But the fruit produced by the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindliness, generosity, trustfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Galatians 5:22
Galatians 5:22
Teach me to do your will, for you yourself are my God. Guide me by your good spirit, O Lord, on a way that is smooth. Psalm 143:10
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will keep it to the end, instruct me to keep your law, and I will observe it with all my heart. Guide me in the path of your commandments, for therein do I delight. Psalm 119:33-35
Your commandments are my delight, I love them exceedingly. I will lift up my hands to your commandments, and muse upon your statutes. Psalm 119:47-48
I remember your name in the night, O Lord and observe your law. My lot has been this, that I have kept your precepts. My portion are you, O Lord: I have promised to keep your words. Psalm 119:55-57
Blessed is the God and Father of Jesus Christ our Lord, the all-merciful Father, the God ever ready to console, who consoles us in all our troubles, so that we may be able to console those who are in any trouble with the consolation that we ourselves receive from him. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
But the fruit produced by the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindliness, generosity, trustfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in his good time, laying all your anxieties on him, for he makes you his care. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Though you have never seen him, yet you love him; though you do not even now see him, yet you believe in him, and exalt with a triumphant happiness too great for words, as you receive the reward of your faith in the salvation of your souls! 1 Peter 1:8-9
For it is by God’s loving kindness that you have been saved, through your faith. Ephesians 2:8
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. Psalm 17:5
I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. Psalm 18:28
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
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
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:5
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. Psalm 25:9
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:10
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid. Psalm 27:1
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lordin the land of the living! Psalm 27:13
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14
May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! Psalm 29:11
For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:22
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Psalm 34:7
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Psalm 36:5
Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! Psalm 36:10
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3
Psalms 56:3
So in peace I will lie down and sleep; for you, Lord, keep me safe. Psalm 4:8
When I pray to you, Lord, in the morning, hear my voice. I make ready for you in the morning, and look for a sign. Psalm 5:3
But let all who take refuge in you ring out their gladness forever. Protect those who love your name, so they may exult in you. For you give your blessing, Lord, to the godly, and the shield of your favor protects them. Psalm 5:11-12
So the Lord proves a haven to the oppressed, a haven in times of trouble. Well may they trust you who know your name, for those who seek you, you never abandon. Psalm 9:9-10
But I trust in your kindness: my heart will rejoice in your help. I will sing to the Lord who was good to me. Psalm 13:5-6
From heaven the Lord looks out on humans, to see if any are wise, and care for God. Psalm 14:2
My steps have held fast to the paths of your precepts and in your tracks have my feet never stumbled. Psalm 17:5
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, deliverer, my God, my rock, where I take refuge, my shield, my defender, my tower. Psalm 18:2
You are my lamp, Lord, my God who enlightens my darkness. Psalm 18:28
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is shield to all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
The shield of your help you gave me, your right hand supports me, you stoop down to make me great. Psalm 18:35
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and redeemer. Psalm 19:14
The Lord is my shepherd: I am never in need. He lays me down in green pastures. He gently leads me to waters of rest, he refreshes my life. He guides me along paths that are straight, true to his name. Psalm 23:1-3
Surely goodness and love will pursue me – all the days of my life. In the house of the Lord I will live through the length of the days. Psalm 23:6
Make me, O Lord, to know your ways: teach me your paths. In your faithfulness guide me and teach me, for you are my God and my savior. Psalm 25:4-5
The humble he guides in the right, he teaches the humble his way. Psalm 25:9
The Lord gives guidance to those who fear him, and with his covenant he makes them acquainted. Psalm 25:14
May integrity and innocence preserve me, for I wait for you, O Lord. Psalm 25:21
Examine me, Lord, and test me; test my heart and my mind. For your love is before my eyes, and your faithfulness governs my way. Psalm 26:2-3
O Lord, I love your house, the place where your glory lives. Psalm 26:8
One thing have I asked of the Lord, and that do I long for – To live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the grace of the Lord and inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4
Firm is the faith I cherish, that I, in the land of the living, will yet see the goodness of God. Let your heart be courageous and strong, and wait on the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
“Let your light so shine before the eyes of others so that, seeing your good actions, they will praise your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Fix your thoughts on the things that are above, not on those that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2
“For the Spirit which God gave us was not a spirit of cowardice, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“My steps have held fast to the paths of your precepts and in your tracks have my feet never stumbled.” Psalm 17:5
“The Lord is my shepherd: I am never in need. He lays me down in green pastures. He gently leads me to waters of rest, he refreshes my life. He guides me along paths that are straight, true to his name.” Psalm 23:1-3
“In conclusion, friends, whenever you find things that are true or honorable, righteous or pure, lovable or praiseworthy, or if virtue and honor have any meaning, let them fill your thoughts.” Philippians 4:8
It can become depressing if you don’t really enjoy your work situation. If you wake up every weekday morning and dread going to work, you can easily become frustrated with your life.
If you start to become unhappy with your life it may affect your faith. Many people spend so much of their entire life at work.
“But we do know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him – those who have received the call in accordance with his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Whether you have a full-time office job or work-at-home, stress is a real issue that every professional usually needs to deal with sooner or later.
As the work culture gets increasingly complex and employees are expected to work more for less; it’s now more important than ever to find your own method of coping with the work environment.
Relax, if you’ve been feeling stressed out lately from all the changes and increased workload, just follow a few simple tips to reduce work stress.
Listen to calming music if your workplace permits it. Soothing music may ease your tension and motivate you to complete your tasks. Relaxing music can be really beneficial.
Working at home can get very lonely at times due to lack of in-person communication with co-workers. It is always nice to call a friend to say hello after work.
Keep in mind that certain challenges in life can make us grow stronger in faith. Always remember there are people out there who are probably going through situations worse than yours.
You may have experienced difficult times in the past, but you learned how to cope and deal with those circumstances. It is not easy trying to cope with ongoing overwhelm and emotional stress.
But Jesus replied, “Rather, happy are those who listen to God’s message and keep it.” Luke 11:28
Remember to appreciate each day! Every morning that you open your eyes in bed you should be grateful for a brand new day full of new opportunities. Be thankful and think of your blessings.
Take a look out of your kitchen window or step outside and take a moment to appreciate all of the beautiful creations in nature that God has blessed you with in life.
I really enjoy the natural entertainment from the singing birds in the Spring, along with the adorable rabbits and funny squirrels!
“May God, who inspires our hope, grant you perfect happiness and peace in your faith, until you are filled with this hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
By revisiting everything you have good in your life, you can’t hold onto the negative feelings. Hopefully, you will feel reassured and confident. There may be countless things in your life that you are very thankful to God for right now.
“Let your hearts be courageous and strong, all you who wait on the Lord.” Psalm 31:24
“laying all your anxieties on him, for he makes you his care.” 1 Peter 5:7
Daily everyday stresses may include job stress and work overload. These little everyday stresses can add up and lead to emotional and physical distress.
Many nurses, teachers, doctors and social workers are prone to career burnout. If a person feels like they have some control and input over their life they may handle things in a more positive, productive manner.
Optimistic people usually cope better with stress. A perceived loss of control can cause an increase in tension.
Even homemakers and moms can have days when they may feel overwhelmed with too many family responsibilities and not enough time for themselves.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own anxieties. Every day has trouble enough of its own.” Matthew 6:34
“Do not be anxious about anything; but under all circumstances, by prayer and entreaty joined with thanksgiving, make your needs known to God. Then the peace of God, which is beyond all human understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and thoughts, through your union with Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Stop worrying! It will be difficult for you to establish a good relationship with God or live in the present if you do not learn how to stop worrying. You need to stop stressing yourself out so much and begin putting more faith in God. Hopefully, this may alleviate some of your anxiety and help you to grow in faith. Remember faith over fear!
You deserve to take a break when you need it, away from all of the daily pressures of life. A break can give you a fresh positive outlook on things and increase your productivity, which is essential for success. Don’t feel guilty; just take a needed break and do something that you enjoy.
“But which of you, by being anxious, can prolong your life a moment?” Luke 12:25
Although, I know I should not worry and trust that God is looking out for me. I should try to fear not and keep the faith. It is wonderful to read, study and talk about the Bible, but it is even better to be a living example as a great role model by doing good work pleasing to God and keeping all the commandments.
You should be ready to answer questions or direct others to helpful resources about your faith. You can use your God given skills to help others. Your actions could encourage, inspire and motivate people.
“Do your utmost to show yourself true to God, a worker with no reason to be ashamed, accurate in delivering the message of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Share your God given knowledge and skills. Maybe you could even teach Sunday school, if you are qualified. Remember to never brag or boast about helping others. Always show kindness, patience and gratitude. Don’t gossip, argue or criticize people. Use tools that God made available for all your jobs.
“Therefore, as God’s people, consecrated and dear to him, clothe yourselves with tenderness of heart, kindliness, humility, gentleness, forbearance; bearing with one another, and, when there is any ground for complaint, forgiving one another freely. As the Master freely forgave you, so you must forgive one another.” Colossians 3:12-13
I mentioned so many ways to help others, but now it is time to take good care of yourself! Homemakers and working moms devote their time to meal prep, groceries, cooking and cleaning. God wants us to take care of ourselves. Make time for yourself to rest up so you have enough energy to do your everyday responsibilities.
Try to routinely get restorative sleep, good nutrition, relaxation, fresh air, sunshine and exercise. Read books, do hobbies, study, write journals and use planners. You may want to rest on Sunday’s, if possible.
“Come to me, all you who toil and are burdened, and I will give you rest!” Matthew 11:28
Author of “Believe in Blessings” Mini Course:
Deborah is a licensed registered nurse. She has several college credits in psychology, sociology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology and additional health care administration courses.
Deb’s work experiences include years of hospital patient care as an RN in the medical-surgical area. She also worked as an RN at a large university teaching hospital college of medicine.
She developed and taught online medical-related courses for a junior college and continues to have a great passion for writing and her faith in God. The scripture quotations are from the Open English Bible.
DAY ONE
My mini course “Believe in Blessings” includes many helpful tips for busy homemakers interested in learning to live according to God’s teachings. The mini course mentions my own personal thoughts and insights that came to mind while reading through my Bible.
I have been faithfully trying to study the Bible every day for quite a long while. I read a passage of scripture and then think about how I can apply the knowledge to my everyday life as a mom and a homemaker. My goal is to continually gain knowledge about living a Christian lifestyle that is pleasing to God.
It might be best to start with developing a consistent every day routine to personally communicate to God with the method of your choice. I want to feel like I am developing an ongoing friendship with God.
For myself, I always look for the very best resource tools when it comes to learning something new. My own favorite faith tools include the written bible, devotionals, bible apps, bible videos, reading plans, bible studies and online worship services.
Routinely, I enjoy reading and studying written scripture to learn all about God when I have extra time in the evenings. Some people prefer the morning hours to read scripture and pray. It all depends on your own daily schedule, but it is important to be consistent with your faith studies and praying.
I know some busy moms set their alarm clocks one hour earlier before their whole family wakes up so they have some quiet time to reflect on what is important to them, such as reading and journaling. I think this type of daily routine can be a healthy inspiration. I use a written daily/weekly planner to write all my important to-do lists. I schedule my time to study my Bible every single day.
I will add some of my favorite Bible verses for you to reflect on today.
“Great are the things that the Lord has done, worthy of study by those who love them.” Psalm 111:2
“Forever, O Lord, is your word fixed firmly in the heavens.” Psalm 119:89
“Whatever was written in the scriptures in days gone by was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance, and through the encouragement drawn from the scriptures, we might hold fast to our hope.” Romans 15:4
“All scripture is God-breathed: helpful for teaching, for refuting error, for giving guidance, and for training others in righteousness; so that God’s people may be capable and equipped for good work of every kind.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“And therefore we, from the very day that we heard this, have never ceased praying for you, or asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of the will of God, which comes through all true spiritual wisdom and insight.” Colossians 1:9
“After dismissing the crowds, he went up the hill by himself to pray; and, when evening fell, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23
“The Lord is near to all who call him, to all who call upon him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
“Therefore, my dear friends, stand firm, unshaken, always diligent in the Lord’s work, for you know that, in union with him, your toil is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
“The earth, Lord, is full of your kindness; teach me your Statutes.” Psalm 119:64