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CHANGE A KID’S LIFE FOR ETERNITY!
July 15-19, we will take our young people to the Arise Youth Conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. This will be a life-changing week for our youth. We need your help to cover the cost, which is $185 per child for registration, plus food and lodging expenses. Thank you for making this need a matter of prayer. Your support can make a lasting impact on their lives.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Galatians 5:25, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
In this verse Paul tells us that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
This means that as believers, we have a new identity in Christ and are no longer controlled by our sinful nature.
In verse 25, Paul urges us to live out this new identity by walking in the Spirit.
To “live in the Spirit” means to be united with Christ and have His Spirit dwelling within us.
To “walk in the Spirit” means to follow the Spirit’s guidance and allow Him to influence our thoughts, actions, and decisions.
The Greek word for “walk” in Galatians 5:25 is a specific military term, suggesting the idea of keeping in step with the Spirit, much like soldiers marching in formation.
In ancient times, soldiers would march to the beat of a drummer, ensuring they moved in unison.
This required careful attention and deliberate action.
Similarly, walking in the Spirit requires us to be attentive to the Spirit’s leading and to make deliberate choices to follow His direction.
Practical Application:
- RECOGNIZE THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE: Acknowledge that Christ lives in you through His Spirit. This is the foundation of walking in the Spirit. Just as soldiers recognize the authority of their leader, we must recognize the Spirit’s authority in our lives.
- LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE: Develop a habit of tuning in to the Spirit’s voice. This can be through prayer, reading the Bible, and being sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings in your heart. In the same way soldiers listen for the commands of their leader, we need to listen for the Spirit’s guidance.
- DELIBERATE ACTION: When you face temptations or challenges, make a conscious decision to act according to the Spirit’s leading. This might mean praying for strength, seeking counsel from mature believers, or simply choosing to act in love and patience. Just as soldiers take deliberate steps in unison, we must take deliberate steps to follow the Spirit.
- SIMPLE PRAYERS: In moments of weakness or temptation, use simple prayers like “Lord, help me,” “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” or “Jesus, I trust You.” These prayers help keep your focus on Christ and invite the Spirit to take control. This is akin to soldiers calling out to their leader for direction and support.
- CONSISTENCY IN PRACTICE: Make walking in the Spirit a daily practice. Just as soldiers regularly train and practice their drills, we need to consistently practice following the Spirit’s lead. This builds spiritual discipline and makes it easier to stay in step with the Spirit.
Imagine a group of soldiers marching together.
Each soldier must keep their eyes on the leader and their ears tuned to the cadence.
Any distraction could cause them to fall out of step.
This is similar to our walk with the Spirit.
We must keep our spiritual eyes and ears focused on Christ and His Spirit.
Distractions like sinful desires or worldly influences can cause us to fall out of step.
- DAILY ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Each morning, acknowledge the Spirit’s presence in your life. Pray something like, “Lord, guide me by Your Spirit today. Help me to follow Your lead.”
- SCRIPTURE MEDITATION: Spend time meditating on God’s Word. Scriptures like Galatians 5:22-23, which list the fruit of the Spirit, can remind you of the qualities the Spirit wants to develop in you.
- RESPONSIVE OBEDIENCE: Be quick to respond to the Spirit’s promptings. If you feel convicted about a particular action or decision, obey immediately. This keeps you aligned with the Spirit’s will.
- COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Surround yourself with fellow believers who are also striving to walk in the Spirit. Encourage and support each other, much like soldiers support one another in their duties.
- REFLECT AND ADJUST: At the end of each day, reflect on your actions and attitudes. Ask the Spirit to show you areas where you may have fallen out of step and seek His help to adjust and improve.
By expanding on these points, we can see that walking in the Spirit is an ongoing, dynamic process that requires attentiveness, deliberate action, and a willingness to follow the Spirit’s lead in every aspect of our lives.
Through this, we can experience the fullness of life in Christ and grow in our relationship with Him.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham
Gail Sparks
Ellen Boyd
Friend of Linda Hodge
Joy Gilbert
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
Joe Shelnutt
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
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
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher