Today’s Theme for Prayer – God Gives Himself to Me
Power to Rejoice in My Union With God
Gal 5:16-26
l I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh. For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want. But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.
Grace Prayed For
Humility: Conceit and envy are works of the flesh that can easily creep into our hearts. Ask for the grace of humility to recognize our dependence on God and to rejoice in the successes of others.
Where Desire Meets Divinity
This passage from Galatians speaks of a deep, intimate struggle within each of us – the tug-of-war between our flesh and the Spirit. It’s a battleground where our deepest desires clash with the divine promptings within.
The flesh, our human nature, craves instant gratification, pulling us towards selfishness, envy, and those fleeting pleasures that ultimately leave us empty. The Spirit, however, yearns for love, joy, and peace – the lasting fruits of a life lived in harmony with God.
This isn’t a condemnation of our human desires, but a loving invitation to transcend them. It’s a call to surrender to the Spirit’s guidance, to allow it to shape our desires and actions. It’s about recognizing that true freedom isn’t found in giving in to every whim, but in aligning ourselves with God’s will.
The image of “crucifying the flesh” might seem harsh, but it speaks of a decisive turning away from the destructive patterns of our old selves. It’s a commitment to let go of the things that hinder our spiritual growth, to make space for the Spirit to flourish within us.
This journey isn’t about achieving moral perfection, but about continually surrendering to the Spirit’s transforming power. It’s about recognizing our weaknesses, forgiving ourselves, and allowing the Spirit to lead us towards a life of love, joy, and peace.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that we are not alone in this struggle. The Spirit is our constant companion, guiding us, strengthening us, and empowering us to live a life that truly reflects the heart of God.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Surrendering to the Spirit: The passage emphasizes the importance of being “guided by the Spirit.” As we yield to the Spirit’s promptings, we align ourselves with the very essence of Jesus. The Spirit leads us into truth, reveals Jesus to us, and empowers us to live a life that reflects His character. This surrender fosters a deeper connection with Christ.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post