April 29th, 2025

Today is April 29.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of Galatians, chapter 5.  
 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
  
  
As we enter into our time of prayer, chose one of the fruits of the spirit to meditate on: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 
Consider now how that fruit is demonstrated in the life of Jesus. Think of one New Testament story where you remember Christ showing us what it means to live by the fruit of the spirit... 
   
I think of Jesus’ invitation once to some children to come to Him. He was kind, and gentle. The disciples were shooing the kids away, but Jesus took time to switch things up. He seemed to want to use the moment to remind everyone around Him how to walk in the Spirit. Look for a time today to intentionally practice the fruit of God’s spirit. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Lord to lead you into that time, and to give you insight into how you can be like Him in any particular moment.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

Music: "Empowered" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)