J. C. Ryle (1816 - 1900) was the first Bishop of Liverpool. He was one of the most authoritative churchmen of his time and his writings have been in constant demand throughout the last hundred years. His popularity was due to his clear and simple style, his longevity due to his being a profound thinker and compassionate pastor.Regarding the outward and visible work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian, he wrote: “The true grace of God is a thing that will always make itself manifest in the conduct, behaviour, tastes, ways, choices and habits of him who has it. It is not a dormant thing … To tell a man he is ‘born of God,’ or regenerated, while he is living in carelessness or sin, is a dangerous delusion … Where there is the grace of the Spirit there will always be more or less fruit of the Spirit … where there is nothing seen, there is nothing possessed."
Galatians 5:22-24: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
May we all seek to live by the fruit of the spirit.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, the Holy Spirit is a wonderful, mysterious blessing to me. I feel this beautiful spirt with me many times and I thank God each time I recognize his presence. Have a wonderful day my friend....:-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteRebecca,
ReplyDeleteHow true, and how we have moved away from expecting this kind of separation from the things of the world in our own lives and in the lives of others. It is too easy to become distracted from the things of God.....
The love of many is growing cold or bored or indifferent because of the saturation in the pleasures that don't bring this kind of spiritual fruit..How careful we must be not to loose the fervor for our first love.
And on the other hand how awesome to be living in a time when the church is so needed to make a difference in the lives of the multitudes.
Love this blog, where did you get this template that uses the whole screen? Blessings Meg
Thanks to God for His Grace....His loving and amazing Grace.
ReplyDeleteI love Galatians 5....Thank you for sharing your devotional...
Smiles from Jackie
Meg, I'm trying to think. I started with a minima template and I THINK I expanded it to 3 columns following instructions I found goggling for "free 3 column blogger templates". If I remember differently, I'll let you know. This is the same one I used here before - I just took off the background. I use it on the Gates'Post, too - there with background.
ReplyDeleteDenise, Bernie, Meg & Jackie,
ReplyDeleteIt is "grace" to be surrounded by friends who share my love for Jesus and whose lives are filled with joy and serenity because of the love of God. Thanks for being my friends. I treasure your words & unique personalities and expressions of your love for our wonderful Savior.