Jewels that Adorn our Lives ~

 For a number of years now I have been collecting jewels,
well, jewels to me.
These jewels are brooches ~ pins that are quite unique in their own way. 
As I've collected these jewels my mind has been busy thinking of
a way to use them for God's glory. 
I've thought about using them in a Ladies Retreat
or a seniors program, with the youth or maybe during a Tea Party. 
It's all in God's timing but in the meantime
I will continue to gather up my jewels and wait upon the Lord. 
I thought a good devotion would be on the Fruits of the Spirit
using these beautiful brooches in representing the jewels
that adorn our life found in Galatians 5:22
on the Fruits of the Spirit. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is ~
 love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self- control
Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's
have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, 
envying one another. "
~ Galatians 5:22-26 ~

As the bride of Christ ~ He will know us by the jewelry we wear.
He will know us by what He has bestowed upon us. 
The " fruit" of the Holy Spirit refers to the godly attributes of those
who " walk in the Spirit."
The fruit of the Spirit should characterize the life of every believer. 
These godly virtues are evidence of salvation
and the genuine work of the Holy Spirit. 
Each of the fruit of the Spirit responds to the nature of Christ. 
He looks into our life, sees what He recognizes as coming
from Him and accepts it. 
I'm thinking the biggest jewel of all is that of worship.
The glorious jewel of worship in all its beauty as we
practice the presence of God, pursuing Him with all of our time and energy
with amazement of His love and grace. 
To have hearts aflame for God!
When God sees our worship, purified by the Spirit and the Blood, 
He responds and recognizes it as His. 

~ The Fruits of the Spirit ~

Love ~ the love of choice, respect, devotion and affection
that leads to willing, self-sacrificial service. 
Joy ~ it's a gift from God. Its the sense of wellbeing experienced by one 
who knows all is well between himself and the Lord. 
Joy can even occur in and through painful circumstances. 
Joy isn't just a happiness of heart. 
Peace ~ the inner calm that results from confidence in one's saving relationship
with Christ. A sense of having it all together, even in difficult circumstances. 
Longsuffering/Patience ~ the ability to endure injuries inflicted by others and the
willingness to accept painful situations.
Kindness ~ tender concern for others, willing to treat others gently.
Goodness ~ moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness.
Believers are commanded to show forth goodness.
Faithfulness ~ loyalty and trustworthiness.
Gentleness ~ a humble and gentle attitude. Submission to the will of God,
teachable and considerate of others. 
Self-Control ~ restraining passions and appetites.
When a Christian walks in the Spirit and manifests his fruit, 
he doesn't need the law to produce the attitudes and behavior that please God. 
Our Lord Jesus Christ knows who we are by our jewelry
which He has given us
He is our Lord and He desires our beauty.
As women, are we adorned with the jewels God has given us
to show the world Who we belong to?

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning
of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold,
or of putting on of apparel.
But let it be of the hidden man of the heart,
in that which is not corruptible,
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, 
which is in the sight of God of great price."
~ 1 Peter 3:3&4 ~

Always choose Joy!
Debbie
♡