Spiritual
Annie’s Journal by Annie Warner Donnelly
August 26, 2024 – Hello Everyone. Last issue, I quoted from Max Lucado’s 2007 devotional called Grace for the Moment. In his introduction, he wrote: “Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so, I choose.” He went on to tell us how each morning he spends time choosing to live the practical application of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as he meets the challenges of the day ahead of him. In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul called these nine character choices “the fruit of the Spirit”. He finished writing verse 23 with these words: “Against such there is no law.”
It makes sense. Has there ever been – could there ever be a law against kindness or goodness or patience or love or joy? No! Instead, these nine character choices have the ability to change the world, moment by moment, relationship by relationship.
Max Lucado did more than just share how he applies the words found in Galatians 5:22-23. He reminds us how our lives can change when we put into practice one of God’s greatest gifts to us: the ability to make choices that not only can make things better for us; better choices, consistently based on the word of God, expand our character in wise and endearing ways.
Let’s look at an example. There’s a lot of bad things going on in our world these days. Much of it is out of our control. The news can penetrate our hearts and minds in such a way that fear becomes almost a regular companion.
But, in 2 Timothy 1:7, we read, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love, and a sound mind.”
In Isaiah 41:10, we read, “…do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
We are not alone during the challenges we face. The Bible reminds us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. We can choose to be grateful for His presence in our lives, or we can send Him away.
What we choose today impacts what tomorrow, and the days after that, will be like. Let’s choose carefully. Amen.
