Galatians 5:25-26
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
We have been talking about living in the Spirit – watching for Him every day in everything we do, everywhere we go. This is a tough habit to form, isn’t it? We tend to be so easily distracted with what we need to get done, where we are supposed to be, etc. It takes practice, conscious practice. And when we find our minds have strayed, we need to stop and re-focus, asking God to bring our focus back to Him.
Yet, this is not all. We must take it a step further. We must not only look for Him, but we must then participate with Him in whatever work He is doing. We can see His hand leading us to a needy person, but we must then step-up and help that person out. We must be the hands of Jesus. And we must grasp His hand, and follow His lead. It is not enough to merely recognize His presence and movement. We must allow ourselves to be swept up by His Spirit, and be carried away with Him.
Otherwise, as it says, we may “become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” There’s that enemy tactic again – getting us to fight with each other, so that we ignore him and the world completely. Again, I just think that it comes back to the fact that when we stop focusing on God, we begin to focus on ourselves, and that just never ends up good.
Let’s walk by the Spirit today, keeping in step with Him. Let Him sweep you up and carry you away. Look for Him, loved one, as He is relentlessly pursuing you!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
A Little Fruit for Thought
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
When we are living by the Spirit, and allowing Him to change us, as we have discussed the last two days, the fruit that is produced in our lives will be magnificent! When we have the fruit of the Spirit, people begin to take notice that we are different. Different from the world around us, and different from how we used to be.
I’m sure each and every one of us could look at this list and see all the areas in which we fall short. Yet, what a beautiful thing it is when we begin to see the Spirit’s work in us each and every day, in each and every little situation. We see the fruit He is producing, and begin to marvel that He is changing us little-by-little. When we begin looking for God in all things, every day, walking in the Spirit, these fruits will be the result of the cultivation of that relationship. And “against such things there is no law.” In other-words we can practice these things as much as we want, as much as we can. We can have an abundant crop, and still have room for more.
Today, let’s each take the time to look at the fruit God has been producing in us. I know that many times we are urged to look at this list and take stock of what we need to work on, but I think we get plenty of that. Sometimes we need to see how far we’ve come, instead of how far we have to go. (I think we’re all acutely aware that we’ve each got a LONG way!) So let’s look at our “branches” and see what is growing there, praising God for the miraculous work in us!
Walk today in the knowledge that God is doing a great, miraculous, and beautiful work in you!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
When we are living by the Spirit, and allowing Him to change us, as we have discussed the last two days, the fruit that is produced in our lives will be magnificent! When we have the fruit of the Spirit, people begin to take notice that we are different. Different from the world around us, and different from how we used to be.
I’m sure each and every one of us could look at this list and see all the areas in which we fall short. Yet, what a beautiful thing it is when we begin to see the Spirit’s work in us each and every day, in each and every little situation. We see the fruit He is producing, and begin to marvel that He is changing us little-by-little. When we begin looking for God in all things, every day, walking in the Spirit, these fruits will be the result of the cultivation of that relationship. And “against such things there is no law.” In other-words we can practice these things as much as we want, as much as we can. We can have an abundant crop, and still have room for more.
Today, let’s each take the time to look at the fruit God has been producing in us. I know that many times we are urged to look at this list and take stock of what we need to work on, but I think we get plenty of that. Sometimes we need to see how far we’ve come, instead of how far we have to go. (I think we’re all acutely aware that we’ve each got a LONG way!) So let’s look at our “branches” and see what is growing there, praising God for the miraculous work in us!
Walk today in the knowledge that God is doing a great, miraculous, and beautiful work in you!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Sinful Nature
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and 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.
If you’re like me you probably skimmed over this list and thought, “Yep! That’s how ‘they’ live!” Yet if we take a closer look, we will find that we are described in here too. “Hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy…” I wish I could say that not a single one of these describes me, but then I would be lying, and that’s sinful too, so what’s the point of pretending?
I’m sure you noticed the last sentence of this passage, reminding us that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This is where we begin to panic, wondering if our sin means that we won’t be heirs with Christ. Don’t panic. This passage is telling us that it is a life of sin that does not inherit God’s kingdom. It is when sin is a way of life, a constant and consistent way of reacting and living that we must then take a look inside ourselves and begin to ask the tough questions. “Do I desire to change?” “If not, why? Is it that I am lacking conviction from the Holy Spirit, evidence of no relationship with Christ?” “If I have the desire to change, what can I do to allow Christ to begin that process within me?”
If sin is not the way of life for you, then you can probably see the conviction of the Spirit in your life, and the process of change He is leading you through. Yet, we must continue to watch ourselves and our attitudes. Many of the sins we tend to leave un-checked are some of the ones that can be most damaging, because they are subtle and often left to their own devices. If left to simmer and grow they can ruin friendships, relationships, ministries, families, even entire churches. We must listen to the Spirit, and allow Him to guide us and change us, one day, one moment at a time. This means we must be willing to see and admit to our mistakes, wrong thoughts, and negative attitudes.
Is there an attitude or thought that the Holy Spirit has been nagging you about? We need to begin by admitting our sin to God, and asking for forgiveness and help to change. Then we need to find a friend or two with whom we can build an accountability relationship – a safe place to share, grow, and be challenged to change. If you have no one with whom you feel safe, begin by asking God to send someone your way, and watch for His quick (though possibly unexpected) answer.
When we watch for God and follow His lead each day, we will begin to taste of all that He has for us. This, in turn, will keep us from living lives of sin, as we are led in righteousness through God’s Spirit. Let’s start today, together!
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and 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.
If you’re like me you probably skimmed over this list and thought, “Yep! That’s how ‘they’ live!” Yet if we take a closer look, we will find that we are described in here too. “Hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy…” I wish I could say that not a single one of these describes me, but then I would be lying, and that’s sinful too, so what’s the point of pretending?
I’m sure you noticed the last sentence of this passage, reminding us that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This is where we begin to panic, wondering if our sin means that we won’t be heirs with Christ. Don’t panic. This passage is telling us that it is a life of sin that does not inherit God’s kingdom. It is when sin is a way of life, a constant and consistent way of reacting and living that we must then take a look inside ourselves and begin to ask the tough questions. “Do I desire to change?” “If not, why? Is it that I am lacking conviction from the Holy Spirit, evidence of no relationship with Christ?” “If I have the desire to change, what can I do to allow Christ to begin that process within me?”
If sin is not the way of life for you, then you can probably see the conviction of the Spirit in your life, and the process of change He is leading you through. Yet, we must continue to watch ourselves and our attitudes. Many of the sins we tend to leave un-checked are some of the ones that can be most damaging, because they are subtle and often left to their own devices. If left to simmer and grow they can ruin friendships, relationships, ministries, families, even entire churches. We must listen to the Spirit, and allow Him to guide us and change us, one day, one moment at a time. This means we must be willing to see and admit to our mistakes, wrong thoughts, and negative attitudes.
Is there an attitude or thought that the Holy Spirit has been nagging you about? We need to begin by admitting our sin to God, and asking for forgiveness and help to change. Then we need to find a friend or two with whom we can build an accountability relationship – a safe place to share, grow, and be challenged to change. If you have no one with whom you feel safe, begin by asking God to send someone your way, and watch for His quick (though possibly unexpected) answer.
When we watch for God and follow His lead each day, we will begin to taste of all that He has for us. This, in turn, will keep us from living lives of sin, as we are led in righteousness through God’s Spirit. Let’s start today, together!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Living by the Spirit
Galatians 5:16
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
We always hear teachers and preachers telling us to “live by the Spirit,” but what exactly does that mean? It seems like it should be so simple, so why are we always struggling against “the desires of the sinful nature”?
I won’t pretend to have the answer here, but let’s take a moment to look at this together. When I read this in context, Paul seems to be intimating that it is about our focus. Just as we have been talking, are we focused inward or outward? Are we focused on Christ and others, or us, us, us? We’ve pretty-much hashed that one out, haven’t we?
So what else do we need to be conscious of? One thing that God seems to be driving home with me these days is living NOW. Not focusing on the past or even the future, but living today, enjoying today, solving today’s problems, experiencing God today.
It is so easy for me to wonder and think of all that God has in-store for my future, thinking and day-dreaming about all the different possibilities. When I do this, I believe that I steal from myself the present moment and all that God has in-store for me today. Of course we need to plan for and take care-of the future as much as we can. But we also need to be aware that God’s plans often are not our own.
It seems that when I spend so much time wallowing in (or else glorifying) the past, or dreaming about the future, the little things of each day tend to take me by surprise. Hence, it’s much easier to fall prey to the desires of the sinful nature. I forget to walk with God today, to talk to Him, to listen to Him, and to just be aware of Him at each moment. I am looking forward to experiencing Him instead of experiencing Him right now.
Let’s start by “practicing the presence of God” today. Be aware of His presence, and what He may be telling us at any given moment. We can go to the Word and discover what He wants us to know for today. He desires to be in relationship with us all the time, each and every moment of each and every day. He is seeking to envelop us in His love and grace and mercy, and I think that so often we miss it! Live for God today, friend, for you will never live this moment again!
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
We always hear teachers and preachers telling us to “live by the Spirit,” but what exactly does that mean? It seems like it should be so simple, so why are we always struggling against “the desires of the sinful nature”?
I won’t pretend to have the answer here, but let’s take a moment to look at this together. When I read this in context, Paul seems to be intimating that it is about our focus. Just as we have been talking, are we focused inward or outward? Are we focused on Christ and others, or us, us, us? We’ve pretty-much hashed that one out, haven’t we?
So what else do we need to be conscious of? One thing that God seems to be driving home with me these days is living NOW. Not focusing on the past or even the future, but living today, enjoying today, solving today’s problems, experiencing God today.
It is so easy for me to wonder and think of all that God has in-store for my future, thinking and day-dreaming about all the different possibilities. When I do this, I believe that I steal from myself the present moment and all that God has in-store for me today. Of course we need to plan for and take care-of the future as much as we can. But we also need to be aware that God’s plans often are not our own.
It seems that when I spend so much time wallowing in (or else glorifying) the past, or dreaming about the future, the little things of each day tend to take me by surprise. Hence, it’s much easier to fall prey to the desires of the sinful nature. I forget to walk with God today, to talk to Him, to listen to Him, and to just be aware of Him at each moment. I am looking forward to experiencing Him instead of experiencing Him right now.
Let’s start by “practicing the presence of God” today. Be aware of His presence, and what He may be telling us at any given moment. We can go to the Word and discover what He wants us to know for today. He desires to be in relationship with us all the time, each and every moment of each and every day. He is seeking to envelop us in His love and grace and mercy, and I think that so often we miss it! Live for God today, friend, for you will never live this moment again!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Biting and Devouring
Galatians 5:14-15
The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
This verse piggy-backs yesterday’s thought – looking out for each other, building unity, and living in harmony. We are to love each other, just as Christ has loved us.
Yet, “biting and devouring” is often a great way to describe what goes on within the church walls, isn’t it? We all know that this isn’t what God desires, but let’s take a look at what it accomplishes. I believe it is one of the enemy’s greatest tactics to divide the Church, getting us to fight with each other and bringing each other down, for a couple of reasons.
First, it goes back to the simple concept of divide and conquer. When we are separated and focused on fighting each other, we do not work together and fight as a team. It’s easier for the enemy to attack us in our weakened state. We begin to see each other as the enemy, tearing down our fellow brothers and sisters in a futile effort to build ourselves up. Eventually, we will destroy ourselves and everyone around us in the process.
The second thing I believe this accomplishes is pushing those in the world away from our churches. Why would they want to be a part of something that is really no different than that which they already have? They can get gossip, backstabbing, and in-fighting in their workplace, other organizations, and even their homes.
However, when we are working together, supporting each other, helping each other to heal and grow, the world will see that we have something they deeply desire. They will want to be a part of it, even at-first simply to be loved and accepted as they are. We will be able to fight for each other, and band together to fight the enemy – if two is better than one, imagine the effect of 2 million!
Let’s work together, support each other, and love each other, just as we discussed yesterday. Let’s band together to build a healthy Body, drawing those who are not yet a part of us into our loving Arms, helping them to recognize their need for the love and life found in Christ.
The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
This verse piggy-backs yesterday’s thought – looking out for each other, building unity, and living in harmony. We are to love each other, just as Christ has loved us.
Yet, “biting and devouring” is often a great way to describe what goes on within the church walls, isn’t it? We all know that this isn’t what God desires, but let’s take a look at what it accomplishes. I believe it is one of the enemy’s greatest tactics to divide the Church, getting us to fight with each other and bringing each other down, for a couple of reasons.
First, it goes back to the simple concept of divide and conquer. When we are separated and focused on fighting each other, we do not work together and fight as a team. It’s easier for the enemy to attack us in our weakened state. We begin to see each other as the enemy, tearing down our fellow brothers and sisters in a futile effort to build ourselves up. Eventually, we will destroy ourselves and everyone around us in the process.
The second thing I believe this accomplishes is pushing those in the world away from our churches. Why would they want to be a part of something that is really no different than that which they already have? They can get gossip, backstabbing, and in-fighting in their workplace, other organizations, and even their homes.
However, when we are working together, supporting each other, helping each other to heal and grow, the world will see that we have something they deeply desire. They will want to be a part of it, even at-first simply to be loved and accepted as they are. We will be able to fight for each other, and band together to fight the enemy – if two is better than one, imagine the effect of 2 million!
Let’s work together, support each other, and love each other, just as we discussed yesterday. Let’s band together to build a healthy Body, drawing those who are not yet a part of us into our loving Arms, helping them to recognize their need for the love and life found in Christ.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Lukewarmness
Galatians 5:9
"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
Are there any bakers out there? If so, then you will understand this concept, probably better than even I do.
Yeast, often used to describe sin in the Bible, is actually a living thing, a fungus that grows rapidly and wildly under the right circumstances. In fact, it takes lukewarm water (and a little bit of sugar) to activate it and begin its growth process. Revelation 3:15-16 talks about the deeds of Laodicea, how they are not cold or hot, but lukewarm. I think of cold deeds being cool, refreshing, encouraging, and energizing. Where-as hot deeds would be warm, comforting, soothing, and calming. Lukewarm deeds would be neither, probably self-centered, self-righteous, and judgmental – a perfect place for the yeast of sin to grow and spread.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes it only takes one person to get a while group of people riled up? Gossip, backstabbing, division, and dissention often start with only one person and it grows from there.
So, how can we protect ourselves from this? We need to have hot or cold deeds – cold deeds won’t activate the yeast, and hot deeds kill it off. Instead of being self-focused, we need to be focused on Jesus and others. When we are consumed with serving others, lifting them up, comforting them, and helping them out, we don’t have the time (or generally the desire) to allow yeast to get in the way and ruin the wonderful things we have going on.
Let’s start today by thinking of someone we can help soothe and comfort, or encourage and refresh. Send them a card, take them a meal, make them some cookies, or even just give them a call or a hug. We were designed to live in community with each other, and this is one of the many reasons why.
"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
Are there any bakers out there? If so, then you will understand this concept, probably better than even I do.
Yeast, often used to describe sin in the Bible, is actually a living thing, a fungus that grows rapidly and wildly under the right circumstances. In fact, it takes lukewarm water (and a little bit of sugar) to activate it and begin its growth process. Revelation 3:15-16 talks about the deeds of Laodicea, how they are not cold or hot, but lukewarm. I think of cold deeds being cool, refreshing, encouraging, and energizing. Where-as hot deeds would be warm, comforting, soothing, and calming. Lukewarm deeds would be neither, probably self-centered, self-righteous, and judgmental – a perfect place for the yeast of sin to grow and spread.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes it only takes one person to get a while group of people riled up? Gossip, backstabbing, division, and dissention often start with only one person and it grows from there.
So, how can we protect ourselves from this? We need to have hot or cold deeds – cold deeds won’t activate the yeast, and hot deeds kill it off. Instead of being self-focused, we need to be focused on Jesus and others. When we are consumed with serving others, lifting them up, comforting them, and helping them out, we don’t have the time (or generally the desire) to allow yeast to get in the way and ruin the wonderful things we have going on.
Let’s start today by thinking of someone we can help soothe and comfort, or encourage and refresh. Send them a card, take them a meal, make them some cookies, or even just give them a call or a hug. We were designed to live in community with each other, and this is one of the many reasons why.
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