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Nancy Parker Brummett

Nancy Parker Brummett

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Grateful for the Fruit

November 15, 2018 by Nancy 22 Comments

Fruit of the SpiritMy son Tim McConnell, lead pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, is currently preaching a sermon series on GENTLENESS—part of the fruit of the Spirit listed in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23. Listening to his encouragement that gentleness should be evident in the lives of believers today more than ever, I was reminded of a time when I saw the fruit of the Spirit come alive in a very real way.

It was years ago at a special prayer session called by the executive director of a nonprofit ministry where I volunteered. Family Life Services is a residential facility for single moms and their kids and, like many small nonprofits, it is a “pray and patch as we go” type of ministry.

On this particular evening a group of board members, staff members, and volunteers gathered to pray for the ministry in a more intentional way than we had for years. We were asked to begin our individual prayer time by finding a quiet place on the grounds, and by asking the Lord what He would have us pray for.

As I walked across the lawn, so many of the needs we had ran through my mind. We needed funds to replace some plaster falling from the ceiling on the third floor of the Victorian house that serves as ministry headquarters. We needed new carpeting. We needed someone to donate grounds keeping services. More important, we needed childcare volunteers for Thursday evenings when the moms meet for group counseling.

But then I quieted my mind and my heart and asked the Lord how He would have me pray. Clearly I heard Him say, “Pray for PEACE in times of conflict. Pray for LOVE to surround the mothers and children.”Grapes

When the group reconvened after 30 minutes of individual prayer, we shared what each of us had heard from the Lord. Soon it became evident that He had not instructed us to pray for anything tangible. The words GOODNESS and PATIENCE were quickly added to PEACE and LOVE. By the time we got all the way around the table, I realized that the Lord had instructed us to pray for everything comprising the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All gifts available through the Holy Spirit to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

What JOY we felt as we realized how intimately He was involved in our ministry. How encouraging it was to know that He cared enough to lead our prayers in the direction that would accomplish His purposes. Even when our eyes were focused on the things right in front of us, the Lord’s eyes were on the whole mission of the ministry and the lives He knew could be changed.

Fall berries by Fran in IrelandWe need to remember to pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident not only in our own lives and personal ministries, but in the lives of all those for whom we pray. Instead of asking for a friend’s relief from financial or health concerns, maybe we should be praying that she will have JOY in the midst of the trials, or PATIENCE to wait for God’s solution in His time.

We can encourage a friend by telling her when we see the GENTLENESS in her response to a situation or the KINDNESS she shows to her elderly neighbor. Maybe you notice that someone who struggles with the need to gossip about others makes a conscious effort not to do so, and you can praise her for her SELF-CONTROL. Certainly a volunteer who dedicates year after year to a church or school near you should be commended for her FAITHFULNESS.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I choose to be grateful for the fruit of the Spirit. By recognizing it in others and affirming what we see, we can make this world a gentler place. And by praying for that fruit to be evident in us, we can live more fruitful lives.

Filed Under: Back Porch Break Tagged With: faithfulness, Fruit of the Spirit, gentleness, goodness, Gratitude, Joy, kindness, love, peace, self control, Thanksgiving

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ruth Axtell says

    November 15, 2018 at 10:33 am

    When we pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in our life, we have covered all bases.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 16, 2018 at 7:17 am

      That’s for sure, Ruth!

      Reply
  2. Judy Delmer says

    November 15, 2018 at 11:23 am

    I will continue to pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in my life. I thank my dear Heavenly Father every day
    and talk to Him through each day to help me follow his plans for me throughout each day. What a blessing!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 16, 2018 at 7:18 am

      I’m so glad He is your constant companion, Judy! Bless you.

      Reply
  3. Judy Delmer says

    November 15, 2018 at 11:44 am

    Nancy , Thank you so much for your Blogs. They always brighten my day. Sending much love. Hope all is well with you and your family.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 16, 2018 at 7:19 am

      I’m glad, Judy. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

      Reply
  4. Jimmie says

    November 15, 2018 at 11:46 am

    This hit me right, smack in the middle of my forehead!!!
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Jimmie

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 16, 2018 at 7:19 am

      Well, I’m glad it didn’t knock you down! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!!

      Reply
  5. Pat says

    November 15, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Such a good reminder of what is of greatest importance and what we should be focused on. May I share this with my Bible study ladies?

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 16, 2018 at 7:19 am

      Of course, Pat. God is good!

      Reply
  6. Elizabeth Van Liere says

    November 15, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    What a neat message for me on my 95th birthday! Isn’t it amazing how God spoke to each of you about those different ways. No matter how old we get the Bible continues to speak to us. Thanks, Nancy.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 16, 2018 at 7:20 am

      Happy Birthday again, Betty!! The fruit is very evident in you.

      Reply
  7. Jan Keller says

    November 15, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    Nancy, this is a wonderful blessing. Thank you, Nancy, for the various fruits you model for me to attempt to emulate.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 16, 2018 at 7:20 am

      And the same to you, my friend!

      Reply
  8. alice scott-ferguson says

    November 16, 2018 at 9:49 am

    blissful words
    how soon we forget the obvious
    that the Spirit is the Source
    and lives within us
    Happy, peace-filled, kind and gentle
    Thanksgiving to you and yours

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 21, 2018 at 7:43 am

      And the same to you, dear friend.

      Reply
  9. Marylou Gonzalez says

    November 16, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    💝

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 21, 2018 at 7:43 am

      🙂

      Reply
  10. Eileen Somers says

    November 16, 2018 at 8:44 pm

    I loved it! Thank You for the perfect reminder.
    Happy Thanksgiving

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 21, 2018 at 7:44 am

      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

      Reply
  11. Your Huzzband says

    November 20, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    I just read this. What a timely reminder of the intimacy of prayer and faithfulness of our Lord. And a perfect Thanksgiving thought. Thank you dear

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      November 21, 2018 at 7:45 am

      You are very welcome! Love you.

      Reply

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