Elegant Themes Blog

Ed Young Devotionals

    Duke It Out

    Posted on Sep 16, 2018 12:00:00 AM

    Read

    Galatians 5:16, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

    Think

    "When you do things God's way, you get God's results."    This week, we have unpacked the forces inside of us, the two powerhouse opponents duking it out for supremacy in our lives. In one corner, the Spirit provides encouraging discernment while in the other, the flesh lurks with its lies. Even though our sinful nature is relentless, God arms us with the Holy Spirit to help us live out God's best in our lives. So how do you overcome in the battle of the flesh vs. the Spirit?
    1. Nutrition - Spend time in God's word. Talk to God in prayer. This will feed you, strengthen you.
    2. Intuition – The more time you spend with God, the more you will recognize the prompts of the Spirit to discern right from wrong.
    3. Submission – God only wants the best for us. When we give up on our own agenda and do things God's way, we get his results.
    Take a moment to think about where your nutrition comes from. Is it television, self-help books, celebrity blogs, social media, or God's word? What about your intuition? Who are you listening to and responding to? Finally, are you resisting God or submitting to him? Trust him, even when it's difficult. His way always works!

    Act

    Evaluate your morning and evening routines. Do they involve spending time with God – reading the Bible, praying, or listening to worship music? If you are not already spending time with God, write down what you will do tonight and tomorrow morning to carve out that time. If you do spend time with God but feel like you are in a rut, mix it up!

    Pray

    God, thank you for sending your Spirit to help me do life your way. I know that with you, I've already won the battle! In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Topics: Holy Spirit, flesh