“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Galatians 5:  22-23

We recognize gentleness when we experience it, don’t we?   When I was a twenty-something this scene made a lifetime impression on me.  A grown man knelt down in front of a small child so that he could talk to her face to face. I do not recall a word of the conversation, but I will always remember how this young lass responded to this kind and gentle gesture from a gracious and wise adult. Did she feel valued  cared about? Yes, she did. Did she feel God’s love through this person? Yes, she experienced a gentle and quiet spirit, precious in the sight of the Lord.  Focus attention speaks volumes about empathy and caring.  “Your beauty should be that of your inner self, the unfolding beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3: 4.

 In my adult friendships and relationships, our patient and loving God has been coaching me for many years on being more gentle in my spoken words and actions to my friends and family. I look to Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to help me guard the words I speak so they protect the relationships with my loved ones. My job at our family farm is connecting with people, mentoring our team, and interacting with our guests.  There is plenty of opportunity to share words and actions. Words spoken with consideration when connecting with people, will help encourage, reassure, and communicate “You are special to me!” When you think about it, words can either build another person up or tear them down. When I mess up, and I do, it’s important to stop, and say:   I am sorry. I was wrong.  Forgive me.   If I am not sure the best way to comfort my husband, I can ask him directly, “What can I do that would be helpful to you, to make things better in this situation?” With our adult children, I find it is helpful to ask them when they are about to share something, “Would you like me just to listen, or would you like my feedback? “We humans are wired for relationships, and it can feel lonely when life throws you a curve ball.   Just knowing someone will come along side and care enough to gently reach out when someone is struggling, is huge. It makes me feel that I am not alone, in whatever chaos is surrounding me at that time.  It is especially helpful, but not necessary, if a person can empathize because they have gone through a similar thing in their life. As we open our hearts and connect with a friend, we can allow the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions:  I listen. He speaks. He listens. I speak. Think of this as an adventure in faith!  Try asking your friend, who is discouraged, sad, or angry, “Is there anything you would like me to pray for you?” Bet no one will turn you down when you offer to pray with them…  “A gentle answer turns away wrath.”  Proverbs 15

Gentleness can also be small gestures such as waving and noticing someone, hugging a hurting person, bringing a meal, sending a caring card, delivering a thoughtful gift, sending a thinking of you text or call.  How about welcoming a spouse home when he or she has been away and sitting face to face and focusing on sharing what is important to each other that day. These may seem like small things; however, they can make you feel cherished and treasured. We are blessed that our church family over   many years has had a caring and gentle spirit. “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth”2 Timothy 2: 25

 When we open the pores of our soul to God’s presence, He gives us more and more the desire to be gentle. Do not be concerned if the fruit of gentleness takes a while to ripen. My mother said to me growing up, “If you had been a boy, you would have been our football player!”  With the Lord’s help and with many years coaching from the Holy Spirit whispering in my ear, I am still a work in progress. When we reach towards Him for strength, when our world bottoms out, Father God will meet us everywhere:  above, below, on all sides. He will carry us through like a caring, gentle father, as we lean on Him and trust Him. “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:  28-30.  “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19: 14.

 Father God, I pray that as you fill us with your deep abiding love for us, and as we look to Jesus, we can join you, Lord, in coming to the aid of your children, the recurring theme of the Bible.

Susan Hurd

Luke 1:26-36. God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. The angel said” do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God”. From then on Mary lived a faithful life to God.

There are many faithful people in the Bible but I was drawn to Mary (mother of Jesus). When she was visited by the angel Gabriel and told the news she accepted this through faith. For myself I thought I alone was responsible to resolve every situation I found in my path. It never occurred to me to call on our God for help with anything. What a lonely and hopeless life.

Finally God stepped in and led me back to church. What a wonderful day it was. I was welcomed by everyone and I felt a peace that I don’t think I had ever felt before. My life has purpose now and I’ve learned to listen for God’s wishes. I am thankful and faithful to my God for saving me.

Through faithfulness I am leaning on God in all situations. I now know that He is always close and ready to help.
Luke 1:38, Psalm 57:3,10, Psalm 85:10, 1st Corinthians 10:13, 2^nd Thessalonians 3:3

Barbara Hedges

What is faithfulness? – It is being dependable, loyal, and trustworthy

Doesn’t that describe our God perfectly? He is always dependable, always loyal and always trustworthy and always there for His children. Looking in His Word we can see over and over again His faithfulness.

God stayed faithful to His chosen people, the Isrealites, despite their wandering away and their grumbling (just manna!), their giving up,( let’s go back to Egypt) God never left them. And He led them into the Promised Land. What an example of His faithfulness. As David said; Psalm 25:10 “The Lord leads with unfailing faithfulness all who keeps His covenant and obey all His commands.”

And for us today He remains faithful. II Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one .

During this Easter season let’s remember Jesus, and His faithfulness to you and to me. In the Garden when Jesus was praying to His father the night He was betrayed, He said: “Father , if you are willing take this cup of suffering from me. Yet not my will but yours be done.” So He faithfully went to the cross for you and for me. Taking all our sins upon himself so we can be saved to eternal life with Him. O, what a Savior!

I was blessed in my life with Godly parents so from an early age. God has been faithful to me through good times and especially in the hard times.

When I was pregnant with my third child I started losing him and was on bedrest for several months. TBN was just getting started, and listening to Christian speakers and music let me know that God was with me and all would be fine. And it was. Born 6 weeks early… tiny but healthy

One day my neighbor came to ask me to think about being the first Director of the Pregnancy Support Center I was overwhelmed. I was filled with many doubts and fears. I wasn’t qualified. I avoid conflict. But I took it to God and felt Him saying, ”Don’t be afraid I am with you.” So I said yes. Every morning I would remind God of His promise to be with me and He was always faithful. The years I was director, I was a recipient of His faithfulness and I was truly blessed.

Since He has been so faithful to me, I want to be faithful to Him and do whatever He calls me to do. For me that means listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying Him.

God has called our church to be faithful. It makes me so proud to be a part of a church that is faithful in what God calls each to do. Let us continue to be faithful to that call. As a church and especially as individuals .

Love this chorus “Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand has provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

Have a blessed week as you spend time thinking about the faithfulness of Jesus .
So faithful that He willingly took the punishment for our sins ( an agonizing death on the cross) so that we could have eternal life.

Miss you all.
Doris Van Tassell

Psalms 145:7
“Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.”

What is goodness? My thought when I read the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, I think of it meaning ‘giving’. I came up with other words to define goodness, mercy, generosity, good will, honesty, righteous, and friendliness. Thinking of God, that describes His character, and Jesus lived goodness on earth. As we show these actions to one another, we are representing the love of God through the goodness of our hearts.

This reminds me of the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-31. The man that stopped to help a man on the side of the road, bandaged him, and too him to an inn and even paid to have him cared for.

Thinking about goodness, how do we show goodness? Some people cook for the sick, some take people to the doctors, get groceries, pray, some listen and encourage others, some write cards, some knit prayer shawls… I could go on and on. The Holy Spirit guides our day. He helps keep our attitude in check, because the world can get us off track. Anger bitterness, hate, unforgiveness, complaining, blaming can all take over. We know where that comes from! We call on the Holy Spirit to bring us back to Jesus’ way. John 14:6 tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Love covers Joy Peace, Patience, Faithfulness, Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness and Discipline. We can not go wrong with the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

We say, “God is good always,” amen to that! When we greet people we say, “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening.” To me that is saying, “God be with you.”

In love and blessings,
Carol Cotant. 3/21/21

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ forgave you.”   Ephesians 4:32

Kindness comes in many ways. For me, it is giving my “Smile” away and spending time with others because God taught me “Time” is the best gift you could give to anyone.
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin. Together these three neurotransmitters make us feel good from head to toe. Not only do these natural chemicals elevate your mood, but they also relax your body and reduce physical pain.

Smiles are social connectors. A gentle smile is often perceived as a sign of compassion. A smile can make you feel better and the people around you. So each time you smile, you benefit your health, happiness and show kindness to someone who might need a little sparkle from God. “The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.”Proverbs 20:12

The joy of spending time with others developed in me when I was a little girl. My Mom was a Hair Stylist for 47 years, and on Tuesday, she would often take me with her to an All Woman’s Home for the Elderly in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. While Mom would spend her time in their beauty parlor making the sweet women feel and look pretty, I would often offer to walk the ladies back to their rooms. I loved to ride the old elevator that had metal bars. It was so fun to watch each floor as it went by. When we arrived at their room, I would ask if I could empty their garbage can. Each of the women’s rooms was so unique and sweetly stylish. I enjoyed just sitting and listening to the stories they would share from long ago. The women would smile and laugh. I’m not sure who benefited from spending our time together, them or I. Proverbs tells us, “Those who are kind benefit themselves (11:17).

So, offer a warm smile and watch as God lights up someone’s eyes, for you have shown them His kindness. Remember to have your gentle listening ear as you spend time with others, whether you are visiting a nursing home, prison, hospital, the disabled or any other place that the Holy Spirit may lead you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are good. You are always kind. I surrender my agenda to You today and ask that You show me someone who needs a little extra kindness. Help me to drink deeply ofYour mercy and love toward me and to give freely out of the overflow of that love. Give me eyes to see what You see. 
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Tracy Cotant

Let me start by giving you the definition of ‘patience’ from the dictionary: Patience is a person’s ability to wait from something out or endure something tedious, without getting riled up. Having patience means you can remain calm, even when you’ve been waiting forever or dealing with something painstakingly slow, or trying to teach someone how to do something and they just do not get it.

The biblical definition of patience is this: The quality or virtue of patience is presented as either forbearance or endurance. In the former sense it is a quality of self-restraint or of not giving way to anger even in the face of provocation; it is attributed to both God and man. It is closely related to mercy and compassion.

Scripture verse: Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

I received a phone call from my niece that my brother was taken to the hospital and so was his wife. My sister in law was admitted to the hospital and my brother was in the ER for the day. I immediately wanted to do whatever I could to help. I got upset and the I cried and got angry, because of the situation with the pandemic. Both my brother and sister in law have Covid, and live in Texas.

Not long after the first call, I got another call from my niece in upstate New York. My sister, who is in the nursing home, was not doing well at all. She has congestive heart failure, infection, and is lethargic. She was taken to the hospital and admitted. They found no Covid, but that she has pneumonia.

I have not seen my family ever since the pandemic started. It is just heartbreaking to not be with the folks you love. My heart ached for all of them, and I don’t want to be without my family. I cryed and called out to God, and read scripture. I realized the best thing I could do for everyone was to be ‘patient’ and pray… to trust God!

We as individuals have no control over anything that happens. If we are truly following after Gods example we need to give everything up to Him in prayer and be ‘patient’ and wait. I did not have patience in the beginning, but with praying and asking others to pray, God is there with all of us. I know that!

It is so important to be ‘patient’ and to pray and share that love with everyone. Even if things have not always been perfect; God has a plan in everything. That is why God is teaching me all the time to be ‘patient’, and to come to Him in prayer. How appropriate for me to share this devotional!

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us patience to overcome whatever trials we face. Let us be patient in all things, Lord. We place our lives always in your hands. Amen.

Linda Orth

This week the Fruit of the Spirit we are examining is patience. It’s rather ironic that no one had signed up for the Tuesday edition… I guess we are all out of patience from the craziness of this past year. But there are still some things to be acquired in our walk, and patience is never one that we can have too much of.

Some might say, “don’t ask God for patience, he’ll give you the application to learn it first. You won’t like that!” Perhaps that is true, but in reality, all the Fruit of the Spirit we acquire is not so much a gift, but rather it is grown. It is not just handed to us when we need it, rather it is something we seek when we need it, and the Holy Spirit helps us along in it. If we never needed it, we would never display it.

Much like a fruit tree that does not say, “give me some fruit,” but rather, the fruit occurs because it honors the DNA that was put into it. That DNA declares that “if you want fruit, then produce fruit! I will help you by what I have put into you.” We have a spiritual DNA that allows us to produce fruit when we stick to the Holy Spirit. Then there is rain, and soil, and snow… all of which contribute to the fruit. None of those elements by themselves are particularly attractive, but together they create the challenging conditions for a tree to want to create fruit.

So the next time you need patience, or any other fruit, be aware that the Holy Spirit will help you… and it won’t happen by gifting nearly as much as it happens by application, and effort. And that is good!

Blessings!
Pastor Steve Sherwood

Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way.”

Patience is an ongoing challenge for me and of course when I pray for it God gives me tests to help me grow. I can easily become impatient when I am stuck in traffic but now I look around me in wonder at God’s beautiful creation, and thank Him for it and the time to enjoy it.

When I am impatient with other people I am learning to pray for them. I say “bless them, change me.”  This verse asks us to rest in the Lord. To trust Him and wait patiently for the answers to our prayers. It’s in God’s timing, not ours.  I believe God has 3 answers for us, “yes, no and not now.” He is always working things out for our good.

It’s easy to become frustrated when things don’t go the way we hoped, but that’s when we need to cast our cares on Him, have faith and pray for patience. The saying, “man plans and God laughs” can be so true at times. I image myself in a big pair of hands and relax knowing God has something even better than I could ever imagine for me.

I just need to wait patiently, because I don’t have to know all the answers ahead of time.

Lynda Murty

It says in Philippians 4:5-7
“Do not worry about anything, instead pray for your needs and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s PEACE, which exceeds anything we can understand. His PEACE will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

This Scripture is so comforting and true. As you speak it out loud and really study the Word of God, you can feel the PEACE come. I know, I’ve been there many times. Just share your concerns, your cares with Him, you will be surprised that PEACE will come. The problem may not go away quickly, but you will know you are not alone. I will say, “I know You, God. You are working my problems and in Your timing all will be well, meantime, you are caring for me and my family.”

That reminds me of my favorite scripture: Romans 8:28, “And we know that ALL things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”

People ask what do I want for Christmas, I will say, “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” The best things in life are free for us, but Jesus paid the price on the cross. Why do we make life so complicated? God loves us, do we love and obey Him? If we did, we would have PEACE on earth.

Trust God with our life, who gave us life to begin with. He knows more about us that we do. He has the answers as He knows our story of life. I like the saying, “Father God knows best.” It brings security, wisdom, strength, peace, forgiveness, and maybe you have something to add! Through the challenges of life, thank you Lord, for the treasures of love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and discipline. Amen.

Pray PEACE in His presence. Gratitude brings PEACE.

Dear Heavenly Father God,
We are in times of turmoil and conflict in the world. You are waiting for us to come to You in trust, and asking for forgiveness of our sins so You can bring this PEACE we so desperately need. As we humble and let go of our pride and say, “Lord, your will be done,” we will have PEACE in our hearts.
You are with us. Amen.

With love and peace,
Carol Cotant

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

In our cozy farm kitchen, there’s a small painted sign with a green potted plant that says, “Today I Choose Joy.” Got me thinking… Really, Lord??  Now in the dictionary, JOY is defined:  to experience great pleasure or delight.  How can we possibly have this JOY because as everyone knows, life is hard and can be difficult. Our families go through real storms. There are relationship struggles at work, financial issues and those bills that need to be paid.  Accidents happen, people get ill and we are a text message away from disaster. Then, there is the whirlwind of political drama out there. If we choose JOY, it won’t be because of a lack of problems.

Let’s focus on the word choose. Being happy is often tied to our circumstances, whereas JOY chooses to view the world through the eyes of faith, on what is not seen yet. JOY does not depend on changeable circumstances; instead, on a trustworthy God who never changes. ~A light bulb moment~  We have a God who values and  delights in us, and who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Christian JOY then, is about placing our hope in the Sovereign God of the universe, and in His son, Jesus, who sends us another counselor, the Holy Spirit, who is poured out on us, and work in us. His presence brings assurance…before, behind, and within us.  This is good news!!

Jesus comforts us, his followers, by reminding us that God cares for all His creation, like a gardener.” I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener”.  We are the branches and can bear fruit as long as we remain attached to the vine and in Him.” John 15: 1 ~A light bulb moment~ the need to stay connected to the vine. My upwelling of JOY comes from outside ourself, as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our walk.   This means we can have this JOY and hope, not ignoring the pain, but in the midst of it all…drought, crop failures, hail, microbursts…as a farm family, I’ve experienced them all, so the following verse speaks to my heart, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen, and no cattle in the stalls, YET I will  REJOICE in the Lord.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3: 17-19. Yes!! Thank you, Lord!  You are our provider, our way maker, our miracle worker, our defender, light in the darkness. Look for the miracle. Just think of Elijah, expectantly waiting, sending forth his servant 6 times before, on the 7^th time, a small cloud appeared in the distance, and finally the approaching rain!

Stepping outdoors, in the fresh air and sunshine, it seems God has spared no extravagance to awaken our senses!!  He fills up our senses with his flair for color and design. Just take in all the sights, sounds, tastes, textures, and fragrances around that can make you feel energetic and fully alive!!

There’s no limit to what creation tells us about God.  After all, He could have just given us a basic black and white world with food, air, water and a source of energy.  But instead, He encourages me to fill up a gratitude list from A-Z!!!  “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us REJOICE and be glad in it.” Psalm 118: 24

Another source of Joy, that brings us hope, is an invitation from the Lord. He invites us out of the fullness of His love for us, to bring to Him in prayer, whatever is troubling us. My friends and the team and guests at our family farm know me as a cheerful, positive person. However, along with the grey clouds in the dark season of winter, I can struggle at times with anxiety and depression. It can pop up out of nowhere. When I am dealing with these feelings, I need to stop and pray for mercy, and to ask the Holy Spirit to meet me in the midst of this pain. His constant presence sends the glimmer of HOPE I so need to carry on. Yes!!

So, whatever is troubling us… whether it is upcoming surgery, medical tests, loss of a loved one, addiction, fatigue, panic attacks, academic concerns, family situations, whatever it is, the Lord invites us to place it at His feet. We can panic with change.  Most of us don’t like change. Yet, when we place our faith in Christ, we have a Helper, a Comforter, and who can bring us JOY in this gift of assurance:  His abiding, constant presence. He has promised never to leave us alone.    “Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

 JOY is knowing that even when we mess up and feel undeserving, the Lord is at our right hand, because He cares deeply for us. We are His masterpiece, even though we are works in progress…He is creative, and can take our goofs, and transform them into something beautiful. Faith is not believing God will, it’s knowing He can.  Our mess becomes His message, and this message, our testimony. And He gets all the praise and the glory, “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” Psalm 36: 5

Vibrant praise and worship in our church family, each Sunday morning, must bring such JOY: delight and pleasure, to the Lord!!! As we gather, in person or virtually, Father God hears the melody of our heart’s deep gratitude. We grow closer to Him as we pray for others, listen to His word, and fellowship together.  We take precious time to appreciate all the blessings that flow from the one who provides the Fruit of the Spirit, JOY.

 “The JOY of the Lord is your Strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Susan Hurd