Walking in the Spirit: Overcoming the Works of the Flesh

One of the most challenging aspects of the Christian life is navigating the daily battle between the desires of the flesh and the guidance of the Spirit. We want to honor God, yet we often find ourselves struggling with temptation, frustration, and failure. How do we live victorious lives that reflect God’s heart? 

I believe that Paul’s words in Galatians 5:16-26 offer clear direction and hope.

The Battle Within

Paul begins by issuing a powerful command: “Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, CSB). It’s a promise as much as it is an instruction. If we walk by the Spirit—if we actively seek his guidance and strength—we will find the power to resist the flesh’s persistent pull.

The problem is, as Paul explains, “the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other.” (v. 17). We live with an internal conflict. But here’s the good news: “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (v. 18). The Spirit’s leadership frees us from the condemnation and frustration of trying to live righteously in our own strength.

Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit

Paul doesn’t mince words when describing the works of the flesh. They’re “obvious” and destructive—things like sexual immorality, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, and envy (vv. 19-21). And he issues a stern warning: “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (v. 21). It’s a call to examine our lives and ask, “Am I letting the flesh control me?”

In contrast, Paul paints a wonderful picture of what life looks like when the Spirit is at work: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (vv. 22-23). This fruit reflects the very character of God, and “The law is not against such things.” (v. 23). I think it is important to remember that the Spirit doesn’t just convict us of sin; he transforms our hearts, which produces holiness within us.

Crucify the Flesh, Keep in Step with the Spirit

The key to victory is found in verse 24: “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Through the power of Christ, the flesh has been put to death. But it’s not a one-time act; it’s a daily decision to deny the flesh’s influence and live under the Spirit’s control.

Paul concludes with a powerful challenge: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (v. 25). This isn’t about passive belief but intentional effort. It’s about adjusting our walk to match the Spirit’s leading, letting him shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Practical Steps for Walking in the Spirit

How do we put this into practice? Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. Daily Surrender: Start each day by surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray for his wisdom, strength, and direction. I have adapted Colossians 1:9-10 for this purpose.

2. Guard Your Heart: Be intentional about what you allow to influence your thoughts and actions. Are you feeding the flesh or nurturing the Spirit? Make the effort to read the Bible and other devotional material (Daily in His Presence by Andrew Murray has been helpful to me), the Spirit will use these words of truth to transform your thinking.

3. Accountability: Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you, pray for you, and lovingly challenge you when needed. Being part of a Christian community is essential to our transformation.

4. Spiritual Disciplines: Engage in practices like Bible study, meditation, and fasting to sharpen your sensitivity to the Spirit’s voice.

5. Practical Obedience: When the Spirit prompts you to act, respond immediately. Walking in the Spirit means actively listening and obeying.

A Call to Commitment

As Paul warns, the works of the flesh are devastating, but the fruit of the Spirit is life-giving. Which will you choose to pursue?

I invite you to examine your life today. Are you walking by the Spirit? Are you bearing the fruit of the Spirit? Let’s commit ourselves to keep in step with the Spirit, trusting Him to transform us from the inside out.

Would love to hear your thoughts! How do you stay in step with the Spirit?

Paul’s Ponderings
Reflecting on the truth that transforms.

Transitions: Making Space for God in Life’s Shifts

In Get Your Life Back, John Eldredge dedicates a chapter to “Allowing for Transitions.” He observes that our fast-paced lives often propel us from one moment to the next without pause. We move from a tender conversation with a child to a heated call with an insurance company, then dive into work meetings while juggling emails, decisions about aging parents, and planning a spouse’s birthday dinner. Eldredge writes:

“The things we require of ourselves—we go from a tender conversation with our eight-year-old anxious about going to school to an angry phone call with our insurance company as we drive to work… And we wonder why we are having a hard time finding God, receiving more of him, feeling like we’re overflowing with life.” (pp. 66-67)

Each moment demands a different emotional, mental, or spiritual posture, yet we rarely give ourselves time to shift gears. Without transitions, we’re left fragmented, unable to be fully present or at our best. Eldredge suggests a simple practice: pause for a moment between activities, offer the previous experience to God, and seek His wisdom for what’s next. This small act of surrender can ground us and invite God into our daily rhythm.

This idea of transitions extends beyond daily tasks to the larger seasons of life. For years, I’ve taken hiking trips in Colorado that double as spiritual retreats. These times are deeply restorative—until I return home. The 13-hour drive back, rushed and grueling, erases the peace I found. By the time I’m home, “reality” swallows the renewal I experienced. I suspect you’ve felt this too: the high of a retreat, camp, or conference fades as you leap back into routine without time to process or integrate what God revealed.

Yesterday I attended my Aunt Maggie’s funeral, and it stirred a new perspective on transitions. Grief, for those who follow Jesus, is God’s gift to help us navigate loss. It’s a sacred process that moves us from a world where our loved one was present to one where they are not. Our hope in the resurrection and God’s New Creation sustains us, but grief allows us to honor the reality of a changed life. It’s a transition, slow and tender, that helps us carry love forward while releasing what was.

Here’s the heart of this pondering: transitions are vital to our spiritual formation. They are acts of kindness to ourselves, creating space to process, reflect, and invite God into our shifting roles and seasons. Whether it’s a minute between tasks or a slower reentry after a mountaintop experience, transitions help us live with intention and stay connected to God’s presence.

I encourage you to consider how you can build transitions into your life. One practice I’m adopting is to pause after an activity, entrust that moment to God, and ask for His guidance as I step into the next. This simple rhythm helps me show up more fully, reflecting King Jesus in my words and actions. What might transitions look like for you? How could they draw you closer to God’s heart?

Paul’s Ponderings
Reflecting on the truth that transforms.

Walking with God: The Heart of True Discipleship

“Only by walking with God can we hope to find the path that leads to life. That is what it means to be a disciple. After all—aren’t we ‘followers of Christ’? Then by all means, let’s actually follow him. Not ideas about him. Not just his principles. Him.” — John Eldredge

Being a disciple of Jesus isn’t like being a student in a classroom. A student studies to gain knowledge—facts and skills to navigate the world. Discipleship goes deeper than just learning information. Yes, it involves learning truths and principles, but it’s not just about filling our heads with knowledge. What discipleship is truly about is the transformation our hearts. To be a disciple is to become like the One we follow, to let his character shape ours. And if we’re to take on the character of Jesus, we must walk with him—day by day, step by step.

I think John Eldredge captures it beautifully in the quote above: discipleship is “walking with God.” Discipleship is not learning basic Bible doctrine or living according to the right moral standard (though those things are important); it is living a life that is actively pursuing Jesus. 

How do we do that? I believe this journey unfolds through three vital practices: leaning into community, embracing spiritual disciplines, and following Jesus’ example of love.

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Community: We Don’t Walk Alone

From the beginning of humankind, God said it’s not good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). We were made for relationship—with Him and with each other. Jesus didn’t teach in isolation from people; he gathered disciples around him, living and learning together. The early Church followed this example, devoting themselves to fellowship (Acts 2:42-47).

Walking with God happens best when we walk alongside others. Christian community offers:

• Encouragement and Accountability: Friends in faith spur us on and keep us grounded.
• Shared Wisdom: We grow as we study Scripture and share the ways God is working in our lives.
• Strength in Struggle: Bearing each other’s burdens lightens the load and deepens our trust in God.

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Spiritual Disciplines: Staying Close to the Guide

Walking with God doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention. Spiritual disciplines are the habits that keep us connected us to God, tuning our hearts to His voice. They are also the way we “practice” the character of Jesus. Consider:

• Prayer: Talking and listening to God builds a living, breathing relationship.
• Scripture: His Word is the map for this journey, renewing our minds and guiding our steps.
• Rest and Worship: Pausing to honor God—whether through a Sabbath or a song—restores our souls.
• Giving and Generosity: Blessing others with what God has given us and trusting Him to continue to provide for our lives.
• Fasting: Going without food for a period of time to express our grief and repentance or to teach us how to say no to our flesh.

These aren’t duties to perform; they’re invitations to draw near to the One who knows the way and develop His character.

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Loving Others: The Fruit of the Journey

Jesus tied loving God and loving people together (Matthew 22:37-40). Our walk with Him shows up in how we treat those around us. Discipleship isn’t just the maturity of our heart—it’s the transformation of our character:

• Serving: Meeting needs reflects Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve.
• Forgiving: Extending grace mirrors the mercy we’ve received.
• Sharing: Inviting others into this walk multiplies the joy of following Him.

Love isn’t optional—it’s the evidence of a life shaped by King Jesus.

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Step by Step, Together

Walking with God isn’t a sprint to perfection; it’s a steady, lifelong hike. Some days we’ll stumble, but the call is to keep going—together. Community keeps us moving, disciplines keep us close, and love keeps us true.

This is the path to the life Jesus promised: full, abundant, real (John 10:10).

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So, where are you today? Are you walking with God, or just thinking about it? Let’s take the next step—side by side, eyes on Jesus, hearts open to what he’ll do along the way.

Growing is Tough

I don’t know about you, but I wish spiritual growth was so difficult. Why can’t it be as easy as gaining weight? 

Gaining weight is a breeze—most of the time, it’s even enjoyable. If I wanted to pack on a few pounds, I’d just indulge in my fast food favorites: burgers and fries. Trust me, I could happily live on that stuff and watch the scale climb in no time.

But spiritual growth—the kind that deepens our faith, that’s a different story. It’s not as simple as piling on more doctrine or soaking up Bible teaching. I know, it almost sounds heretical to say it, but hear me out: knowledge alone doesn’t make us grow. 

Don’t get me wrong—knowledge matters. It’s the foundation we build on. But real growth happens when we take that foundation and live it out. It’s the application that transforms us.

James, Jesus’ half-brother, put it this way:  

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4, NLT) 

James teaches us that growth isn’t a classroom exercise—it’s forged in the messiness of life. It’s where theory collides with reality, where the rubber meets the road. According to him, the greatest growth potential lies in trials, temptations, and even tragedies. When life falls apart—when dreams shatter and the future looks bleak—how we respond shapes who we become. Choosing to trust God’s promises, even when they feel distant or unreal, sets us on the path to spiritual maturity.

So what does this mean for us today? It means we should stop chasing the illusion of a perfectly safe, secure life—it doesn’t exist. Instead, we should step boldly into the brokenness of the world. If we’re serious about growing, another Bible study or devotional book isn’t the answer. What is needed is living out what God has  revealed to us, no matter the cost or consequences.

Joy in the midst of trouble doesn’t mean we enjoy the pain. It means we recognize that pushing through it molds us into people who demonstrate the character of Jesus a little bit better. We grow stronger, become more mature, and even move closer to God as we respond by faith the trials of life. This is what brings us joy.

Growing is tough. Change is tough. It won’t happen by passively reading a blog post (sorry!) or sitting through another Sunday sermon. Spiritual formation into the image of Jesus demands hard choices, gritty endurance, and weathering life’s storms. Sure, cracking open a book is easier, but the rewards of standing firm through dark times—with faith intact—are infinitely greater.

Lessons from the King: Spiritual Disciplines

Introduction: Humility That Shows Up

Imagine you’re scrolling through the latest research headlines—something I’m sure we all do on a Saturday night—and you come across this gem from The Journal of Positive Psychology: “Humble persons are more helpful than less humble persons: Evidence from three studies.” At first glance, you might think, “Well, thank you, Captain Obvious!” Humble people are helpful? Groundbreaking stuff, right? But stick with me, because there’s something beautiful—and deeply spiritual—hiding in this not-so-shocking revelation.

The researchers conducted three studies and found that humble people don’t just talk a good game—they show up. In scenarios where helping wasn’t about looking good or gaining something in return, humble folks were the ones rolling up their sleeves. Even when accounting for traits like agreeableness or the tendency to give socially acceptable answers, humility stood out. These weren’t people puffed up with pride, but individuals who quietly, consistently lent a hand. The study even noted that humble people make better bosses and employees—less ego, more teamwork, more care.

Now, the scientists tried to explain this through evolution, suggesting some ancient survival link between humility and helping. Fair enough—they’re doing their job. But as Christians, we don’t need to dig that deep. We’ve got a simpler, richer explanation written across the pages of Scripture: humility flows from Jesus. The One who washed feet, carried a cross, and said, “Whoever wants to be great must be a servant”—He’s the source. When we practice spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, or serving others, we’re not just checking boxes. We’re training our hearts to look a little more like His.

In our sermon series, Lessons from the King, we’ve been journeying through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus teaches us what it means to be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven—not through rules and regulations, but through a heart aligned with God’s heart. It’s about representing King Jesus in all we say and do. And the only way to do that is to be faithful. Here’s the takeaway: We can’t be citizens of God’s Kingdom if we aren’t faithful to the King. So, where does your loyalty lie?

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Series Recap: A New Way of Living

Being a citizen of God’s Kingdom means embracing new values, taking on new responsibilities, and living righteous lives—not a righteousness defined by actions alone, but by our character. In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus continues this theme, focusing on spiritual disciplines—practices like giving, praying, and fasting that mature our faith and deepen our connection with God. But what makes these disciplines meaningful isn’t just doing them; it’s why we do them.

Walking Through the Text

Giving with Humility (Matthew 6:1-4)

Jesus begins, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before others to be seen by them.” For the Jews of His day, giving to the poor was a hallmark of righteousness. Jesus isn’t critiquing the act of giving—He’s probing the motivation. Who are you hoping will notice: people or God?

He contrasts showy giving with true generosity. Givers didn’t literally blow trumpets (that’s hyperbole!), but some made sure their generosity was impossible to miss. If recognition is what they wanted, Jesus says, that’s all they’ll get. He calls them “hypocrites”—play-actors performing a role rather than living authentically. Instead, Jesus calls us to give quietly, not for applause, but because it’s who we are: generous, compassionate people who reflect God’s heart. The solution to insincere giving isn’t to stop—it’s to reorient our hearts toward God’s will, desiring His Kingdom to grow.

Praying with Sincerity (Matthew 6:5-8)

Next, Jesus addresses prayer: “Don’t be like the hypocrites” who love to pray publicly for show. Some would time their prayers to coincide with busy moments, craving attention. That’s their reward, He says—human applause.

To counter this, Jesus urges us to pray in secret. In a culture where private rooms were rare, this might mean a storeroom—again, hyperbole to emphasize praying for God, not people. He also warns against praying like the Gentiles, who piled up words (even “magic” ones) to manipulate their gods. Instead, Jesus reminds us that God is our Father who knows our needs. We don’t need to perform or persuade—just trust and ask.

Sincere prayer isn’t about impressing others or twisting God’s arm. It’s about lifting our hearts to a loving Father, confident in His care.

Praying According to God’s Will (Matthew 6:9-15)

Jesus then offers the Lord’s Prayer as both a model to recite and a framework to guide us. It unfolds in three parts:

1. Our Praise: We honor God for who He is and express our longing for His name to be hallowed worldwide.

2. Our Priorities: We pray for God’s Kingdom to come and His will to be done—not our desires, but His. This reminds us that while God is sovereign, sin still mars His creation, and we yearn for His Kingdom’s fullness.

3. Our Provision: We ask for daily bread (present needs), forgiveness (past needs), and guidance (future needs). God meets us in every season.

The heart of this prayer is alignment with God’s will. That’s why forgiveness is crucial—if we seek God’s Kingdom but refuse to forgive, we’re rejecting its essence. Forgiving others reflects our desire to live as Kingdom citizens.

Fasting with Purity (Matthew 6:16-18)

Finally, Jesus turns to fasting. Hypocrites fasted for attention, making their sacrifice obvious. But Jesus says true fasting isn’t a performance—it’s a private act of seeking God, whether to grieve, repent, or hear His voice. We don’t advertise it; we go about our day, trusting God to meet us.

Fasting is expected, but only when done for the right reasons. When our motives are pure, God responds.

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Conclusion: Why Motivation Matters

Spiritual disciplines—giving, praying, fasting—are practices to worship God, strengthen our faith, and align with His will. But the key is why we do them. Are we seeking human praise or God’s blessing? If it’s the former, that’s all we’ll get. If it’s the latter, we receive forgiveness, maturity, provision, guidance—and the eternal reward of God’s Kingdom.

This echoes what we’ve seen throughout the Sermon on the Mount: it’s about our hearts. We can do the right thing for the wrong reasons—or avoid the wrong thing for the wrong reasons. Our motivation must be faithfulness to God. Citizens of the Kingdom practice spiritual disciplines to receive blessing from God, not to impress people.

So, here’s your challenge: this week, try a spiritual discipline—fasting, meditation, giving—and ask God to help you do it with the right heart. Because being a Kingdom citizen isn’t about blind obedience or empty motions. It’s about becoming people fit for Heaven, with hearts softened and wills aligned to God’s. That’s the goal. Why do you do what you do? Keep that question close.

Philosophy of Discipleship

What is a disciple? A disciple is someone who is passionately committed to becoming more like Jesus Christ.

Jesus said:

"Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master" (Matthew 10:24-25a, NLT).

Similarly, the apostle John wrote:

"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did" (1 John 2:6, NLT).

Being a disciple is not merely about learning correct doctrine; it’s about embodying it through action and adjusting our lives to reflect Jesus.

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The Role of a Disciple in the Church

Disciples are the heartbeat of the local church. They provide the service, sacrifice, and leadership that make ministry possible. Disciples pray regularly for the church family and for individuals, showing genuine care for others. They seek opportunities to share Christ’s love with non-believers and provide the wisdom and guidance that help the church community fulfill its mission. Most importantly, disciples serve as examples for others to follow. A healthy church is built on mature, dedicated disciples who demonstrate what it means to live as a follower of Jesus.

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What is Discipleship?

Discipleship is the intentional process of forming disciples. Jesus left the church with a clear mandate:

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you" (Matthew 28:19-20a, NLT).

This task of making disciples doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality and planning. While the methods may vary across church communities, one thing remains constant: discipleship is essential to a thriving, vibrant church.

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The Role of Discipleship in the Church

Discipleship is the most vital ministry of the church. It ensures the ongoing health of the church community and empowers the church to impact its surrounding culture. While some individuals grow in faith through personal discipline, most of us need guidance, encouragement, and accountability to continue maturing. Discipleship provides that essential structure, helping believers grow and develop, thereby strengthening the church as a whole.

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My Philosophy of Discipleship

The mission of the church is to make disciples—this is what Jesus called us to do (Matthew 28:18-20). Discipleship must be a top priority for every church family. In examining Jesus' ministry, we can identify three essential components for any discipleship program:

1. Discipleship is Founded on Prayer

Luke’s gospel shows us that Jesus prayed before selecting His twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). In John’s gospel, we see Jesus praying for His disciples on the night of His betrayal (John 17:1-26). Prayer is foundational for discipleship because it connects us with God’s will and empowers us for ministry. Discipleship begins and thrives in an atmosphere of prayer.

2. Discipleship Happens Through Teaching

Jesus’ ministry was primarily one of teaching (Matthew 4:23). Faith begins with knowledge, and knowledge is passed on through teaching. To become like Jesus, people must first learn how Jesus lived and what He expects of us. A healthy discipleship program will offer both personal and group study opportunities to learn God’s Word. For believers to align their lives with God’s will, they must first understand what that will is.

3. Discipleship Results in Ministry

At a certain point, Jesus sent His disciples out to do ministry. Luke 9:1-6 describes how Jesus sent out the Twelve to preach and heal, and in Luke 10:1-16, He sent out seventy-two others to carry out His mission. Ministry is where disciples experience God at work in and through their lives. A strong discipleship program will provide opportunities for people to serve—both within the church and in the community. By engaging in ministry, disciples put their faith into action and live out God’s will.

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Additional Principles for Effective Discipleship: Faith and Patience

While prayer, teaching, and ministry are essential, two additional principles are crucial for effective discipleship: faith and patience. We must trust that, as we commit to the discipleship process, the Holy Spirit is working in people’s lives, even when we can’t immediately see the results. Patience is key, as spiritual growth rarely happens overnight. It took three years for Jesus to prepare His group of disciples to lead the early church, and we can’t expect overnight transformations. We must trust God’s timing and remain committed to the process, knowing that He is faithfully at work.

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By committing to these principles—prayer, teaching, ministry, faith, and patience—the church can fulfill its mission of making disciples and nurturing a thriving, spiritually healthy community.

The Journey of Christian Spiritual Formation

 Spiritual formation in Christ is a deliberate and structured journey. While God can work through chaos, He has chosen to engage with us through intentional and clear pathways. Instead of passively wondering what God is up to in our lives, we are called to embrace the means He has provided for our growth. These pathways are revealed in Scripture, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Life in our modern American culture is fast and busy. Since it is easy to have a full schedule it is tempting to “go with the flow.” This path of least resistance requires little effort but allows our culture to be the greatest influence in our spiritual formation. Many Christians struggle with spiritual maturity because we allow ourselves to drift instead of actively engaging the means to become more like Jesus.

Even so, God is gracious. He brings healing and transformation to our lives, even when we fail to fully engage in the process of our own spiritual development. This is a profound reminder of His goodness and love toward us, even in our shortcomings.

One challenge in discussing spiritual formation is the fear of being misunderstood as promoting “salvation by works.” This often leads to an emphasis on faith, which can, unfortunately, be reduced to intellectual agreement to doctrine and adherence to a certain moral standard. While truth is essential, faith is far more than believing the right things.

Biblical faith is defined by trust, commitment, and obedience—qualities that are reflected in how we live. Spiritual formation, then, is an active process that is to result in good works. These works are the fruit of genuine faith.

The journey of spiritual formation has a clear starting point: repentance. Jesus emphasized repentance throughout His ministry. In Matthew 4:17 (NLT), He declared, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Repentance is not just feeling regret or making a confession; it is a true shift in our loyalties. Sin is rebellion against God and His Kingdom, and through repentance, we consciously change our allegiance. This act of turning away from the world and turning to God signifies a new loyalty—a declaration of citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.

True repentance is foundational to spiritual formation. It is not merely a formality but an act of faith: a decision to trust, commit, and obey God. From this starting point, our journey begins, and as we continue, God works within us to transform us into the likeness of King Jesus.

As we pursue spiritual formation, it is crucial that we remain both intentional and humble, allowing God to guide us. The process may be challenging, but it is the path to becoming who we were created to be in King Jesus—a journey of purpose, growth, and grace.

Moving Beyond the Shallow: Deepening Our Prayer Lives

Prayer can often be a source of frustration for me—not just in my own practice, but also when observing how others pray. It’s not that the intentions behind these prayers are wrong. In fact, they are often heartfelt and sincere. Yet at times, the focus seems misplaced and shallow. Perhaps “shallow” isn’t the perfect word, so let me explain.

By “shallow,” I’m referring to how our prayers tend to center on what we can see and touch—physical health, finances, safety, and other tangible concerns. While these are undoubtedly important, I can’t help but feel we often neglect something far greater: the deeper, unseen aspects of our spiritual lives.

Take, for example, Paul’s prayer for the believers in Colossae:

“For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:9–14, CSB)

Notice the content of Paul’s prayer. He doesn’t focus on physical ailments, financial stability, or protection from harm. Instead, his focus is on the spiritual formation of believers. He asks God to fill them with wisdom and spiritual understanding so they can live in a way that honors Jesus. Paul prays for their spiritual growth, strength, and gratitude for God’s blessings.

Paul’s prayer centers entirely on the spiritual reality that shapes their identity and purpose.

Contrast this with the typical prayers we hear during worship or small group gatherings. Most prayers are for physical realities—provision, healing, or safety. Let me be clear: these are entirely appropriate things to pray for. God desires us to bring our daily needs and concerns to Him.

However, the problem arises when we focus exclusively on physical needs at the expense of deeper spiritual realities. When we do that, we risk becoming fixated on the visible, tangible world while ignoring the unseen part of our existence—the part that holds eternal significance.

When people are struggling, it is good and proper to ask God to intervene in their circumstances. This is part of our responsibility as Christians. But we must also remember that spiritual maturity is essential to discipleship. We need to pray for one another’s faith, strength, understanding, and wisdom—these are critical for our spiritual formation.

A question worth pondering is: Why do we often default to praying for the physical rather than the spiritual?

Personally, I’ve struggled with the concept of the spiritual. It has sometimes felt intangible, almost unreal. In a world that often dismisses spiritual matters as mythical or irrelevant, it’s been easy for me to overlook.

Additionally, I once equated “spiritual” with “emotional.” Since I believed emotions were unreliable, I avoided anything I perceived as emotional—including the spiritual dimensions of prayer.

These are just a couple of reasons I’ve gravitated toward praying for the familiar and tangible physical realities of life, while avoiding the deeper spiritual dimensions that are just as important.

I believe the key to revitalizing our prayer life is to shift our focus. What if we intentionally made time in our prayers—both private and public—to pray like Paul did in Colossians 1:9–14?

Instead of focusing solely on healing and provision, we could also pray for God’s wisdom, strength, and transformative power to work in our hearts. Prayer has the potential to reshape our lives, but we must ask for what we truly need to be transformed.

As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”

This verse challenges us to prioritize God’s kingdom and spiritual matters over worldly concerns.

Similarly, Romans 8:26–27 reassures us:

“The Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Even when spiritual realities feel distant or unclear, God’s Spirit intercedes on our behalf, guiding our prayers toward what truly matters.

Now is the time to deepen our prayer lives—to move from the shallow end, where we ask only for our physical needs, to the deep end, where we ask God for the spiritual wisdom and understanding we need to represent King Jesus in everything we say and do.

Let’s begin praying in ways that transform not just our circumstances, but also our hearts and lives.

The Spiritually Mature Life: Having the Fruit

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, I started a new sermon series at Bethlehem Church called A Spiritually Mature Life. This sermon series is focused on following the guidance of the Holy Spirit so he can produce the type of life that God wants us to live.

There are two ways we can live our lives. We can follow the desires of our flesh or we can be guided by the Holy Spirit. To follow the desires of our flesh leads to a life that is contrary to the Kingdom of God and thus leads to death. To follow the Spirit produces the fruit of eternal life in us. Eternal life is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In other words this is the type of life God created us to live. It is a life that demonstrates God’s character in this world.

Text: Galatians 5:16-25

Big Idea: Following the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of eternal life in us.

Challenge: This week expect the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Step Away From The Lies

 

"The first step toward God is a step away from the lies of the world. It is a renunciation of the lies we have been told about ourselves, our neighbors, and our universe."  

— Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, p. 29

The world is filled with countless messages that seek to shape who we are, what we believe, and how we view ourselves and others. Our constant exposure to social media, the enticing whispers of advertisements, and the news outlets we follow can make it feel like truth is hard to discern.

And you know what?  

All this messaging not only twists our perception of reality, but it also messes with our hearts. The messages we receive from the world can divide our loyalties between the Kingdom of God and the world, causing us to prioritize the wrong things in life.

In the midst of this reality, let's not lose hope!

Peterson’s wisdom in A Long Obedience in the Same Direction reminds us that there is a way forward. The path we need to take is a bold step away from the deceptive narratives the world pushes on us.

While we may not have control over the messages being blasted into our lives, we do have a choice about what we let in. Picture it like turning away from unhealthy, cancer-causing food that has consumed you for too long, and choosing instead a healthier diet.

The Bible provides many examples of people who have embraced this pivotal step.

One such person is the prophet Isaiah, whose life-changing encounter with God is found in Isaiah 6.

Isaiah’s vision revealed God seated on His heavenly throne, surrounded by spiritual beings. The sheer awesomeness of this revelation overwhelmed Isaiah, prompting him to cry out:

"Woe is me, for I am ruined  

because I am a man of unclean lips  

and live among a people of unclean lips,  

and because my eyes have seen the King,  

the LORD of Armies." 

— (Isaiah 6:5, CSB)

Isaiah's response came from a deep realization of his sinfulness, which moved him to acknowledge the shortcomings of all of Israel.

But despite this revelation, Isaiah did not fall into despair. Instead, he took the first crucial step toward God. With a newfound understanding of his unworthiness, Isaiah confessed his sin to God. In response, God sent a seraphim, a spiritual being, to purify Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal from the altar. This purification spread throughout Isaiah’s body as the seraphim declared:

"Now that this has touched your lips,  

your iniquity is removed  

and your sin is atoned for."  

— (Isaiah 6:7, CSB)

Isaiah’s story shows us that the first step toward God begins with confronting the lies we believe. Isaiah didn’t grasp the full extent of his sin, or the sin of Israel, until he caught a glimpse of God’s glory. That experience gave Isaiah a new perspective on himself and the world.

It’s worth considering what distorted beliefs we hold about ourselves, our neighbors, the world, and even God Himself. This is where humility must come in. If we don’t have the humility to consider that we might be wrong, that there are parts of the story we don’t know, then it will be hard for us to be corrected when we’re wrong.

No one likes to be told they’re wrong. When someone points out our flaws or our false beliefs we want to hunker down and defend our position. It takes more than being told that we are wrong to move us to change. This why Eugene Peterson called this journey a long obedience in the same direction. It’s a journey of repentance, learning, and obedience that moves us to forgive, serve, and love.

As we walk the path of faith, we need to draw inspiration from those who have gone before us. Like Isaiah and other heroes of faith, we must choose to step away from the shadows of deception. We must let go the chains of lies that have held us back and embrace the truth that will ultimately set us free.

In this process, it’s crucial to remember: with every step we take, we are not alone.

The Holy Spirit walks beside us, using Scripture, prayer, and the Church to guide us closer to the heart of God.

With this in mind, we can be confident as we step forward with unwavering obedience and trust, because we know that this journey leads us to a deeper relationship with the One who loves us beyond measure.