Christianity (Part 3)

"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." Galatians 5:24-26

When I was very young I learned how to walk on a balance beam. The first day of class they had placed a beam on the ground for us beginners to learn from. I stood on this very narrow board and stiffly stepped with one foot in front of the other all the way to the other end. I recall how rigid I was, being sure not to misstep and fall off. Not because of the great fall, I mean, I was just a few inches off of the floor, but that I wanted to do it perfectly (I guess my perfectionism goes way back).

So, I want to wrap up this session in Galatians with this...

The Christian faith is about the empowering of the Holy Spirit to do God's will. When we as Christians walk in our faith we avoid the sins of the flesh and strive for the things of the Spirit.

We don't walk so stiff (as on a balance beam) in religion but in Christ's love. The Holy Spirit pours forth the fruits of the Spirit as we need them and supplies us with godly love through our daily Christian walk. But...we do have to put forth the effort. We have to be alert and ready to recognize our flesh. When our flesh shows our weakness Satan is ready to move in and take up residence (He is a smooth operator; cunning).

We need a plan to be alert:

#1 We have to read the Bible (Ex. 24:7)

#2 We should be involved with our brothers and sisters in Christ through worship and working in ministries where God leads (Deut. 31:12).

#3 We must continually pray (1 Thess. 5:17)

#4 We should listen to Christian music of your choice and let it fill you with the hope and peace of God's Word (Ps. 66:2).

Girls, may you draw close to HIm so that He will draw close to you. May He fill you with His grace, peace and mercy. May you walk and not grow weary of the journey and grow more diligent in your faith (Isa. 40:31).

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Thank You for Your Word of promise and hope. I pray that we seek You on a deeper level and experience a love for You that we have never known before. Amen.