West Salem Trinity UMC

I was reading in my devotion this morning in Romans 8:12-17.

"We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

  As I read this and began to reflect on my own life and I came up with these thoughts:

  First, I believe when we consider the "flesh" we often focus on "Sexual Sin."  But in reality for me it means more than that.  It means to live within our own desires and wants.

  Living in the Spirit means living within the desire of God for our lives.

  As we ponder our day, I think we must look upon our "schedule" from the Spirit point of view.  Is our day lived out according to God's will for our lives according to ours.

  The text from Romans reminds us then, if we live by our desires(in the flesh) we will die.  Or in other words we won't have the peace and joy of life that God intended for us.  However, if we live by the Spirit we will reap all of life that God intends for us.

  I pray that you will take the time to read this entire text and to meditate on it today and in the days to come and discern where you are on this thinking and being willing to adjust your life accordingly.  God wants us to have life and peace and joy as we move forward in our journey of faith.

May God bless you this day,

Pastor Brad