Fruit of The Spirit

 Galatians 5:16-23 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the Law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality (adultery), impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery (witchcraft), hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

When I was going through my trial in my marriage, I made an oath to the Lord that I would crucify my flesh daily. There are multiple times that I have forgotten or failed but God... God and His grace. When Pastor Candy spoke on this tonight, I was convicted and actually felt relieved that I am reminded of this oath. I know that it isn't the smartest idea to take this oath with the God of this universe, but I was determined to stay committed to Him. He knew what path I was going to take. I am human. 

I've been trying to do this all on my own. I've taken the Spirit of the Lord out of the equation and tried to show Him that I'm strong. No I am not. Without Him, I am nothing. The flesh lusts to do its own thing, it's selfish, my will and no one else's, not even God's. The Spirit of the Lord yearns to operate in me the fruit of the Spirit. I am challenging myself to relax, rest, and depend on God. When I depend on Him, and His yoke that is easy and light, it is an easier life and smoother. The flesh works in old and self-centered nature, but the Spirit works in the new nature. That's why the word says, "let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2).

How do you walk in the Spirit? 

1. Surrender your flesh daily. In the old testament, they would sacrifice an animal and slit the throat and burn it. Crucify your flesh and carry the cross set before you. Don't be afraid to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Satan is a driver. He drives you day and night. The Lord is a gentlemen, He leads you! 

2. Feed the right nature. Romans 8:5,6 - Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 

    Lord, I just want to stop now and just release my mind to you in total surrender and complete vulnerability so that I may live a life full of peace and grace. In Jesus name, Amen

3. Stay connected to the Vine. John 15:4,5 - Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cant be fruitful unless you remain in Me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

4. Crucify the flesh. Galatians 5:24 - Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there.

It seems like a hard task and almost overwhelming in a sense, but that is why the Spirit of the Lord is yearning for you! He delights in you and cares for you. Posture your heart to receive Him and allow Him to control. I know, it is not a 'normal' thing to do but it is so freeing! 

My challenge for me is to depend on God for everything. He has been showing me His faithfulness and that satisfies my soul to relax. I am in this, too friend. Let's do it together. 

Thank you for stopping in. Joyful Home Welcomes You! Hi* :)

PS: there is a link to the sermon above when you click on Pastor Candy's name.