Keep in Step with the Spirit
Scripture - Galatians 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Observation - There are two desires inside each and every single Christ follower: the desire of the flesh and the desire of the Spirit. Paul encourages the Galatian church to live a spirit-filled life. In so doing they will not gratify the desires of the flesh (v.16). Living by the spirit is a moment-by-moment decision to keep in step of what the Holy Spirit is doing in my life. Notice that the desires of the flesh leads to a work of the flesh i.e. sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, etc. But the desires of the Spirit leads to a result of fruit i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. In other words, when we are cognizant of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and submit to that moment-by-moment leading in our hearts it will naturally bear fruit love, joy, peace, in our lives and in our being.
Application - The Lord has been really speaking to me about character and integrity these last couple of weeks. Reading about the integrity of Job has really solidified the indispensable quality of character in a leader. I must keep in step with the Spirit by making those moment-by-moment submission to the Holy Spirit’s work especially in my private and leisure times. Verbally speak to the Holy Spirit and asking for Him for grace, strength and desires to walk with him. By keeping in step to the Holy Spirit I want His fruit to overflow from my life in my speech, behavior, conduct.
Prayer - Heavenly Father,
I love you so much! I long for your Son’s return. My heart’s desire is to really live my life controlled, submitted and sustained by your Spirit. Thank you so much for rekindling and purifying my heart to a life of integrity and character. Forgive me for negligence and disobedience in this area. Cleanse my heart and strengthen my resolve to continually by led by your Spirit. Please help me as I share your word tonight for Thrive and this Sunday for main service. Holy Spirit go before me that your presence would so tangible and real. Most importantly give me grace so that my character and integrity would bear the fruit of your Spirit in my walk, marriage, parenting, and leadership. I love you Lord! Maranatha!