Real Life:  Self-Control “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Control is something we all want to have in our lives.  When that control is lost, we grasp after it until we have it again, no matter what the cost.  In God’s…

Real Life:  Faithfulness “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.”  Lamentations 3:22-24 Faithfulness means trustworthy.  A person who is faithful can be trusted to do what they…

Real Life:  Goodness and Gentleness “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 Goodness and gentleness are like cooling breezes in the blistering heat of summer. In the scriptures they are coupled with patience (forbearance) and forgiveness.  In the…

Real Life:  Patience “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:2 The Christian life was birthed in the fires of suffering.   Jesus suffered on the Cross to make salvation possible for every human being. The Bible says that He endured the Cross: “But He was pierced for…

Real Life: Joy “ I have told you these things so that you will be filled with MY joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:11   “And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day…

Real Life: Victorious Peace “ Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your specific requests known to God. And the peace of God, that peace which reassures the heart, that peace, which transcends all understanding, that peace which stands guard over your…

Real Life:  Introduction “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 Jesus is real.  He is real on the inside of those who are saved by His grace.  My whole heart’s desire is…