Expecting #23 -- prayerfully walking not emotional walking....

Psalms 149.4  - The Lord delights in his people -- you -- he crowns the humble with victory. 

Ecclesiastes 7.9 - Control your temper; for anger labels you a fool.  

Galatians 5 The Message (MSG)

The Life of Freedom.5 Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.^4-6 I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.^7-10 You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn’t come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don’t toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread. Deep down, the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect. But the one who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will bear the divine judgment.
^13-15 It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?^16-18 My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?^19-21 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.^22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

True freedom -- being able to walk in freedom and know that you know God has you in HIS hands --------------and no matter what -- HE will make things right.  

Prayerfully walking - rather than emotional walking in that freedom.  

Seeking help -- Seeking counsel.  

Coming under spiritual authority.

These are ALL phrases and thoughts spinning in my head right now.  On Monday the Holy Spirit awoke me and gave me a list of topics for this blog/prayer.  Tonight - the one needed -- is walking it out -- prayerfully.  

I can only speak of my own situation -- but when the Lord allowed a major heartache to be revealed, I sat back and got angry and mad.  And I had a few ugly months where I destroyed physical things and if you were close - you got an earful.  I spewed to some that I NEVER should of opened up to.   But I was VERY careful not to spew it out on Face Book or to ALL...I choose a few close friends.   Somehow I just knew...if my marriage would be restored - there would be much I would have to correct ...and if we did not make it through...no matter what -- that man was the father to my children.  I was NOT going to stand before God and have God look at me and say, "michelle, why did you NOT do what I asked?".  

That was the motivation for showing grace and mercy -- cause THAT is what God clearly had said to me.  

 God actually brought me a few new friends -- that knew NOTHING about me....and that was refreshing, as they always spoke life to me and about me...and about the person that was hurting me.  

I sought godly counsel -- and I listened and DID what they suggested - prayerfully.  When I did not want to -- I called them to pray. 

I also sought professional help - and I listened to WHAT she stated to do -- we both did.  It was hard....it was NOT easy ...it took over a year of counsel.  

Insanity is doing the SAME stuff over and over -- in a marriage that has been broken...in a marriage that has suffered a loss and in a marriage where vows were broken.... you can't put a band-aid on it.  You can't say 'I am sorry, and you are forgiven' and expect it to remain perfect.  There is a sweet spirit there -- and the Lord will cover you -- but HE asks us to change.....  

One piece of advice or thought process our Therapist stated and we quote often -- "an affair is a symptom"  of other problems.  Drinking and taking some drugs or pills to 'numb' the pain is a symptom of other problems and add that to a marriage....ouch.  

When we prayerfully walk out our healing with counsel - godly and professional - and we take the time to MAKE the necessary changes of our own behavior -- I believe we can see  and I  have seen restoration.  

When we allow our emotions to do the healing and the counseling...I have seen changes...but changes that did not last.  Changes that hurt. 

Humbly seek counsel....be willing to come under authority of a Pastor /Counselor and follow their suggestions.  And if it is not working...go back to that Counselor and seek God and that person....many times... it takes some major surgery to fix a problem.....  there is a cost....  we think nothing of the cost to run to an emergency room to get help....why not RUN to a therapist that CAN be a new set of eyes.... and allow them to help - change the habits.  

The bottom line is -- I don't think some people WANT change. 

I don't believe that some WANT to do the HARD. 

People want QUICK fixes...  God can do that- but many times ...it takes time.  

HIS timing is perfect.  

As I said, the Holy Spirit gave me 7 topics...to blog on over the next week.  Many of the women that have returned from the Encounter Weekend are in recovery ....there was Holy Surgery done -- and the Holy Spirit warned them...to only allow a few visitors for the first few hours...to guard their hearts and head - as Satan ( and he is real ) and his helpers would be seeking to KILL, STEAL, and DESTROY...and I have seen it happen....not only within those women that went to the Encounter...but others too...

.....but others who have been told to ...seek counsel....won't follow it....

....others who have been prayed over -- and given advice to take it slow...and yet..they decided to manipulate the situation...they decided all was well...and it was not....

God is the God of second chances...and God will heal a humbled heart...  HE crowns the humble.... but His word also says -- HE labels one that can't control their anger -- as a fool.  

God is just. 

God is love.....and God is good....but HE is just.  

Exodus 14.14 - says that HE will fight for you -- God will....we must let God fight our battles...

Love covers a multitude of sins... and we must always forgive.  

But we must also do the HARD.  

If the Lord, has released your from a relationship because of adultery...then let it be......

But if God has NOT released you -- DO what God says... You will stand before Him one day - and YOu will have to account for your actions...what will you say?  

Lord....use these words this eve...I pray YOU will be glorified.  

In Jesus name...amen.  

- Humbled...

Grateful...and expecting that tomorrow -- one will do the HARD and  not allow the emotional walking...but will be prayerful and seek help - real help and do the HARD.   Or one will probably allow the enemy to tell her more lies -- and she will blame the accused or even me....but I know that I know - these words spoke truth.  God knows the desire of my heart - to speak life and encourage...

The hardest part is when 'the one' does not see that - and the spewing falls back upon me -- that is when I proclaim over and over -- Exodus 14.14 -- God is fighting for me - I need only be still -- and quiet too..  

Amen.  

Expecting #19 -- Meekness ( a word from the Holy Spirit )

Christian Character is formed NOT by outward compulsion but by inward COMPASSION.

I want to be meek.  

Webster's Dictionary says being meek is being humbly patient or compliant, spiritless and tame

Most contemporary translations in the bible changed meek into gentleness and humility.

The King James version of Galatians 5.22-23 uses the work meekness....as a fruit of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version (KJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The New Living Translation says...

Galatians 5:22-23

New Living Translation (NLT)

²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

The New Living Translation uses the word gentleness -- 

I found this in a commentary by Matthew Henry:

                 that  the original work MEEK as it was intended in the GREEK ....is not merely a natural virtue but a Christian 'grace'.

It clearly states in Matthew --

Matthew 5:5

New International Version (NIV)⁵ 

Blessed are the meek,    for they will inherit the earth.

There are two essential components for this quality to come into play in the Bible: a conflict, in which an individual is unable to control or influence circumstances and then we'd get frustrated and maybe bitter and angry, but the one who is guided by God's spirit accepts God's ability to direct events.  And then two -- an action.   Meekness is therefore an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances ...that are only part of a bigger picture.  

In the Greek, this word when applied to animals makes  clear,  it means 'tame' when applied to wild animals  - such animals have NOT lost their strength but have learned to control the destructive instincts that prevent them from living in harmony with others.   

So, like a wild horse that has to be broken...as we allow the fruit of meekness, then we are broken before Him and then 'tamed' for service for Him.  We have GREAT power.

The Spirit of the meek Christian is not broken but broken in and harnessed for service.  

Meekness is calm confidence. 

Meekness is settled assurance. 

Meekness is a rest of the soul in a place of peace. 

Meekness spring from a heart of humility.  

With meekness we can rest in storms...See Matthew 11. 28-30

Others wil be fearful - See Mark 4. 35-41 but those with Meekness will react with peace and trust...See  Isaiah 26. 3-4

And... when fretful or fearful people try to manipulate, see James 4. 1-3 - a person with meekness makes ALL life choices based on Psalm 119.105. 

HIS word is a LIGHT unto my feet.

I believe MEEKNESS is vital for a marriage...for a relationship with a co-worker, a character trait to be taught to our children and practiced.  

I did not realize HOW important it was to be meek.   And the other fruit of SELF- Control is RIGHT there will it.  God listed it last...sort of like a 'summary' in a sense.  

Without Self-Control ...the other Fruits of the Spirit can be unused or misused. 

Love can become saccharine sentimentality - 

Joy becomes heady euphoria - 

Peace become complacency - 

Patience become leniency - 

Kindness becomes blandness - 

Goodness becomes self-righteousness - 

Faithfulness becomes slavishness - and 

              Gentleness becomes weakness.  

Christian Character is formed not by outward compulsion but my inward compassion. Not by legal regulation but by spiritual reformation.  It is the Holy Spirit who lives within me...lives within you...If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will produce the fruits of the Spirit as surely as an apple trees bears fruit!  It will happen. 

Be Meek.  

There was an Encounter Weekend..many women were set free from STRONHOLDS and hurts that have kept them in such a state of bondage.....but now they are free.  

I will share more when the Holy Spirit releases me to... but today, I am sharing about being MEEK...as THAT is what the Holy Spirit showed me on Sunday when he awoke me at 3.48am...with only 3 hours to sleep that night  before, I received from Him a 'wurd' and it was received and it proved to be HIS doing...not mine.

We as women are to be meek -- but true meekness is strength.... a quiet strength....  

The focus for the prayer today - is to remain meek...in HIM.  

Lord, I pray for my sister in Christ and I add this evening ALL the sisters in Christ that went to the Encounter.  I pray for all the leaders who went and those who stayed behind and interceded with prayer, or keeping the church going. I thank you Lord...for the fact that all of them understand meekness and that they will strive their best to walk in that.  
Lord, I pray for each and every one of those women...as the enemy begins to attack as they walk back into their everyday lives...I bind the enemy away and claim all victories and promises given will remain with the eyes and hearts of the recipients.  
Lord, let NO one or NOTHING be a distraction for them this first day 'home'..and may YOUR light continue to SHINE down upon them..in Jesus name...

I am humbled - beyond words....

amen. - Michelle

Beginning Again

"There is no sin SO great that it cannot be forgiven.  There is NO wound too deep that it cannot be healed.  There is NO life so broken that it cannot be restored and made into something beautiful by the healing touch of  the Master's hand.  In Christ, there is always a sure hope of fresh, new beginnings, with the past totally forgiven as thought it had never happened."   

I believe that.  

I know God heals. 

I know God restores.  

I have seen something so totally dead be brought back to life.  

But first there has to be godly sorrow that leads to godly repentance ....that means quite a bit.    Forgiveness.  

There was a time in my life where there was great pain.  Revelation. Sorrow. and then the HARD work to believe in something that did not seem possible.  

Many times I would think of the story of the Prodigal Son and ask God...'could he please return the prodigal to me'... it was not until I realized and knew that the Prodigal had to RETURN to God first.  It was not about me - it was about a person and his relationship with God.  For me...when I realized that, and sought GOD to be my husband, best friend, and my first LOVE....then God was able to move MORE within our home, our lives, and our hearts.   God has to be first.  It was only when my husband fell back in love with God and asked God for help....to believe that he could be restored....did 'stuff' seem to get better and there was visible HOPE.  

I write this evening to encourage another -- don't give up.  

Beth Moore wrote a blog today about beginning again.  

God is the god of 2nd chances... and God does miracles.  

God CAN fix whatever.  

If you are in a difficult marriage, or some major hurt or pain has been revealed and it has to do with your husband -- give it to God.  Ask God to intervene.  Ask God to open his eyes.  Seek God as your husband, pal, and provider.  Seek a place of worship to be filled and prayed for.  Seek some counsel.  Seek.  

God can fix...but many times we must MOVE first in faith.  

Is God asking you to begin again or is God asking you to NOT give up?  

Only YOU and God can answer that.  

This week, I have had a LOT of thoughts about beginning again.  And there have been some new starts -- and  with each day, when I asked God, "please check me Lord, is  this right?"....   EAch Day -- HE replied....and peace remained.  

 I am not quite sure - for whom this post is intended, the hour is late.  But, I must remind you - as your read about the Prodigal Son below...please note, that I was a Prodigal daughter as well...spiritually.  I had walked away -- and thank YOU Lord, that you allowed me to begin again.  

Amen.  

The Story of the Lost Son (or daughter.)  

^11-12 Then he said, “There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, ‘Father, I want right now what’s coming to me.’

^12-16 “So the father divided the property between them. It wasn’t long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.
^17-20 “That brought him to his senses. He said, ‘All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I’m going back to my father. I’ll say to him, Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.’ He got right up and went home to his father.
^20-21 “When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’
^22-24 “But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.
^25-27 “All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day’s work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, ‘Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.’
^28-30 “The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn’t listen. The son said, ‘Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!’
^31-32 “His father said, ‘Son, you don’t understand. You’re with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive! He was lost, and he’s found!’”

Dear Mrs. Alone - repost!

Some time ago, in the middle of one of the MANY books I have read on marriage, love, hurt, God, restoration, healing...etc...  etc....  etc........I came across a book by Debi Pearl.

    Submission.  

What does it really mean and look like?

My opinion:

 Submission does not mean that you have to take verbal abuse OVER and OVER again.  

Submission does not mean that you can be hit and mocked and then left alone. 

Submission does not mean that you must do everything your husband says especially if it means lying, deceiving or harming another.  

THAT ....is not submission - that is being a bully.

 And if your husband is being a bully and hurting both you and your children by his actions, or putting you in physical harm because of habits and other stuff...you have EVERY right to seek counsel and say - enough.  

And you do not have to submit to that.  

Some factual information I found:

Submission is:
 (  http://carm.org/apologetics/womens-issues/what-does-it-mean-wife-submit-her-husband)

 One of the most difficult concepts in God’s Word is biblical submission.  The word submission is not limited to wives alone.  For example, Christians are to submit themselves to each other (Ephesians 5:21), to government (Romans 13:1), and unto God (James 4:7).  This is a frequent concept in the Bible.  Self-sacrifice is required in each circumstance.  Submission is never glossed over to be seen as easy or always convenient.  Instead, it is viewed as service unto God.

The Greek word for submission is hupotasso, “to subordinate…put under…”   God exhorts women to voluntarily follow their husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22, 1 Peter 3:1).  A woman is actively doing this-- choosing to put herself under leadership, choosing to be subordinate in a circumstance or relationship.  This is not forced upon her by the recipient.

A wife shows submission unto her husband when she allows him to take leadership in the relationship.  His position as leader is biblical (1 Corinthians 11:3).  Abraham’s wife, Sarah, is an example of a woman following her husband’s lead (1 Peter 3:6).  Sarah has never been confused with being a woman who was a frail doormat.  Peter notes that she was not afraid in life.  Submission should not be confused with a person being weak.

  My heart breaks for some. 

Now back to my opinion:

As I said, My heart breaks for some.  There are some that can not submit to a godly husband and they  must be the spiritual head in their home.  And yet, there are still others  ----

----Others that are hurting and trying to be their husband's holy spirit or their husband's mother.
Some ladies are trying their best to sabotage their marriage...they are speaking death into it --
How do I know this?

I see it and hear it - often.    How?      --Cause I used to be THAT person --

In my own way, I had allowed idols to come into our home and marriage.  I was not paying attention.
I became the  self-appointed holy spirit for my husband.
I  became the a self- appointed guardian of his thoughts....and I had other self- appointed qualities.

Now I do not have those qualities.

God changed me.
Therapy changed my attitude.   Therapy changed my habits.
And now - I must practice a some  godly communication practices to make sure - I submit to my Lord....

And...I allow my husband to be the spiritual head of my home.   And I submit -- but I am NOT weak.  

The letter posted below is a part of the book by Debi Pearl.  

   THIS letter....it was a letter that REALLY shook me up as I read this book by Debi Pearl.  ( 3 years ago. )  It put many things into perspective.   It was a letter that brought me to my knees for the 100th time  and it had me seek forgiveness from my own husband.  It was a letter that I read often to remind myself -- we are just as responsible for the marriage and its problems, there is never just one person at fault. 

If there are children involved....any age....we owe them...we need to try the HARD before we give up. God can heal and restore, HIS blood is enough but I am well aware that perhaps it is just too hard or too painful.  SEEK HIM in those decisions.

But anyway.........

I see and hear  woman around me.  I hear them  speak to their husbands on the phone, around their friends, and in front of their  children.  Sometimes I hear them talking in line at the grocery store.     children speak of parents of their friends.       It happens when I overhear ladies in Publix.  It happens at the gym.  It happens amongst friends.   It happens at my work place and in the parking lot.    It happens on TV all the time.  It happens at the hairdressers and especially at the nail place......it just happens.  I hear stuff.  And I want to say - 'do you hear yourself?'  

I know I don't know their  pain, and I am so sure there are always two sides to every thing, but I just wonder how much better some of their  world would be, if they  read and listened to the pain in this letter. 

I posted it first on September 21, 2010.  I felt led to post it again. 

This letter is in the chapter about submission.

 This letter is not written from a woman that was abused.  I believe this letter is written by a Christian woman that was VERY similar to me at one point - that is why it HIT me so squarely between the eyes and I wept.

I have not met  anyone in  particular  in the past few days that prompted me to share this again.  I have not counseled one or another....the Holy Spirit led me to this post again because I knew it needed to be shared.  I pray right now...that the RIGHT one reading this blog post - gets it.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Dear Alone,

         Thank you for your letter.  Your letter is something woman should read so  I am placing it in my book for others to read.

                           Sincerely, Debi Pearl

Here it the letter:

Dear Mrs. Pearl, I would like to tell my story . . that others may be warned .. I'm  alone but never thought I would be … I made many mistakes in my marriage but I wish someone would of pulled me aside and given me some advice. I hear many young marrieds or woman complaining…but they need to seek God’s word,  they need to be open to the truth.

The things I did or failed to do were not everyday, constantly overt, or  in the face actions. They were subtle, ebbing and flowing, but there, nonetheless.

When my husband acted selfishly at home, allowed his tempter to flare, and sometimes said curse words, and then went to church and acted spiritual, I wish I had prayed postively for him instead of withdrawing a little emotinally from him and letting my cynicism and lack of confidence in him be so manifest. I wish I had openly showed love and acceptance of him for himself, not impatiently wait until he acted right.

When my husband failed the children, failed to have devotions, failed to be spiritual, failed to lead as he should, I wish I had completely trusted God and maintained unity, honor, reverence, and submission with a glad and trusting heart. I wish I had kept the children honoring him and praying for their dad instead of allowing my martyred attitude to manifest itself so openly.

When he made a statement about someone or something, I wish I had not always put his opinion down, letting him know he was wrong again.

When he acted like a jerk, I wish I had remainded quiet and prayed for him, loved him anyway instead of letting him know what I thought about him and his actions.

When he tried to make it  up to me,  for some failure, I wish I had not been so cool, waiting for him to suffer a little more and be more intense and sincere about his apology.

When he spent money I thought we did not have, I wish I had remained quiet and trusted God. I wish I had shown continued confidence in him, regardless of his decisions.

When he wanted me to do something, and I did not want to do it, I wish I had cheerfully complied instead of making him sorry he asked. Hardheadedness is not a trait to endear any woman to a man.

When he needed a woman to believe in him, admire him, approve of him, accept him, regardless of his failures, I wish now that I had been the one to give him those things.

When I thought keeping his faults before him— just small things he did and said— and keeping myself a little standoffish in my approval of him, was the only way he would change, I wish someone would of taken me aside and told me how badly mistaken I was to think that it was my place to apply and keep the pressure on.

When he were in the company of family and friends, I wish I had not taken on a martyred air when he left to go off and do something on his own.

When he did not know how to show love, and I felt a void emtionally, I wish I had borne all things and hoped all things, and loved him unconditionally, instead of giving up inside and turning to friends and family for my emotional support and needs. I never saw the need to endear myself to him. I took for granted that he would fulfill the husband’s moral obligation to love me. I wish I had gone to “God’s Beauty School” for the whole woman.

I wish someone would of told me . .

Sincerely, Alone

Lord I pray for whomever this was for.  IN Jesus name, Amen.  I just got back from Church this evening and my Pastor spoke about POSITIVE words... I do believe this letter is a reminder - reminding a woman that is still married ....that maybe, just maybe  some positive prayer is the answer.  And God I pray you will protect this...I don't want anyone to read into this and think that this letter is an 'excuse' for sin.  I mean -- some marriages are VERY hard and there needs to be real counsel and perhaps even time apart so that REAL therapy can take ahold and changed are made.  As so many times.....no one wants to STOP the insanity -- they just continue to do what they always did and don't get to the ROOT of the problem.  But I do believe this letter represents several marriages....that could be healed with some godly submission to GOD.... Amen.  - Michelle 

The MEEK will inherit the earth...am I meek?

Christian Character is formed NOT by outward compulsion but by inward COMPASSION.

I want to be meek.  Did some study on this and shared it with some sweet ladies -- have to share on this blog too so I can come back and read it again and again.

Webster's Dictionary says being meek is being humbly patient or compliant, spiritless and tame
Most contemporary translations in the bible changed meek into gentleness and humility.

The King James version of Galatians 5.22-23 uses the work meekness....as a fruit of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version (KJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The New Living Translation says...

Galatians 5:22-23

New Living Translation (NLT)

²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

The New Living Translation uses the work gentleness -- 

There are many and many more studies and articles about the Fruits of the Spirit. 

I found this in a commentary by Matthew Henry that  the original work MEEK as it was intended in the GREEK ....is not merely a natural virtue but a Christian 'grace'.

It clearly states in Matthew --

Matthew 5:5
New International Version (NIV)⁵ 

Blessed are the meek,    for they will inherit the earth.

There are two essential components for this quality to come into play in the Bible: a conflict, in which an individual is unable to control or influence circumstances and then we'd get frustrated and maybe bitter and angry, but the one who is guided by God's spirit accepts God's ability to direct events.  And then two -- an action.   Meekness is therefore an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances ...that are only part of a bigger picture.  

In the Greek, this word when applied to animals makes  clear,  it means 'tame' when applied to wild animals  - such animals have NOT lost their strength but have learned to control the destructive instincts that prevent them from living in harmony with others.   

So, like a wild horse that has to be broken...as we allow the fruit of meekness, then we are broken before Him and then 'tamed' for service for Him.  We have GREAT power.

The Spirit of the meek Christian is not broken but broken in and harnessed for service.  

Meekness is calm confidence. 

Meekness is settled assurance. 

Meekness is a rest of the soul in a place of peace. 

Meekness spring from a heart of humility.  

With meekness we can rest in storms...See Matthew 11. 28-30

Others wil be fearful - See Mark 4. 35-41 but those with Meekness will react with peace and trust...See  Isaiah 26. 3-4

And... when fretful or fearful people try to manipulate, see James 4. 1-3 - a person with meekness makes ALL life choices based on Psalm 119.105. 

HIS word is a LIGHT unto my feet.

I can write and list at least 10 more illustrations where fretful people.....but meek people.....

I believe MEEKNESS is vital for a marriage...for a relationship with a co-worker, a character trait to be taught to our children and practiced.  

I did not realize HOW important it was to be meek.   And the other fruit of SELF- Control is RIGHT there will it.  God listed it last...sort of like a 'summary' in a sense.  

Without Self-Control ...the other Fruits of the Spirit can be unused or misused. 

Love can become saccharine sentimentality - 

Joy becomes heady euphoria - 

Peace become complacency - 

Patience become leniency - 

Kindness becomes blandness - 

Goodness becomes self-righteousness - 

Faithfulness becomes slavishness - and 

              Gentleness becomes weakness.  

Christian Character is formed not by outward compulsion but my inward compassion. Not by legal regulation but by spiritual reformation.  It is the Holy Spirit who lives within me...lives within you...If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will produce the fruits of the Spirit as surely as an apple trees bears fruit!  It will happen. 

Be Meek.  

Lord,  as I come to you I pray -- show me if I am 1/4, 1/5, or even a 2%...into  my 'meekness' level.  Lord, I want to be 100% sold into You ...and displaying the meekness you so stated in YOUR word.   Lord, I thank you for this lesson and what it has taught me.  God as the ladies in our Cell group heard the lesson - may it be knowledge for them to help them LIVE according to YOUR will with such joy! 

Lord, I pray that I will be humble and meek..towards my husband, my children, and then my church and school families...Lord, I pray that anyone reading this will stop, reflect and ask themselves - do I need a meekness check up?  Am I meek? 

 Lord, I am not timid or mousy, I believe I am 'tamed' and under control.  Lord, meekness is FAR too often confused with weakness -- If I am strong enough to inherit the earth ( See Matthew 5.5 )...then, I am capable of displaying meekness to  my fellow warriors.  Lord, I pray I will be meek in all circumstances but mostly I pray that I will be a Spirit - filled Christian that is meek before GOD.  God I continue to ask you to bless this blog as I write...it is such therapy and healing and I pray it will be a good lesson to the one that reads it as well.  In Jesus name.  Lord, I pray  that as You TAME me...I yield.  Amen.

Meekness..Humble...I can tell you this - this safety course ( which I passed ) was the HARDEST thing
I ever did and it HUMBLED me!!!  BUT now I have this 'power'..I have a legal cycle
license...wow...'tamed' -- with power and ready to serve!