26th. June. 2021. Daily Devotion.
Galatians 5:19-26
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. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
The contrast between these two paragraphs is quite stark, and most people might laugh to think that they might be guilty of the first five acts of the flesh. The rest however can often be found in the church. The remedy for them all is self-control. Like gentleness, self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
But we may wonder, How can we actually practice self-control? How can we turn away from all the sins and “actions of the flesh” that are listed here? Are we strong enough to control our sinful desires on our own? No. We need the power of God the Holy Spirit to guide us.
With the new life of the Spirit in us, we have a new self that is led by the Spirit. And because we are led by the Spirit, we can “keep in step with the Spirit.” Like a tree or a vine with the life of the Spirit in us, we can bear “the fruit of the Spirit” such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
This is the Spirit’s work in us, and we need to surrender our old, selfish, sinful nature each day so that we can live by the control of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Guide us, Lord, to crucify the old, sinful nature “with its passions and desires” so that we will enjoy life in the Spirit. Amen.
Respecting one another
God our Father, you call each of us by name, and you treasure each of us individually as though no-one else exists. Inspire us to respect and value each person who comes into our lives this day
Prayer of Thanks and Blessings
Father, Thank You for each and every day You have blessed us here on earth.
Thank You for Your tender mercies.
Thank You for giving us friends and family to share joys and sorrows with.
I ask You to bless my friends, relatives, brothers and sisters in Christ and
those I care deeply for, and especially those who are praying with me right now.
Where there is joy, give them continued joy.
Where there is pain or sorrow, give them your peace and mercy.
Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence.
Where there is need, fulfil their needs.
Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Benediction
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted me as a living member of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, and you have blessed me with the grace of forgiveness through the sacrifice He made for me and for all people. Send me now into the world in peace and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
