I read Francis Chan's Forgotten God a few months ago. It's one of those books that has stayed with me. I keep thinking about it, picking it back up and re-reading the parts I highlighted. (Which, by the way, is most of the book!)
The big take away for me in this book was that I need to live like I have Christ's Spirit in me everyday. I know that. I say that. But in looking at how I live, I didn't seem to live like it most of the time. Mainly I live in my own power, my own strength and my own wisdom. Chan says that "when a person is habitually and actively submitted to the Spirit, what comes out of his or her life is the fruit of the Spirit." Galatians 5:22,23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Ouch, ouch, ouch!
Opportunities abound daily to display God's Spirit through the fruit. What I realized is that I have to be intentional about seeking the Spirit's leading in these moments. Not just go through the motions because I can. But to really stop and ask God to lead me the way He wants to go. It's a process that happens over and over again. Hopefully I'm getting more consistent each day.
Lastly my favorite part of the book is the stories. After each chapter, Chan gives stories of people who make the choice to live by the Spirit and to seek God's wisdom and direction in their lives. They are powerful examples of what a life lived in the Spirit looks like.
**I'm giving away a copy of this book later this week. Go here to read about how you can get signed up and possibly win. **
1 comment:
My lil 3 yo dd is learning the fruit of the spirit and as we sing it together many times a day i am deeply humbled at how much I need this too.
I pray for peace & joy but I fall down on the patience, gentleness & kindness so quickly, since the encephalitis we are relearning alot of the things she once knew and as I see improvement I'm ashamed to say my praising has slowed and the frustration has escalated, I desperately need more of God in my everyday.
I will look for this book & drop some present hints for my hubby!
Have a lovely week,
In His Grace,
C
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