But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
—Galatians 5:16
Like a horse that has been trained to keep his ear always tuned to the voice of its master, we must be willing to follow the Lord in all His leadings, not just those we feel good about or happen to agree with. We won't always like what we hear Him tell us to do.
We must realize that in order to follow God, the flesh must be told no at times, and when that happens, the flesh suffers. There are times when we are galloping full speed ahead in one direction when suddenly the Master tells us to stop and instructs us to go in another direction. It is painful to us when we don't get our way, but ultimately we understand that God's ways are always best.
In the verse for today, the apostle Paul writes about the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. If we follow the leading of the Spirit, we won't satisfy or fulfill the desires of the flesh that lead us away from God's best. This verse doesn't say that the desires of the flesh will disappear; we will always have to wrestle with them. But if we choose to be led by the Spirit, we won't fulfill fleshly desires—and the devil won't get his way.
We will sense a war going on in us as we choose to follow God's leading. Our flesh and God's Spirit usually disagree and we are tempted to keep the flesh comfortable. But, we all must learn to submit to God's Spirit and overcome fleshly desires and temptations. Determine today that you will not let your flesh lead you, but that you will be led by the Spirit of God.
God’s Word for You Today: God wants to give you His best.
The Spirit vs the Flesh
by Joyce Meyer - posted March 12, 2017But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
—Galatians 5:16
Like a horse that has been trained to keep his ear always tuned to the voice of its master, we must be willing to follow the Lord in all His leadings, not just those we feel good about or happen to agree with. We won't always like what we hear Him tell us to do.
We must realize that in order to follow God, the flesh must be told no at times, and when that happens, the flesh suffers. There are times when we are galloping full speed ahead in one direction when suddenly the Master tells us to stop and instructs us to go in another direction. It is painful to us when we don't get our way, but ultimately we understand that God's ways are always best.
In the verse for today, the apostle Paul writes about the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. If we follow the leading of the Spirit, we won't satisfy or fulfill the desires of the flesh that lead us away from God's best. This verse doesn't say that the desires of the flesh will disappear; we will always have to wrestle with them. But if we choose to be led by the Spirit, we won't fulfill fleshly desires—and the devil won't get his way.
We will sense a war going on in us as we choose to follow God's leading. Our flesh and God's Spirit usually disagree and we are tempted to keep the flesh comfortable. But, we all must learn to submit to God's Spirit and overcome fleshly desires and temptations. Determine today that you will not let your flesh lead you, but that you will be led by the Spirit of God.
God’s Word for You Today: God wants to give you His best.
Joy in the Face of Opposition
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.”
1 Thessalonians 2:17–20
Paul knew a few things about facing opposition. His ministry was constantly marked by trouble—false accusations, imprisonment, beatings, shipwreck, and stoning were among the trials that he faced. The Jewish people opposed him because he taught about Jesus as the fulfillment of the law, and the Romans opposed him because they viewed him as a troublemaker. History tells us that Paul was eventually martyred by Nero. Through all of his challenges, there was something that kept Paul from losing his joy and determination—the men and women who had been saved through his ministry.
In our day of instant communication we take being able to keep in touch with people for granted, but in Bible times communication was slow and difficult. When Paul wanted to return to Thessalonica and see the believers there, he found himself hindered by the opposition of Satan. Yet even in the face of disappointment and delay, Paul rejoiced. He knew that the salvation of those who had trusted Christ could never be taken away.
When the disciples came to Jesus, thrilled with the results of their ministry after He had empowered them and sent them out to preach and heal, He told them there was a more permanent joy that should be their focus. “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Rejoice in that which cannot be taken away.
1 Thessalonians 2:17–20
Paul knew a few things about facing opposition. His ministry was constantly marked by trouble—false accusations, imprisonment, beatings, shipwreck, and stoning were among the trials that he faced. The Jewish people opposed him because he taught about Jesus as the fulfillment of the law, and the Romans opposed him because they viewed him as a troublemaker. History tells us that Paul was eventually martyred by Nero. Through all of his challenges, there was something that kept Paul from losing his joy and determination—the men and women who had been saved through his ministry.
In our day of instant communication we take being able to keep in touch with people for granted, but in Bible times communication was slow and difficult. When Paul wanted to return to Thessalonica and see the believers there, he found himself hindered by the opposition of Satan. Yet even in the face of disappointment and delay, Paul rejoiced. He knew that the salvation of those who had trusted Christ could never be taken away.
When the disciples came to Jesus, thrilled with the results of their ministry after He had empowered them and sent them out to preach and heal, He told them there was a more permanent joy that should be their focus. “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Rejoice in that which cannot be taken away.
Today’s Growth Principle:
When our hearts are fixed on the eternal, we will find joy even in the darkest days and most difficult circumstances.
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