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Goodness as a fruit of walking by the Spirit is a quality which imitates God. When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, they can nurture this goodness of God into a rich expression of their own Christ-like personality. This goodness is similar to kindness, with an emphasis on moral values with a genuineness and excellence worthy of admiration, though not attention-seeking.
Gentleness as a fruit is distinctive from kindness and goodness in that the emphasis is on humility. Gentleness, or meekness, as it is translated in the King James Version, is not weakness or timidity. It means to be gentle, even-tempered, and suggests a lack of pride
The tribes of Israel were now well organized, ready to move forward after several months at Mount Horeb. There had been some hard lessons, but now they had specific written laws and the presence of God was continually with them. They left Mount Horeb, but three days into the journey, the complaining began again.
Written in 1225, the words of All Creatures of Our God and King still ring true with believers around the world who share Brother Francis' heart for animals and nature; and who believe that the heavens and earth truly do show and sound forth the glory and praise of God.
God can, at His discretion, cause manna to fall from the sky, but it is His Word that brings the wisdom needed to pass through the wilderness into the land flowing with milk and honey.
Some of Mackay's writings from the 1800s are still in print today, including Abundant Grace: Selected Address, and The Seeking Saviour and Other Bible Themes. He is remembered best for one of his hymns, Revive Us Again.
After escaping from Egypt, some of the Israelites said, "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness." In the intensity of the moment, Moses likely let this complaint go in one ear and out the other. This was only the first of many grievances Moses would endure.
A collection of uplifting quotes to celebrate the Christmas season.