Genesis 25:23,  "The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.'" Galatians 3:3, "Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?"

Think

"There is a constant battle waging in our lives: the flesh vs. the Spirit."  We've all heard of sibling rivalry, but Jacob and Esau take it to another level! The Bible says that from the womb, these boys were jostling and fighting. But why should we care about this Old Testament wrestling match between Jacob and Esau? Because they represent a much larger battle that is raging in our own lives. It is ultimately the battle of the flesh (Esau) vs. the Spirit (Jacob). When we accept Jesus as our Savior, God sends the Holy Spirit as our helper and guide. But that doesn't mean there's not a constant tension between our flesh and His Spirit. As we unpack the flesh and the Spirit more this week, ask God to open your eyes to the battle raging in and around you. Are you giving in to the desires of the flesh or choosing to follow the Spirit as he leads you to God's best for your life?

Act

Reflect on the areas in your life where you sense the battle waging – your relationships, your career, your finances, etc. Write them down and, next to each area, make a note of the choices you know the Spirit of God is leading you to make.

Pray

Dear God, Please open my eyes to the real battles in my life. Help me to see them through your eyes and grant me the strength to follow where your Spirit guides me. In Jesus' name, Amen.