August 28, 2025
- djohnstoncc
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
GUIDANCE FOR OUR LIVES
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.”
Galatians 5:16-18 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
This passage reminds us of two powerful truths:
1. There is a Battle Going On
Even as believers, we face a daily struggle between our sinful nature and the Spirit of God within us. Paul says they are “constantly fighting each other.”
• The flesh wants short-term pleasure with no concern for long-term consequences.
• The Spirit creates new desires in us—ones that look beyond the moment and lead to lasting joy and freedom.
Think about finances: saying no to debt may feel painful now, but it leads to long-term freedom. Or consider relationships: a moment of compromise may feel thrilling, but it leads to broken trust, shame, and regret. The flesh promises pleasure but always delivers bondage.
This is a real, daily battle.
2. The Spirit Guides Us to Freedom
The good news is that we don’t have to fight alone. The Holy Spirit wants to guide us into decisions that bring life, peace, and freedom.
One man illustrated it like this: walking a dog on a leash. At first, the dog lunges at every squirrel or cat it sees. The owner must tug the leash or call out to bring it back in line. Over time, the dog learns to trust its owner more than its impulses. Eventually, it no longer chases every distraction—it simply follows the master’s lead.
We are like that dog. At times, the Spirit may have to yank us back when we’re about to run off track. But His goal isn’t to rob us of fun—it’s to protect us, guide us, and lead us into the life God intends.
When we learn to yield to the Spirit, we experience real freedom—freedom from guilt, regret, and bondage.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I need You every day. Guide my steps and direct my choices. When I start to chase after the wrong things, pull me back to Your path. Teach me to trust You more than my impulses. Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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