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14 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. ² One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. ³ The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. ⁴ Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

⁵ One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. ⁶ Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. ⁷ For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. ⁸ If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ⁹ For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

¹⁰ You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister^[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. ¹¹ It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”^[b]

¹² So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. ¹⁴ I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ¹⁵ If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. ¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

¹⁹ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ²⁰ Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. ²¹ It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

²² So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. ²³ But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

I was thinking about all the times someone I love has let me down in my life. I was thinking about all the times I loved so hard and only felt broken in a relationship. Let down. Used. Unable to care for myself because I felt so pitiful. Dumb. Humiliated. I just feel beat up sometimes emotionally. The level grief I could not approach or process was heavily weighing on me.

I was studying this BIG feeling from the past. I used to have this thought and it began while I was young. I wondered how it was that this repetitious thought began to form my identity. It was a feeling of despair, a feeling of worthlessness and a thought that did take me captive for many years. It was: I came from brokenness and I must be broken. I think that because this thought became so part of a mentality I had created personally for myself. .. I lived in a reality that I was indeed broken.

In 2021 I began really studying a song. The song is called broken pieces, and you can look it up if you want. This song really spoke to me. I began making a regular search in the bible, seeking, and studying. I wanted to learn and rehearse other mindsets that were Godly and not dysfunctional. The world has such a lingering of dysfunction going on and society echoes the pain. I just wanted to bring a sound mind into the atmosphere and create a positive, healing, faith based msg. unto my path. I truly believe God has saved my life numerous times. He grants us such peace.

I carry a certain peace with me now that seems to be from our supernatural wonder working God. The Father of the heavens, and I pray to Jesus and I ask Holy Spirit to guide me to help heal my heart. I believe that miraculously He has healed my anger issues, my brokenness, and made me comfortable with who I am and helps me to feel more secure while living in fullness.

Here are the lyrics to the song if you want to know. It is sung by Stephany G. when she was singing with Bethel church. It is about Gods love for us. the description is something I memorized on the tablet of my heart. And as I pray over all relational issues and ask for continued wisdom as I love – I think about these lyrics and feel so blessed to be loved by God.

Lyrics

Unreserved, unrestrained
Your love is wild
Your love is wild for me
It isn’t shy, it’s unashamed
Your love is proud
To be seen with me

‘Cause You don’t give Your heart in pieces
You don’t hide Yourself to tease us

Uncontrolled, uncontained
Your love is a fire
Burning bright for me
It’s not a spark
It’s not just a flame
Your love is a light
That all the world will see
All the world will see

That You don’t give Your heart in pieces
You don’t hide Yourself to tease us, no
You don’t give Your heart in pieces, no
And You don’t hide Yourself to tease us

Your love’s not fractured
It’s not a troubled mind
It isn’t anxious
It’s not the restless kind
Your love’s not passive
It’s never disengaged
It’s always present
It hangs on every word we say
Love keeps its promises
It keeps its word
It honors what’s sacred
‘Cause its vows are good
Your love’s not broken
It’s not insecure
Your love’s not selfish
Your love is pure

You don’t give Your heart in pieces
And You don’t hide Yourself to tease us
You don’t give Your heart in pieces
‘Cause You don’t hide Yourself to tease us

You don’t give Your heart in pieces.

Songwriters: Amanda Patricia Cook / Steffany Dawn Gretzinger

Pieces lyrics © Bethel Music Publishing

Stand fast thereforen in liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of slavery (bondage is the other word used in the study).

Paul speaks in his writing here – with sincere approach – and he is saying: you have become estranged from Christ, expecting to be cleared by the law but have fallen from grace.

He is so diligent to speak truth and write. He says: eagerly through the spirit we await for the hope of righteousness by faith. vs 13 says you have been called to liberty. Do not use it as an opportunity for the flesh but through love serve one another. He goes on to talk about the spirit and the flesh.

vs. 16 Walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. vs. 17 for the flesh lusts against the spirit – and the spirit against the flesh.

vs. 19 says the works of the flesh are evident; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries. Participating in these things, being consumed and practicing these things.. well, it says you can not inherit the kingdom of God.

vs. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Paul wants us to know that the point he is making here is super important!

He says those who have accepted Christ have also crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. vs.25 says that if we live in the spirit, let us walk in the spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

Choosing Salvation and inheriting the Kingdom of God is work! I want to choose liberty. I would be brave enough to say that if you don’t choose Jesus and trust in His salvation you do choose death. He can restore you, and you can have forgiveness of sin – and He can rebuild you and restore you back to life. He came to bring us redemptive hope.

He offers refuge in times of trouble. God is a God of trust. Jesus paid it all by dying on the cross for us!

The seed is the Word of God.

This is a story about a farmer who did sow seed. Makes me think of how we sow seed regularly.. and what kind of seed we scatter, and how frivolous we are when dropping seed. Not really having a serious purpose as the seed is sowed… lets read! It is the parable of the Sower. Jesus is proclaiming and teaching us about His kingdom.

Jesus said (vs 5) “A farmer went out to sow his seed. He was scattering his seed and some fell along the path; it was trampled on. The birds ate some of the seed! (vs 6) Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up the plants withered because they had no moisture! The other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants! (vs 8) The other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than what was sown!”

When he said this, he called out: “whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!”

When they asked him what this meant (vs 10) Jesus said, ‘the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you’ but I speak in parables, so that – “through seeing, they may not see; through hearing, they may not understand.”

.. ..And “this is the meaning of the parable: the seed is the Word of God”.

Jesus goes on to explain!

“Those along the path are the ones who hear, and the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” (vs 13) And “those on rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for awhile, but in the time of testing they fall away. (vs 14) The seed that fell among the thorns stands for those who hear it – but as they go away.. they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. (vs 15) But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop!”

What does it mean to persevere? It means to apply persistence (continuing) and keep on going/ pressing on even while enduring obstacles. We know the word steadfast comes up again, with the word perseverance and it about being able to stay the course.

Stay put in your faith journey and use courage as you are maintaining a course of action! Even if it seems like your course has such difficulty, and success doesn’t seem possible. We are pursuing a good fight, and proceeding until the very end. Jesus wants you to press on, pursuing His kingdom and live while standing firm!

Faith, courage and generosity is always necessary to succeed, and it begins with humility and inner strength! I receive as I hope in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 9:6- says whoever sows sparingly reaps sparingly, and whomever sows generously reaps generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, and not reluctantly or under compulsion. For the Lord loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, you will have all that you need and abound in every good work. (vs 9) It is written: ” they have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever” …

As we cling to the Truths of Jesus’ character- His loving kindness is notable. God is so capable of helping you regain strength, help us refrain from sinful living, and also help us to learn the gifts of the Spirit. I am studying the two words steadfast and compassion. What it means to show loving kindness in times where we are tested in our minds, with our tongues, and when it is really important to use self-control with those we love.

 

Psalm 51:10 is so important to my heart. It says: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. AND to be steadfast is to show loyalty. I want to exhibit honest and sincere efforts of loving kindness as I learn better how to be patient and use self control.

Faithfulness in definition we are coming from a place of loyalty and trust. If you are steadfast in love, you are to be showing faithfulness in character. In action when you are faithful you are conscientious, and showing allegiance. Devoted in love and in kindness, showing dependability, being reliable in relationships and to God.

Proverbs 3:3-4 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Now back to Galatians 5.

Goodness is the next word to study! Definition of goodness is being morally good and virtuous, and the quality or state of being good. Another word is to be acceptable. Other words are: to be favorable, satisfactory, positive, righteous, and agreeable.

Taste and see the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8 This comes with maturity to understand but this word Goodness is proven fruitful when walking into the BIG picture, and once practicing the Fruits of the Spirit and relying on being prosperous in all ways – this will be seen when you choose to live right.

Once we have had healing and our hearts have become softened. We see that we are more refreshed, and have a spirit of willingness instead of bitterness. He does take our burdens and make us feel lighter!

The term righteous is referring to being good and acceptable, and living an upright life and being dedicated to being saitsfied in Him while living in this world.

There is a parable: Luke 8:11-18 which I am studying. Please read about it on the next page. It speaks forth healing to the heart in order to grow prosperous and be the lights that we are suppose to be in dark places, with complicated people, and problematic interruptions.

We can indeed live in peace, in a quiet place with rest, and promote a calm -while relying on His truth.

Gentleness is the next fruit of the Spirit. It is the quality of being kind. It is to promote a sense of mild mannered assertion. Not demonstrating a sense of superiority but showing that you want to be helpful. You don’t show up to a situation with harshness, and try to avoid abrupt movements. Gentleness is to show up tender-hearted, and be meek, showing your heart has been softened. In the 1600’s it was noted that the definition of gentleness is to be FREE from harshness and violence. My best description: IS to LOVE without bringing harm to others! I care about the well-being of other people! Don’t promote Fear! Many religions do this! They will enable and stir up fear just to make money! Watch your behavior as it does impact many people.

2 Corinthians 2 is important. Paul speaks about his concern for the devil to outwit us. We need to be ministers of the new covenant. He talks about how competance comes from God. Chapter 3 speaks of being the ministry. You yourselves are a letter from Christ. Written not with ink, written in our hearts, a result of ministry, because of confidence we have in Jesus Christ. We are not competant because of ourselves we are only competant because of Him. Through His spirit we are competant ministers of the new covenant.

vs. 15 says “Even to this day when Moses is read a veil is covering their hearts; but whenever anyone turns to the Lord the veil is taken away. (vs 17) now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is – there is FREEDOM!” keep reading.. it is so good, and he talks about Gods mercy and losing heart! He says: “we are being transformed into Gods image, not to be full of ourselves but to realize ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord God who is Spirit.”

Once you recognize and accept, receiving salvation you are set free and able to live in the righteousness of God our Father. He reminds us in 2 Corinthians that we are renewed and we need to fix our eyes on achieveing eternal glory as we are here on earth. “For what is seen is temporary, but unseen is eternal.“

Self Control in definition is a development while working on ones self. It is considered to be an ability to control your emotions, desires through expression, ones behaviors in certain crisis situations. In psychology it is sometimes called self-regulation. Questions: Are you impulse driven? How do you react to other people and their expectations of you? Do you have a problem with sticking up for yourself? Do you feel overwhelmed easily?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you control your reactions, and your symptoms. Your goals that can be attainable by having stable resources. You need to try and resist temptation until you can see that you don’t need to be part of what the world asks from you.

If you can develop self control it will show your loved ones that you can overcome unhealthy coping mechanisms and stop over-reacting by the help in asking God to direct you.

Exercise yourself. Get enough sleep. Maintaining self-discipline with choices you must make, socially maintain healthy boundaries and while eating nutritiously, working on tasks diligently.

Do seek God in all things!

In conclusion I would like to go to where Jesus is speaking to us!

Matthew 6:33 Jesus says But seek His Kingdom, the Kingdom of God first and all His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. In other words everything you need will be given to you. You will be provided for. Strive after the Lord. Seek His will. Do your best to maintain His commandments. Repent of sin, seek His character and His example. Put His works first. God has blessings for you in His Store House, fullness with His richness and glory!

amen

But the fruit of the Spirit is

LOVE

JOY

PEACE

PATIENCE

KINDNESS

FAITHFULNESS

GOODNESS

GENTLENESS

SELF-CONTROL

I will review the definitions of each CHRIST like characteristics which are carried out in our walk with Him! We can use these fruit of His Spirit in daily interactions with loved ones and use this in our testimony!

Dear God. I know that I am a sinner and I need a savior. I want to turn away from this sinful life and live the life you have planned for me. Please forgive me for my sins. Cleanse me of my past and wrong-doings. Make me new. For I know Your Son Jesus Christ died for me. I believe in my heart you raised Him from the dead. I accept this truth, and confess and proclaim that Jesus is in my heart forevermore. Thank you Jesus for your grace and for saving me from my sin. It is because of you Jesus we have eternal life. Please send me your Holy Spirit to guide me, and to counsel me so that I may better do your will. In your name, Amen!

that .. if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved. … For with a heart of a man believe unto righteousness and confess with your mouth you are given salvation.

for the scripture says that whomever believe in Him shall not be ashamed.

if you look further into the chapter it says: so, then by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

We need to note: that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. We are saved by faith. We believe that Jesus, the Son of God died and rose again. God the Father raised Him from the dead. In faith we are saved because of this belief.

Jesus does define faith in Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. The msg. is preached and you receive it for the promise of salvation.

Sinners prayer: Be willing to turn from your sin. Repentance is needed to be born again.

I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is your son. Jesus died for my sins and on the third day He rose from the grave. We believe your gift to us is forgiveness- so that, we may have eternal life. I ask you Jesus to come into my heart and become my Lord and Savior. I repent of my sin. You are the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords. I do worship you and believe I have been cleansed and set free, and now I am born again In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

If you prayed this prayer you can email me. I will send you a bible. Jesus loves you this day and always~

Our Father whom art in haven Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom. The power, and the glory! Forever and ever. Amen!