The Fruit of the Spirit—Part 1

From week to week, I pray and wonder what God would have me share for the back of the bulletin. Sometimes, I share about events at church. Other times, it is more of a devotional. This week, I decided to begin a devotional series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Over the next few weeks, you will see reflections on the various “fruits” here. If you use the internet, I invite you to join the discussion and add your thoughts. Go to http://pastordecker.blogspot.com, and click on “Comment” at the end of the blog entry. Hopefully, we will have some meaningful discussion(s).

This week, I’d like to think with you about the analogy (of the fruit of the spirit) itself. Since we live in farm country, the analogy is easy to understand. Over the past few months, we have seen roadside stands selling fruit and vegetables come and go. The bench by the church doors is once again clear of zucchini and other produce. Though it may seem like it, the produce didn’t just appear. Someone had to plant a garden and tend to it by fertilizing it, removing weeds, and watering it during our dry spells. The point is, it took work. It also took time.

In some ways, the fruit of the Spirit is the same. God provides the seeds when the Holy Spirit indwells a person. The fruit begins to grow immediately. While God “plant’s the garden” at salvation, we need to faithfully cultivate it. As we grow in our faith, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control also grow. We provide fertilizer and water through our prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with the saints. We weed by removing old, destructive habits. Ultimately, God provides the growth. As 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, “you are the field.” How is your “field” doing?

In His grip,

Pastor Decker

A Needed Tune-Up

Many of you know that I have a motor-bike. It’s an older trail bike that I like to ride down by Jaynes’ Pond for a short getaway every once in a while. With the events of the past month or so, I hadn’t ridden it in a while, and it showed when I tried to start it up again. For a while, I couldn’t even get it started. However, with a fair amount of effort, I did get it started on Tuesday evening. I suspect that the carburetor needs adjustment or a good cleaning. Nonetheless, it was good to get it running again and take Wes for a short ride. It was cold, but refreshing.

You may be wondering what this has to do with anything at all, but it does provide an analogy for the Christian life. From time to time, we all get busy, and some things get neglected. Take devotions for example. For many people, it takes a while to get into a habit of having regular devotions. But, sometimes, life gets busy and devotions get neglected. It isn’t that you wanted to neglect them, it just happened. Then, when you get convicted and want to pick back up, it’s a challenge to carve out the time. As with my motorbike that had sat for a while, it may take some effort to get started again.

Perhaps it is devotions for you. Maybe it’s taking the time to pray. It could be any number of things, but you know what it is for you. Like the carburetor that needs a tune-up, our lives frequently need a tune up. Priorities get off-kilter, and it takes some work to get back on the right track. And, when we get back on track, it feels good and refreshing.

What ever it is for you, I encourage you to make the effort to get something restarted, or perhaps, started for the first time. It might not be easy or instantaneous, but it will be rewarding. Give it a try, and keep plugging away.

In His grip,

Pastor Decker

Ancient Words

This morning, we will be singing a song that is still fairly new to DCC. We’ve sung it before, but it’s been a while for many of us. Sometimes, people resist newer songs because they are unfamiliar, or they are not a typical hymn. I acknowledge that there are some new “praise and worship” songs that are not all that good. However, I believe that the song, Ancient Words, written by Lynn DeShazo, is a great one. Please take a few minutes to read and reflect upon the words:
Ancient Words
By Lynn DeShazo

Holy words long preserved,
For our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart,
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
Words of life, words of hope,
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam,
Ancient words will guide us home.
[Chorus:]
Ancient words ever true,
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts,
Oh let the ancient words impart.
[Verse 2]
Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
© 2001 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. CCLI License #1061918

This great song reminds us of the power of God’s Word and that it truly does apply to our lives. His Word is ever “changing me and changing you.” It provides hope and strength. I hope that this song encourages your heart today.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Seemingly Uncharted Waters

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, it was finally time for Israel to take possession of the promised land. Moses longed to enter, but was prohibited because of his disobedience. Instead, Joshua would lead the people into the land. Joshua, the new leader, had to wonder how all of this would come about. I wonder if he thought back to when he, Caleb, and the other spies went into the land to scope it out. Perhaps he even wondered whether the people would listen this time.

Nonetheless, it was now Joshua’s duty to lead the people into this new territory. Once again, spies were sent into the land, but, this time, the decision to take possession of the land was settled. And, so, they crossed the Jordan, taking possession of the land as they went. They still had lessons to learn about obedience and seeking God’s guidance, but they pressed onward and forward.

Every so often, we have to step out into seemingly uncharted “waters”, where our circumstances seem unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Sometimes we long for the way things used to be. Sometimes we remember the way things really used to be and keep reaching for something better. But, one way or another, life is full of change, and we must adapt whether we like it or not.

When change happens around you, how do you respond? Are you ready to step out in faith, recognizing that God is still on the throne? While the situation may be new to you, God has seen it coming, and knows your struggle. Seek His counsel. Wait patiently for His guidance, taking time to listen to Him and wise counsel from people who will be open and honest with you. Then, step out in faith. As Doug Schmidt of Woodside Bible Church (Troy, MI) put it, God says, “You’ve not been here before, but I (God) have. Follow Me.” He will not lead you astray, but we must be willing to follow. Are you willing?

In His grip,

Pastor Decker