There are many gifts that are available to believers in Jesus Christ. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4). Every Christian is given at least one gift, but some receive more than one. It’s possible that we’ll be temporarily given a gift of the Spirit in a time of need, but then we don’t see it manifest in our life again. Many times, we aren’t aware of what gift or gifts we’ve been given, but if we live our life to please God, then we can be assured that we’re using our gift in spite of being unaware of what it is.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

We bless others when we use the gifts of the Spirit. Don’t confuse the “gifts” with “fruit.”

Paul was a man who had given his life fully to Jesus Christ. He had been a servant of Satan, disguised as a Pharisee, before he met Jesus and his life changed dramatically. After his encounter with Jesus, Paul was fully dedicated to the service of our Lord. He understood about the gifts of the Spirit because he was given many gifts by God. He also knew that anyone who has truly been born again should have a changed nature… one that reflects Jesus. Paul’s nature had changed when he surrendered to Jesus, and he wrote about this change in his letter to the Christians in Galatia.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Notice that when talking about the Spiritual gifts, he uses the plural. There are many gifts of the Spirit, and not everyone has the same gift, but when listing the fruit of the Spirit, it’s singular. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us. That’s when our human nature should be changed to reflect God. Instead of many fruits, like there are many gifts, it’s just one new attitude that should rule our life. It’s not that some Christians should bear the fruit of love while others bear the fruit of joy or peace, but all the fruit should be manifest in a born-again Christian’s life.

What is “born-again,” you might ask? For the answer to that, we turn to Jesus’ own words. One evening, a Pharisee came to Jesus with some questions. As always, when someone truly seeks answers, Jesus makes things clear. Nicodemus had knowledge of the Jewish laws, but he wanted to know more about what Jesus taught. He had been aware of Jesus, what He taught, and the healings He had done. Nicodemus knew that Jesus came from God, but didn’t understand that Jesus was God. Jesus gave an answer that confused Nicodemus.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). 

If we stop there, we too can be confused. This second birth isn’t a physical rebirth but a spiritual one. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6).

We are all born into this physical world, and there are things we just have to accept, such as how tall we are. We learn to cope with physical challenges. It’s the spiritual side of us that’s affected when we’re born again… born of the Spirit.

When my husband gave his life to Christ, the change was dramatic. He was a great guy but reacted to things in a worldly manner. The day he yielded his life to Christ, I saw two immediate changes. The first day of his newfound faith, his language changed. Certain words disappeared from his vocabulary. That same day, the anger that had ruled many of his reactions in life changed to a peaceful way of dealing with challenges. The slower change was an insatiable need to know God’s word. He wanted to know if what the preacher taught was correct. Ron wanted to know what God said, not what a man thought. That meant this man who didn’t like to read began to study his Bible. He studied Hebrew and Greek, followed prophecy, and applied the example of Jesus to his life. Ron was born again, and it showed.

Everyone is different, but when you accept Jesus into your life, there should be a change in your actions.

We are all human and have a fallen nature. Every evil, pain, sorrow, and failure is caused by Satan. He lied to Eve and confused her. Ever since Adam chose to follow her in sin, the entire world has suffered under the curse of the Fall. Instead of desiring to be more like Jesus, our human nature fills us with pride and arrogance, then we give in to the lust of this life. Paul warned the Christians in Galatia about the things that aren’t of God.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:17).

Have you ever felt as if the joy of the Lord has escaped you? Maybe you need to take a look at your way of life and the choices you make. If you live opposed to Christ, how can you ever find joy? You can’t. You’ll always be pulled between what you know is the right way to live and the lust of sin. This makes you a very unhappy person. If you don’t follow Christ, you follow the lies of Satan. Instead of the love of the Lord being nurtured in you and the fruit of the Spirit showing in your life, the rotten fruit hurled at you by Satan and his minions poisons your attitude and steals your joy.

What are the ways of the world? Simply put, it’s anything that isn’t encouraged by Scripture. If Jesus is our example, we won’t follow the way of the world. Paul gave a list of some of the works of the flesh.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

Paul also spoke on this same topic to the Ephesian Christians. “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephesians 5:3-5).

King James is sometimes hard to understand, but it’s very easy to find the definitions of words in today’s terms. Modern translations help, or a dictionary will give definitions. It’s a good idea to look up the words in a concordance and find the word in the original language and its original meaning. When you follow the ways of the world, the war within you will manifest in anger and pride. Sin separates us from God. Big sins and little sins are all the same… they’re all sin.

We all sin and fall short of God’s expectations, but if we claim to have placed our faith in Christ, our desire should be to move away from sin. Jesus gave His life so that we can be forgiven of all sin. If you’ve accepted His sacrifice, then you owe Him your life. You have become a new creation, and the old ways you followed should hold no joy for you. If you’re still embracing sin, then there’s no way you can have joy. You cannot serve two masters.

Next time you’re tempted to join in a lust of the flesh, try thanking God for what He’s done for you. If that doesn’t turn you away from sinning to nurturing the fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit, then perhaps you should take a strong look at your life. Ask yourself if you have truly repented (changed your mind about sin) and asked Jesus to forgive you. Then concentrate on the things of the Spirit and turn away from the works of the flesh.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Remember, Jesus gave His life so you could live with Him eternally. If you prefer wallowing in the works of the flesh today, do you think you’ll be happy living with the fruit of the Spirit eternally? You should get familiar with the fruit now and nurture it in your life.

It isn’t too late to allow the Holy Spirit to rule your heart, mind, and soul. Humble yourself before the Lord and pray for forgiveness. Then, let the light of the Spirit brighten your way.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

We all have favorite verses and passages in Scripture that we’ve memorized. The words of Jesus need to be written on our hearts, and some that come to mind have to do with His love and care for us. When Jesus walked among the people, it was a time when the sight of shepherds herding their sheep was common. Because He knew the needs of sheep and the love of their shepherd, Jesus used them as an example of His love for us.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

When we choose to follow Him, we can trust Him to care for us and provide for our needs. The Lord being our shepherd isn’t a New Testament idea. Long before he was king, David was a shepherd. He understood the need to care and provide for his flock and likened the Lord’s love and care to a shepherd.

“[A Psalm of David]. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:1-6).

Many of us know this Psalm by heart. This beautiful poetry has given comfort in times of trouble and encouragement in times of need.

David knew from experience just how important the sheep are to the shepherd and how much care they need. He finds food and water for his precious flock, and he protects them from danger. Scripture discloses that when he was very young, David had killed a bear and a lion when they threatened his flock, and this prepared him to fearlessly face a giant. The sheep trust their shepherd, and they know his voice and follow only him. David likened the LORD to a shepherd and personalized the statement by saying “my” shepherd.

Here’s a question for you: Is the Lord your shepherd?

Green pastures and still waters give a picture of peace. As I read those words, I get a picture in my mind of a lovely lake with trees shading the green grass. Some sheep are grazing, while others are peacefully resting. They aren’t afraid of any danger because they trust their shepherd. If the sheep felt any fear, they wouldn’t be lying peacefully.

David knew he could trust the LORD to provide for his needs and protect him, and he fully trusted the LORD as his Shepherd. When David wrote these words, he couldn’t fully understand the peace and comfort of Jesus. David looked forward to the coming Messiah but was not indwelt by the Holy Spirit as Christians are today. When Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd, told His disciples that He was going to be put to death, He explained that this was necessary, but that He wouldn’t leave them, or us, without help.

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7).

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us in Heaven, but Christians have the peace of God living inside of us because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:12-14).

David recognized that the LORD does even more than provide peace and supply our needs. “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

Various Bible translations translate “restoreth my soul” as “He restores my Strength” (NLT), and “He refreshes my soul” (NIV). Perhaps David had led his sheep through a very hot, dry desert to reach this place of peace and safety.

How many times have you gone through a very rough time in life, such as disease or financial troubles, but when you were at the end of your strength, God led you to a peaceful place where you rested and regained your strength?

David’s words compare God’s care for us to the shepherd’s love for his sheep. Without God we cannot have any true restoration, renewal, or refreshing. We can trust Him to only lead us along paths that will keep us safe… the paths of righteousness. When you face a choice and must decide upon a path to follow, stop and pray. God won’t lead you into sin or into a situation that will cause disgrace upon His name or upon you. We can trust Him and His word to guide us.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (Psalm 23:5).

Our true enemy is Satan. He uses people, but people aren’t our enemies. Satan’s desire is to destroy us and separate us from our Lord.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11).

We who follow the Good Shepherd are under His protection. Whether we face a physical battle or a spiritual one, the Good Shepherd still provides for us. In the midst of battle, a soldier has little time to eat, but the Good Shepherd sets out a table for His own sheep. Spiritual food for a spiritual battle. The enemy isn’t fed, but the sheep are. The sheep are given the luxury of being anointed with oil and so much to drink that the cup overflows. Even in times of struggle, blessings abound for those who follow Jesus, but the enemy has no comfort or abundance.

David had confidence in the LORD and looked forward to the coming Messiah. He was comforted by the knowledge that he would “…dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (Psalm 23:6b).

The Good News for Christians today is that the Messiah has come. If you have placed your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then you will live with Him forever. There’s nothing that can take you from Him.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one” (John 10:27-30).

That’s as safe and secure as you can possibly get.

There’s a lot of turmoil in this life. Governments being overthrown, pestilence running rampant, wars, persecution, hatred, chaos… all of this is driven by Satan. Fear can grip our hearts and cloud our thinking. If you’ve accepted Christ for salvation, remember that He is the Good Shepherd and follow Him every step of your way. Let Him give you peace.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

You may have noticed that I skipped verse 4. Verses 1 through 3 tell of green pastures, still waters, and paths of righteousness. All peaceful settings that we long for. Verses 5 and 6 tell of the abundance and comfort that the Lord provides in spite of the enemy’s presence and the strife Satan causes. There’s also the promise of dwelling with Him forever.

In the middle of these verses of comfort and promise, we read, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

This almost seems out of place… very dark and foreboding compared to the green pastures, still waters, and a feast in the midst of enemy attack. A valley is a low point between mountains, and in this case, the valley has a shadow over it… the shadow of death. It isn’t death itself that covers that valley, but the shadow of death. We walk through such a valley every day. Death has always been a certainty in life, and the truth is, even as we lie down in those lovely green pastures, death is all around us. Our very next breath could be our last.

Today there’s a virus that has struck fear into the hearts of many. People who don’t know Jesus have no hope and can only know fear. Christians have the promise of eternal life with our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and we need not fear any evil. Even David, who lived many centuries before the Messiah gave His life for our salvation, felt confident as he walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

Notice that David walked through the valley of the shadow of death instead of racing through it in fear in order to get out of it. He trusted the rod and staff of the Good Shepherd to comfort and lead him. The Apostle Paul yearned to get through the valley and be with Jesus, but knew he needed to continue his ministry on earth.

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24).

Christians have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. He is the rod and staff that guides us and comforts us as we walk through this world that’s overshadowed by death.

Unbelievers have no hope. They are the walking dead and are all around us. They’ve chosen to reject the Good Shepherd, and His rod and staff will bring them no comfort. Unless they repent and accept Christ’s free gift of salvation, they face eternity in the Lake of Fire. Christians have the promise of eternal life in the presence of our Lord and Saviour; our Shepherd will go with us through that valley of the shadow of death. I find much comfort in that promise, but I also feel an urgent need to share God’s promises with the lost before it’s too late. The world is becoming darker every day as Satan takes control of more and more people. Brothers and sisters, stand firm upon God’s word, don’t falter as you walk the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, and follow His command to share the Gospel with the lost.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will bring salvation and break the bond of the valley of the shadow of death.

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21).

He is my Shepherd, and I shall not want… even when walking through this valley of the shadow of death.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.