Day 4: Follow
Good to Know:
Often, when we read the Bible, we don’t think we can live up to God’s standards. You don’t have to do it alone. Jesus has given us a Helper – His Spirit.
God wants to guide your life so you become more like Him. It’s your daily choice, and it’s not always easy! Will you follow the Spirit’s leading?The difference is huge!
Colossians 3:5-17 NLT
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Galatians 5:16-25
Living By The Spirit’s Power
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t 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 Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Good to Do:
Will I invite God in every decision I make today?
Check Out This Bible We Love!
The HelpFinder Bible makes it easy for anyone, whether familiar with Scripture or not, to find help in the Bible for their immediate needs.
Application notes connect the Bible’s truths to today’s issues, and the extensive index points readers to verses where answers can be discovered, issues resolved, and freedom found.
This one was hard for me to read. We try to live the way God wants us to but when we fail we revert to old ways and stop trying as hard. I need to work on this for myself. To make the time to read my Bible and to study with word. To prioritize the things that are truly important and not stress about the things that won`t matter in the long run. I feel this is one of the hardest things to do. To give up those ways and to put your full faith and trust in God.… Read more »
I agree with you 100%. This is very hard. I know he longs for us to look towards Him. He is not a God of condemnation but of Love.
You are not alone. Keep faith and pray for guidance. It will come. When anything may persuade me to go backwards I find praying the Our Father, and the Hail Mary comforting. When I feel alone I love Re-reading The Footprints in the Sand…. copied from prayer foundation dot org. Last night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonged to me, the other to the Lord. After the last scene… Read more »
Psalm 23, for sure! He IS our Good & Loving Shepherd!
Taylor, you are growing in your faith! Thanks for sharing your commitment today. His nail-scarred , loving Hands … what a beautiful picture for us all to meditate upon. We are so happy that this series is encouraging many to make the time to read His Word. That is never time lost, but only gained!
True and you are not alone we don’t start out as Christians instantly knowing everything it’s a process like feeding a baby you start them on baby food not steak. We grow a little each day and we are going to fall along the way. He picks us up dusts us off and gets us on way. But we have to keep trusting Him
This one is very hard and I’m glad it is here to remind us. I struggle with this all of the time. Hang in there and know that we can all support each other in this.
I one hundred percent agree. Its hard to read because I know how much I fail, pretty much every minute of the day. And i dont think anyone really likes the feeling of being convicted of their own sin. But as much as it hurts, i just need to continue to ask for prayer to follow God in the easy and the hard.
Centering my life around God is my desire but I certainly don’t succeed all the time. It’s more like I am desperately aware of my failings so I run to him all day long asking for help. Sometimes I feel like a lost child. Other times I just feel like I don’t know what’s going on. Either way I sure need that man.
I hear ya sister !!! Try saying (when you feel that way) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
Philippians 4:6 NLT
Make sure to say it OUT LOUD!!
For sure, Sharmika! God can hear it in my heart, but I need to hear myself say it!
I do concur
Amen! Same here
Amen sister, I find myself doing the same thing
I’ll join you there, friend. … and we will find open arms from our Savior. I pray to get closer & closer each day, especially after each failure!
Father God may You always be the one I run to and ask first in my everyday thoughts and decision making. Guide me Holy Spirit.
I like this simple, straightforward prayer. Thank you!
He always leads to the right places … and the best places. When I can’t see it at the time, I believe it by faith. He doesn’t disappoint. A good life as the Proverbs say!
I like this prayer. Thanks for sharing!
The word I receive is peace. If we stop for one second, before our actions. Then follow the Holy Spirit with the Word. We will obtain that peace that really does pass all understanding.
So true, Lavigne! I think that His peace deep within my soul is a key confirmation. And then when other Godly friends confirm it, it’s God added blessing.
Such a great lesson! It is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world because it offers a carefree lifestyle where you do what pleases you. As was brought out in today’s reading, if we will get to know, and let the Holy Spirit lead us, it is certainly possible to walk daily in the fruits of the Spirit. Praise God for the way he changes us! Only through Him is it possible!
Yes, Theresa. Only He can change my hard heart. I pray the He becomes even more irresistible to me! His fruits sure do nourish me the best!
If it wasn’t for the Lord I wouldn’t be the person I am to today. I thank Him for all that He has done, but sometimes I really struggle with leaving my worries and burdens at His feet.
Yeah, I want to pick mine back up too. I guess I need to ask Him to make them even heavier, so I want to leave them there!
This does confuse me a bit… We are supposed to turn from our sinful nature yet it really isn’t possible for us to be sinless… so I guess we just work need to work on a daily basis to be more like Jesus .. work in progress.
I know!!!! I finally figured out I can’t do it on my own!!! Have to ask His help all day long!!! Ugh!! Will I ever mature???!!!!
With your moment prayers of dependence, you can only mature, Lani. I bet you’re a lot different than a year ago. Ask a trusted friend what they think of your spiritual walk. It will encourage you, challenge you, strengthen you, & fill your heart with gratitude.
So true, Nancy. Becoming “little Christs” … Christians. If I was totally perfect, I would be proud. My dependence on Him keeps me humble & on the right track! See you on the journey!
Great read! We all have our own struggles in different areas where sin is concerned. I have found that being truly intentional about my prayer life and utilizing the “Fruits of the Spirit” help me to nail my sins to my cross daily! It is a daily battle for us all as we are human, but I thank my Heavenly Father & the indwelt Holy Spirit that helps me each day!
Yep, Lorre. How blessed we all are that He never gives up on us. True, unconditional love!
I related to these scriptures so much tonight. I was baptized a year ago and at first I felt like I was a new person and all my sinful nature, all my past wrongs were just that, in the past. The newness wore down though and one of my past sins, erotic literature, was something I turned to all over again and made up all these reasons and excuses on why it was fine and that I wasn’t out living out what I was reading. My husband told me that when I felt like reading those books, pick up the… Read more »
I like your husband, Rachel! What a great, spiritual companion God has given to you. How cool that you could serve the Lord in that special way last night. How close to Him you must have felt!!!
Thank you. I’m pretty fond of him too 😊. What made that night at church even more special was that I wasn’t able to do anything like that in the Mormon church that I left last year. I had been attending there my whole life until God called me to this new non-denominational church that I love! He shows me time and time again that this is where I belong.
I feel as though this is a constant struggle for me!!!!! I need the Spirit of Jesus Christ to guide me! I choose life please guide me daily so only good comes out of my mouth and I portray you as the Holy Living King you are!!!!!! Please pray for me to overcome this battle! Thank you!
I’m honored to pray for you, Rebecca. Pray for me, because I want His abundant life too … every day!
The more I immerse myself in God’s word the more natural it is for me to do His will. When I skip even a day of reading the Bible I feel different and I make different decisions. It ties into my prayer life as well. The more I pray the easier it is to make good choices. God’s promises are true and He takes our burdens if we let Him. He can give us peace that surpasses understanding.
It isn’t just a habit; it is a lifestyle. I pray that more & more people of WAY choose this daily nourishment like you have, Kirsten.
I Love these 2 scriptures! We read Colossians 3:12 at our wedding and it was so fitting. Make allowances for each other faults, remembering the Lord forgave you, so forgive others. Above all clothe yourself in Love, which binds us all together! A perfect reminder for us all.
Amy, thanks for sharing that! What a blessing God gave you as we read this passage together today. God’s continued blessing on your marriage & your hearts together. I’m sure many were blessed at your devotion to Him in your wedding service.
Thank you Pastor Dave!
I have to work on some of these cuz it’s right here here real close to home. Thanks again the way FM for the app
We’re in this together, Daniel. We need the app too … and I am thankful for how you & all on these pages encourage my faith!
I definitely need to work on these items in my life. Thanks for putting them into perspective
Yes, the Lord has the perfect way to put them in perspective, doesn’t He?
So glad to re-read this verse. Lots to mull over.
I definitely have work to do on myself. Always learning and growing in the word.
Yes, Pamela. Aren’t you glad you (& I) can read it every day? I sure do need His truth, insights, direction, contentment.
I know this is something I must work on. For example a few of the tv shows I watch with my daughter aren’t something she needs to see and hear. Part of it I use as a learning and talking point but is that the devil helping me justify it?
Yeah, I think the devil wants us in front of the TV as much time as we will give it. Have you checked out thebibleproject.com? Much better to stay more in the Bible. It’s always Truth.
Ugh this one was rough. Hard truth of what a terrible follower of Christ I am. I have dealt with anger and jealousy on a daily basis. I really need help in this area.
I’ll pray for that, Amy. God is going to do a good work in you. Think of the disciples when Jesus chose them (like Matthew on Day #2 of this study) … pretty raw material, but Jesus saw who they could become by following Him. Keep following, good soldier, Amy! Drop the heavy weights of anger, jealousy … and I know I have a long list too!
Excellent!!
Yes, spending time in God’s Word is a most excellent pursuit, for sure Olivia.
Help me lord to show more of you in my actions and give me a better understanding of what you will is for my life.. Amen..
He loves to do that, Alisha!
This Bible reading plan is so encouraging! I’m so grateful that I can be part of God’s family and part of the WAY-FM listening family.
Yes, Christal. This is a wonderful place of encouragement & conviction through the Body of Christ building one another up! [Romans 15.2]
This is a good reminder for me. As I go through my day to remember to turn to God in the dicisions of the day, my future.
It’s always a turn in the right direction. Isn’t it, Katrina? With those kinds of turns, your future will be good!
I’ve been learning over the years to not only invite Him into every decision, but to follow His lead. It’s not easy. But when you make the effort, it’s worth it. His plans are so much better!
Amen & Amen. Thanks for encouraging many, Jamilaih.
Well, I got on the scale this morning just before I listened to today’s reading. I thought I had a good week and would see a number that I was pleased with. Nope. The opposite. I was of the mindset, “Forget it, I’ll just eat what I want today since being good all week didn’t matter.” Then I got the question of the day, would I invite God into all of my decisions today? That got me thinking, would He want to blow it today? Isn’t my body a temple for the Holy Spirit to live in? So, guess I’m… Read more »
Keep at it Kathleen. I know how you feel because I am one that often gives up when I do not see results. We just need to keep telling ourselves that our body is not our own. We need to trust God to get us through because eating healthy is for our good.
Kathleen, you make me laugh. I love it! I never thought of that application when we worked through this. God sure does apply His Word in exactly the way we need it! Thanks for your honest humility!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 Follow Jesus daily, for without him,… Read more »
Thank you, Christopher. What a great Scripture to go along with today’s reading.
Practice, Practice, Practice. I may not ever be perfect but my heart hurts when I sin and it didn’t before I accepted Jesus Christ! The Holy Spirit at work here… thank you Lord !
That is a good understanding of maturity, Kurt. So helpful to many of us. Thank you!
Guide me Holy Spirit
A tremendous prayer and desire, for sure Roseanne. Those 4 words say so much. It’s not about length; it’s about heart!
Holy Spirit guide me every moment of this day. Without you I am doomed!🙌 May His spirit be with each of always and forever!❤
Thank you, Loreen. That is a prayer of love for each of us.
First and foremost……LOVE! Right?!?!😉
Some of the sins entangle me at times before I even senses them coming on. We try hard in our flesh but we need Jesus to empower our spirit man to carry out what is of the spirit in us.
That is so true, Milah! I never win without Him.
I absolutely love this group, thank you for everyone that has and will be participating!!!!
Yes, Cris. Spending time reading each comment today has been everyone’s gift to me. Christ’s love to you guys!!
Thank you Jesus!
He is so faithful, isn’t He?
I pray every night for forgiveness and for Christ to guide me to be more like him. It is difficult and he forgives me daily. I am human and continue to learn by his grace.
Thank you for this post and audio. I needed it earlier before I got out of character. I know I was supposed to hear this after my actions because as I was listening I was convicted in my spirit.
But what really just gave me joy is as i was messaging on this post, the company I got out of character with called me. They apologized for the the service I got. But immediately i repented in the spirit so I believe that is why I got the call back when I did.
God I thank you!
To many times we try and fix ourselves or try to stop sinning on our own but we are only able to do this through the Holy Spirit
I pray daily that I can serve the Lord as best I can. I pray that His will be done in my life, in the loves of my family, and in my marriage. I am so thankful that He gave us his Spirit to help guide us. We are so blessed and loved.