Day 50 - Full Sail

Take some time to read John 14:15-31. Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. In this chapter (and the two that follow), John gives us truths concerning this amazing gift. He will be with us forever (14:16); the world at large cannot accept Him (14:17); He lives with us and in us (14:17); He teaches us (14:26); He reminds us of Jesus’ words (14:26, 15:26); He convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8); He brings glory to Christ (16:14). The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost (Acts 2) He came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s activities, but to those who hear Christ’s words and understand the Spirit’s power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life (Life Application Bible). And the promise of the Holy Spirit is for everyone who comes to Christ Jesus (Acts 2:38-39).

I’ve heard people say that if they had lived and walked with Jesus while He was on earth, they would make better decisions and be more firm in their faith because it would be first-hand and real. But Jesus’ disciples sometimes had difficulty with that, and they were His constant companions. Jesus knew this, and He promised them that the Holy Spirit would come and be with them to help them remember what He had taught them. The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. When we read God’s Word, we can pray that the Holy Spirit will plant seeds of understanding in our minds, help us to have the mind of Christ, and remind us when we stray from it. Jesus had so much confidence in the impact of the Holy Spirit. He assured His disciples that it would actually be better for Him to return to heaven and send the Spirit! There are many blessings that come with and from the spirit, but none is greater than His witness:

• He is the voice of God in us reassuring us of our place in God’s family.


• He is the guarantee of our eternal salvation and destiny.


• He is the wind of heaven that fills our sails with the power to live for God and be witnesses for Him in the world!

I pray that the past 50 days have reconnected you with the power of the Holy Spirit and that you are more aware than ever of the transformation He has brought about in your heart. I also pray that we all will open the sail of our heart and mind so that we can catch a full sail of the wind that is the Holy Spirit.

Day 49 - Self-Control

I think there’s a good reason why self-control is listed last of the virtues that make up the fruit of the Spirit. It’s because to my mind, it takes all the others in practice to give me what it takes to practice self-control. One theologian calls self-control the “king of all virtues.” Self-control is defined in two ways: 1) the act of denying yourself and controlling your impulses, and 2) the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior.

What are you tempted by that is sinful, expensive, or fattening? Are you able to resolutely control your temptation? How do you do that? Barclay, in his commentary on this passage, says, “Self-control is that great quality which comes to a man when Christ is in his heart, that quality which makes him able to live and to walk in the world and yet keep his heart and mind safe and under God’s control.”

Take a few minutes to read Matthew 4:1-11 concerning the temptations of Christ. This account is also found in Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4:1-13.

Remember: Satan is real and so are his temptations. He is in the business of trying to get us to live our lives his way or our own way, rather than God’s way. When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalize giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s purposes for your life or for someone else’s life (Life Application Bible). It’s important to note that temptation itself is not a sin. It’s when we give in to a temptation and disobey God that is sinful (James 1:13-15).

I’ve observed that we are tempted when and where we are most vulnerable. Maybe we’re tired, lonely, stressed, faced with uncertainty, or trying to make big decisions when Satan tempts us. Or perhaps it’s the opposite; it’s when we are feeling in control and our pride takes over. It is why we are instructed to guard our hearts all of the time.

I am encouraged when I remember that Christ was fully human and experienced temptation firsthand just as I have. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” There is no way to overcome temptation without the power of the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus faced temptation with the Holy Spirit filling Him with the Word of God and power.

Sailing enthusiasts will tell you that shortcuts set you up for failure. It is so important to pay attention to detail and simply to things right. Likewise it makes no sense to begin our spiritual journey with great fervor and reliance on the Holy Spirit, only to slough-off in our battle against sin. We cannot set our direction according to our own desires and impulses and still hope to make good progress in our spiritual journey.

Do you pay attention and guard your heart? Are you willing to let the Holy Spirit lead you and transform your life? Open your heart-sail so it can catch the wind.

Day 48 - Gentleness

Have you ever gotten angry at the wrong time? Have you ever gotten angry at the right time? What was the difference in how you felt? What was the difference in the outcome of the situation?

Finish this simile: As ___________ as a lamb.

Did you choose the word “gentle?” Most likely you did because that’s the comparison we usually make. It’s even on standardized tests.

Can you think of a synonym for gentleness? The word most closely related to it is the word “meekness.” Meekness is defined as strength under control. That seems to me to fit for a definition for gentleness, as well. If you’ve ever seen the movie National Velvet, you understand the concept of gentling a horse. It is unthinkable to use anger or excessive strength to gentle an animal or a person.

In Ephesians 4, Paul talks to the Christians about working toward unity in the body of Christ. We are called to be representatives for Christ. That means people are watching our lives. What do they see? Do they see Christ in us? Do they see Christ in you? Do they see Christ in me? No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we are to accept and love other in spite of their faults. When we see faults in our Christian brothers and sisters, we need to strive to be patient and gentle. That’s difficult whenever someone’s personality annoys you. Rather than dwell on their weakness or look for their faults, pray for that person. Then do even more—spend time with that person and see if you can learn to like them (Life Application Bible).

This struggle is not new to our times. Conflict and gentleness are linked in the Philippian church. Two sisters in Christ were struggling with each other and Paul actually appeals for their reconciliation in a very public way (Philippians 4:1-5). Then he seems to widen his scope and speak to the whole church. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (4:4-5). Roll that phrase around in your thoughts for a day or so… “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Just as “a gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1) so a gentle life strengthens relationships and blesses all your relationships.

Steering a sailboat takes a gentle touch. There are two methods of steering a sailboat: with a tiller and with a wheel (like a steering wheel). Both take some getting used to (according to the article on www.dummies.com), but each method requires a gentle hand. So what happens if you aren’t gentle when steering a sailboat? You guessed it—something as major as capsizing or even danger of injury to you and any passengers. But done correctly, gentle steering puts you right where you want to be—with a full sail. Choose at least one “challenging” relationship in your life, and let your gentleness be so evident that they couldn’t miss it. Make it the legacy you leave with them.

Day 47 - Faithfulness

The last three virtues listed as fruit of the Spirit are faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Though all the fruit of the Spirit affect others these are primarily concerned with our interior life, our core self.

Synonyms for faithfulness include trustworthiness and reliability. It means that which makes a person one on whom others can rely. I know quite a few trustworthy and reliable people, don’t you? They’re the ones you can count on. When they say they will do something or be somewhere, you don’t have to wonder whether they will or not.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible demonstrates faithfulness. It is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and it is found in Daniel 3. As background, remember that these three young men had been drafted, along with Daniel, to serve King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon after he invaded and conquered Jerusalem. In chapter 3, we see where King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image—90 feet tall—that he wanted all of the people to bow down and worship. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to offer worship to any idol; they only worshiped the true God. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace to die. Even though these young men knew what would happen to them, they remained faithful. I love their response to the King as recorded in Daniel 3:16-18:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

And God did take care of them. He sent an angel to keep them safe while in the furnace. When the king opened the furnace and saw that they were unharmed, he acknowledged God’s power and forbade anyone to talk against Him. Such faithfulness is inspiring, isn’t it? Staying faithful is expected from one who has been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sailors constantly keep their vessels in good condition and ready to raise the sails in anticipation of a good wind. They are faithful to their task and know that the reward will be a smooth running with their sail full of the mighty wind. Sometimes the greatest test of our faithfulness is simply waiting…waiting for the wind to blow. It is interesting that before the amazing day of Pentecost and the powerful out pouring of the Spirit like a mighty wind (Acts 2), Jesus told His disciples to wait (Acts 1:4-5).

Are you in a time of waiting?

What makes the wait difficult?

How does the presence of the Holy Spirit help you stay faithful during the wait?

Day 46 - Goodness

Goodness and kindness are related. However, if kindness is the comprehensive embrace of the gentle and gracious character of Christ Jesus, goodness is an expression of that character in beneficial actions towards others. This kind of goodness is noted for being directed toward someone that does not merit the action. Commentaries on this Galatians passage agree that the primary idea seems to be that goodness is generosity that springs from kindness.

Romans 12:9-21 is another passage of Scripture that gives Christians a set of virtues to which we can aspire. It also begins with love, and contains joy and peace, and some of the other facets of the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Let’s look specifically at verses 17-21:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay”’ says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head”’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Wow. At first reading, this is a pretty tall order. I don’t have many enemies (I don’t think…), but to think about treating an enemy with the same goodness with which I treat my friends is difficult. But it is what Christians who are led by the Holy Spirit do. It takes practice. It takes being intentional about it.

If you read articles and stories surrounding the America’s Cup race, there are many instances where goodness triumphed over evil. On March 12, 2010 the cheating allegations of the 1983 race were revisited over a quarter of a century past the trophy ceremony. People take the integrity of the race seriously! There are often people who are intent on winning at any cost. But there are just as many people to whom goodness is important-more important than compromising their integrity to win a race.

At the end of the book of Genesis, we read of the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. Remember Joseph? He was sold into slavery by his brothers out of jealousy. God blessed Joseph for his faithfulness and he prospered greatly. Eventually, Joseph and his family were reunited. Read Genesis 50:18-21. Notice verse 20. Joseph is speaking to his brothers and says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” Joseph’s character and actions toward his brothers vividly illustrates the meaning of Holy Spirit goodness “directed toward someone that does not merit the action.”

How is your active goodness?

Are you intentional about letting the Holy Spirit transform your life so that you seek out opportunities to show goodness?

Day 45 - Kindness

Online dictionaries define “kindness” as:

• The quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
• Forgivingness: tendency to be kind and forgiving.

The kindness used in Galatians 5:22 is the divine kindness out of which God acts toward humanity. It is what the Old Testament means when it says that “God is good.” Christians are to show kindness by behaving toward others as God has behaved toward them (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 10).

They (whoever they is) say that dogs and children can sense when humans are kind. They signal that by wagging, licking, smiling, and being trusting, in general. Conversely, if they sense unkindness/meanness, they will growl, hide or cry. They are pretty accurate barometers of kindness.

Last Fall, we spent a significant amount of time studying the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. It would be accurate to describe the Samaritan as kind, as well as compassionate. Those two virtues often go hand in hand.

Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

In one of the most tender and compelling passages in the New Testament (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus says, “Come to me, all you 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” I feel more rested just reading His words. But here is an important connection for understanding kindness. The English word “easy” in verse 30 translates the same Greek word translated “kindness” (Galatians 5:22 and Ephesians 4:32). Jesus models kindness for us. The word “easy” in this context does not mean frivolous or effortless. It means “a comprehensive demonstration of everything that is appropriate to grace, salvation, humanitarian concerns and the gentleness of Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 19:17 says, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.”

In each of these passages of Scripture (Ephesians 4:32 & Proverbs 19:17), kindness as a virtue (as well as a facet of the fruit of the Spirit) is an expectation of one who has been transformed by the Holy Spirit’s power. Although a boat is an inanimate object, sailors recognize that they must treat their boat—and certainly its sail—gently and kindly in order to get the most out of it.

God is good all of the time. He treats us with kindness, even when we don’t exhibit that same kindness to others.

Have you been lacking in kindness to others?

How can you change your life so that you reflect this facet of the fruit of the Spirit?

Day 44 - Patience

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary defines patience as the quality of putting up with others, even when one is severely tried. While, to me, that sounds like someone who can sit and drive in Atlanta’s traffic without yelling at the cars around them it really defines the character of God. Our Father is incredibly patient with us. He has been incredibly patient with man throughout all of time. He was patient with the Israelites, despite their repeated defections to worship idols. He shows loving patience in that He is slow to anger.

Isn’t that a great phrase—slow to anger? It’s easier for me to be slow to anger if I’m working with someone who is new at something—a baby just learning, someone new to our country, that kind of situation. But God is slow to anger with His children who have been His children for years and years. That kind of patience is incredible.

If there is any walk of life that has to develop patience and demonstrates it regularly, it would be the life of a farmer. Farmers must wait patiently for their crops to grow; nothing they can do will hurry the process. But the farmer doesn’t just plant the crops and then hope everything goes okay. There’s a lot of work to do to make sure the conditions are right for a good harvest. In the same way, we have to wait patiently for Christ’s return. But we don’t just hope everything goes okay; there is much work we can do to advance the Kingdom of God.

James 5 addresses patience, and specifically patience in suffering. James uses the analogy of a farmer. He encourages Christians to stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near. He also reminds them of Job, in the Old Testament, who was known for his patience. James wants those brothers and sisters in Christ to recognize the importance of patience.

Some days ago in this 50-Day Study, we talked about what a sailor does when there is no wind. He doesn’t just sit there hoping for a puff of breeze. There are things to do so that when the wind does blow again, he will be ready. He will position his sail to catch the wind, the studies the weather, he makes sure that his sails are mended and cared for; he makes sure that everything on the boat is sea-worthy. Then, when the wind comes, he opens his sail fully to catch that wind.

How’s your patience? Remember, patience is a facet of the fruit of the Spirit. If you have been transformed by the Spirit, you are growing the fruit of the Spirit.

What are a few situations in your life that require an extra measure of patience?

What are you doing in between episodes?

Do you find yourself primarily complaining about the irritant, or are you preparing yourself for a greater capacity for patience?

How will today’s study help you in the next episode where your patience will be tested?