Bible Study with Danelle

As I read through this next section of the letter from Paul, I am filled with joy. Why? Because he confirms for us that the Spirit of God lives within each of us that is a believer (8:9) What an amazing gift!

As we read Paul’s letter, he does a comparison of living in the flesh and living in the Spirit.

For to set our minds on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

What does it mean when he says living our life according to our flesh? It means giving into our natural, human desires. This could be by immoral behavior, selfish ambition, jealousy, hatred, anger or any other choices or behaviors that do not please God.

When we live according to the Spirit, we are constantly pursuing and submitting to the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. We rely on the Spirit’s power to love as God desires. We live in a constant state of God’s presence. We put our trust solely in God.

I don’t know about you, but this is something I am still constantly working on. In this world, satan is constantly working to gain back control. Everyday he is looking for a point of weakness. As we talked about in Ephesians, we have to put on our Armor of God daily.

Right now, I am struggling with a major life decision. I can hear the enemy in my head daily telling me I am not good enough, smart enough, capable enough, and all the lies I have told myself in the past. I can also feel the jealousy and selfish ambition swell up. Unfortunately, satan is still there, working in my head. I pray daily that the Holy Spirit will fill me with His thoughts about me. That he will remove those lies that are not from God. This is a great reminder to me that in a time of needing discernment, the enemy will attack. I have to keep my mind focused and my heart filled with the Spirit. I need to keep my mind focused in order to find the peace that is promised.

I pray that everyday we will intentionally choose to focus our time, attention, energy and passion on things that help us grow spiritually and allow us to fulfill God’s purposes for our lives. Today, may you grow more aware of God’s constant presence in your life. May He fill you with the Spirit and protect you from attacks of the enemy today.