Walking by the Spirit in Freedom!
Scripture reading for March 28th: Galatians 5, Psalm 62, Proverbs 31
Galatians 5: 13-18 “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use you freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
Paul was writing to Jewish believers who were thinking of returning to Judaism and Jewish traditions. He exhorted them to continue to live in freedom by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus and the Father. He exhibits the fruits of the Spirit–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. The Holy Spirit lives in us and guides us into Truth and away from the deeds of the flesh–sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. Those led by the Holy Spirit are no longer under the law but under the Spirit of love, “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself!” If we live in love, we are free indeed!
Psalm 62:11-12 “Once God has spoken; twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to You, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For You will render to a man according to his work.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your power found in Your Word and Your steadfast love. Baptize me afresh in Your love that I might serve and love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and that I might love my neighbor as myself. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead and guide my hands, my steps, and my lips to do Your will and works and bring glory to Your Holy Name! Amen!
Proverbs 31:30-31 “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”
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