Bubbling Up

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braham Lake is a man-made reservoir in Alberta, Canada and one of the best times to visit is in winter.  Yes – in the cold and icy winter.  When plants and tree limbs on the bottom of the lake start decaying, a methane gas is released creating frozen methane bubbles.  The lake is usually frozen by late December, but as the temperatures continue to drop, these bubbles become trapped in thick ice.  Because of the clarity of the ice, you can see thousands of suspended bubbles just below the surface of the frozen lake - especially in January and February each year. When it is frozen solid and safe, you can walk out onto the lake and enjoy the bubbles rising up.  If there has been snow, it will also be ice-locked and will create a spilled milk flowing over broken glass look.  

 

when the Holy Spirit works in us from down deep within, we are changed.

This is a wonderful example for believers. As believers, we are to reflect God’s own character in every aspect of our lives.  When the Holy Spirit works in us from down deep within, we are changed.  We begin to have an outward expression of this inner transformation.     We become beautiful from within and others are drawn to us because of our joy and love.

Galatians 5:22-23  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.”

So what characteristics will people see bubbling up in our lives if we are shining forth the fruit of the Spirit?

LOVE is not a feeling.  It means action.  It is an unconditional and selfless love for others.  It is making the conscious choice to be kind, thoughtful and put other’s needs before our own.  It means controlling anger, showing compassion and forgiveness.

JOY does not rely on temporary happy times, circumstances that are wonderful, or things coming together the way we want.   Joy is rather a deep and lasting contentment in God.  This is being cheerful even when things are difficult because we know that God is in control.  It means that God is in the very center of our heart and nothing can stop us from praising Him.    

PATIENCE isn’t just about being able to wait for others.  Patience is waiting on God’s timing though adversity.  It means not giving up.  It means being steadfast and choosing to respond in a godly way rather than out of frustration.  It means you have endurance and continued growth in your walk with Him – no matter what comes your way.

KINDNESS reflects the nature of God.  Our words will be soft and tender showing respect, encouragement and support. Actions will be generous and with a spirit of willingness to help others.   Kindness is doing everything you can without receiving anything back – even without gratitude.

GOODNESS  does not mean to just avoid evil.   Goodness means having a heart so in love with the Lord that we are motivated to show compassion and use integrity in all that we do. It means being aligned with Jesus so deeply that we act in a pure and loving way in all situations.

GENTLENESS does not mean weakness.  Gentleness is a strength of character where humbleness, and graciousness shine through.  It is the ability to stay composed in all situations – never throwing insults.  God’s guidance is paramount in all our decisions.

SELF-CONTROL is being a master over your own desire.  Mirroring Christ’s love for others and always striving for peace are evident when we are in self-control.  It means choosing God’s ways over any fleshly desires or temptations.

This doesn’t all come quickly or easily and requires continued effort in our walk with the Lord – spending time with Him daily – reading His Word and Praying.  You can imagine how people would be drawn to your inner beauty if they saw all these bubbling up in your life.   What a witness. 

Let’s take inventory...  What are you bubbling up?

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,  goodness,

gentleness, and self-control