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The circumstances of life have a way of robbing us of joy. Disappointment, frustration, and loss can suck the very life from us; however, Jesus’s birth reminds us that, no matter how hard life is, we don’t have to go through it alone. God has come to us full of grace and truth, and that should bring us joy. We can trust that Jesus’s presence with us will reveal the truth about our lives and at the same time offer us the grace to see things change.

Scripture References: John 1:14, Romans 3:24, Romans 5:8, Romans 5:15, Romans 11:5-6, 1 John 4:9, Ephesians 28:8, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Corinthians 9:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9

More Messages from Paul Karsten

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is self in control by the Spirit of God. We need to acknowledge our need for God's grace. We need to watch and pray.

Scripture References: Galatians 5:25, James 4:17, Galatians 5:23, Proverbs 25:28, Galatians 5:16, Titus 2:1-14, Mark 14:38, Titus 1:7-8, Luke 22:39-43, Luke 21:34-36, James 4:7

From Series: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit | More Messages from Paul Karsten

From Series: "Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit"

This series is intended to help us see the purpose of the Father in transforming us into the likeness of the character of Christ, which is expressed by the fruit of the Spirit. We are to heed God's call by surrendering to Him, cooperating with Him, and remaining in Christ.