September 18, 2025 | Be God's Family
Walk by the Spirit
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-21(NIV)
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Devotional
Our family always went to church on a regular basis. Our United Methodist Church was located 3 blocks from our house. However, you had to cross one highway that ran smack down the middle of our little town, College Corner, Ohio. There were no stop signs or stop lights. My Dad always drove us to church, probably because there was a total of 7 of us.
On one beautiful Spring Sunday morning I decided I wanted to walk home after church. I was probably in the 3rd or 4th grade. I asked my mother, and she said no. Since my parents were busy talking to different people apart from one another in our small church I decided to ask my dad. So, I marched right up to him and asked him if I could walk home. Lo and behold he said yes. I exited our little church and started enjoying my walk home. When I came to the highway, I looked both ways just as I had been taught. As I was skipping to our house, I noticed that my parents were waiting for me in the kitchen doorway. The look on their faces told me I was in big fat trouble. I didn’t do that again! Lesson learned.
I wanted to do what I wanted to do. We are not to gratify those wants and urges, but we are to walk with God in the Holy Spirit. How do you know if you are walking by the Holy Spirit? Your mind is set on spiritual things, including the scriptures. Worldly things no longer appeal to you in the same way. You maintain a composure, even in difficult times, of finding peace and calmness. Christ’s character is reflected in your life because you continue to seek and pursue a relationship with Jesus. You are focused on the Holy Spirit’s desire to produce good fruit.
Be thankful to God and always turn to God in prayer and ask for His will to be done. Take some time today and reflect on your walk with the Holy Spirit.
Poem
Spirit Cadance
Psalm 143
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
Psalm 143:10
Hear, hear, hear
Creation’s beat
Now, set your feet a tappin’
Rise up now
And find your place
God’s big bass drum be strappin’
March, march, march
The way be clear
Your seven rounds be circlin’
Wait, wait, wait
‘Til the trumpets sound
Then vict’ry’s praise be yellin’
Follow well
God’s drum major
The Holy Spirit’s leadin’
As into
The blessed holy land
God’s chosen band receivin’
