Verse of the Day
"The sinful self wants what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against the sinful self. They are always fighting against each other, so that you don't do what you really want to do." Galatians 5:17 ERV
Lesson of the Day
The sinful self is referred to as the flesh. The flesh is you. This is the person that you were born into. We are all born as sinners due to the fall from grace starting with Adam and Eve. Because we were born into sin, sin feels natural to us. We must not allow sin to control us. One of those fruits of the Spirit is self control. This is a big one because the flesh wants to please itself. It wants all the pleasures of this world. Think of a child who would prefer to eat candy for breakfast lunch and dinner. If that child's parents allow that, then that child will not be healthy. They may be happy, but in the long run they will be unhealthy. Parents must save the child from itself because the child does not know better. Well, that is the same with the flesh. Before we became Christians or believers, we did things to satisfy ourselves. Just because we are saved, it doesn't mean that those desires just go away. We must fight to stay in the spirit. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. He helps us control those strong desire, if we allow Him. Remember, we must activate Him daily. In Matthew 16:24 Jesus says pick up your cross daily and follow me. He's warning us that this is something that we will have to do daily. The good news is that the Holy Spirit helps us. He gives us the power to resist ourselves and resist the enemy who wants us to fail.
Encouragement
The Holy Spirit helps us control our sinful selves as we allow Him to. Don't beat yourself up if you find that you keep slipping. Remember, the flesh will fight to stay relevant. Activate the Spirit daily and you will eventually overcome the flesh one day at a time. Don't allow anyone, not even yourself to discourage you. You will never be perfect. We can only strive to be perfect. Every day, make an effort to activate the Spirit by praying, reading, studying, praising, and keeping company with fellow believers. The fight will get easier day by day as long as the Spirit is activated.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit. First, You gave us Your only son Jesus who walked among us and laid down His life for us. Then, when His work was done, You didn't leave us alone in this fallen world. You gave us another part of Yourself to live in us and help us navigate this life. Words can't express how we feel. You are everything. You deserve all of the praise and glory. We are so blessed to have You. I don't know why You love us so much but I'm so glad that You do. Forgive us for the times that we don't show our appreciation. Forgive us for the days that we don't activate the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, we forget how much we need all of You, Father God, Son, and Holy Spirit. I pray that we are able to please You by living the life that illuminates Your love towards others. In Jesus's Christ name we pray, amen.