In today’s fast-paced world, true worship is often overshadowed by trends that prioritize emotions, entertainment, and shallow participation, taking us away from authentic worship meant to deeply connect us with God. Worship is essential for spiritual survival, much like food is for physical survival. Without daily worship, our spirits become weak, disconnected from God, and unable to thrive. Making worship a daily practice helps us maintain a strong spiritual life, providing guidance, strength, and peace. It ensures our actions align with God’s will, helping us handle life’s challenges with grace. Through worship, we draw closer to God, experience His love, and gain the resilience needed to face difficulties. Just as a tree by a river thrives by drawing water, our spiritual lives thrive through regular worship. Let’s prioritize daily worship to experience God’s love and provision fully.
Neglecting worship can lead to spiritual dryness and a lack of purpose, just as neglecting to eat can cause physical illness and fatigue. Therefore, making worship a daily practice is crucial for maintaining a strong and vibrant spiritual life. Daily worship practices such as morning prayer, Bible reading, listening to worship music, reading devotionals, keeping a gratitude journal, memorizing Bible verses, evening prayer, and spending quiet time with God help us stay connected to Him. This daily dependence on God for spiritual nourishment is similar to how the Israelites relied on manna during their journey in the wilderness, teaching us to trust in God’s provision. Worship sustains our spiritual health, provides guidance, and strengthens our faith, helping us navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose. By prioritizing daily worship, we deepen our relationship with God, ensuring our efforts are purposeful and aligned with His will. True worship involves heartfelt engagement and reliance on God’s presence, guiding us and providing for us just as He did for the Israelites.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Romans 8:5, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”
This verse highlights the standard by which we live.
When God changes the source of our being, we find a new standard to live by.
We no longer live according to the flesh, which is no longer our point of reference.
Instead, we walk according to the Spirit, conducting ourselves and living according to the realm of the Spirit.
1. Understanding the Flesh vs. the Spirit
To live according to the flesh is to set your mind on the things of the flesh.
This means taking yourself as your source and living according to it.
You are absorbed in your self, considering your failures, inadequacies, and circumstances.
This is what it means to “mind the things of the flesh.”
Romans 8:7 tells us, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”
Living according to the flesh keeps us in a state of opposition to God, focusing on our limitations and failures.
2. The Consequences of Living According to the Flesh
When you live according to the flesh, your thoughts are entangled with negative patterns and demonic influences (James 3:15).
This mindset is destructive and keeps you from experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for you.
2 Corinthians 2:11 warns, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
By dwelling on the flesh, you become susceptible to the devil’s schemes and lose sight of God’s purpose.
3. Living According to the Spirit
In contrast, living according to the Spirit means setting your mind on the things of the Spirit.
This new standard of living brings a new way of thinking and a set of values aligned with Christ.
Philippians 4:8 encourages us, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Living according to the Spirit means valuing and preferring Christ above all else.
Colossians 3:2 instructs, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
This mindset transforms your life, filling it with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. Practical Application: Aligning with the Spirit
Reflect on what you value most.
Are your priorities aligned with the flesh or the Spirit?
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Cultivate a habit of daily prayer and Bible study to keep your mind set on the things of the Spirit.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
5. Embracing a New Standard
By living according to the Spirit, you embrace a new standard that leads to life and peace.
Romans 8:6 affirms, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Let the Holy Spirit guide you, transforming your thoughts and actions to reflect the character of Christ.
Ephesians 4:23-24 encourages, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
In conclusion, living according to the Spirit means adopting a new standard that transforms every aspect of our lives.
By setting our minds on the things of the Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s will and experience the abundant life He promises.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Joe Shelnutt
Kathryn Raines
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
John McClain’s Mother
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Tom Witcher