Galatians 5:16-23
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will
not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to
the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in
conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But
if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
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| Jack in the Pulpit |
The acts of the flesh 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.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. Against such things there is no law.
As a woodsy, nature loving person, I enjoy looking
at the Life is Good t-shirts and hats. I even have one with my orange Jeep on
it. Much of the time life is good. But too often life is just plain hard. I
struggle with decisions, whether to speak up or keep quiet. Whether to be angry
or let it go. Whether to stand up for Jesus or hide in the shadows. Sin
bombards our world. Satan runs around pushing temptation at people. Where do I go for protection?
We sing a song at church about welcoming the Holy Spirit in. As a
follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells in me. He grieves when I sin, and
rejoices when I bear His fruit. God gives everyone who accepts Jesus as Savior
the gift of the Holy Spirit. I love that the Spirit is a gift. He's given out
of love from the Father. I rely on the Spirit to make decisions, to encourage
my faith, and to help me produce the fruit Jesus longs for me to bear. Praise
the Lord for the Holy Spirit!