Community Devotions

Keep in Step with the Spirit

Scripture - Galatians 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

Observation - There are two desires inside each and every single Christ follower: the desire of the flesh and the desire of the Spirit. Paul encourages the Galatian church to live a spirit-filled life. In so doing they will not gratify the desires of the flesh (v.16). Living by the spirit is a moment-by-moment decision to keep in step of what the Holy Spirit is doing in my life. Notice that the desires of the flesh leads to a work of the flesh i.e. sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, etc. But the desires of the Spirit leads to a result of fruit i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. In other words, when we are cognizant of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and submit to that moment-by-moment leading in our hearts it will naturally bear fruit love, joy, peace, in our lives and in our being.

Application - The Lord has been really speaking to me about character and integrity these last couple of weeks. Reading about the integrity of Job has really solidified the indispensable quality of character in a leader. I must keep in step with the Spirit by making those moment-by-moment submission to the Holy Spirit’s work especially in my private and leisure times. Verbally speak to the Holy Spirit and asking for Him for grace, strength and desires to walk with him. By keeping in step to the Holy Spirit I want His fruit to overflow from my life in my speech, behavior, conduct.

Prayer - Heavenly Father,

I love you so much! I long for your Son’s return. My heart’s desire is to really live my life controlled, submitted and sustained by your Spirit. Thank you so much for rekindling and purifying my heart to a life of integrity and character. Forgive me for negligence and disobedience in this area. Cleanse my heart and strengthen my resolve to continually by led by your Spirit. Please help me as I share your word tonight for Thrive and this Sunday for main service. Holy Spirit go before me that your presence would so tangible and real. Most importantly give me grace so that my character and integrity would bear the fruit of your Spirit in my walk, marriage, parenting, and leadership. I love you Lord! Maranatha!

Knowledge to Know OR Power to Live?

Scripture - So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8)

Observation - After his resurrection Jesus stayed with his disciples teaching them about the kingdom of God and promising them the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The disciples however requested for knowledge wanting to know the details of the timing of Israel's restoration. Instead Of giving them the knowledge to know facts Jesus gave them the power to live as witnesses. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is Gods power for his disciples to live out in power the reign of God here on earth.

Application - Too many times we sell ourselves short by wanting to know things instead of having the power to live it out. In times of tragedy, pain or trials the question we often ask is why? I'm reminded of the church member who realized the blessing of an "unanswered prayer" to her diabetes and recognizing the power to live out a healthy lifestyle of nutrition and discipline of exercise. We thirst for knowledge but not hunger the power of his presence. Points of Obedience:

 1. Parenting: I'm more focused on principles instead of being spirit filled and leading my boys in godliness. 

2. Ministry/Preaching: I'm more comfortable and dependent on biblical knowledge instead of being focused being lead by the Spirit.

Prayer - Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gospel! Thank you for sending your sending Son to live the perfect live of obedience that I could never live, to die my death on cross that I deserved and to be resurrected from the dead so that I can have a victorious life over sin. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to empower me to live for you. Lord, may I live and do more than I know. Would you turn my affection to you so that loving you and delighting you would be my portion and strength? I love you so much. Maranatha!