Category: Fruits of the Spirit

Our Beautiful Boundaries

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Key Quotes

“By God’s grace, surrendering to the Lord and recognizing and accepting that every situation God has allowed comes from His hand is good (commands, blessings, trials, humblings, – everything both pleasant and difficult defines His ‘boundary’ for us) has been one of the most freeing and encouraging things that has helped me to enter into the rest God has for us in His presence.”

“Everybody no matter their situation has a “secret room” with Jesus in their heart.  That room is still there, to go into and spend time with Jesus as much as we want. What a beautiful freedom!”

“It’s encouraged me to see that no matter who we are or what’s going on – there’s no limit to how deep we can go in Christ.  It’s up to us.”

“If we humble ourselves and become small (surrendering our will and desires to God in everything), we can find a great freedom in Christ. EVERY spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 1:3) belongs to us.”Full Article

“And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭26‬-‭27‬
 

A STORY

There was once a mouse, living happy and free.  Then he was caught by a little boy and the boy kept him as a pet.  But the mouse soon found himself in a predicament: this boy decided to keep him sealed in a small glass jar with some dirt and plants on the bottom, and holes in the lid.  He had food and all the things that he needed, but it felt like torture for him as he was squished so much in there, wishing he had the freedom he had before, and longing for it.  He used to run freely, he really enjoyed that.  But now could barely even move around in the jar, he found himself so incapable to do anything. So he decided to do one thing: “I will accept this jar, and I will pray God will turn me into a small ant.”
 
So he did.  God granted the request and the mouse became an ant.  An amazing thing happened – he now found the freedom to run freely and frolic and live as he wanted to live before in this large beautiful space that he had where he was fed with plenty of food and cared for. This squished jar with dirt and shrubs was now like a huge forest to him.  His boundary was no longer a prison – when he became small, he found a glorious freedom in it, and rest.
 

ROMANS 8:28

By God’s grace, surrendering to the Lord and recognizing and accepting that every situation God has allowed comes from His hand is good (commands, blessings, trials, humblings, – everything both pleasant and difficult defines His ‘boundary’ for us) has been one of the most freeing and encouraging things that has helped me to enter into the rest God has for us in His presence.  Not perfectly, but progress in it that is real. Hebrews 3 and 4 talk about “entering God’s rest”, and I think this story of the mouse is a bit of a picture of some of what that means.
 
Many times when the Lord has us in certain situations in the long term, it’s possible to believe that He is binding us from doing anything, squishing us from all sides and as if there’s a large weight on us.  But if we humble ourselves (make ourselves small like an ant) and accept the Lord’s boundaries , and His will with gratitude, contentment and surrender to obedience – we will find a precious freedom.  We will find the boundary is not really a boundary at all.  We can be free to focus on all the wonderful freedom we do have in Christ.  We can still press into Jesus as we fight our sin, we can pray and lean on God with the Lord fully listening, we can still fellowship freely with family in God, we can dwell on God’s Word and hear Him speak directly to us, we can still hope in eternity and serve Him with all our heart.  Everybody no matter their situation has a “secret room” with Jesus in their heart.  That room is still there, to go into and spend time with Jesus as much as we want. What a beautiful freedom! 
 

WHAT IS FREEDOM?

I remember reading an old writer who wrote that living with the Lord is like the freedom of a bird being set free from a cage. But it’s not freedom from circumstances. As I read it I paused and I wondered what they meant but then they explained Christian freedom very simply: 

“We are free to dwell in the immensity of God.”
 
Wow! I was so blessed by this thought. It’s encouraged me to see that no matter who we are or what’s going on – there’s no limit to how deep we can go in Christ.  It’s up to us.  That’s because God freed us from the one prison that really is a prison that keeps us from God: the power and guilt of our sin.
 
If we have repented and live in continual repentance and judging of ourselves, our sin doesn’t have to weigh us down in guilt (1 John 1:9) or defeat (Romans 6:14). We can live an overcoming life.  Our sin was the one boundary that we could never live with, because it’s the one wall that separates us from God – Isa 59:2.
 

WHAT IS BECOMING SMALL?

If we humble ourselves and become small (surrendering our will and desires to God in everything), we can find a great freedom in Christ. EVERY spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 1:3) belongs to us.
 
It means resigning the love of the world, and our sin, and our self-life because God and Jesus is everything to us. It means seeing ourselves and our sin as the main problem in our life, not our boundaries God gave us. It means choosing to praise God and cling to faith even when our feelings say otherwise.  It means contently accepting from God’s hand whatever He chooses.  This is humbling ourself and making ourselves small, by God’s grace.

We often call God “Lord” with our words, but this is how we bow before God with our LIFE and say: “You are God and Lord, and I am not. Your will be done.”
 
Paul knew this joyous freedom well, and he wrote the “epistle of joy” (Philippians) from prison! His boundaries of the cell were not boundaries for him.
 

AN EXAMPLE OF A FRIEND

Here’s a real world example:
I know a couple who for years struggled with having enough money to make ends meet. My friend, he tried to increase his career through various means. He and his wife were both working, and then they had a child. Things became much more difficult.  They found themselves having to move to be able to afford to live, yet while seeing others go further in careers and salaries.

One day his wife said to him, “maybe it’s just not God’s will for us to have more money.”  That day, they decided to just be content with God’s “boundary.” It’s not that he stopped seeking a better job and a better situation for their family, rather it was a change of the heart – it’s that they chose to be content and resigned even if God didn’t grant it. Placing no more timelines on God, no more expectations that God had to work according to their way and ideas. Instead, they decided they would bow to God’s way. And for now – this was the situation God wanted them in.
 
I kept in touch with him over the years, and they never got wealthy but they had what they needed. They continued to live for God and serve the Lord. And many years later when the daughter they had become a late teen – I was talking to him on the phone and he shared with me, she had a hunger for the Lord and decided to follow Jesus!

I was so happy for him and his family and I was reminded of the way they walked with the Lord in surrender and contentment, making themselves ‘small’ and finding rest within God’s boundary.  I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that God would do this for their daughter.  I know that in eternity there will be no regret that they did not make more money. But there will definitely be joy that God enabled them to surrender to His will, and did a great work in their family through their obedient hearts.
 
Their boundary was in the area of money.
 
But there are many other boundaries people can have. And maybe it’s there just for now, or maybe the Lord will remove it – we don’t know yet. But it’s from the Lord. And right now it is keeping me close to Jesus.

“The lines (Boundaries) have fallen to me in pleasant places… indeed my heritage (of Jesus) is beautiful to me” (Psalm 16:6)

I believe for those of us who are sincerely desiring to be like Jesus, and praying the Lord would make us more single-minded, more wholehearted, filled with the Holy Spirit; I believe God’s boundaries are keeping us on the path it takes to get there. All the time we may be wondering “why”, and all the while God is answering the prayer that we ourselves prayed!  He takes us at our word if we are sincere, and He answers. Praise the Lord. It may come at a cost we didn’t realize, but it’s worth every bit of that cost.
 
The Lord’s ways are mysterious.  But they are perfect. As much as we think we do, we don’t know what we need.  But God knows.  And as much as we feel it’s not possible, it IS possible to “dwell in the immensity of God” today, having a rest and freedom.
 
This is the blessing that comes to one who fears God and says, “Lord, your will be done”, and chooses to receive from His hand gladly every command (to obey) and every circumstance (to contently accept and surrender to) that He brings our way.
 
“How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways. When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, You will be happy and it will be well with you.” Psalms‬ ‭128‬:‭1‬-‭2‬

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**By Bobby MacDonald © Copyright – Bobby MacDonald. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author at NCCF Church / Photo by Gadini at Pixabay

The Danger of Anger and How to Respond Biblically

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The danger of anger is often underestimated because anger feels normal. Everyone experiences it. Yet when anger goes unchecked, it quietly damages relationships, weakens spiritual authority, harms the body, and opens doors the enemy is eager to walk through. That is why understanding The Danger of Anger matters deeply for every believer who wants to walk in freedom.

Some people explode when they are angry. Others stay silent while resentment boils under the surface. Still others live with a constant irritation toward God, people, or even themselves. No matter how it shows up, anger always makes a moral statement. It declares, “This is wrong.” The real issue is not whether you feel anger, but whether your anger is justified and whether you are ruling it or it is ruling you.

Charles Spurgeon once said that anger often hurts us more than the thing that caused it. That statement carries wisdom. The wound anger creates in your heart can be deeper than the original offense.

1. What Anger Really Is

Anger itself is not evil. It is a natural human emotion designed to alert us when something feels wrong or unjust. Scripture acknowledges anger as part of being human. God Himself expresses anger toward injustice and evil.

Psalm 7:11 says that God is angry with the wicked every day. Ephesians 4:26 instructs us to be angry and not sin. These verses tell us something important. Anger is not automatically sinful, but it is dangerous because it easily leads to sin when mishandled.

Every time anger surfaces, it raises two critical questions. Is this anger justified, and am I handling it in a godly way?

2. The Two Axes That Define Anger

Think of anger like a graph with two intersecting lines. One axis asks whether anger is justified or unjustified. The other asks whether it is controlled or uncontrolled. Together, they reveal four types of anger.

1. Justified and controlled anger This is righteous anger. You feel anger for a godly reason, and you stay under the Spirit’s control.

2. Justified but uncontrolled anger You have a legitimate reason to feel something, but you lose control in how you respond.

3. Unjustified but controlled anger There is no real reason for the anger, yet restraint prevents major damage.

4. Unjustified and uncontrolled anger This is the most dangerous form. It produces broken relationships, regret, and spiritual consequences.

Most destruction flows from the last category. That is where the danger of anger becomes clear.

3. Jesus and Justified Anger

Jesus Himself displayed justified anger, yet He never sinned. When He cleansed the temple, He confronted corruption that dishonored His Father. His anger was not rooted in ego or offense. It flowed from zeal for God’s glory and compassion for people.

In Mark 3, Jesus looked at the religious leaders with anger and grief because of the hardness of their hearts. His anger exposed sin, yet it remained controlled and purposeful.

However, Jesus also warned strongly about unjustified anger. In Matthew 5:22, He taught that anger without cause places a person in spiritual danger. That phrase without cause matters. Anger rooted in pride, control, or wounded ego is not righteous.

4. Controlled Versus Uncontrolled Anger

Jesus modeled self-control even in moments of intensity. When He overturned tables in the temple, He did not harm people or animals. His actions stayed intentional and restrained. In Gethsemane, when Peter acted violently in anger, Jesus stopped him and healed the wounded man.

Proverbs 16:32 teaches that ruling your spirit is greater than conquering a city. Scripture values self-control more than external victories.

Cain’s story in Genesis 4 illustrates the cost of uncontrolled anger. God warned Cain that sin was crouching at the door, yet Cain refused to rule his emotions. His anger led to murder and lifelong consequences. Unchecked anger can turn you into someone you never intended to become.

5. How Anger Commonly Shows Up

Anger often wears different masks. Recognizing your pattern is essential.

1. Assertive anger expresses frustration clearly and respectfully.

2. Passive anger hides behind silence, sarcasm, or withdrawal.

3. Volatile anger explodes through yelling, threats, or aggression.

4. Righteous anger confronts sin while remaining under the Spirit’s control.

Each style reveals areas where healing and maturity are needed.

6. What Anger Does to You

The danger of anger is not theoretical. Scripture and science agree on its destructive effects.

1. Anger damages relationships Harsh words, coldness, and insults erode trust. Proverbs 15:18 says a hot-tempered person stirs up conflict.

2. Anger clouds wisdom Ecclesiastes 7:9 warns that anger rests in the lap of fools. When anger rises, clarity often disappears.

3. Anger gives Satan a foothold Ephesians 4:26–27 explains that unresolved anger opens a door to the enemy. Bitterness, unforgiveness, and revenge often follow.

4. Anger harms the body Medical research confirms that chronic anger increases heart disease, digestive problems, anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. Proverbs 14:30 says a tranquil heart gives life to the flesh.

5. Anger can derail destiny Cain lost his future. Moses missed the Promised Land. Saul destroyed his kingdom. The older brother in Luke 15 missed joy. Anger always costs more than it promises.

7. How to Respond to Anger Biblically

God does not tell us to suppress anger. He teaches us how to respond to it.

1. Do not reply in anger Proverbs 15:1 says a soft answer turns away wrath.

2. Refuse retaliation Jesus taught us not to let revenge rule our reactions.

3. Do not sin. Solve the issue Deal with anger quickly. Forgive. Set boundaries when necessary. Do not carry it into tomorrow.

4. Be slow to anger James 1:19 instructs us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

8. Questions to Ask When Anger Rises When anger surfaces, pause and ask:

1. What actually happened

2. How am I reacting internally and externally

3. What motives are driving this anger

4. What consequences will follow if I continue this way

5. What is true about God right now

6. How can I turn to Him for help

7. What response would bring healing instead of harm

These questions create space for the Holy Spirit to lead instead of emotion.

A father once gave his son a bag of nails and told him to hammer one into a fence every time he lost his temper. Over time, the nails decreased. Eventually, the boy removed them all. Yet the holes remained. Angry words leave scars even after forgiveness is given.

Jesus does not only forgive our anger. He heals the heart beneath it. He reshapes our reactions. He restores what anger tried to destroy.

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*** By Vladimir Savchuk Ministries / Photo by Alexander Krivitskiy at Pexels

5 Ways to Be Dressed Ready for Service

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The Bible often uses the imagery of clothing to describe the believer’s readiness to serve God. When Jesus told His disciples, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35), He was not talking about garments of fabric, but garments of the heart. To be “dressed” in the biblical sense means to be spiritually prepared, equipped, and vigilant—ready at all times to live for Christ and serve others.

1. The Call to Readiness

In the days of Jesus, servants who were “dressed for service” had their belts fastened and robes tucked in, prepared to work or travel at a moment’s notice. Likewise, believers are called to live with an attitude of expectancy, not distracted by worldly cares, but alert and watchful for the Lord’s return.

Readiness is not a passive waiting—it is active, faithful living. It means that at any given moment, our lives should reflect obedience, faith, and love.

2. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18)

The apostle Paul describes a spiritual uniform that equips the believer for service and battle against spiritual opposition:

Belt of Truth – Living with integrity and holding firmly to God’s truth.

Breastplate of Righteousness – Guarding our hearts by living in alignment with God’s commands.

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Ready to share the Good News wherever we go.

Shield of Faith – Trusting God in all circumstances, extinguishing doubts and lies.

Helmet of Salvation – Protecting our minds with the assurance of God’s saving work.

Sword of the Spirit – Applying God’s Word to discern truth and resist temptation.

Prayer – The lifeline that empowers and sustains all spiritual readiness.

3. Clothed in Christlike Character (Colossians 3:12–14)

Service to God is not just about defense against the enemy; it is also about reflecting Christ’s love to the world. Paul writes:

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

When we put on these virtues daily, we become living demonstrations of God’s kingdom—our service becomes both practical and spiritual.

4. Lamps Burning Bright

Jesus adds, “keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35), a picture of ongoing spiritual vitality. Just as a lamp requires oil to stay lit, our hearts require the continual filling of the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship, and God’s Word. A ready servant is one who is spiritually alive and shining brightly in a dark world.

5. Living the Prepared Life

To be dressed ready for service means:

Living with watchfulness for Christ’s return. Equipping yourself daily with God’s truth and righteousness. Walking in love, kindness, and humility. Staying spiritually alert through prayer and Scripture. Being available for God’s work at any time.

When our spiritual garments are in place, we are not only protected but also positioned to bless others and honor our Lord.

Conclusion

The Christian life is not a call to occasional acts of devotion but to a constant state of readiness. Whether in times of joy or hardship, the true servant of Christ is always dressed—spiritually armed, clothed in love, and fueled by the Spirit—ready to serve the Master until He comes.

“Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing so when he comes” (Luke 12:43).

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** Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko at Pexels

Living Out The Fruits of the Spirit

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

The Fruits of the Spirit are transformative virtues that not only enrich our lives but also positively influence the world around us. They provide a roadmap for living with purpose and reflecting God’s character in our daily actions. Let us explore each of these qualities, their significance, and practical ways to embody them.

Love

Love is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It represents a selfless, unconditional affection that motivates us to act with compassion and empathy.

Practical Application

Show love through small, intentional acts of kindness each day. Express gratitude, lend a helping hand, or offer a listening ear. Remember, love is not just a feeling but a reflection of God’s heart in action.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless love. Help us to embody Your love in our interactions with others, showing compassion and kindness in all that we do. Amen.

Joy

Joy is a deep, abiding happiness rooted in our relationship with God, independent of external circumstances.

Practical Application

Cultivate joy by beginning each day with gratitude. Maintain a gratitude journal and share joyful moments with others. Joy is contagious—spreading it uplifts those around us.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to focus on our blessings and to share joy with others, even in challenging times. Amen.

Peace

Peace is the inner tranquillity that comes from trusting in God, enabling us to remain calm amid life’s challenges.

Practical Application

Dedicate time daily to quiet reflection, prayer, or scripture reading. Taking a walk in nature or meditating on God’s word can provide the serenity needed to handle life’s storms.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to rest in Your presence and be peacemakers in our relationships. Amen.

Patience

Patience is the ability to endure challenges with grace, responding thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

Practical Application

Reframe frustrating moments as opportunities for growth. When impatience arises, take a deep breath and remember that waiting builds resilience and trust in God.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” — Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant us the patience to endure difficulties with grace. Help us to grow through life’s waiting seasons and reflect Your calmness in our actions. Amen.

Kindness

Kindness is an outward expression of love, marked by friendliness, generosity, and consideration for others.

Practical Application

Perform intentional acts of kindness regularly—compliment someone, write a thoughtful note, or assist a colleague. Small gestures often have a lasting impact.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of kindness. Open our hearts to see opportunities to bless others and reflect Your love through our actions. Amen.

Goodness

Goodness involves moral integrity and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Practical Application

Set personal integrity goals. Be honest, avoid gossip, and advocate for justice when needed. Striving for goodness inspires others to pursue what is right.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the call to live with goodness and integrity. Guide us to make righteous choices and stand for truth, even in the face of opposition. Amen.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness reflects loyalty and reliability in our relationships and our walk with God.

Practical Application

Develop faithfulness by maintaining consistent prayer and scripture study. Honour your commitments and support others in their times of need.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness. Help us to remain loyal in our relationships and deepen our commitment to You. Amen.

Gentleness

Gentleness is the quality of being mild and tender, approaching others with humility and understanding.

Practical Application

Respond thoughtfully in conversations, especially during conflicts. Listen actively and choose calmness over anger, fostering an environment of respect.

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” — Philippians 4:5 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your gentle spirit. Teach us to respond to others with humility and kindness, reflecting Your grace in our interactions. Amen.

Self-Control

Self-control is the ability to manage our impulses and align our decisions with God’s will.

Practical Application

Set boundaries and practice mindfulness in decision-making. Reflect regularly on your actions, adjusting to align with God’s values.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of self-control. Strengthen our discipline to resist temptation and live according to Your will. Amen.

Conclusion

Living out the Fruits of the Spirit enriches our lives and inspires those around us to seek God. By actively embodying these virtues, we become beacons of God’s love, peace, and righteousness in the world.

If Jesus Came to Your House

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Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

…and then went on in verse 16 – Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

So, we ask you… is the life you are living representative of how our Lord taught you the live? Are you expressing kindness, compassion and humility in your everyday life… and loving your neighbor as He loved us?

Sure, we understand the things that you may do: the books or magazines you read, the music you listen to and the television or movies you may watch seem okay to you but what are you saying, by your actions, to those around you?

A poetess by the name of Lois Blanchard Eades, from Dickson, Tennessee, wrote a poem that we think you all should read. How would you honestly answer the questions she poses.

If Jesus Came to Your House

If Jesus came to your house, to spend a day or two –
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do.
Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored Guest,
And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best,
And you would keep assuring Him you’re glad to have him there –
That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare. 

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome, to your heavenly Visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?
Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they’d been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard?
And wish you hadn’t uttered that last, loud, hasty word?

hiding the bad things

Would you hide your worldly music & put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder – if the Savior spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing, the things you always do?
Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

crazy music

Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
And would your find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read,
And let Him know the things, on which your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you, everywhere you’d planned to go?
Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so? 

family dinner

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends?
Or would you hope they’d stay away, until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.

saying goodbye

Thank you for the poem Lois, it really does make a good point. As Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is our responsibility to live our lives the way He taught us to live. Each and every day, we should be focused on what is good; what is right; what can bring glory to God.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.

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** Poem By Lois Blanchard Eades and article by Sunrise Chapel Church / Photo by George Becker