Through the Gospel, God has "planted" us in a new kingdom, a new family, and into eternal life.  We now continue on in a Gospel centered rhythm of life to remain planted and thriving!

Psalm 1 says that the way of blessing and thriving in God is found through delighting in and meditating on His ways and words.  There is no surer way to hear God's words than in the Scriptures.  

Psalm 1 makes it clear that we can find fullness of life through walking in God's wisdom, ways, and worship.  But often we go the opposite direction away from blessing.   Thank God for His covenant faithfulness to us in Jesus!

Spirit-led self-control is really the brush with which all of the elements of the fruit of the Spirit are painted.  In controlling our fleshly desires for self-indulgence by worshipping God we give freedom to the Spirit to lead us into freedom and full life.

Gentleness is a humble, confidently content, tender disposition.  Followers of Jesus are called to be gentle in community, in confrontation, and in the Great Commission.  

God's faithfulness TO us motivates faithfulness IN us.  As we grasp more of what God has done for us in Christ Jesus, we become more and more faithful to God, the Gospel, and other people.

The life of a Jesus-follower is to be one typified by Spirit-led goodness...a life of virtue and integrity for the sake of others.  But that integrity does not mean perfection; it means living in the goodness and grace of God rather than our own righteousness.

Kindness is love in action; blessing someone by dignifying them and meeting their needs in a useful way.  But too often we are stuck in a scarcity mindset physically and emotionally and it hinders kindness.  We find in the Gospel, though, the abundance needed to change our minds and lean into kindness.

Patience is a choice to take the long view. In our patience, we trust God as judge and we join him in taking a posture of redemption and restoration in our world. Waiting, humility and forgiveness are all examples of patience in action. 

The Gospel leads us to a relationship with God that impacts us in a very personal way, producing deep peace in our real lives.  But that peace is not to remain personal, but is to show itself in how we have peace with others in our lives and church community.