Keep In Step With The Spirit...

It doesn't seem like it has been that long ago that I was telling people that Christmas is six months away and now Christmas is upon us within a week. It is time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

What a great gift from our creator? The ultimate gift of the universe, our Savior, Jesus! Praise God! Hallelujah! I am forever grateful!

Isn't is sad that this time of the year doesn't bring the better side out of all people? Many living in darkness have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. All they have picked up on about Christmas is it is an occasion to give and receive gifts.

The weaknesses of the flesh are leading fallen souls into darkness. The very things that God warned us of through the apostle Paul in Galatians 5 are devouring the lives of many.

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 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. (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV).

We are called to be free and are to serve one another humbly in love. We are NOT called to show our anger, greed, pride, envy, conceit...this Christmas week or at anytime.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Those who are "Christ-like" will abound in the fruits of the Spirit showing love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Lift your hands to the LORD for he is our refuge and strength. Ask him through his son Jesus to pull you out of the mess you dangerously are living in. He loves you dearly and he wants you on his team - his team of faithful servants.

We are to live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit. Don't conform to the wicked ways of the world, but instead be only indebted to love each other. Put aside the deeds of darkness and be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Romans 16:20 NIV).

Rick Hawbaker

Daily scripture, prayer and praise...Check out http://www.facebook.com/pages/Praying-4-U-/364285405278?ref=ts