Posted on September 28, 2021 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5
My wife and I love to travel, from the moment the idea is conceived to the reality that arrangements have been made.
There’s a process that occurs between the conception and the reservation. Planning our destination is driven by a desire to achieve the plotted plan. I think sometimes our spiritual walk can be like going on a vacation, a decision is made before you plot the journey. So, where do you want to go with your walk with the Lord? “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”
Did you ever realize that you are where you planned to go? Not necessarily according to your circumstances, but according to your attitude based on your circumstances. Not all circumstances, either current or past are avoidable, sometimes things happen and there’s nothing we can do, except, “Live according to the Spirit”.
Paul’s analogy in Romans 8:5 comes with a directive that we control, “Live”. Our lives contain a destination, like planning a vacation. We can get as much of the Spirit as we want, so, where do you want to go? When I call a travel agent, I have never asked them, “Where should I go on vacation?” I already know, I just need help getting there.
When I open my Bible, I need to have a destination of where the Word of God can take me. If I just want to satisfy a commitment by putting my time in reading to check off my “To do” list, then that’s where I’ll go. But if I truly want to live according to the Spirit, I will set my mind on the things of the Spirit. My destination is to be spiritually minded so that when the circumstances of life come, I am under the shadow of His wing, that’s where I want to be. To be sheltered and comforted because that’s where I desire my destination to be. That doesn’t just happen, I have to be intentional about how much of God I want.
So, make your plans to engage in the life that will cause you to set your mind on a life that will bring you to a “Destination” where you “Live according to the Spirit”. Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org
Think About This: “God never withholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good. God’s refusals are always merciful — “severe mercies” at times but mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to give us something better.” ―
The Daily Bible Reading: Luke 12 | You can download our 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love [c]Him because He first loved us. -1 John 4:17-19
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
