Fruit of the Spirit

"...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23, New International Version).

These are the nine qualities that the apostle Paul refers to as "the fruit of the Spirit"—the characteristics produced in us when we are led by the Spirit of God. They are essential in every Christian's life, and the following materials will provide insight into what they are and how to develop them.

Specks and Planks

A blog post by Kate Washburn

Lately, I have been getting annoyed with others. Well, I should say, as a human, I often find myself annoyed with others. The recent change, though, is my immediate thought after I feel the sense of irritation or anger: Do I do that, too?

Posted April 18, 2013 | 1 comments

Pain is a Function of Resistance

A blog post by Debbie Werner

While I was walking into work one morning, I mused about a scripture I had just read while riding the commuter train. It was Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” When I’ve read this scripture before, I usually focused on thankfulness or peace. I didn’t really notice the specific word that Paul chose when he said that we need to let God’s peace rule in our hearts. It’s a conscious choice that we need to make.

Posted February 26, 2013 | 2 comments

Children of Mercies

Roy Fouch

God's mercy is one of his most endearing qualities. As his children, three ways we can practice mercy are providing physically for our fellow man, comforting those who need it and forgiving others who wrong us out of love.

Posted February 16, 2013 | 4 comments

When People Fail Us

A blog post by Mitchell Moss

Monday I read that Ron Paul asked the United Nations to force the owners of RonPaul.com to give the web domain to him. It's an ironic story because Ron Paul is famously against America being part of of the United Nations. So for him to ask it to take action is pretty potent hypocrisy.

Posted February 13, 2013 | 3 comments

Walking the Talk

John Elliott

Where what we preach meets how we live.

Posted February 12, 2013 | 0 comments

From the Psalms: In Your Presence is the Fullness of Joy

A blog post by Rudy Rangel

There are so many reasons to foster a strong relationship with your Creator. One very powerful reason is in Psalm 16:11.

Posted January 19, 2013 | 3 comments

Working With "Children of Wrath"

A blog post by Amanda Boyer

In the childcare centers I’ve worked in, I’ve seen some pretty incredible things. There were things I couldn’t believe were happening before my eyes. Children 3 and 4 years old attack one another and their teachers in their anger. They kick others in the head, shove, scratch, bite, spit—you name it—and at times they’re overtaken by a spirit of wrath, hatred and violence.

Posted December 14, 2012 | 0 comments

Birth Defects Are No Justification for Abortion

A blog post by Heather Disher

I was unprepared for the scene before me. To my right, a woman in her forties sat cross-legged on the floor, leaning into the TV screen as she enjoyed her daily cartoons and cereal. She gave my class a shy wave; we were touring the care facility that she had called home for many years. We heard a soft, pitiful cry of a newborn as the six foot tall man in the next room had his diaper changed.

Posted December 7, 2012 | 5 comments

Why I Don't Boycott Starbucks for Supporting Planned Parenthood

A blog post by Mitchell Moss

A few weeks ago, my friend Brittany told me she wasn't going to be buying stuff from Whole Foods, Starbucks or Olive Garden. Her reason? They each support Planned Parenthood. Bizarrely enough, I had actually been to both Starbucks and Whole Foods that same day. "Interesting," I said. "Let's talk about that when I see you next."

Posted December 6, 2012 | 7 comments

The Mind of Christ vs. the Mind of Satan

Mark Mickelson

Two opposing ways of life are portrayed by the mind of Satan and the mind of Jesus Christ.

Posted December 4, 2012 | 5 comments

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