God's Holy Fire: 'The Life of the Spirit'

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good — crucified. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.
— Galatians 5:24-25 MESSAGE

Key Thought

God's written word is invaluable to us as we mature in Christ and learn more and more of God's will. As we mature, we will choose "the life of the Spirit" rather than just trying to follow God's commands written on stone or printed on paper. We will have God's will written on our hearts and showing in our lives by the transforming work of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Today's passage is Paul's reminder that follows his description of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Since the Spirit is God's gift to lead us in our dance of grace, then we must let him take the lead in this dance. We must long for the Spirit to transform our hearts and minds to reflect the righteous character and gracious compassion of our Father in heaven. We must seek the Spirit to order our steps in every area of our lives.

Today's Prayer

O Holy Father, O Savior and Son of God, and O Holy Spirit come and make your home in me. Work your will in every aspect of my life as I seek to honor you and live out your will in every aspect of my life. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 5:24-25 MESSAGE —

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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