And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:24-25
The Apostle Paul makes a wise statement here. If we live by the Holy Spirit (according to his guidance, with his strength), we will keep in step with Him.
And one of the ways we can see that this is happening is we show the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in our live.
Look for it. In yourself and others.
Commend it. Be thankful for it. Praise God for it.
Our walk with God is much sweeter and stronger because of the Holy Spirit helping us.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
There are times when we’d really like to ask God, “What do you want me to do in this situation?”
or
“Where am I acting foolishly?”
Here’s a verse that can be helpful with both of those questions.
We are Christians. We are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit is doing a work in us. He is making us more like Christ.
And here we have a list here of traits which are found more and more with those who walk with Christ. Praise God for that.
And the next time you’re asking, “What should I do now?” ask “What choice can I make right now that will show others this kind of fruit?”
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Luke 12:32-34
What do you fear to lose? Do you fear the loss of things that someone could steal or destroy? Jesus wants to give you peace. He’s reminding you that he can give you wealth that will never be stolen or taken away from you.
So he says – consider giving the temporary things away to help people who have more need than you.
Your heavenly Father wants to give you the Kingdom. It will give him pleasure to do this.
Do you fear loss? We all do. Trust God. He has treasures in Heaven for you.
— This week’s fighter verse begins at 0:54 in the video —
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
What do you do with crucial information, necessary truth, beautiful ideas?
– You make yourself very aware of it – you make it a part of your life. – You teach it – especially to people who are important to you, like your children. – You talk about it everywhere; you keep it on your mind at all times of the day.
God’s commandments – the truth’s necessary for intimacy with him and your own salvation, what will you do with them?
Make them a part of your life. Teach them to your children. Walk in the Truth
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Sung by Pastor Sam Crabtree, Song by Scott Jamison
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
You are human. Is it possible to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul and might?
The answer is no. You are still being sanctified. You are still sinful.
But two things are true if you are saved by God: 1. You should make this your goal. 2. One day, in heaven, you SHALL love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
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Sung by Pastor Sam Crabtree, Song by Scott Jamison
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
How should we talk to each other – Those in our church, our family, our workplace?
With kindness tenderheartedness forgiveness
And with no bitterness wrath anger clamor slander malice
But how can we do that? Because sometimes we feel bitter or wrathful and we want to make a clamor in how we respond to someone.
We can do that through the grace of knowledge that you have been forgiven of all of your sins by Christ. The same Christ who died for you.
Speak to others in that knowledge. Speak as someone who has Jesus as your savior.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Notice Paul says “No corrupting talk.” He didn’t say, “Allow very little corrupting talk”. He means none.
And then he gives a helpful explanation of the right kind of talk: Talk that build others up Words that fit the occasion Ideas that give grace to others.
“As fits the occasion” says that words that are helpful or correct or wise in one situation aren’t helpful, correct or wise in another. They may in fact be corrupting.
So be careful in what you say! Give grace, not corruption.
The Scripture songs are a wonderful resource. My son likes what he calls “the boy song” (salt and light). My daughter loves “Do not give dogs…”. They both love “No one can serve two masters.” I encourage everyone to give it a listen. The biggest thing is that my children love singing God’s word to the music. May it be forever in their hearts, directing them to Jesus! - Gil McConnell, Pastor for Child and Youth Discipleship