Yesterday we talked about how so many of us have a problem with guilt! Many of us have a problem and we don’t even know it! For most of us, it would seem that guilt is not really a big deal! We have a little every now and then, but we are basically good people and guilt for the most part seems to be something that just comes and goes! The truth is: Many of us have guilt that we never ever really get totally free from! What happens a lot of times is, we feel guilty about something that we have done or have failed to do and in order to deal with the guilt we will try to get the next thing in our lives right! The problem with this is, while we do a good thing, the good thing does not cancel out and get rid of the bad thing’s guilt in our life. A lot of times – our good thing will get rid of the guilt feeling, but the guilt is still somewhere in us and on us and having an effect on our lives. Many of us are walking around with layers of guilt and the problem with all of this guilt is that it gets in the way of our being and doing all that God has called and equipped us to do!

The fact is: When Jesus came and died on the cross for our sins – He died not only so that we could one day go to Heaven. He died so that we could be free from sin and all of it’s effects! The Bible puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed away and all thing have become new!”  Let God really set you free!  Get rid of the guilt feeling and the guilt!  If God forgives you – who do you think you are to not forgive yourself?  Don’t let guilt hold you down or keep you back!  Guilt should point you to Jesus who loves you and wants to forgive and restore you.  Let Him do His thing!  Let Him set you free and then use your freedom for His glory!

Galatians 5:22-23 says “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self -control.  Against such there is no law!”

When we have a real and rowing relationship with God we should be producing this fruit of the spirit in ever increasing ways! 

Is your love for God and others growing, so that it becomes the major motivator of your life? 

Do you have joy, no matter what the situation and circumstances of life?  Are you experiencing a peace that cannot be explained with words? 

Are you able to withstand whatever life throws your way – knowing that as you trust God, you can suffer ever how long because it is all going to be all right? 

Do you show kindness to everyone, especially those that fail to show it to you? 

Are you good and encouraging others to be good with your goodness to them? 

Do you live a life of faithfulness by letting your yes be yes and your no be no?  

Are you living the gentle life by having a kind heart, sweet spirit and open hand? 

Do you practice self control showing that God in you is in charge not the situations around you?

We all have some work to do in the garden of our lives!  Make sure that you are working to produce fruit that brings glory to God and blessing to others!

Are you ready for life?  Life is a journey that will lead you to unexpected places!  Life is an adventure that will allow you to experience amazing challenges and opportunities that will lead to incredible change and growth!  Are you ready for what life is bringing your way?  What are you facing right now – today that seems bigger than you?  Whatever it is – God can and will use it to make you stronger, if you will let Him!  Does it seem that the circumstances of life are out to take you down?  Realize that in this moment circumstances can push you down or push you up – you get to make the choice!

Get connected to God and His Word and you will discover the source of wisdom that will help you to face whatever life might throw your way!  Whatever you are facing or dealing with – God has a strategy that can help you to take positive steps to victory and growth!  Whatever your challenge – look at it as an opportunity to get closer to God and His amazing will for your life!

Seek everyday to apply the wisdom of His Word to your living!