Everyday
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:12-13)
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:24-25)
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:12-13)
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:24-25)
The Apostle Peter tells us that God’s divine power “has given us everything we need for a godly life”. Note the past tense. It describes something that has already happened. Whether it feels like it or not (and let’s face it – it often doesn’t!), the Bible assures us that we already have absolutely everything we need to live a life that pleases God.
Walking by the Spirit is a day-by-day, hour-by-hour, moment-by-moment choice. One of the devil’s strategies to stop us from walking by the Spirit is simply to distract us from the reality of the choices we are empowered to make. We often go through a lot of our day on ‘autopilot’, just not remembering God in our everyday circumstances. Perhaps we start the day by reading the Bible and praying, then get into bed at night and realise we have just forgotten about God for most of the day. Learning to become more aware of God in each aspect of our daily lives is a habit we can learn. God has given us all that we need to live the Christian life in all its joyful and wonderful abundance, but we need to remember to “keep in step with the Spirit” every day.
Is there anything practical that you could do this week to remind yourself to keep on thinking about the choice you make every day either to walk by ‘the flesh’ or to walk by the Spirit? Whether you are working, studying, looking after children, eating, shopping, walking, or socialising, God wants to be involved in every single part of your everyday life. Perhaps you could try something like wearing your watch on the wrong wrist, having a periodic alarm on your phone, drawing a ‘G’ on your hand, asking a friend to text you a few times during the day, or putting a post-it note up somewhere you will often notice it – anything at all that will help you remember to ask God for help and keep on choosing to walk by the Spirit rather than by the flesh.
Walking by the Spirit is a day-by-day, hour-by-hour, moment-by-moment choice. One of the devil’s strategies to stop us from walking by the Spirit is simply to distract us from the reality of the choices we are empowered to make. We often go through a lot of our day on ‘autopilot’, just not remembering God in our everyday circumstances. Perhaps we start the day by reading the Bible and praying, then get into bed at night and realise we have just forgotten about God for most of the day. Learning to become more aware of God in each aspect of our daily lives is a habit we can learn. God has given us all that we need to live the Christian life in all its joyful and wonderful abundance, but we need to remember to “keep in step with the Spirit” every day.
Is there anything practical that you could do this week to remind yourself to keep on thinking about the choice you make every day either to walk by ‘the flesh’ or to walk by the Spirit? Whether you are working, studying, looking after children, eating, shopping, walking, or socialising, God wants to be involved in every single part of your everyday life. Perhaps you could try something like wearing your watch on the wrong wrist, having a periodic alarm on your phone, drawing a ‘G’ on your hand, asking a friend to text you a few times during the day, or putting a post-it note up somewhere you will often notice it – anything at all that will help you remember to ask God for help and keep on choosing to walk by the Spirit rather than by the flesh.
- How do you react to Peter’s statement that the Lord has given you everything you need to lead a godly life?
- If you are tempted to doubt it, reflect on why that is. Why do we often find it easier to believe our feelings than we do the Word of God?
- What simple actions could you take this week to remind yourself to walk each moment of each day by the Spirit, rather than by the flesh?
Father God, I thank you that you have already given me everything I need to take hold of my freedom and live the Christian life well. I want to know the truth and live by it so that I can become all that you have created me to be. I choose to say “yes” to you today, and to do what you ask me to do as you give me the strength. Please continue to reveal your amazing truths to me and help me to take responsibility for the choices I need to make so that I can overcome the flesh in my life and be free to be the amazing person you have created me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.
If you have time, consider carrying on your conversation with God using one of our helpful Prayer Pathways.
Today’s Everyday Devotions have also inspired a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube channel.
Today’s Everyday Devotions have been brought to you with help from our friends at Freedom In Christ.
Join our online service at everyday.online
Today’s Everyday Devotions have also inspired a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube channel.
Today’s Everyday Devotions have been brought to you with help from our friends at Freedom In Christ.
Join our online service at everyday.online