Tag: #books

The Spirit of the Fruit – Love

Posted on by Crystal King

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law – Galatians 22-23 

Love: noun – Seeks the highest good of others

Definition of love:

1. an intense feeling of deep affection

2. a person or thing that one loves

How hard is it to love someone? How hard is it to love someone who has been mean, rude or evil to us?

When I think of love,  a couple things come to mind; a feeling I have for someone special and my son.

Being a mom is super tough in this aspect. I have to be strong for my son and be the example. Although at times, my example is not reflecting God.

The way God loves us doesn’t seem to cross my mind either. It is more of a rage and hurt feeling. I know I have to be the example for him however it would be much easier just to be mean or rude right back.

WWJD? Right?

I have been studying Love – Nine Fruits of the Spirit and this has really helped me with the aspect of loving like Jesus. There are people who can be rude or unbearable at times, however we have the choice on how to react to this.

I have learned to love like Jesus and this puts in much better mood, and it also does not give the other person power over my feelings and over the way I handle the situation.IMG_1276

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

When I think of how God has loved me at my most difficult times, why can I not return the favor? Why is it so difficult to this simple action? LOVE!

Booker T. Washington said, ” I will not permit any man to diminish my soul to hatred.”

This touched my spirit is so many ways. I have been hurt and I have also hurt others. My life has changed in the worst way and it definitely has changed for the better. I have had my share of ups and downs as well. Everyday I thank God for showing me favor and giving me way more than I deserve.

“…let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18)

This Scripture really hits home with me when showing love and how I should be loving others. One of the absolute heaviest burden to bare is holding a grudge. You are not going to be able to have a happy and loving life if you are mad and upset. Life gives you difficult moments and also the best moments. Continue to love the way God has loved you.

If you are having a hard time forgiving someone ask God for help. Pray, “Lord, forgive me, I can not forgive.” Pray this often and watch God transform your life and soften you heart. Remember forgiving others is not for them, it is for you.

Love is an action directed to another person that is motivated by our relationship to Jesus Christ. Love is given freely without a personal reward in mind.

Love one another as Jesus loves you.

~Blessings.

 

 

My Favorite Christian Books

Posted on by Crystal King

I have been asked a lot of questions on what helps me keep God first. My reply is I pray and I put God before everything. YES EVERYTHING!

Now a couple years ago I could not say that. I chose to follow my selfish ways and did what I thought was best for me and not what God wanted for me.

Yes I make mistakes, yes I have set back, and yes there are days that I have difficulty being nice and patient with others.

But what really helped was meditation and keeping God at the front of every single thing I did. I took myself out of the picture and allowed God to have his way instead of me. I always tell people 2 things 1) God is not going to ask you about me. Which means is that I am held accountable for what I do in life, not what others do. 2) You have to get out of your own way in order for God to have his way. Meaning you have to do things God is asking you to do rather that doing what you think you need to be doing.

I had the absolute hardest time trusting God with my life. I continued to go down my own road and make decisions based on my feelings or greed or just plain felt I deserved it. And that got me absolutely NO WHERE! So how could I possibly go wrong with allowing God to lead me, I mean I was making poor decisions and I didn’t like how I was doing it.

Ok so the reason for the post, I’ve always enjoyed reading so this is a list of books that I have read that helped me get back on track to God and trusting him with my life.

  1. The Bible – now I know what you’re thinking, well yeah the Bible, but this bible is very special to me. It’s a parallel bible with the New International Version on the left side and The Message form on the right side. The message form is completely regular English for a better understanding. I have a hard time understanding the verbiage used, however this helps me without having to look else where.
  2. The Purpose Driven Life  – this is a 40 day bible study that gives you an idea of what God really wants you to do in life and how to accomplish them. I like this book because it adapts to the person reading the book. It’s a very good read and I highly recommend this book if you’re having difficulty figuring out what God wants you to do.
  3. Living Beyond Your Feelings – this book really opened my eyes on what not to do with your feelings. I used to make long term decisions based on short term feelings and it has always been a disaster. This book explains why it’s so important to know and rely on God and not man; to make decisions rationally and not emotionally.
  4. Change Your Words Change Your Life – this books is geared towards how you speak things into existence. We have to be careful what we say, the more negative we speak, the more we see our burdens not our blessings, and that allows the devil a foothold on us.
  5. Power Words – this book shows focus on our words. What we say can change your life. I sometimes have the hardest time believing that I deserve the best and what God has for me is for me, however after reading how words can effect your every day blessings, I knew I had to change the words I said or how negatively I spoke.
  6. Wisdom for Women  – this is a 365 day devotional that I completed last year but I still keep this book next to my bed for reflection. It helps remind me that I can do anything through Christ. I have highlighted several passages to refer back to when I’m having not so great days.
  7. Battlefield of the Mind – we are what we think, so if you think you can’t, you’re right. This book really goes into detail how important it is to focus and direct our thoughts on what God wants and how God gives us everything we need. I felt like I was having a hard time thinking so negatively all the time. I know it seems like we don’t but have you ever talked yourself out of something you really wanted. I have done this so many times, I began to believe I didn’t deserve it. This book helped me to get my thoughts on track with what God wants and to focus on what I have instead of what I have not.
  8. Listen Love Repeat – this book shows you what real love is. “Love thy neighbor.” It gives examples on how to love one another as God loves you. I did a bible study with Proverbs 31 ministry and it helped me to realize the importance of listening and loving one another.
  9. The Best Yes – the is a self help book based on making decisions based on God and what is best for you. I enjoy reading books that encourage me to put God first and it helps with my decision making life. This book helped me to understand that a “no” is an answered prayer too.

Please leave any book recommendations in the comments. I am always looking forward to reading material that helps me get closer to God and becoming a better person.

Blessings.