Spirit-filled Life
Galatians 5:16-24
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Life lessons from Paul to the early church have just as much meaning to us today. When I look back over my own ups and downs, I can see that all the times I was laid really low can be attributed to what Paul names "The acts of the sinful nature." Even good times can go bad in a hurry, when one is living only for themself. But we can endure almost any circumstance if we are in the Spirit, and we allow the Spirit to reside in us. In order for the Spirit to reside in us, we have to make some room. That means getting rid of the selfish nature, letting go of ego and control, and opening up to the Spirit to take control. A lot of people write to us asking for prayer so that they can maintain their faith when they go back to their normal day to day. Paul teaches us that it is the Spirit who will give us the fruits we need to live our faith wherever we are. Praise God for these gifts!
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Please help each of us truly come to understand and embrace the Spirit-filled life you have made available to us all. Help us to let go of our selfish nature, and welcome the Spirit into our lives. Let us feel the saving power that will sustain us through this day and every circumstance we may face.
We lift up your children who ask specifically for our prayers, and we know you are with them and hear their every whispered prayer. We pray for Diretha Parish who seeks to know you better, and for those family and friends who love and support her in her time of need. For Pete Gonzales and Charles Sutton, for Aleta Seaton and her prayer circle at Dawson State Jail, for Heather Robinson in KCIW in Pee Wee Valley, KY, for Linda and Cleatho Roberson, and all the women at the Dallas County Jail, today we lift the names of Lesa Ann Davis, Karen Neugent, Celeste Boden and Deana Lynn Banister.
Today we pray for everyone who is coming in or going out, that the Spirit will enable them to find their way, and to feel your presence in their lives. Fill us all with your Spirit, and help us today and everyday to grow in your grace, and to live in the fruits of the Spirit. It is in the Name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior that we pray. Amen.
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Life lessons from Paul to the early church have just as much meaning to us today. When I look back over my own ups and downs, I can see that all the times I was laid really low can be attributed to what Paul names "The acts of the sinful nature." Even good times can go bad in a hurry, when one is living only for themself. But we can endure almost any circumstance if we are in the Spirit, and we allow the Spirit to reside in us. In order for the Spirit to reside in us, we have to make some room. That means getting rid of the selfish nature, letting go of ego and control, and opening up to the Spirit to take control. A lot of people write to us asking for prayer so that they can maintain their faith when they go back to their normal day to day. Paul teaches us that it is the Spirit who will give us the fruits we need to live our faith wherever we are. Praise God for these gifts!
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Please help each of us truly come to understand and embrace the Spirit-filled life you have made available to us all. Help us to let go of our selfish nature, and welcome the Spirit into our lives. Let us feel the saving power that will sustain us through this day and every circumstance we may face.
We lift up your children who ask specifically for our prayers, and we know you are with them and hear their every whispered prayer. We pray for Diretha Parish who seeks to know you better, and for those family and friends who love and support her in her time of need. For Pete Gonzales and Charles Sutton, for Aleta Seaton and her prayer circle at Dawson State Jail, for Heather Robinson in KCIW in Pee Wee Valley, KY, for Linda and Cleatho Roberson, and all the women at the Dallas County Jail, today we lift the names of Lesa Ann Davis, Karen Neugent, Celeste Boden and Deana Lynn Banister.
Today we pray for everyone who is coming in or going out, that the Spirit will enable them to find their way, and to feel your presence in their lives. Fill us all with your Spirit, and help us today and everyday to grow in your grace, and to live in the fruits of the Spirit. It is in the Name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior that we pray. Amen.
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