Internet Cafe Devotions

by | Mar 21, 2009 | faith, Internet Cafe Devotions | 15 comments

Today at the Internet Cafe, Kim at To Know Him discussed the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Kim asked us the following questions:

After looking at the verse in Galatians, what specific “fruit” (love, joy, peace…) do you find yourself lacking in your daily life? Give an example if you can.

What circumstance in your life shows your weakness with the specific “fruit” you mentioned above.

Ok, so for Kim’s first question: After looking at the verse, what specific fruit do I find myself lacking in my daily life? Oh dear, do most people only have ONE they are lacking?!?!?! I would have to say it depends on the day. Some days I flow in one fruit better than I do another. I have often joked that self-control was listed last because it was the hardest. Honestly, without self-control we can’t operate in any of the other fruit. God’s beautiful gifts are freely given and we certainly can’t conquer our flesh on our own.

In the natural, it would appear that self-control has been my weakest point (due to my struggle with my weight), however I could list out many examples where I haven’t walked in love, gentleness, patience, kindness, joy, peace …

I do feel like God is doing a marvelous work in my heart. One area of victory has been in my marriage. My sweet friend Larie recently gave me Debi Pearl’s book, “Created to be his help meet.” I haven’t finished the book yet, but it was definitely another piece of the puzzle that I needed. I feel like God is changing my heart. Hallelujah, I am changing from the inside out!

Kim’s second question: What circumstance in my life shows my weakness with the fruit I mentioned above? Years of bitterness, selfishness (self-pity), unforgiveness, and anger had taken its toll. I was becoming the negative thoughts that I had entertained (lack of self-control to capture my thoughts). God is His great mercy has continued to set me free from the chains that had bound me.

I pray that I will reflect the fruit of the Spirit more and more as I walk through this life.

Thanks Kim for making me dig again!

I hope you will join us in this discussion. If interested, click HERE.

15 Comments

  1. Debra
    Debra on March 21, 2009 at 11:28 pm

    Beth,

    How I praise the Lord everytime I read one of your posts that exclaims of Him setting you free from the chains of yesterday’s pain. I know He is so able and there are areas in my life that He is working on too! How I love Him for that!

    Blessings to you, sweet sister!

    Reply
  2. Billy Coffey
    Billy Coffey on March 22, 2009 at 1:02 am

    I’m not sure how I managed to wander here, but I’m glad I did.

    I love your blog.

    Reply
  3. Daughter of the King
    Daughter of the King on March 22, 2009 at 1:11 am

    I love your honesty, Beth!
    I had the same thought you did. . .Do I have to pick just ONE which I’m lacking? 🙂

    I’ve really been enjoying your blog!!

    Dana

    Reply
  4. KarenW
    KarenW on March 22, 2009 at 1:47 am

    I’ve been wanting to read “Created to be His Helpmeet” Just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Enjoyed your post. I’ll have to check out Internet Cafe.

    Reply
  5. Toknowhim
    Toknowhim on March 22, 2009 at 2:15 am

    Beth,

    Once again you answered the question with honesty and wisdom…

    You are sure right about the self control thing… Oh to have more self control in my life.

    Thanks so much for participating weekly 🙂 Blessings

    Reply
  6. Denise
    Denise on March 22, 2009 at 2:22 am

    Bless you for your honesty my friend, love you.

    Reply
  7. Miss Charlene
    Miss Charlene on March 22, 2009 at 3:55 am

    I have problems with self control too, especially with sweet indulgences. I just got “Created to be his help meet” from Amazon for less than 5 bucks! Looking forward to reading it!! I also know I have to humble myself before I read it. Looking forward to what you thought about the book after you finish it!

    Reply
  8. elizabeth embracing life
    elizabeth embracing life on March 22, 2009 at 4:49 am

    I think of the fruits of the Spirit in a fruit bowl. All needing my attention, but just one to pick out at a time. I am choosing self control, as I have a chocolate bar in the next I want to eat right now. Everyday it something to be mindful of. I love this passage.

    Reply
  9. LaVonne Long
    LaVonne Long on March 22, 2009 at 5:47 am

    Thanks for visiting my blog as part of UBP. I have enjoyed reading your post and your honesty. Thank you. I am trying to better learn love and patience. Visit my blog anytime!

    Reply
  10. "Just Me - NC Beth"
    "Just Me - NC Beth" on March 22, 2009 at 10:51 am

    Once again, a thought-provoking post that also reflects your transparency and honesty.

    I’m like you…I fall short in each of the fruits of the spirit somehow, some way….

    Thank you for reminding us/me that we are to reflect each in our lives.

    ~Beth

    Reply
  11. SILVER
    SILVER on March 22, 2009 at 11:44 am

    My darling lady! Always so comforting to come here..

    i have been away so looks like i have plenty to catch up on your older posts.. love your princess’ pic! aawww… such a cutie.. hugs-

    Reply
  12. Treasure Seeker
    Treasure Seeker on March 22, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    Beth
    I always enjoy visiting your blog!
    You challenge me to grow in my relationship with Christ!

    I am glad you recommended that book- I am always looking for good reads and that one sounds right up my ally!

    thanks!
    dorinda

    Reply
  13. Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writer
    Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writer on March 22, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    My dear Sister,
    I love reading your posts as well! We are so similar, girl.

    I haven’t read that book (one of my favorites, though, is “A Woman After God’s Own Heart). DAILY I am being prodded to walk in this calling!

    Love you, girl!

    Reply
  14. Pam
    Pam on March 22, 2009 at 9:54 pm

    This is something I was praying on this morning! Fruits of the spirit versus desires of the flesh! I have to keep focusing!!!

    Reply
  15. tami
    tami on March 23, 2009 at 1:37 am

    i won’t go into specifics but this entry is really working on me. thank you. and thanks to kim too.

    Reply

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