chapter 2

I want to bear good fruit! 

Hello Beloved, so how was chapter one?  If you were unable to post your comments to the questions, that is OK, but I pray you can.  Remember, God is working a great plan here and if all you can do is read and THINK and spend time with God...then, don't put the pressure on yourself to comment.  I realize it is HARD. 

Ok, now Chapter Two is next -- The Chapter title was to the point -- A VITAL Necessity. 

It begins with the scripture "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."  Proverbs 23.7

Thoughts are POWERFUL.  As a mother, a teacher, a wife, and just a daughter -- I know that my words are very important and they 'set' a tone, especially in my classroom and in my family. 

I highlighted  in my book what  Joyce says within the first few paragraphs.....

 You CANNOT have a positive life and a negative mind. 

Romans 8. 5 is a verse I have heard over and over and now, it really sinks in. 

For those who are according to the flesh  and are controlled by its unholy desires  set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the Holy Spirit. 

My simple illustration is this....my flesh desires to sleep in every day..even when I have had enough sleep and pretend the world will go away....I set my mind to get up and face the day and get to work! 

Another simple illustration, I am on my Weight Watchers kick again and very motivated by Jennifer Hudson.  These last 13-14 pounds are driving me NUTS, but all over the WW web site....all I read and see is POSITIVES.....even when I had a weight gain, this little window popped up and reminded me that gain is normal in the 3rd week.

And as moms, I am sure many of us have looked into the eyes of our kids and reminded them that negativity...gets us NO where!  Am I right?

So, HIS word is our lifeline..so true---right?  

This verse became very real in my life...my husband  choose sin but I was sinful  too --  unfaithful in my mind.  And in God's eyes - I sinned just as much as he did.  I can't read this verse now without being greatful that HE died for all of our sins...not just the ones other people believe are the 'bad' ones. 

And I don't want to paint a negative picture about my husband, whom I love dearly and have forgiven, but I must be real here -- my sin in God's eyes was just as sinful as his.  I hope that makes sense to you.

I will add, just the other morning we were speaking about a year ago and our life and all he said was, "yep, that was a pot hole in life".  And I replied, "yep it was".  And he said the most sweetest thing and here is an example of a positive thought, he said, "it could of been a big pot hole but you made it small".  That single short sentence and positive thought was a CHOICE to think and live in the Spirit and not in the flesh.  I gave him a hug and kiss and said, "thanks"...that really WAS the BEST thing he could of said.  Men are not romance writers, or mine is not...but that comment, that positive thought - WAS right on.  

Later in the chapter she speaks about our weapon -- prayer.  Oh Yes! 

Even today, as I was driving back into town, I began to think about a person that hurt me very deeply a long while ago.  I forgave her.  But there are certain things that bring back triggers.  And my flesh wanted to 'go there' and have a pity party for myself.  As it is my time of the month and my emotions are a big and a bit  heightened but I quickly realized that I DID not want to go back to that time.  It was in the past.  I had to take those negative thoughts and rebuke them and tell Satan he was NOT going to lie to me today.  I am a new creation in Christ, I am blessed, chosen, accepted, adopted, forgiven and redeemed.  And then I prayed and put postive memories over the yucky ones.  And THAT is how this chapter became ALIVE to me today! 

The bible says that a tree will be known by its fruit - I want to bear GOOD fruit! 

So, after this chapter, would you comment on how this chapter affected you? 

Did you relate?  Do you have a real life illustration that happened to you this week and God made this very clear to you?  Or perhaps, you are on the end of those negative thoughts and just need some prayer - write one out here. 

Happy Reading, Lord, may our thoughts line up with your thoughts.  May the women doing this on line book study find the time to ponder and think on you throughout their entire day.  Lord, we want to bear good fruit.  Amen. 

Please comment if the Lord leads you: 

Michelle

AND PS.....Even though we have those triggers, we CAN overcome them.  I know it!