READING: Song 1-8, Galatians 5:16-6:18
In my early years as a believer, few people taught us much about the Holy Spirit. The decade was the 1970s, and many evangelicals were so afraid of the excesses of the Pentecostal movement that they were only willing to warn against too much attention to the Spirit. Now looking back, I realize we probably went too far in the other direction; that is, we gave too little attention to the Spirit. It was almost as if we believed in only 2/3 of the Trinity. The result, in my opinion, was that we often failed to realize the power we had to live in victory.
In today’s New Testament reading, the biblical call to follow the Spirit is clear:
- “I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Gal 5:16)
- “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Gal 5:18)
- “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal 5:25)
To walk in the Spirit is to follow His footsteps in an ongoing fashion, leaning on Him each step of the way. In His power and under His leadership, we can live in the freedom God gives. We are to yield to Him and exhibit the fruit of His transforming presence in us.
In no way should we again ignore or neglect Him.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for Your Spirit—and for Your plan that includes His living in us.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: In the power of the Spirit, live in victory today.
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 1-4, Ephesians 1:1-2:10
