DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Led By The Spirit
by Beth Voltmann
Ponder for a moment that Christ’s Spirit lives in each believer. The apostle Paul wrote that “we have an obligation to live by the Spirit and to put to death the misdeeds of the body.” (Romans 8:17)
What would our lives look like if we daily denied our flesh and allowed ourselves to be led by the Spirit? Imagine reflecting the goodness of our heavenly Father and walking in the way that Jesus walked.
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." (Romans 8:14)
God’s children are not called to an independent lifestyle, but to a life that is wholly dependent on the Spirit. A commentary by David Guzik notes that the Holy Spirit will guide us to daily repentance and then into humility, truth, love, holiness, and usefulness. When led by the Spirit, we can...
bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
surrender fear and have our minds governed by life and peace (Romans 8:6)
call upon God tenderly as our “Abba” (Romans 8:15)
live as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
Suffering may come while living this life of faith - in fact, we know that it will – but it comes with the assurance that we are members of God’s family; we will share Christ’s glory. (Romans 8:17)
Jesus prayed this for his disciples before his death and resurrection: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to compete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22-23)
As believers, may we surrender our lives to the Holy Spirit, walk in unity and love, and carry the light of Christ’s love into this dark world. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians. 5:25)
PRAYER
Abba, Father, thank you that you did not leave us alone, but that we have the Holy Spirit to guide us each new day. Reveal to us our shortcomings and forgive us when we fall headlong into sinful behaviors. We want to walk in the way of Jesus. May our lives bear fruit as evidence of your Spirit within and may we be transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory!
