A New Direction

Even in the midst of abundance, I will praise you Even in the midst of struggles, I will praise you Even in the midst of uncertainty, I will praise you Even in the midst of pain, I will praise you Even in the midst of doubt, I will praise you Lord, in the midst of all areas of life, I praise you.  1 Peter 4:11 "...so that in ALL things God may be praised"...not some things, but ALL things. I praise you for who you are - the risen son of God I praise you for what you have done in my life I praise you for the plans you have for me I praise you for loving me unconditionally - for there are times I don't deserve it I praise you when I have needs - for it teaches me to cling to you I praise you for times of plenty - for it teaches me to give and to be thankful I praise you when I am downtrodden - for it is then that you carry me I want to praise you in ALL things, good or bad. I want to be UNDIGNIFIED in my praise.  I raise my hands in surrend...

John 15:5  "I am the vine, you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit" What does that mean, bear much fruit?  Gal 5:22-23 tells us what fruit we are to bear - "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control "  When these virtues become evident in you, its a sign the Holy Spirit is working in your life.  Love, joy,  and peace are feelings or attitudes of God.   They are WHO God is.   If you find you don't have enough love, joy and peace in your life, then get closer to God by spending time in His word, in prayer, in worship.  Turn the channel on the radio in the car to Christian music and worship him.  Turn the radio off and pray.  Find ways to spend more time with Him.  He pours Himself into you when you worship Him. Patience (which is longsuffering), kindness and goodness are the way we should be, especi...