Fruit Of The Spirit
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Father, because I know that You have the words of truth, I ask for insight and encouragement today from Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
REFLECT:
Have you made the wonderful discovery of the Spirit-filled life? This is the title to a small brochure available from Campus Crusade For Christ (now known as CRU.org) and written by Dr. Bill Bright. The brochure explains the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. One of the powerful truths explained is that we do not have the ability on our own to live as God has called us to live. Only the presence and power of Christ in us, through the Spirit, gives us the “fruit” to live, love and look like Jesus. The fruit of the Spirit noted in our verses today are in stark contrast to what we can produce on our own. Our fruit, without the Spirit, is noted in the earlier verses of Galatians 5, and it is not pretty. It is a result of sin in us. Paul talks about this problem in Romans 7:18 – “For I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out.” Having the Spirit on the throne of our lives, allows us to begin to produce what only God can do through us.
APPLY:
If you have not done so, ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to help you allow the Spirit to be the King in your life; to sit on the throne of your heart and guide your thoughts, words, and actions. Check out the Spirit-filled life brochure through www.cru.org for a better understanding of these truths.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, give me today the strength and willingness to allow the Holy Spirit control over my life. Let the fruit of the Spirit flow through me to all You bring across my path that I may bring Your blessing into our lives. To Your glory and for Your Name, Amen
WORSHIP: