Sept. 15, 2021

Marie’s daily verse: The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11). 

DAILY DEVOTION, Sept. 15, 2021

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:16-18).

We have two elements within us vying for supremacy. One is the Holy Spirit which we receive when we trust in Jesus. The other Paul refers to as the ” flesh.” The tense of the Greek verb translated “walk” indicates continuous action or a habitual lifestyle. Walking also implies growth; as a Christian submits to the Spirit’s control responding in obedience to the commands of Scripture, he matures in his spiritual life. What is “the flesh?” The flesh is not simply the physical body, but includes the mind, will, and emotions which are all subject to sin. It refers, in general, to our unredeemed humanness.

We receive a new life when we trust in Jesus. Unfortunately, the old life remains in our memory and habits. We have choices to make daily. Will we walk with Jesus, or will we give in to our old way of life? The two are engaged in an internal struggle. They are utterly contrary to one another. As the Spirit leads us, the old way of life gradually fades away. We need to stop and think regularly; does this choice honor God or honor my old way of life?

Gracious Father, I confess that sometimes I allow my old way of life to flare up. Please forgive me. I want to live under the direction of the Holy Spirit. I want to honor Jesus in my choices. So help me, I pray, in His holy name, Amen.