LEARNING DAILY

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Mason Moore who usually leads the worship in music spoke this weekend about the fruit of goodness. “The fruit of goodness changes the believer; but remember the changes are being done by the Holy Spirit”. Audrey wrote on her note sheet, “Make room to invite the Holy Spirit in [into your heart]!” “We have access to the Holy Spirit everyday – invite Him to be your Guide, to help you make right decisions, to guide your eyes, your ears, your mouth, and where and why you go” (MM). Why? Because Romans 7:18 states, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.”

M. Moore used Micah 6:6-8, with emphasis on verse 8 as the central verses for his message. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” The context of this verse is essential in understanding what M. Moore would say. Israel at the time of Micah focused on external religious rituals and ceremonies to cover their sins. In this dialogue in verses 6-7, the questions being asked were about the sacrifices offered were enough to please God. They should have already known the answer to their questions; God did not need ceremonies and sacrifices. No, He wanted them to be just, merciful, and humble.

 “Do what is good [right]”. “Goodness is accepting the Bible as our authority.’ (Audrey’s notes). Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16). “When the Bible becomes our authority, we reject worldly culture (and the lies it speaks) as our authority; we begin to react and act differently” (MM). Israel’s problem with sin (and ours) was not more sacrifices, not more painful religious observances. They and we need a change of heart! We don’t become good by trying “to do” more. We become good by the Holy Spirit changing our heart as we walk a narrow way, doing all we can to follow and be obedient to Him.

“Love kindness (Love Mercy). “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). Did you catch the conviction that God’s goodness and mercy would be with him no matter what he faced? The rest of the psalm said when he walked through green pastures or walked through the valley of the shadow of death, God’s goodness was with him! Audrey wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger; be kind and compassionate with one another, forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you!” M. Moore said God loves you just as you are – you can’t do anything to get Him to love you more or less than He does.

“Walk humbly with your God”. “Humility is recognizing your dependency on God” (MM). Humility describes the Believer’s heart attitude toward God. It is getting to the point that one does not rely on their own thoughts, their own way or plans. Instead of being proud of what the believer can bring or do for God, it is recognizing that nothing we can do replaces a heart dedicated to showing love and justice. M. Mason said, “Spiritual maturity will never lead to pride; it always leads to humility and serving others and recognizing dependency on God and following His plan for us” (Audrey’s notes).

M. Mason finished with this, “One’s walk with God is to be growing in God (relationship), going with God (on a narrow way into His eternal kingdom), and drawing near to God each day.”  “We are not saved because we are good, we are good because we have been saved.” (from the note sheet from NorthRock).

That’s pretty good teaching from a young worship leader.