Life In The Spirit

And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52 NASB2020

Religion is a curse on this world. By religion, I mean legalistic practices that are uninspired and devoid of the presence of God. It’s a fine line discerning what is of God and what is of man and the evil one. The best way to tell is by the fruit.

Trees don’t lie. You can tell a tree by its fruit. Rotten trees produce rotten fruit. What is rotten fruit? The works of the flesh.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19‭-‬21 NASB2020

Good trees bear good fruit. Good trees are planted by the river of God. They are continually nourished by the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NASB2020

It all begins with love. True disciples love. They love God more than their own lives. Their lives are an act of service. Their service is obedience to God. They are not people pleasers. They live to please God.

True disciples love people. Loving people means speaking the truth in love. Even when it’s not what people want to hear. Remember, they’re not people pleasers. Our goal is to bring everyone to obedience to the faith.

Now, if you look at the bad fruit that bad trees produce you might spot something that reminds you of yourself on a bad day. Don’t despair. Just confess your sins and get back on the road of righteousness.

God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. Miracles, signs and wonders are happening everyday. People are hearing God’s voice for themselves. Healing and deliverance is common place among those walking by the Spirit. This is nothing new, it’s just not found in religious circles. If you’re experiencing or witnessing these things, it’s hard not to be joyful. Amen?

Keep in step with the Spirit. If He says, “Go” then go without hesitation. If He says, “Be still and know that I am God” then be still and let God be God. That means He is working on your behalf even if you can’t see it. You’re not God. You’re not in control. Can you make a river flow? No. Only God makes the rivers flow.

God’s river is flowing now through His Church, the people of God. It’s not bound by buildings or denominational distinctions. There is only one true Church, the people who God chose for Himself to be His Bride.

Let God be God. Surrender to His process. And enjoy the ride. To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Lord, give us patience to persist and the strength to be good witnesses of Your works as we humble ourselves and obey Your gentle leading by the Spirit. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.