Contrasting Lifestyles: Living by the Spirit

One of the defining characteristics of a follower of Jesus is being led by the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-led person will live differently from someone driven by the flesh. If there’s no noticeable difference between our lives and the lives of those who don’t follow Jesus, something is wrong. We may not be truly living under the Spirit’s guidance.

To understand what motivates us, we need to be able to recognize the difference between a life driven by the flesh and a life directed by the Spirit. The apostle Paul helps us do this by describing the “fruit” produced by each way of living.

In Galatians 5:19–21 (CSB), Paul lists the obvious works of the flesh:

sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar.

Then he gives a sobering warning—those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But Paul doesn’t leave us there. He goes on to describe the fruit of a Spirit-led life:

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

There is no law that stands against these things, because they reflect God’s character and His desires for His people. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, Paul says, we should keep in step with the Spirit—avoiding conceit, provoking one another, and envy.

When Paul calls the works of the flesh “obvious,” he means they clearly oppose the law of love Jesus gave His followers. Instead of putting others first, the flesh focuses inward. It seeks what we want, when we want it, without regard for God or others.

This is why examining our motivations matters. Are we acting out of self-interest, or out of a desire to honor God and serve others? Our natural instinct is to choose ourselves. Sacrifice does not come easily, and without the Spirit’s help, we drift toward selfishness.

The Spirit’s Fruit (vv. 22–23)

When we are led by the Spirit, Paul says, “there is no law against such things.” The Spirit becomes our compass, guiding us into God’s will. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t a checklist—it’s the evidence of a life shaped by God.

When love fills our actions, when peace rules our hearts, when kindness flows out of us—these are signs that the Spirit is at work. A Spirit-led life looks radically different from a life centered on self.

So ask yourself:

• Can you describe your life using these qualities?
• Are you motivated by love for others?
• Do you experience joy and peace?
• Are patience and kindness growing in you?

A Spirit-led life will produce Spirit-shaped fruit.

Walking by the Spirit (vv. 24–26)

Paul reminds us that those who belong to Jesus have crucified the flesh. Through Christ, the power of sinful desires has been broken—but we must continually surrender to Him. Without surrender, we lack the strength to resist the flesh, and the Spirit’s voice becomes increasingly faint.

The walk of the Spirit begins with surrender.

Consider these questions:

• Have you surrendered to Jesus?
• Are you more committed to God’s will than your own desires?
• Are you willing to remove distractions so you can hear the Spirit clearly?

There should be a clear contrast between the lives of Jesus’ followers and the world around them. Not because we are more disciplined or morally strong, but because we are committed to being led by the Spirit. As we surrender to His guidance, the Spirit leads us away from the passions of the flesh and toward the life God created us to live.

Point to Ponder:

Is the fruit of the Spirit increasingly visible in your life?

Question to Consider:

What is one area where you need to surrender more fully to the Spirit today?

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Joy That Remains

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

— John 15:11 (NLT)

We often confuse joy with happiness. Happiness is fragile because it depends on circumstances. It comes and goes with the rise and fall of our comfort, our success, or our sense of security. When life goes our way, we’re happy. When it doesn’t, happiness quickly fades.

Joy, however, is something entirely different. It runs deeper than emotion. Joy doesn’t come from what’s happening around us, but from who is living within us. It’s a gift from God, rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Jesus spoke the words recorded in John 15, He was preparing His disciples for sorrow and confusion. The cross was coming. Their world would soon fall apart. Yet, right there in the middle of that looming darkness, Jesus spoke about joy—His joy. “I have told you these things,” He said, “so that you will be filled with my joy.”

That’s an incredible promise. The joy Jesus gives isn’t something we have to create or maintain by our own effort. It’s something He places within us through His Spirit. It’s His joy shared with us—the same joy that sustained Him through the cross, the same joy that flows from His unbroken relationship with the Father.

In other words, Christian joy doesn’t ignore pain or pretend everything is fine. Instead, it faces hardship honestly but with confidence that God is still good, still faithful, and still at work. Joy remembers that the story isn’t over yet. It trusts that resurrection always follows the cross.

 That’s why Nehemiah could tell God’s people, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10, NLT). When we are weary and uncertain, joy gives us strength to keep going. When fear rises, joy reminds us of God’s unchanging presence. When hope feels small, joy rekindles the flame.

The Apostle Paul echoed this same truth in his letter to the Thessalonian church:

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NLT)

Paul’s words remind us that joy isn’t something we wait to feel—it’s something we practice. He invites us to cultivate three habits that sustain joy: 

• Always be joyful — Choose to rest in God’s goodness even when life is hard. 
• Never stop praying — Keep your heart connected to the Source of joy. 
• Be thankful in all circumstances — Remember that God’s grace is still present, even in the struggle. 

These three practices—joy, prayer, and gratitude—work together to keep our hearts strong in every season. They’re not about ignoring reality; they’re about remembering that God is greater than what we face.

Lately, I’ve been reminded of this truth a lot. I know people who are dealing with health issues and others who are facing end of life realities. I know of people who are facing financial difficulties and others who walking through job losses. There are many people I am connected to whose future feels uncertain. It would be easy to let fear or discouragement take over. But in moments like these, God invites us to return to His joy—the kind that doesn’t depend on the economy, circumstances, or control, but on Christ’s faithful presence.

When we stay close to Jesus, His joy becomes our strength. When we pray together, give thanks together, and care for one another, His joy fills our hearts and reminds us that we are not alone.

True joy remains because Christ remains. And because He remains, we can face tomorrow with confidence and peace.


Prayer:

Father, thank You for the joy that never fades, even when life feels uncertain. Help us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance. Teach us to remain in Jesus, to draw our strength from His presence, and to trust that You are working for our good. Fill us with Your peace and renew our joy today. Amen.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

7 Habits That Help Me Beat the Winter Blues

As the days get shorter and the sun seems to disappear behind gray skies, I can feel my energy dip. The winter months often bring what’s called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a mix of low mood, fatigue, and sluggishness that hits when sunlight is scarce.

For many years, the months of November through February have been a dark time for me. That’s why I’ve become intentional about developing practices that help me live with more hope and joy, even in these shadowed months.

This year, as I’ve focused on managing my depression (it still comes and goes), I’ve discovered a few habits that have made a real difference in keeping my mind and heart steady through life’s ups and downs. Some are backed by science; others simply work for me. As we head into winter, here are seven habits that help me stay grounded and joyful.

5 Habits to Consider

1. Getting at Least 10,000 Steps a Day

When it’s cold and dark, it’s easy to stay inside — but moving my body makes a huge difference. Research shows that regular walking boosts mood, lowers stress, and helps regulate sleep. Research also shows these benefits start showing up with 4,000 steps. It is more about getting our bodies moving than the actual number of steps.

The decisions to get Teddy, our family dog, has really benefited me because he gives me a reason to get outside and walk, even on the coldest days. But if the weather’s too harsh, a walk on the treadmill or a few laps around the block still carries the same benefits.

2. Taking a Daily Pause for Prayer and Mindfulness

I use the One Minute Pause App to stop, breathe, and reconnect with God. Those short pauses reorient my spirit and help me reset when the day feels heavy.

Science shows that even a few minutes of mindful prayer can lower anxiety and restore focus — and I’ve definitely experienced that. I’ve also used the guided prayers on the YouVersion Bible App. Whatever tool you use, the goal is to slow down and become aware of God’s presence again.

3. Listening to Music Instead of Podcasts

Music has a way of reaching the soul that words alone can’t.

We live in a time of information overload, constantly drawn to all the great content available at our fingertips. I realized I was drowning in that information, and my mind was becoming overwhelmed. When I unintentionally began listening to more music and fewer podcasts, I found that my heart began to rest again — and my thoughts turned more easily toward God. 

I’ve also found that the type of music matters. This summer, after noticing how much music was helping me, I decided to listen to some 80s tunes — but instead of lifting my mood, they made me feel melancholy. Now I still sneak a few of those songs into my rotation, but most of what I listen to is worship, classical, and Irish/Celtic music. As part of my daily rhythm, I take a Pause and then sing along with three worship songs. That simple practice helps my focus return to God and His kingdom.

Studies show that music reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and activates parts of the brain connected to joy — a simple but powerful way to fight the grayness of winter.

4. Focusing on Protein (150–200 Grams a Day)

Good nutrition affects more than just energy — it impacts mental health, too. Getting enough protein supports neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation.

When I hit my protein goals, I stay more alert and less prone to the afternoon crash. And since I feel fuller throughout the day, I’m far less likely to snack mindlessly or binge eat at night.

Along with prioritizing protein, I’ve started adding creatine to my morning shake. While I don’t have hard evidence from my own experience, research suggests that creatine can support mental clarity and focus by helping the brain produce energy more efficiently. Studies have shown small but measurable improvements in memory and attention with regular supplementation. So while my results are anecdotal, the science seems to back up what I’ve noticed.

5. Returning to Pen and Paper for Writing

When I write by hand, I slow down enough to think and pray through what’s going on inside me. I’ve especially rediscovered this during sermon preparation — breaking down a passage and taking notes by hand helps me process truth more deeply.

Research shows that journaling can reduce stress and improve clarity, but for me, it’s more than that — it’s a form of prayer. Writing helps me bring my thoughts before God, which is one of the reasons I started Paul’s Ponderings in the first place.

2 Things I Want to Improve

1. Strength Training

Resistance training builds more than muscle and longevity — it strengthens mood, confidence, and resilience. Studies even link it to lower rates of anxiety and depression. It’s something I want to make more consistent this winter.

2. Getting More Sleep

Short days tempt me to stay up late scrolling or reading, but sleep is essential. Quality rest restores both body and mind and helps regulate the emotions that can so easily drift out of balance in the darker months.

An Act of Stewardship

As the season changes, I’m reminded that caring for our mental health is a form of stewardship — tending to the body and mind God has given us. It’s also a crucial part of discipleship. We cannot grow into maturity as followers of King Jesus if we remain chained by the weight of depression or neglect the care of our whole selves.

Incorporating spiritual disciplines into our daily habits reminds me that the physical, mental, and spiritual all work together to make us who we are.

What helps you stay grounded and joyful during the long winter months?

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Living in Light, Love, and Truth: Love That Drives Out Fear

Text: 1 John 4:7–21

Big Idea: God is love, and He has revealed that love through King Jesus. His children must embody that same love toward others.

A Glimpse of True Victory

When we think of the Olympics, we picture grueling training, fierce competition, and the pursuit of gold. Athletes give everything for that moment on the podium, standing beneath their nation’s flag as the anthem plays.

But during the 2000 Olympic trials, something remarkable happened that redefined victory. Esther Kim, a 20-year-old tae kwon do fighter, was one match away from qualifying for the Olympics. Her opponent was her best friend, Kay Poe—the world’s top-ranked fighter—who had just suffered a severe knee injury.

Esther could have easily won. No one would have blamed her; it was fair and within the rules. Yet in that defining moment, she chose something greater. She forfeited the match and handed her Olympic dream to Kay.

When asked why, she said, “It’s not like I’m throwing my dream away—I’m handing it over to Kay.” She didn’t win a medal, but she discovered something more valuable. Later she reflected, “Even though I didn’t have the gold medal around me, for the first time in my life, I felt like a real champion.”

That selfless, sacrificial love—putting another’s good above your own—offers only a faint glimpse of the love John describes in 1 John 4:7–21. This love isn’t rooted in human emotion or moral effort. It flows from God Himself, who gave everything in Jesus to make us His own.

Love at the Center

John’s letters warn the early church about deceptive voices that distort truth and divide believers. His antidote is simple but profound: walk in the light, live in love, and hold fast to the truth.

That same message remains essential for us today. Love, light, and truth aren’t optional virtues—they are the core of authentic discipleship. When we abide in God’s truth and love, we become living reflections of His Kingdom in a dark and fearful world.

John points to one clear test of genuine faith: love that mirrors the cross.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” — 1 John 4:7

Love is not a human invention. It begins with God’s nature. To know God is to love others. To withhold love—especially from fellow believers—reveals a heart disconnected from Him.

The Cross as Our Model

God didn’t just say He loved us; He showed it.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” — 1 John 4:10

The cross defines love. It is self-giving, not self-seeking. It moves toward the undeserving, not the deserving. When we grasp the depth of God’s love in Jesus, we lose our excuses for withholding love from others.

John reminds us that God’s love becomes complete when it flows through us:

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” — 1 John 4:12

Love is how the invisible God becomes visible to a watching world.

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

Fear thrives where love is absent. But as God’s love matures in us, fear loses its grip.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” — 1 John 4:18

When we rest in the Father’s love, we no longer fear rejection, judgment, or failure. We live with confidence—not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

Remember: you are God’s child, not His project. His perfect love silences fear.

Becoming People of Love

John concludes,

“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

Love for God and love for others cannot be separated. True faith is visible in how we treat those around us—even the difficult ones.

This week, find one tangible way to show God’s love: write a note of encouragement, forgive someone who hurt you, or serve without expecting anything in return. Let your actions make the invisible God visible.

Andrew Murray once wrote:

“The characteristic of love is that it does not seek its own. Love finds its happiness in giving to others; it sacrifices itself for others. Even so, God offered Himself to people in the Person of his Son, and the Son offered Himself on the cross to bring that love to men, and to win their hearts. The everlasting love with which the Father loves the Son is the same love with which the Son loves us. Christ has poured this love of God into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, so that our whole life may be permeated with its vital power.” — Daily in His Presence; November 3

That is the kind of love God calls His people to embody—a love that gives, forgives, and drives out fear.

May the Holy Spirit make us a people of love.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.