Galatians 5:25: SPIRIT LIVING! Galatians 5:25 (NIV) Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (NRSV) If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (NLT) Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirits leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 (AMP) If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] COMMENTARY PEARL Today's Scripture reminds us to "keep in step with the Spirit." That's a word we Christians need to hear. It's far too easy to dash off into our day and race ahead of God - or maybe lag behind when He urges us forward. There is a certain rhythm He wants us to keep - His rhythm for the day. We need to hear His whispered words of counsel before we make a snap judgment or dash off an ill-considered email. We need to sense His gentle nudge when we need a change of direction. Keeping in step with the Spirit means receiving fresh grace for every need - instead of trying to cruise on the grace He gave us for yesterday's tasks. Setting the pace is God's job. That means we need to check in with Him early in the day, confess sins and experience restored fellowship, and listen for His voice at the peak of our busy times and in the quiet moments of catching our breath. Father, I'm ashamed to remember how many times I've raced into my day, imagining that all I need from your Spirit are "a few general directions. Oh, I need so much more. Keeping in step with You means slowing down to listen when You speak - and moving forward with boldness when You say go. [A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby] COMMENTARY The Holy Spirit fuels spiritual living. This is where freedom resides and where fruit bearing takes place. The flesh is pre-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on self to seek security. The Spirit is post-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on God to secure earthly and eternal security. The Spirit and the flesh conflict, but the flesh has been put to death by faith and the Spirit has come alive. Spiritual living submits to Christ. Spiritual living thrives as we surrender daily to Jesus. The way we became a Christian - by grace through faith - is the same way we continue as a Christian. Yet, the flesh tries to flaunt its old habits as teasers to entice us not to trust God. But we know better - its better not to boast in the flesh, but be humbled by the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit we are empowered to bear the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit brings wisdom when we consider ways that are unwise. The Spirit brings conviction when we begin to drift from our convictions. The Spirit brings comfort when we struggle with discomfort. The Holy Spirit is heavens secret to spiritual living. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 [Wisdom Hunters Devotional] PRACTICAL APPLICATION It is My Life within you that is changing you from glory to glory. Rejoice in this mysterious miracle! Thank Me continually for the amazing gift of My Spirit within you. Try to depend on the help of the Spirit as you go through this day of life. Pause briefly from time to time so you can consult with this Holy One inside you. He will not force you to do His bidding, but He will guide you as you give Him space in your life. Walk along this wondrous way of collaboration with My Spirit. (Psa. 34:5; 2Co. 5:21; 3:18; Gal. 5:25) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180620-1117.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT Most Important Decision in Life: http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo [old, but one of the best] Importance of Choice: http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video] Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782 Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE Musical Devotional On Christian Living: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David DeRose, MD, MPH: https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ Amazing Facts Bible Studies: http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/ Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/ ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657 Last Day Prophecy: His Other Sheep by Pastor Gerald Babanezhad: https://vimeo.com/162267518