Day 14 Daniel Fast Devotional_Fruit of the Spirit_Josh and Amy Horak

Galatians 5: 22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

I was driving in the car when the Holy Spirit spoke saying, “Joshua, you will not see me move until you change the way you think.  Currently the way you think can’t handle the way I move.”   Since that day I have been on a mission to reform my mind, thinking and life (and see my household do the same) to Christ’s nature, character, and value system.

During this fast, the Lord is emphasizing the Fruits of the Spirit.  I am shocked by how many Christians desire to see God move in his power, yet forsake a life that is a glorious demonstration of His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control (Galatians 5:22).  Many individuals want to live a life of the Spirit, but forsake “keep[ing] in step with the spirit (Galatians 5:23).”  The best way to keep in step with the Sprit is to live by the fruits of the Spirit.  Why is the power of the Spirit often more important than the fruit of the Spirit?

Many blame the enemy for problems, when in fact, they are the problem due to the unredeemed personality traits of their soul (soul meaning mind, emotions, and personality).  There is danger with this thinking and living.  Jesus said, “Thus by your fruit you will recognize them.  Not everyone who says to me, “‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23) This should be a sobering verse for all believers.  It is more important to know Christ than to walk in His power.  To simply walk in His power does not equate to knowing Him.  Gifts do not indicate knowledge of Christ.  I believe the Lord is raising up a people who are rooted in intimacy with Christ as their King, and focused on producing the fruits of the Spirit, starting in their marriage, home and sphere of living.

This is important to God because someone who is faithful in the fruits of the spirit can be trusted with the power of the Spirit.  Furthermore, as you “know” Christ (Matthew 22:37), you will naturally walk in the fruits of the Spirit.  The goal is organic fruit bearing.  The life of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit become cellular, into the makeup of who we are (becoming like Christ in His nature, character, and values).

My challenge for you is this.  Examine the areas of your life where the life of Christ and fruit of the Spirit is not cellular.  Then identify the fruits listed in Galatians 5:22 that you need to begin to practice.  Practice these fruits when alone and when you are with others.  You will have many opportunities each day, especially during this fast.  Regardless of your circumstances, you are responsible for your spiritual fruit.  If Christ can walk in the fruits of the spirit while being physically tortured on the cross, then you can do it in your everyday life.  I pray that you would change the atmosphere you live in by growing in the fruits of the Spirit!  Live untamed, full of Christ’s nature, character and values, and demonstrate who He is through the fruits of your life.

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