Dave is doing a series on Kingdom Discipleship and the Holy Spirit. He posed a question this past Sunday: “If the only way we knew about the Holy Spirit was through the Bible and not through all the misunderstandings that our Christian culture has placed on this “Forgotten God” how would we act?” I have decided to focus on the Holy Spirit in my journaling; looking with new eyes to see how the Holy Spirit works and to strive to have more of my daily life impacted by the moving of the Holy Spirit. Paul talks about the Holy Spirit a lot and I seem to have missed it in the past. I pray for eyes to see and a heart to know more about the Holy Spirit.

S – Galatians 5:1, 5 & 16 1IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]…… 5For we, [not relying on the Law but] through the [Holy] Spirit's [help], by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God [our [b]conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope……16But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

O – These are passages that jumped out at me because of the Holy Spirit. Paul is writing to the Galatians. He is rebuking them for falling away from the Gospel that was preached to them and putting the requirement of circumcision unto those who would be saved and believe in Christ. It is through the Holy Spirit alone that we are able to walk the life we are called to walk. It isn’t anything that we do on the outside (circumcision, tithing, baptism, church attendance, giving to the poor, church activities) that makes us in right standing with God. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit.

A – So what is in this specifically for me, right now, today? I have been feeling down, flat, unmotivated and somewhat agitated. I also feel that I’m lacking self-control, especially around food and exercise. When I try to do things from my own resources I know that I can do them for a little while, but it doesn’t last. And right now I don’t want to even try to do them because I know it won’t last – I’m discouraged. My joy and my hope are scarce right now and I’m not sure why. Is there a sin that I need to confess? Is there an attitude of relying on my own resources that I need to lay down? Are there aspects of slavery to which I have returned? I know that I’m disgusted with myself for the 20 pounds I’ve gained over the last year. There is definitely self-sufficiency in that attitude. I got myself into this situation and I have to get myself out – that is my attitude right now. When have I felt this way before? I feel this way with weight all the time. From the time I was young and my mother would tell me “just don’t put it in your mouth”. I have felt this attitude of self-sufficiency and self-reliance for self-discipline for a very long time. I have to be self-disciplined out of my own resources. That is the core lie that I’m believing and which has reared its ugly head in my life. Galatians 5:22-23 22But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[f]that can bring a charge].
I looked up the word “continence” and a synonym is forbearance – how interesting as that was the word that Peter had for us at our wedding.

P – Lord, thank you for revealing the root lie that I am believing. Reveal to me your truth – the truth that I can carry with my and use to combat this very pervasive and insidious lie. The lie that I have to do things that require self-control on my own and out of my own resources. Forgive my arrogance and please reveal other sins I need to confess. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, guide all my steps and restore my joy and hope. In Jesus’ Name - Amen