So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Galatians 5:16-17 NIV)
My guide dog, Iva hastened me through Walmart, with perfection. She didn’t bump me into anyone or anything, until I felt a hand on my shoulder and the familiar voice of my husband.
“I don’t know where she is taking you, but she stopped following me and brought you to the front of the store.”
My husband led me and an unhappy Iva back to our cart. Why did Iva stop following him? Even though she did great at guiding me, she didn’t follow instructions. While Timmy, my husband, looked for something I needed, I had a talk with Iva.
“Why did you go your own way? You didn’t listen. You’re like a Christian who wants to walk by the flesh and not the Spirit, and you see what happens when you do that. The Holy Spirit comes after you and brings you back to where you should be. You grieved the Holy Spirit.”
Iva gives us a great example of what happens when we stop walking by the Spirit and return to walk by the flesh. Habits are hard to start, but easy to break. It only takes a couple days of forgetfulness and we’ve fallen into prayerlessness. Perhaps a busy schedule caused us to get away from reading the Bible for a few days.
Sweet friend, Iva sure was cute, but we must be intentional about keeping our appointments with God. He has given us His Holy Spirit to live within each of us at salvation.
God doesn’t force us to walk by the Spirit. He allows us to make wrong decisions, and sometimes He allows us to live with those consequences.
Do you have a set time and place to pray and read the Word? Has something interfered with your Christian walk? Have you grieved or quenched the Spirit through prayerlessness or sin?
Examine yourself and get back on track. Ask God to help you. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you instead of the flesh.
Originally posted on January 6, 2023 @ 3:00 am
Wow! This message is right on target! Thank you so much for your continued faithfulness to the Lord. He is truly using you to reach and encourage His people.
Thank you, and all praise to God. I am grateful for your encouragement.
I love how Iva gives you this lesson, which is all from God….Praise his holy name❣️
Amen!
I can just picture you having that talk with Iva lol. Sweet girl was thinking, Well “I” think its time I take you back to the car LOL.
We gave her a second chance and she did it again. don’t know what she was thinking.
A great message. Thank you!
Thank you so much.