7 DAYS OF CONSUMING GOOD FRUIT

meekness/temperance

 

Woohoo!  We made it to the last day of this series consuming some good fruit I hope before 2017.  The biggest thing I want you to remember is that you already possess the 9 fruits of the spirit when received the Holy Spirit.  The key is to learn what they are and then utilize them. Hopefully, I have given you a jump start, but you should always go to the ultimate guide.  Your bible!

Meekness and temperance are often overlooked but there are most important because they both reflect what’s on your mind.  And depending what’s on your mind determines if you will display the fruit of meekness/temperance or something else that is evil in God’s eyes.  Let’s quickly define the two:

 

Meekness

humbly patient or docile compliant; tame; gentle; kind; yielding; calm, soft.

A great example of a meek soul in the bible of course is Jesus.  Another great example is Queen Esther.  She humbled herself as Queen when she received word that her entire family genealogy would be wiped out due to the evil plot of Haman.  She remained calm, she fasted before the Lord for 3 days, and she was gentle in her approach to the king. Her request to save the Jews was granted that very moment.  Meekness will open doors for you that you can’t open yourself!

Temperance

moderation or self-restraint in action, self-control; attitude.

Your attitude is everything!  How you think through out the day will determine how you behave and respond.  Every issue or problem does not require your full attention.  Some situations you were never meant to get emotionally rapped up in.

So congrats!  We have successfully went through all the fruits of the spirit.  I pray this has given you all some understanding and pray you’re more apt to apply these everyday.  Happy New Year!!!  See you in 2017.

Galatians 5:23 (KJV)

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Advertisement

7 DAYS OF CONSUMING GOOD FRUIT

FAITH

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 

 

Faith is one of the many gifts we receive immediately when we receive the Holy Spirit.  You know the Spirit is like a awesome goody bag or a Christmas stocking, filled with unexpected surprises you can enjoy.  How you use it will determine your journey with God.  With faith you can enjoy the limitless possibilities with God, but without you live a life wondering “what if”.

2 Corinthians 5:7 – (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Don’t think that this scripture is saying your walking blindly.  You receive instructions along the way.  You will NOT get the entire picture!  So you won’t get step 1, 2, and 3 all in one prayer.  God is sooooo like a teacher.  He gives you step one, then when you successfully complete step one, he gives you step 2.

 

Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The best way to break this scripture down is to give a real example.  I am a single woman.  I have prayed to God that he would bless me with a mate that he knows what’s best for me.  I threw in the towel trying to find one for myself. My faith says that God will bless me with a mate in his perfect timing.  My faith says that we will be put together based on his purpose and destiny for our lives.  The fact is I can’t see this with my natural eye.  I see this with my spiritual eye.

 

Romans 10:17 – So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith only comes by hearing the word of God!  Here are the 3 must to hear the word of God:

PRAYER

READING GOD’S WORD

ATTENDING CHURCH

I know the last one is not a favorite to those who don’t believe in attending church.  But it is another way to hear the word of God!  Your faith increases as you hear God’s word broken down in a way you can gain understanding.  No one is bible scholar right of the bat!  You grow in knowledge as God opens your understanding!

Faith moves mountains in your life!  Faith heals!  Faith delivers!  Faith saves lost souls like you and me!  You need faith to please God!  The benefit is this:  you grow closer to God and he will show you things that you didn’t know about yourself!  And when you walk in those things!  You begin to perform the things God spoke about in his word and about you!

I believe it happens 4 times in the gospels that Jesus did something to fulfill the prophecies in the Old Testament.  E.g. when Jesus went to the temple and read the scripture.

Luke 4:20-22 Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him, and He began by saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in yourhearing.” All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.…

Jesus heard and read the word of God.  And then he performed it!  That’s faith in a nutshell.  So how do we follow this principle?  Like the famous Nike slogan says.

Just do it….

 

 

COURTING VS. DATING

Hello everyone!  I have been on a blog kick this month apparently.  Forgive me for the picture I know it doesn’t match the blog title.  But I love these boots lol.

My oh my what a delightful topic for many Christians who are single.  What in the world is the difference between courting and dating?  Well one huge difference is that courting existed in the 1700’s while dating is a 20th century ideal. (lol)  No seriously, there is a major difference between the two and if you will let me, I’d like to point them out.  Ready?  Here we go!

Courting allows the man and the woman to be friends first.

Dating says lets just go with the flow.

Courting gives you time to discover if this is the mate God has for you.

Dating says as long as there is chemistry we can make it work.

Courting says no sex before marriage.

Dating says sex is open before marriage.

Courting says consult God throughout the process.

Dating says your smart enough to make the decision.

The most important thing to remember is that if you are seeking God to live out your purpose in life, you should desire a spouse that is a part of God’s plan for your life.  Don’t be afraid to ask God questions about your spouse!  God does speak about all the other plans in your life, why wouldn’t he tell you about your spouse?  Now don’t think God is going to give you an address or the persons name but know that you can ask the Father about the person.  I love what Dr. Myles Monroe said about Adam and Eve.  He said Adam did not meet the woman first.  Instead Adam met with God in his presence first, then the woman was introduced to Adam. 

When Adam woke up out of his sleep, he was able to perceive that the woman came from his rib.  How????  Because God had given him revelation that it was so!  You can go to God and ask for revelation about your future spouse.  Men especially, hear me out on this!  How else will you know what you are looking for if you don’t know what you are looking for?  A woman that knows how to cook is not the only quality in a “godly wife” you should be looking for…keyword “godly”.  Ladies be careful! Wearing our hearts on our sleeve is not a compliment.  We can’t go for the first guy we see, ask questions and take this man to God in prayer.  God will say no quickly if he is not it!  And if he is, God will let him know too!  God won’t tell you without telling the man.

I hope this shed some light on courting vs. dating.  Have a great night!

 

 

CAST YOUR NET AGAIN!

Oh I just love when the Lord drops something like this in my spirit during prayer time.  He doesn’t have to say much to make an impact!  I was uber excited to share this with everyone!

Sometimes we give up so easily!  We get so frustrated quickly that we just say…excuse my language….to hell with it!

We should not be so easily moved!  We have to know we are children of the most high God!  We can do all things!  We have authority to tread upon serpents!  We are more than conquerors!  We are the head and not the tail!  Got it!

So why do we give up so easily?  Could be many reasons depending on your personality: laziness, selfishness, weary, lost hope, etc.  Unfortunately, we lose sight of the goal/task and when we lose sight we get frustrated.  There is such a thing as perseverance. We are to endure until the end.  That’s how you know you have fought the good fight of faith. Here is the scripture references so we can keep it biblical!

 

 

John 21:6 (KJV)

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

LUKE 5:5

4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

At this point in the story Peter had given up.  They had been at it all night, I’m sure they were hungry and tired.  But Jesus asked them to cast their nets again.  Imagine Jesus asking you to try again, even after you have tried several times and failed.  Try this one last time.  And when you do, you will gain more than you ever realized.  You obtain a job making more money.  You go again for that audition and your picked for the main role.  You try another route to receive healing.

On December 16th we had the worst ice storm in years in St. Louis metro area.  It was horrific.  I watched an owner of a car try and stop his vehicle from sliding helplessly into a ditch. Tractor trailers were stuck on the side of the road, highways, and exit ramps everywhere.  A friend of mine recommended me stopping at her mom’s shop as my normal route had turned into a hillside ice of death.  Me being hard headed and determined to get home I decided to try another route.  I slid a few times driving cautiously on the highway, but maintained a low speed.  I know for a fact the Lord was with me.  After a stop at Jack in the Box, the gas station, and literally doing a circle on highway 64 and 255 trying to get home….I finally had a breakthrough!  15 was blocked off due to several accidents but by the time I made it…. It was open road! It took a total of 3 hours to get home!

Was that the smartest thing to do. Probably not.  But I took a chance and made it. We prayed the entire way! Except of course when I had to stop for gas and Jack in the Box. (lol)  All I am saying is this, don’t give up so easily.  Many stayed in hotel rooms rather than fight the storm.  Sometimes an alternate route may take longer, but at least you’ll reach your destination.

If you would like to learn more about the gift of evangelism copy the link below into your browser.

https://www.amazon.com/Aretha-Lumas/e/B00L4IG1VY

7 DAYS OF CONSUMING GOOD FRUIT

GENTLENESS/GOODNESS

 

Good afternoon!

I pray you all had a very Merry Christmas and enjoyed fellowship with family friends.  Most of us I know are back to work for a few days then off to enjoy the New year.  Today we are discussing the fruits gentleness and goodness. A fair warning, this blog will be filled scriptures!  The word of God is very clear about the display of these fruits.

 

Psalms 18:35 (KJV)

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

 

God is good!  When you begin to learn more about God you realize that he encompasses the same fruits that he says we should have.  And if you think about it we should already have them.  Why?  Because the spirit of God dwells in us already!

 

1 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV)

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Whenever and however you choose to witness to someone, you should always be gentle!  I go more in depth about this in my book, “To be a Light in a Dark Place.”  Don’t immediately go into the repentance speech!  Always find out the “why” behind the behavior.  Then you can witness, then get them to receive salvation.  Be kind!

 

 

Titus 3:2 (KJV)

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

 

Pay attention to the first part of the verse!  It is crucial for believers!  Speak evil of no man! That means stop gossiping, stop saying mean things, stop being petty, stop criticizing others!  Remember what your parents or teacher taught you!  If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.

 

Romans 2:4 (KJV)

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

 

Did you see that?! “not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance!”  I am super excited!  As I stated earlier when you witness to someone you should always be gentle.  But it is not for us to lead them to repentance. Think back to what lead you to repent.  Was it a worship service, the pastor preaching, or experiencing God’s presence for the first time?  For me it was a broken heart that led me to Christ.  Understand that we plant seeds, water, but God gives the increase.

 

Psalms 33:5 (KJV)

He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

 

Remember these scriptures when you think of the gentleness and goodness of the Lord!  He is awesome!  He is worthy of praise always for his goodness and gentleness.  That is how we should appear as his children!  People should say, Aretha is always good, she is gentle!

Selah….

 

 

 

If you would like to learn more about the gift of evangelism copy the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/Aretha-Lumas/e/B00L4IG1VY

 

 

THE CHRISTIAN DELIMMA

After 2016 single season, I’d rather not continue conversations about the opposite sex and dating.  But because of my current state I have no choice I gather.  I am learning that interestingly enough men talk about dating just as much as women do, without the commentary.

One young lady said to me, Husbands are nice but they require a lot of attention and work. No ma’am, you are selfish and not ready to be a wife!  Let’s just get to the root of the matter.  In reality she requires a lot of attention and if her list of requirements aren’t met, then she passes the men by.

Sadly, this is the world we exist in today.  Men and women have ridiculous list made out that almost seems like a list made by the government or media on what’s required from their mate.  And what’s worse is they haven’t even met the person.  We don’t know what they look like, their personality, nor their purpose!

So my question to Christians singles with the “must have” list is this….Where is your list of obligations and duties to your mate!  So you want them to meet this and that requirement?  Where are your requirements to your mate?  What are you bringing to the table?

I hope it matches what you are demanding!

It’s time out for the foolishness.  God can’t give you his best if your mind is made up of what you want.  You can get that on your own!  What do you need God’s approval for after you have created your own Adam or Eve?

Just saying…

 

Copy and paste the link below to purchase your copy of “To be a Light in a Dark Place”.  Available on amazon books now to learn more about Evangelism.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Aretha-Lumas/e/B00L4IG1VY

7 DAYS OF CONSUMING GOOD FRUIT “LONGSUFFERING”

I remember the first time I heard the word long-suffering.  I honestly did not have the best reaction to it, my facial expression said it all.  The word long-suffering sounds like your life is about to end by something traumatic and extreme event. However, the bible reassures us that long-suffering is a blessing.

long-suffering: having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people.

This is probably a fruit that is often overlooked, or we believe falsely that is has been obtained and utilized.  As I observe our world today I don’t know if I can point out anyone that truly exemplifies that fruit of long-suffering except God.  Maybe our Pastors and leaders, but even they lose patience with members and the flow of the church.

I asked a few friends what long-suffering meant to them.  Here are the responses I received:

SICK

SET BACK

PAINFUL

Another friend responded:

ENDURANCE

PATIENCE

The first set of answers may seem to come from baby saints while the other set may seem to come from more mature saints.  Honestly, no matter what phase you are currently set in through your transformation process ALL OF THE ABOVE will be accurate!

When I read these answers, all I see is Jesus!  His body was sick from all the beatings, the false accusations, the lies, the piercing in his side, and him drooping from the cross.  It seemed a set back that Jesus was given life only to die. Indeed we know otherwise!  He is now seated next to “God the Father” in heaven!  His trial was indeed painful, but what did Jesus respond with? “Forgive them Father, they know not what they do.”  Luke 23:34.

Endurance and patience!  That’s all we see displayed in the gospels.  I still can’t grasp to this day how Jesus managed to walk with a cross on his back with help to Calvary!  I can’t see how he lived past the beatings.  The bible says he was beaten beyond recognition.  The version we see in the movie Passion of the Christ is light compared to the gruesome reality of Jesus demise.  He obviously had the power of God upon him.  This is the true definition of long-suffering; Jesus!

We can’t focus on the trials, problems, dysfunction in our lives.  We have to understand that long-suffering is a part of the process.  This is why Jesus says, “Pick up your cross and follow me.”  We all go through things we don’t like! Focus on the what your reward will be.  In the end we will all receive a crown for the tribulations we suffered through.  And in the next life, we won’t even remember the former things.   God bless!

 

Copy the link to pick up your copy of the book, “To be a Light in a Dark Place”  to learn more about evangelism.

https://www.amazon.com/Aretha-Lumas/e/B00L4IG1VY

 

7 DAYS CONSUMING GOOD FRUIT “PEACE”

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. KJV Phillipians 4:7

2016 was my year to activate the spirit of peace.  What a wonderful feeling to be at peace no matter the circumstance. How did I come to finally be able to walk in this fruit of the spirit?  By learning how to in 2013, 2014, and 2015 by going through various trials and tribulations!

It seems unreal but eventually a stormy season will always eventually bring forth a calm.  Just ask your local meteorologist.  In the mid-west we get battered with tornado and thunderstorm warnings during the months of March-June.  It’s one after another and some cause extreme damage to towns.  During this time we can be on edge and naturally concerned, but we look forward to the calm season! When summer arrives, we know the severe weather has come to an end.

As a kid and some of my adulthood (giggles) I was sore afraid of storms!  I don’t like them.  They are loud, scary, and the lightning is unruly.  I remember always running downstairs to my mom’s bed for safety when terrifying overnight storms hit.  My mom would smile and sometimes be waiting on me if she was awake.  She knew me very well.  For some reason I knew being next to my mom would protect me from the fierce lightning strikes.  Eventually I would fall asleep and by morning the storm was gone and my fear gone too.

One of God’s attributes is that he is like a parent to us!  This is why Jesus said Abba, Father!  God protects us the same way during the storms in our lives.  He is protecting and covering us during the tough times as we wait for the calm to arrive!  It’s awesome to watch God work.  He sends little reminders that he is still with you.  He sends small blessings to make you shout for joy.  It keeps you believing and trusting in him.  It’s a true saying that storms don’t last forever, but this is what I will add to it!  Your peace is yours!  You can always maintain your peace.  Nothing can take it away from you unless you let it.

How do you maintain your peace?  By not worrying!  When you start questioning how God is going to do it.  You are worrying!  When you start wondering what you can do instead of trusting God….you are worrying.  Instead do what this scripture says!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; NKJV Phillipians 4:6

Pray about EVERYTHING!  Not just the things you think you can’t handle!  God always has a solution.  Don’t forget that!

God bless!

 

If you would like to learn more about evangelizing for Christ copy the link below to order, “To be a Light in a Dark Place”

https://www.amazon.com/Aretha-Lumas/e/B00L4IG1VY

 

 

7 DAYS CONSUMING GOOD FRUIT

DAY 2-JOY

Joy and Happiness are not the same no matter what anyone tells you.  The bible shows us there is a clear difference.

Here are just a few pointers to give a simple explanation:

• Joy is based on God, happiness is based on you.
• Joy is something you can only receive from God.  Why do you think it’s listed as one of the fruits of the spirit and not happiness?
• Happiness is based on an external condition.  That’s why the antonym for happiness is sadness.  If something happens that is negative it can make you sad instead of happy.
• Joy causes you to think and look forward for what’s to come.  Happiness often reflects on what was or is.

Even in the midst of chaos and turmoil you can experience joy!  Let me explain…My mother passed away at 57 years old in 2014.  I still managed to have joy in the midst of that situation for only one reason….God!  I was so full of joy knowing that my mother got saved a week before she passed and she was now a kingdom citizen!  You see I don’t have to live wondering where her soul will spend eternity!  That in itself is a blessing!  I thank God she received salvation every day!

Joy you can experience everyday while happiness you can only experience when something good happens. Which would you rather have? Something that’s temporary or something that is for eternity? Think about it and have a blessed Thursday!

If you would like to read a book on evangelism copy the link below to order your hard copy available on amazon or download the e-book version on your Kindle.

https://www.amazon.com/Aretha-Lumas/e/B00L4IG1VY

7 DAYS CONSUMING GOOD FRUIT

There comes a time in our walk with God that we desire to discover the hidden treasures of the Spirit.  There is so much God wants to reveal to us about him often we just don’t know how to ask for it or find it.  I always start with the word.  Anytime I spend time in God’s word there is always a new revelation revealed.  I have been in a place where I truly want to know who I am in Christ.  So this journey began of course by an unction of the Holy Spirit to look up “the fruits of the spirit” found in Galatians.  Over the next 7 days I will be posting a new blog so we can walk through the 9 fruits of the spirit. I want you to know exactly what you have inside of you.  His spirit lives in us and we should exemplify these fruits daily!

Galatians 5:22-23New International Version (NIV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I have read and seen this scripture many times.  Every once in a while I like to travel back to it in the bible just to see how I am doing.  Notice the second sentence in this scripture: against such things there is no law.  Powerful!  Paul in this verse is explaining that Christians that live there life demonstrating these fruits are not bound by the law.  Seems easy enough right?  Not really, sometimes life can throw curve balls our way that gets us off our game, or we have not been fully delivered in some areas.  What we need more of is revelation!  So let me start of this blog with some revelation I have received.  Plus, I will still keep it short and sweet!

THE FRUIT OF LOVE

There is a clear difference between what God defines as love and what the world defines as love.  Here is a break down:

GOD DEFINITION OF LOVE                                                        THE WORLD DEFINITION OF LOVE

Agape-unconditional love                                                         Love-intense feeling of love

Love is thoughtful                                                                        Love is based upon emotions

Giving                                                                                               Needy

Beauty is of the heart                                                                  Beauty is about the outside first

Spiritual attraction                                                                       Sexual attraction

If you already knew that that’s great!  But here is a way to test yourself, this includes ladies and gents.

1. Do you ALWAYS find yourself looking at the opposite sex?  Always comparing and rating them on a scale?
2. Are you sexually aroused often around the opposite sex?
3. Are you always listing out what the man/woman can do for you, and not what you can do for them whether your single/married/in a relationship?

If you answered yes, maybe, or kind of”” to any of these….and you honestly answered truthfully, then you should definitely pray to God about it.  The ultimate example of love that we have is God and his wonderful son Jesus!  But if your like me I needed to read what not to do first and that you can find by reading the same chapter in Galatians where you find the good fruit (Galatians 5:19-21).  Paul gives us a great list of what is not love.

I hope this helped in some form or fashion!  God bless you all!  Keep reading your bible, praying, and seeking God!  It’s time we all come to know who we really are.

If you would like to read a book on evangelism copy the link below to order your hard copy available on amazon or download the e-book version on your Kindle.

https://www.amazon.com/Aretha-Lumas/e/B00L4IG1VY