Covenant Grove Daily Devotionals

But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wifes consent, he kept the rest. Then Peter said, Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You werent lying to us but to God! As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, Was this the price you and your husband received for your land? Yes, she replied, that was the price. And Peter said, How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too. Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomons Colonnade. But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lordcrowds of both men and women. As a result of the apostles work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peters shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lets be clear Ananias and Sapphira were Christians. They were willing to sell their property and give a good amount of the money to help the poor. So far, so good, right? Everything looked good, but something was off in their hearts. They had every right to keep their own field, and once they sold it, they had every right to only give part of the money. What they did wrong was tell everyone they were giving ALL of the money, but really keeping part for themselves. They wanted to look much more generous than they really were. God could see through their charade, right through their lies and they died. This is, for sure, a harsh punishment for lying. The Lord was sending a clear message to the church: lying to God doesnt work and has serious consequences.

Everyone struggles a little with appearances; everyone wants to look good to others (a bit). Hypocrisy is when we cross that line and intentionally live a double life, making people think we are more godly than we truly are. This story is a reminder to be humble and thankful.Where in your life is there some hypocrisy? How can you allow Jesus to remove it?

As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah. In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and Gods great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬-‭37‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These disciples had conviction! They had already been incredibly bold in preaching Jesus, and yet they prayed for courage to be even more bold! Their bold words were based on solid biblical theology, shown in these verses by their understanding of Gods plan, why people oppose it, and why there is suffering. These disciples knew Jesus, and they were not afraid to be bold.

The disciples also lived with conviction. They lived lives of generosity, sacrifice, and love. Their faith actually meant something in their actions. Lives of conviction carry a lot of power. We need to take time to look at our own lives. We will never be perfect, but we cant let that be an excuse to not live out what we believe. We do not do this alone but through the Holy Spirit inside us and the church around us. One of the most challenging growth areas for many of us is generosity. We all believe we are generous, but we all eat more than we need, own more than we need, and keep buying more than we could ever use while so many are in need. May we learn from these early Christians to let it all go and live lives of generosity all for Christ our King.What area of your faith needs more boldness and conviction? What is your next step of growth in generosity?

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000. The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. They brought in the two disciples and demanded, By what power, or in whose name, have you done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because weve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves. What should we do with these men? they asked each other. We cant deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus name again. So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard. The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didnt know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God for this miraculous signthe healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The goal of a Christian is to be closer to Christ and spread His love and truth to the world. Peter and John were put on trial that was not a misfortune for them; it was just another opportunity! Our greatest trials are our greatest opportunities if we can see our lives as servants of Christ.

Peter and John faithfully spoke the name and message of Jesus even challenging their accusers (who a few weeks before condemned Jesus) to believe in Jesus. The disciples had made the choice to obey God, not humans, no matter what the consequences; that choice had made them free. They were free from trying to please their leaders, free from human opinion, free to live for God alone. They were not formally educated, but they had been taught and empowered by Jesus. They could not stop talking about everything they had seen and heard. Christians have so many stories of Gods goodness. You do not need all the answers, and you do not need to be afraid share your stories. Living out Christs mission with Him (our purpose) brings joy to life.How can you live out Gods mission today? What holds you back from sharing your stories of Gods love and goodness? How can you take steps to be free from pleasing others?

Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three oclock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, Look at us! The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, I dont have any silver or gold for you. But Ill give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk! Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the mans feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomons Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. People of Israel, he said, what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacobthe God of all our ancestorswho has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilates decision to release him. You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact! Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healedand you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus name has healed him before your very eyes. Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiahthat he must suffer these things. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. Moses said, The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you. Then Moses said, Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from Gods people. Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today. You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed. When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Peter and John didnt plan to preach a sermon, they were going to the Temple to pray. When they saw someone in need, they looked at him and helped. This opened an opportunity to share the Good News, and they were ready. They preached about Gods power, forgiveness through Christ, and the need to repent. Peter and John understood that God was working not just for the crippled man, but also for the crowd to believe the message and follow the way of Jesus.

Good deeds lead to good will lead to people being open to the Good News. It helps to pray for opportunities to serve and share. Pray for the opportunities, then be watchful for them. Opportunity often interrupts your plans (Peter and John were interrupted), so hold your plans loosely. And be ready to share. This could be the story of Jesus or a faith story from your life. It could be an invitation to church or a Bible Study. Or it could just be listening, which is powerful, then praying.How can you keep your eyes open for opportunities to serve in love and share the Good News? When the opportunities come, what will you say?

People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. King David said this about him: I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasnt referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of Davids own descendants would sit on his throne. David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiahs resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave. God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at Gods right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet. So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah! Peters words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, Brothers, what should we do? Peter replied, Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far awayall who have been called by the Lord our God. Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, Save yourselves from this crooked generation! Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that dayabout 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lords Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lords Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬-‭47‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is hard to tell others the hard truth. Sometimes it feels like we are being judgmental; other times people simply wont listen. In these verses, Peter told the people some very hard truths they were responsible for the death of Jesus, the Savior of the world, and they needed to repent. Yet the people were not turned off by the message they responded with repentance and faith. The Christians formed genuine community centered on Gods Word, and every day new people joined them. Acts 2:42-47 is a beautiful picture of the church.

True love speaks truth, even when it is hard. It means we live in sacrificial community, taking care of each other, speaking the truth in love. We have to genuinely love, and we have to speak the truth to each other and the world. As we live faithful lives, people are drawn in and want to be part of a community that loves enough to speak the truth. Of course, the biggest power is the Holy Spirit working in peoples lives. We have to surrender to Him first, in community, then share His love and truth with the whole world.Who have you empowered to speak hard truths into your life? Are you willing to speak the truth in love today?

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. How can this be? they exclaimed. These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we areParthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done! They stood there amazed and perplexed. What can this mean? they asked each other. But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, Theyre just drunk, thats all! Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine oclock in the morning is much too early for that. No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: In the last days," God says, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servantsmen and women alike and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Peter began his sermon by quoting the Old Testament and telling the people that the disciples were not drunk but filled with the Holy Spirit full of joy and life. We get to taste eternity even now. Christians are called to tell the world the truth and show them lives of joy (even if we are mistaken for drunken fools because of the fun we are having). The Holy Spirit has come, just as Jesus promised. The Spirit lives in believers, transforming our character and empowering us to live the mission of Jesus.

The Old Testament promised that the Holy Spirit would come, and that Gods people would receive new hearts with the Word written upon their hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3). The New Testament promises that Jesus will return and that the promise will be fulfilled as well. Until He comes again, live in His love and tell the world about His promises. A lot of people make promises, but God keeps all His promises. You can build your life on the solid rock of His Word.How can you thank God for keeping His promises? What difference does it make for you to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom? He replied, The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywherein Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. Men of Galilee, they said, why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go! Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. Brothers, he said, the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us. (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means Field of Blood.) Peter continued, This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it. It also says, Let someone else take his position. So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus resurrection. So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs. Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus gave His disciples a mission. It was not to restore power to Israel but fulfill the purpose of Gods people to be a light to the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. Christians are witnesses for Jesus, continuing His mission of forgiveness, truth, and mercy. The disciples witnessed Jesus die, rise again, and ascend into heaven. Death is overcome, and Jesus is the true King of creation. The disciples filled Judas leadership position because they understood they were called through Jesus to fulfill Israels role to shine Gods light to all nations.

Our mission is still to tell the world about Jesus. Acts 1:8 is still our mission, and we must never forget His call on our lives. In the stress and pressure of life, it is easy to forget your purpose. But having a mission gives clarity to life and helps make sense of hard times. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and every day remind yourself of His purpose for your life. Churches exist not to please peoples preferences but to fulfill the mission of Jesus. You are loved, called, and sent. Never forget what He lived and died for join Him in His mission to the world!

What can you do to keep focused on His mission? How can you live out His mission today?

Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting. Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They dont want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. And even those who advocate circumcision dont keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples. As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the worlds interest in me has also died. It doesnt matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May Gods peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. From now on, dont let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul closed the letter by writing in his own hand. He had dictated the previous sections. These last verses are a great summary of the letter. Those who were trying to have the Galatians circumcised were about pride and boasting. Paul was not about boasting. He was all about the cross of Christ, and he bore scars on his body to prove it. The world had been crucified to Paul, and he had been crucified to the world he was not living for the interest of the world or the approval of any human.

It is all about new creation. Sin, death, decay, disease all come from our broken condition. Pain and suffering are caused by our sin and selfishness. The law identifies our sin, but it is not the remedy. The cross and resurrection are the remedy. When you invite the Spirit inside your heart, God begins to work new creation so that you choose to sin less and less as your will and desires unite with His. You give Jesus your pain and find healing. Your pain does not become destructive but can actually grow you. You can even be willing to suffer with Jesus, and the harm others give you can potentially make you stronger.

We are resurrection people, new creation people sharing the life, strength, and hope that is inside of us and working for new creation in the whole world. The world is longing for resurrection! May you live it and help others to experience the hope that is only found in Jesus.How has God grown you through pain in your past? What struggles do you need to put in His hands today? What would it mean for you to be crucified in the desire to win approval from others?

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each others burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you wont need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Dont be misledyou cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So lets not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we dont give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyoneespecially to those in the family of faith.‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We reap what we sow. We harvest what we plant. The point of this letter was not just to stop the Galatians from getting circumcised, it was to stop them from planting their lives in the law or in the flesh. Your life is meant to be planted in the Spirit, and from the Spirit there is a harvest of everlasting life and blessing. From the law we get good rules but not salvation. From the flesh we get pain and discord and selfishness. Only from the Spirit do we get true life. True freedom is not following selfish desires but Gods power for a life of love, joy, and peace. Your choices matter.

Freedom does not mean being free from responsibility, free from godly authority, or free from other believers. Paul started by saying that we need to pay attention to those who are wandering and help bring them back (vv.1-3). He said we need to pay attention to our own work and not compare ourselves to anyone else (vv.4-5). We are also to honor and bless those who have taught us the Word of God that brings freedom (v.6). The Lords freedom is a family of faith for human flourishing.How would you define what Gods freedom is (and isnt)? How can you help others in need while building their personal responsibility?

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you wont be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirits leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Life with Jesus is an ongoing process of growth. If you have accepted Jesus, His Spirit is living inside of you and challenging your will to become closer to His will. God always wants what is best for you, but that is often not what is easiest or what will bring instant gratification. The Holy Spirit is working to change your broken will and bring true life. When you choose your own desires over Gods way, the results are disastrous. Paul listed some of the disastrous results. Take some time to honestly evaluate your life to see if any of these results are in your life.

The fruits of the Spirit are character qualities they are the result of being rooted in the Holy Spirit. They are not about our hard work, but we do need to cooperate with the Spirits work. Like a tree, you are made to bear this fruit; you only have to be what God made you to be and let the Spirit do the work in you. This list is the result of letting the Holy Spiritnot your own desiresguide your life. The Christian life is best understood not as work but as surrender. Take some time to evaluate how much of the Saviors fruit is in your life.How can you focus less on your work and more on surrendering to Christs love and way? How can you allow the Spirit to bring more fruit into your character?