FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT!
Laura Ingle ·Key Scripture – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16, 22-25).
Do you know how you can live the life of total commitment to God? “By the Spirit!”
Notice in the Key scripture that the beautiful life described here—the life with God in control—is …not described as the fruit of “trying harder”; it is not the fruit of church attendance; it is not the fruit of a guilt trip; it is not the fruit of self-discipline. It is the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT!
How is your relationship with the Holy Spirit?
Have you spoken with Him at all today?
Are you listening for His voice in your heart as you read the Bible, making it real and personal for you?
Are you following His leading throughout the day as He convicts you of sin or moves you to pray or suggests that you speak to someone about Christ?
Are you trying to live in a way that brings joy to the heart of the Holy Spirit, or is your life grieving Him?
When you have a healthy relationship with the Spirit, “you will not carry out the desire of the flesh”. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Sit quietly and take a moment to listen and respond to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you right now. Remember, Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit, our advocate, is here to teach us all things. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26).
Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit. Father, give me the wisdom to hear and follow the Holy Spirit. Forgive me for when I have grieved the Holy Spirit with any unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Help me to speak only what will benefit others and what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Help me to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave me. (Ephesians 4:29-32). The Spirit testifies with my spirit that I am a child of God because I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Let my mind be set on what the Holy Spirit desires, which is to do Your Will and be obedient to Your Word. I know that I have nothing to fear because the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me and gives me life, helps me in my weakness, instructs me, guides me, counsels me, and intercedes for me in accordance with the Will of God. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
D5 Creation