Nov 03 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

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Apple trees take six to ten years to produce fruit. In the time leading up to bearing fruit, the tree uses all of its energy to mature. The root system grows deep into the ground, and its branches grow big and strong enough to hold fruit.

If a tree produces apples before it has matured, arborists recommend that the fruit be discarded because it won't taste good. It takes time before good fruit is produced.

Paul tells the Galatian church that "fruit" is produced in the life of a believer who is full of the Holy Spirit. However, just like fruit trees, this process doesn't happen overnight. As we mature in our walk with the Lord, more fruit is seen in our lives.

When others look at us, they should see a noticeable change in our speech, attitudes, and actions as the Holy Spirit works in us. It requires a daily act of surrender where we lay down our will and submit to God's will.

It can be frustrating to see the person we want to be versus the way we really are, but we don't produce the growth in our life. It's the work of the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is seek God and wait for the fruit to sprout.

In God's timing, He will bring the harvest He has planted in us. Even if we have some growing to do, God is patient and loving with us.

Afternoon Prayer

Heavenly Father, you know the areas of my life that are difficult for me to surrender to you. I want to mature in my walk with you, so please help me allow your Holy Spirit to work in me. Thank you for always extending your grace to me, despite my struggles. Let me demonstrate that same grace to others as they are becoming more like you. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Nov 02 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.:

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Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

The grace of God is a wonderful gift. As followers of Jesus, it is vital to our salvation. No matter how good we become, it is impossible to be good enough in God's eyes.

God's grace becomes effective in us when we have faith, and in Ephesians 2:8-9, we see how grace and faith work hand in hand. Faith in God means that we have complete assurance and trust in Him. Even before we experience what God will do in us and for us, we must believe.

Every day we face situations that challenge our faith. These tests produce perseverance, and we learn to trust God. Then, when we struggle again, we are reminded how God has been faithful in the past.

None of us would choose to go through difficult trials. But, as we seek God and learn to live in His grace, He increases our faith, and we mature in our relationship with Him.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of faith. Help me to see life through your eyes and to trust in you completely. When my faith is weak, give me strength. When I fail, wrap me in your grace and remind me how much you love me. Thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life. In Jesus' name, amen.
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