16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 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.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 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.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-17, 19-25
Questions for Reflection:
When you contemplate the two lists presented in the reading, what is one thing that you would really like to see less of in your life and what is one thing you really want to see more of in your life?
How does it feel to know that you are not alone in your quest to grow in character and integrity, to know that God himself is in You by His Spirit working to transform you into the best version of yourself?
What is one thing you could do today or this week that would move you forward in "keeping in step with the Spirit" in this chapter of your life?
Prayer of the Week:
Holy Spirit, thank you for coming. I love You, I worship You, I trust You. I ask your help today especially in my weaknesses. I ask for your help in this time of prayer. I praise and thank You for enabling me to believe and live in Jesus name! I now receive all the new life that You have for me today, bought and paid for by Jesus Christ.
Thank you for clothing me with power from on high. You have sealed me in Christ, become my union with the Father and the Son, the Spirit of truth in me, the life of God in me, my counselor, comforter, healer, strength, and guide. (You may pray here about specific needs today for the Spirit’s counsel, comfort, strength, healing and guidance.)
I now recognize my utter need for You in every aspect and dimension of my life. I deeply desire to be filled with You, to walk in step with You in all things. Father, I ASK You to fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, fill me afresh! (Slowly repeat this phrase a couple of times, pausing to simply receive Him)
Lead me into all truth… help me see any way in me that grieves You Spirit. I thank You that You love me so much that any distancing in our relationship grieves You. I do not want to grieve You. Please prompt me throughout this day when You sense I am distancing myself from You that I might draw close to You by faith. I now Surrender to You confessing any ways I have offended our relationship… I am sorry. (Pause to confess any sins burdening your heart.)
I now Receive your complete and total forgiveness and Your empowering Presence that I may Act in the way You are leading me this day. I receive You with thanks, and I give You total claim to my life. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen
