Daily writing prompt

Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.

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When I try to use self-effort to cook up the fruit of the Spirit, I always fail. Only the Holy Spirit can produce it in my life.

Here’s how to spot genuine Christ-followers. According to the Bible they are doers of the word not hearers only. (James 1:22) Look for the fruit of the Spirit in the things they say and do. When the risen Jesus Christ is living inside of someone God the Holy Spirit produces:

* Love not bitterness,
* Joy not negativity,
* Peace not hostility,
* Patience not pushiness,
* Kindness not meanness,
* Goodness not self-righteousness,
* Faithfulness not falsehood,
* Gentleness not brashness,
* Self-control not self-justification.

Beware. There are many false prophets. (1 John 4:1) Jesus said to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing. (Matthew 7:15) They claim to be Christian but there’s very little of the fruit of the Spirit flowing out of them in the things they say and do. Listening to false prophets is like settling for burnt toast.

Jesus is the God-man (John 1:1&14) who rose from the dead, (Matthew 28:5-6) lives in His true followers, (Colossians 1:27) leads them from within, (Romans 8:14) and produces the fruit of the Spirit inside of them. (Galatians 5:22-23)

If you are looking for someone to admire, and celebrate, don’t settle for a mere human being. Behold the Lamb of God — the God-man Jesus Christ! Give all glory, honor, and praise to Him! (Revelation 5:11-13)

Instead of talking about religion and politics I find it much more exciting and life-transforming to talk about the risen Jesus and the government He is establishing in surrendered and obedient human hearts — the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33) He’s ready to establish and maintain His government in your heart, moment-by-moment, if you will let Him.

Let the glorious attraction of the living Jesus set you free from the many distractions that cause you to ignore Him. Allow Jesus to take His place as the never-ending focus of your life. (Hebrews 12:2) The Bible will show you how.

The Bible meddles with my mind, my methods, and my moods all the time. (Hebrews 4:12) Will you let it meddle with you? (2 Timothy 3:16) A preacher who neglects to mention repentance, humility, the fruit of the Spirit, loving your enemies, and blessing those who curse you is neglecting his responsibility.

Christ alone
Is the cornerstone —
No person,
No nation.
When love is gone
We’ve gone wrong.
Our only hope
Is Christ alone.