Welcome back! If you are just joining us, we are using the YouVersion Bible App to follow a devotional together. Read THIS POST to get all the information you need to join in and then you can read THIS MORNING’S POST to see the promises we are focusing on this week.

Did you get a chance to spend some time with this week’s promises? Sometimes I am unsure of the promises when I read the devotional version of the verses. It is only when I turn to the actual word of God that the promises become clear to me. This week, the promise I chose is…

You’ll present an extremely attractive life to others when you submit to my Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23

This passage is near and dear to my heart. We had it read at our wedding by Micah’s grandfather. It is everything I want my attitude and behavior to be toward every person I meet.

I don’t know about you, but I struggle with some of these sometimes! Having patience with my children? Oy. I think that is probably the hardest one of all. Kids have this ability to dawdle even when they are excited about what is happening. Or they are SO EXCITED that they have no patience which can make my patience get seriously tested as well with all the, “Now? Is it time now?” questions.

The fruit of the Spirit comes from being rooted in Jesus. When we are firmly planted in Him we have the ability to produce good fruit. If I’m losing my cool with my kids or not not filled with a sense of peace does that mean I’m not rooted in Jesus? No! I think different fruits can appear at different seasons and if we find ourselves struggling to see the fruit we think we need perhaps that is a clue from God to seek Him out a little more.

It’s easy to react at the flip of a coin when the kids misbehave or do something dangerous. I’ve caught myself snapping and reacting without self control or kindness when speaking to them. Ugh. Not how I want to sound! But if I pause for a the briefest moment to think and pray as quick as a breath in and out my reaction is significantly different. Amazing how a split second pause can make such a great difference. I can’t make these fruits appear on their own. It is only by turning to Jesus and submitting myself to His spirit will they continue to grow in my life.

Father God, thank you for the promise that we will see the evidence of the Spirit in our life when we submit to you. Help us to submit continually so that we can live in a way that shows others we belong to you. I pray that these fruits would be evident at all times and that when we struggle with one we would turn to you instead of trying to force the fruits to appear on our own. Thank you that you are always faithful with your promises. Amen.