Gems 2015 — September 14 Scripture Selection: Proverbs 25

Guest post by Jeanette Andrade

September 14 Scripture Selection: Proverbs 25

Food for Thought: Prov. 25:28

Most people don’t give much thought to their own spirit. They don’t nurture it, protect it, or put it to good use in unity with the Spirit of the living God. Instead, they neglect it completely, opting to appease their flesh and be led by it, which, in turn, negatively influences their soul (the area of will, emotions, and intellect), and has a direct impact of their behaviors. Those are the people who are “like a city broken down, without walls.”

When someone is born again, he/she receives a new spirit which is joined to the Spirit of God (I Cor. 6:17; II Cor. 5:17). However, since God is not an oppressive dictator who imposes His will on us, He will not force us to use our new spirit beyond that which we allow. So it is up to each one of us to decide how much room to give the Holy Spirit united with ours to rule. If we do not dedicate ourselves to spiritual growth, guard it from outward influences, and incline ourselves to use our spirit as we are guided by the Holy Spirit, then by default, we will walk according to the flesh, which always produces undesirable consequences and does not take full advantage of the amazing benefits of the Holy Spirit dwelling within.

The way to make sure that we are led by the Spirit is to disregard the impulses of the flesh. For example, the Spirit says, “Give,” but the flesh says, “No. That’s mine.” The Spirit says, “Pray,” but the flesh says, “Maybe later.” The Spirit says, “Commune with Me through studying the Word,” but the flesh says, “Not now. This television show is more interesting and stimulating.” When the flesh gets its way, then the spirit is weak. But when the flesh learns that the spirit takes precedence, then the flesh becomes less “vocal” because its voice is not heeded, regardless of how loud it has shouted its demands. And that is when the Christian is mature and strong and lives a victorious, well-grounded life. The one who does not say no to the flesh is easily distracted, led astray, and attacked, and rarely sees victories in his/her life.

The flesh cannot be in charge! “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Gal. 5:16).” When the Spirit is given the lead, that is when things really get exciting, and the benefits of living in Him become more and more evident.

Digging Deeper (What scriptures can further enhance today’s reading?):

Getting Personal (What has God shown you in today’s reading?):

Confession of Faith (Example: Lord, based on Mat. 1:21 and 23, I understand that Jesus is God, and I receive Him as my personal Lord and Savior.):

Important Events on This Day (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.):