus, which means coming. The dictionary defines advent as “the coming of a notable person or event.” Originally advent was thought by Christians to anticipate Christ’s second coming, not the first when he was born on Christmas.

The history behind the 4 weeks of advent

The advent wreath and advent season being a pre-Christmas celebration, started in the 1800s in Germany. Immigrants from Germany brought the tradition to America in the 20th century. It traditionally contains four candles. Three purple and one pink.

Advent four candles meaning

There are a few different descriptions of the four candles and what each stands for. Some list them as hope, peace, joy, then love. Another listed hope, peace, and then love before joy. Likewise, a third description of the candles was hope, faith, joy, then peace. Each word references a part of the Christmas story. In addition, these same words are included in the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, since Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel like us, we will examine these words about the advent season. Each week will discuss a different candle.

Week One – HopeWeek Two – FaithWeek Three – JoyWeek Four – PeaceChristmas Week – LoveThe second candle – FAITHThe second candle represents faith.

This week is the second week of the advent season. In a traditional advent wreath, a purple candle is lit. This candle stands for faith. Last week, we discussed how the prophets of the Old Testament foretold of a coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 promises that a child will be born who will be the savior of the world. The people held to this hope. However, biblical hope requires us to have immense faith. The characters within the Christmas story had that faith. It amazes me when I think of Mary and Joseph accepting what the angel of the Lord told them. Traveling to Bethlehem while she was pregnant took great faith too.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Mary’s response to the Angel when she hears she is pregnant. Her response is, “Let it be to me according to your Word” (Luke 1:38). I have this verse hanging on a small plaque in my bathroom. I want to respond to anything the Lord asks of me with the same faith Mary had.

Biblical faith is required in being faithful, and faithfulness is a part of the fruit of the Spirit. God is faithful in His promises, and He wants us to faithful to Him. The Christmas story demonstrates His faithfulness to us. Likewise, it shows us how much of our faithfulness is required to serve him.

Prayer for Advent Wreath

Dear Lord,

You are so faithful! Thank you. for coming to earth and saving people from their sins. Coming to earth as a baby on that first Christmas so that you could one day die on a cross amazes me. Oh, how Mary and Joseph must have anticipated the advent of your first coming.

Because you came and died for our sins, you now promise to come and live inside each of us. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit and growing hope, faith, joy, peace, and love through me. I believe in you and anticipate the advent of your daily presence in my life.

I also know that you promise to come again. You are faithful to one day return and reign forever. I anticipate the advent of your second coming, too. Continue to grow your faithfulness through me.

Amen

4 weeks of advent and the fruit of the Spirit

The story of The Little Pot is about a potter growing fruit through the vessel he made. Our creator wants to grow the fruit of His Spirit through us too. Producing love, joy, peace, faith, and hope is all a part of understanding the 4 weeks of advent. (Galatians 5:22-23).

If you want to learn more about growing the fruit of the Spirit and discover how Little Pot becomes a fruit-bearing vessel, sign up below. In addition, you will be added to our email list, and each Friday, you will receive a short, fruitful email. I hope you will join me.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

The Little Pot, The Tea Pot, The Oil Lamp, and The Little Pot Rhyme Boardbook are also available on Amazon.

Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Go here if you prefer to buy the entire set as a signed copy. Go here if you want to schedule Dawn for a speaking engagement or author visit.

The post 4 weeks of advent. How to grow faith and the fruit of the Spirit. appeared first on Inspirational Children’s Books & Creative Teacher Resources.

What are the four weeks of advent? How are they like the fruit of the Spirit?

This time of year the word ‘advent’ is everywhere. In addition, you can purchase advent calendars that allow you to countdown the days to Christmas. I use to buy the cardboard ones with 25 little doors and chocolate candies inside for my children. They would open a little door each night to eat a small piece of chocolate. In all honesty, we were counting down days until they could open their Christmas presents. Consequently, I don’t think the tradition had anything to do with what the Christian advent truly means.

As a young child, I remember unpacking purple and pink candles with a wreath that sat on a table. However, as a child, I just thought of it as another Christmas decoration. I knew my mom called it the advent wreath, but I do not remember celebrating advent or learning the purpose of each candle.

Today, I hear about Bible studies and sermon series for the advent season. I sometimes participate in them. However, I mostly spend this time of year like everyone else, shopping, decorating, and listening to Christmas carols. Therefore, as December begins and the advent season is here, I thought it would be fun to learn more about this tradition and how it intertwines with the fruit of the Spirit.

What js Advent

Advent is a term that comes from the Latin word adventus which means coming. The dictionary explains advent to mean: “the coming of a notable person or event”. Originally advent was thought by Christians to anticipate Christ’s second coming, not the first when he was born on Christmas.

The history

The advent wreath and advent season being a pre-Christmas celebration started in the 1800s in Germany. Immigrants from Germany brought the tradition to America in the 20th century. It traditionally contains four candles. Three purple and one pink.

Advent four candles meaning

There are a few different descriptions of the four candles and what each stand for. Some list them as hope, peace, joy, then love. Another listed hope, peace, and then love before joy. Likewise, a third description of the candles was hope, faith, joy, then peace. Each word references a part of the Christmas story. In addition, these same words are included in the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, since Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel like us, we are going to examine each of these words as it pertains to the advent season. Each week will discuss a different candle.

Week One – HopeWeek Two – FaithWeek Three – JoyWeek Four – PeaceChristmas Week – LoveThe first candle – HOPEThe first advent candle stands for hope.

This week is the first week of the advent season. In a traditional advent wreath a purple candle is lit. In almost every description this candle represents hope. It is known as the prophecy candle.The prophets of the Old Testament promised a Messiah would come. Isaiah 9:6-7 foretells the birth of Christ. This prophecy was fulfilled on Christmas. There was hope that Jesus would come. Likewise, we must have hope that He will return just as He promised. However, biblical hope is not just wishing for something. It is having full trust and assurance in a loving God who is incapable of breaking His promises. Hope waits and is patient. It is full of self-control, gentleness, and faithfulness. Likewise, it exists within bad circumstances and trials.

Prayer for Advent Wreath

Dear Lord,

You are so good and you never break your promises. I know that you promised to come and save people from their sin. You did that when you came as a baby on that very first Christmas. Then, you died on a cross. Leaving Heaven to come be with us and then die for us. Oh, how the people in the Old Testament must have anticipated the advent of your first coming.

Because you came and died for our sins, you now promise to come and live inside each of us. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit and growing hope, faith, joy, peace, and love through me. I believe in you and anticipate the advent of your daily presence in my life.

I also know that you promise to come again. You will one day return and reign forever. I anticipate the advent of your second coming too. Continue to give me HOPE.

Amen

Advent and the Fruit of the Spirit

The story of The Little Pot is about a potter growing fruit through the vessel he made. Our creator wants to grow the fruit of His Spirit through us too. Producing love, joy, peace, faith, and hope is all a part of understanding advent. (Galatians 5:22-23).

If you want to learn more about growing the fruit of the Spirit and discover how Little Pot becomes a fruit-bearing vessel, sign up below. In addition, you will be added to our email list, and each Friday, you will receive a short, fruitful email. I hope you will join me.

Learn how the potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

The Little Pot, The Tea Pot, The Oil Lamp, and The Little Pot Rhyme Boardbook are also available on Amazon.

Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

If you prefer to buy the entire set as a signed copy, go here. If you want to schedule Dawn for a speaking engagement or author visit, go here.

The post What are the four weeks of advent? How are they like the fruit of the Spirit? appeared first on Inspirational Children’s Books & Creative Teacher Resources.