Living a Fulfilled Life

When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, it’s easy to believe that a fulfilling life depends on our circumstances—on everything finally falling into place. We tell ourselves that once the job stabilizes, the relationship improves, or the finances settle down, then we will have peace. But Scripture tells a different story. True fulfillment doesn’t come from what is happening around us; it flows from what God is forming within us.

The apostle Paul describes this Spirit-formed life in Galatians 5:22–23:

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

This is not a checklist to complete or a standard to measure ourselves against. It is a description of the new life we have received in King Jesus. The fruit of the Spirit is not something we manufacture through effort or willpower; it is the natural result of the Holy Spirit’s transforming presence in our hearts. Just as a healthy tree bears fruit because life is flowing through it, a healthy spiritual life produces love, joy, and peace because the Spirit is at work within us.

Earlier in the chapter, Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. In doing so, he is really describing two very different ways of living. One life is driven by self—shaped by desire, fear, pride, and control. The other is guided by the Spirit—rooted in trust, nurtured by grace, and flourishing in God’s faithful love. A Spirit-shaped life is not defined by external success or stability, but by inner transformation.

Jesus described eternal life not simply as life after death, but as a quality of life that begins now—a life marked by God’s presence and purpose. That’s why the fruit of the Spirit is more than moral guidance; it is visible evidence that eternal life is already taking root within us. When we live by the Spirit, we don’t just behave differently—we are being made new.

This transformation reshapes how we understand fulfillment. Instead of being tied to circumstances, fulfillment becomes anchored in the presence of the Spirit. We discover that joy can exist even in hardship, peace can remain in seasons of uncertainty, and love can endure even when life wounds us deeply. This is one of the great paradoxes of spiritual growth: the more deeply the Spirit forms us, the less power the chaos of the world has over us.

As the Spirit works within us, we begin to experience a deep, steady contentment that circumstances cannot steal away. Fulfillment becomes less about control and more about surrender—trusting that God is faithfully at work, producing something good, beautiful, and lasting in us. The fruit of the Spirit reminds us that God is far more concerned with who we are becoming than with our ability to get everything we want.

So perhaps the daily question we need to ask isn’t, “Are things going my way?” but rather, “What kind of fruit is growing in my life?” Are we becoming more patient, more gentle, more faithful? Are joy and peace taking root even when life feels unstable?

The Spirit is faithful to produce this fruit as we remain connected to Jesus—the true vine (John 15:5). Our calling is not to strive harder, but to stay rooted in King Jesus through prayer, Scripture, worship, and life together in community. As we do, the Spirit grows in us what no amount of effort ever could: a life marked by love, joy, peace, and the very character of God.

Fulfillment is not something we achieve; it is something we receive as the Spirit shapes us from the inside out. May we be people who live from that place—grounded in God’s love, bearing the Spirit’s fruit, and discovering a joy no circumstance can undo.

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

Sunday Prayer: Growing in Spiritual Formation

Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

Gracious Father,

We come before You with thankful hearts, lifting our prayers day after day. We ask that You would fill us with the complete knowledge of Your will—shaping our minds and hearts with spiritual wisdom and understanding that comes from Your Spirit alone. Teach us to discern what pleases You, and give us courage to follow where You lead.

May the way we live bring honor to Your name and delight Your heart. Let our lives be fruitful in every good work—bearing evidence of Your grace through love, faithfulness, and obedience. As we serve You and others, help our actions reflect the character of Christ.

And as we walk with You each day, draw us into a deeper, richer knowledge of who You are. Help us grow not only in understanding, but in intimacy with You, knowing You more fully and trusting You more deeply. We pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.








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

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.

Living in Light, Love, and Truth: Discerning False Prophets

Text: 1 John 4:1-6

Who are you listening to?

That question has never been more urgent. In a world filled with noise, countless voices claim to speak truth—and even to speak for God. But how do we know which ones to trust?

Can You Spot an AI Scam?

Not long ago, a national survey revealed that nearly half of Americans—48 percent—feel less “scam-savvy” than ever before because of artificial intelligence. As AI infiltrates our inboxes, phone calls, and social media feeds, the line between real and fake grows increasingly blurry. Only 18 percent of respondents said they felt confident they could recognize a scam before falling for it. Many admitted that if a scammer mimicked the voice of a loved one or sent a convincing message, they would probably be deceived.

It’s not surprising. Deepfake videos, AI-generated phone calls, and fabricated news posts have become so realistic that even sharp minds can be fooled. No wonder one in three Americans has fallen for some form of scam—and 40 percent within the past year.

One technology executive, commenting on the findings, warned people to remain vigilant as these tools grow more powerful. That word—vigilant—captures the heart of the Apostle John’s message in 1 John 4. Just as we need discernment to spot digital deception, we need spiritual discernment to distinguish between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

Testing the Spirits

John begins bluntly: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1).

Behind every teaching, every “prophetic” word, every cultural message lies a spiritual influence. Some are of God. Others are not. From the beginning, God’s people have been called to test those who claim to speak for Him (see Deuteronomy 13 and 18). The question has always been: Does this message lead me closer to God—or away from Him?

That remains our test today. Not every book labeled “Christian,” not every podcast quoting Scripture, and not every preacher online speaks from the Spirit of truth. As believers, we must be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11—examining everything by the Word of God. And we must do this together, humbly allowing others to correct us and helping them do the same. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.

The First Test: What Do They Say About Jesus?

John gives us a clear standard: “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” (1 John 4:2).

The false teachers John confronted didn’t outright deny Christ—they distorted Him. They denied that Jesus was both fully God and fully human. They reduced Him to a spiritual messenger rather than the incarnate Word of God who died for our sins and rose again.

The same danger persists today. Whenever a message minimizes Jesus’s divinity, questions His humanity, or undermines His authority, it’s not from God. These are, as John says, the spirit of antichrist—forces already active in our world.

That’s why we must know the real Jesus, not a cultural caricature of Him. When we’re clear about who He is—the Son of God, our Savior, Lord, and King—we can more easily recognize counterfeit versions.

The Second Test: What Do They Value?

John continues, “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world.” (1 John 4:5).

False prophets often sound appealing because their message aligns with worldly desires—success, wealth, influence, and fear. The Spirit of truth, however, leads us toward humility, mercy, forgiveness, courage, and love.

If a message promotes self over sacrifice, power over service, or fear over faith, it does not come from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God always points us back to Jesus and His Kingdom.

And that’s the good news: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). We do not face deception alone. The Holy Spirit within us gives victory, confidence, and clarity.

Living in Light, Love, and Truth

So what does this look like in daily life?

• Living in Light means exposing every claim and teaching to the truth of God’s Word.
• Living in Love means correcting others gently, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.
• Living in Truth means remaining loyal to the real Jesus, even when false versions seem easier to follow.

To shine the light of Christ in a dark world, we must stay vigilant—anchored in Scripture, guided by the Spirit, and committed to one another in love.

A Challenge for the Week

This week, take time to write down what you believe about Jesus, the Gospel, and your faith. When you are clear about what is true, you’ll recognize what doesn’t fit.

We live in a world filled with spiritual noise. The question isn’t whether we’ll hear voices—it’s which voice we’ll follow. May our ears be trained by the Spirit to recognize the voice of our Shepherd, so that we can walk in light, live in love, and remain rooted in truth.

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

Walking in the Spirit: Overcoming the Works of the Flesh

One of the most challenging aspects of the Christian life is navigating the daily battle between the desires of the flesh and the guidance of the Spirit. We want to honor God, yet we often find ourselves struggling with temptation, frustration, and failure. How do we live victorious lives that reflect God’s heart? 

I believe that Paul’s words in Galatians 5:16-26 offer clear direction and hope.

The Battle Within

Paul begins by issuing a powerful command: “Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, CSB). It’s a promise as much as it is an instruction. If we walk by the Spirit—if we actively seek his guidance and strength—we will find the power to resist the flesh’s persistent pull.

The problem is, as Paul explains, “the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other.” (v. 17). We live with an internal conflict. But here’s the good news: “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (v. 18). The Spirit’s leadership frees us from the condemnation and frustration of trying to live righteously in our own strength.

Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit

Paul doesn’t mince words when describing the works of the flesh. They’re “obvious” and destructive—things like sexual immorality, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, and envy (vv. 19-21). And he issues a stern warning: “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (v. 21). It’s a call to examine our lives and ask, “Am I letting the flesh control me?”

In contrast, Paul paints a wonderful picture of what life looks like when the Spirit is at work: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (vv. 22-23). This fruit reflects the very character of God, and “The law is not against such things.” (v. 23). I think it is important to remember that the Spirit doesn’t just convict us of sin; he transforms our hearts, which produces holiness within us.

Crucify the Flesh, Keep in Step with the Spirit

The key to victory is found in verse 24: “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Through the power of Christ, the flesh has been put to death. But it’s not a one-time act; it’s a daily decision to deny the flesh’s influence and live under the Spirit’s control.

Paul concludes with a powerful challenge: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (v. 25). This isn’t about passive belief but intentional effort. It’s about adjusting our walk to match the Spirit’s leading, letting him shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Practical Steps for Walking in the Spirit

How do we put this into practice? Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. Daily Surrender: Start each day by surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray for his wisdom, strength, and direction. I have adapted Colossians 1:9-10 for this purpose.

2. Guard Your Heart: Be intentional about what you allow to influence your thoughts and actions. Are you feeding the flesh or nurturing the Spirit? Make the effort to read the Bible and other devotional material (Daily in His Presence by Andrew Murray has been helpful to me), the Spirit will use these words of truth to transform your thinking.

3. Accountability: Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you, pray for you, and lovingly challenge you when needed. Being part of a Christian community is essential to our transformation.

4. Spiritual Disciplines: Engage in practices like Bible study, meditation, and fasting to sharpen your sensitivity to the Spirit’s voice.

5. Practical Obedience: When the Spirit prompts you to act, respond immediately. Walking in the Spirit means actively listening and obeying.

A Call to Commitment

As Paul warns, the works of the flesh are devastating, but the fruit of the Spirit is life-giving. Which will you choose to pursue?

I invite you to examine your life today. Are you walking by the Spirit? Are you bearing the fruit of the Spirit? Let’s commit ourselves to keep in step with the Spirit, trusting Him to transform us from the inside out.

Would love to hear your thoughts! How do you stay in step with the Spirit?

Paul’s Ponderings
Reflecting on the truth that transforms.

Sunday Prayer: Produce the Fruit

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who works within us to make us more like Jesus. Lord, my great desire is to bear the fruit that comes from being guided by the Spirit. Fill my heart with love, that I may love others as You have loved me. Let joy overflow in my life, even in trials, so that I may be a witness of Your goodness. Grant me perfect peace, calming the storms within me and helping me trust in Your will.

Teach me patience, Lord, in every situation and with every person, just as You are patient with me. May kindness and goodness flow from my words and actions, reflecting Your heart to the world. Strengthen my faithfulness, that I may walk in obedience and remain strong in my commitment to You.

Father, help me to be gentle in my responses, showing grace as You have shown grace to me. And give me self-control, that I may resist temptation and choose to live a life of holiness that reflects Your character in the world.

I surrender to the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. Shape me, mold me, and let my life bear fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

We Need the Holy Spirit

 "The immediate and continual inspiration of the Holy Spirit is absolutely needed in your life."

— Andrew Murray, Daily in His Presence (September 5 Reading)

At the foundation of my understanding of the world and the human condition is the belief that human beings are created in the image of God. To be created in the image of God means to act as His representative in the world. Human beings were designed to work alongside God in caring for His good creation.

If we are to work alongside God and demonstrate His character, what do we need?

We need the Holy Spirit. The story in Genesis 3 about the fall of humankind revolves around people’s desire to define right and wrong, good and evil, for themselves. The choice that Adam and Eve faced in the garden was whether to gain wisdom as they walked with God or to seize knowledge for themselves and replace God.

In other words, humans are to be guided by the Spirit rather than by the flesh. Our world is oriented toward the flesh; we seek to do what is right in our own eyes. This orientation stems from sin severing the connection we are meant to have with God. Without this connection, we miss out on God’s wisdom, His love, and His life.

When Jesus died to save us from sin and to give us new life, He made it possible for us to be connected to God once more. That connection is found through the Holy Spirit. The process of discipleship that leads to spiritual maturity involves learning to be guided by the Spirit rather than by our flesh.

Just as Adam and Eve chose to eat the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil—a decision to follow their flesh rather than the Spirit—we need to make the conscious choice to resist the flesh and follow the Spirit. Thankfully, God has given us grace, because this change doesn’t happen overnight. As we progress in our spiritual formation in Jesus, we discover that more and more often we are following the guidance of the Spirit rather than the guidance of our flesh.

If we are to be the people God created us to be, then we need the Holy Spirit guiding our lives.