Today's Verse: Galatians 5:16

Monday, January 16, 1950

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Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
— Galatians 5:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I don't want you to think about an orange rhinoceros flying with blue wings. Now quit. I don't want you to think about it anymore. You know there is no such thing as an orange rhino that flies, much less one that flies on blue wings. Oh course the point is simple: the more we try to not do something, the more we focus on it and insure we do what we are not supposed to do. That's why the gift of the Holy Spirit is so important. He enables and empowers us to move beyond our sin - not by focusing on it and refusing it, but by enriching us and "distracting" us with the important things of God.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Abba Father, I thank you so much for your Holy Spirit that lives in me and is now interceding with you for me. Please fill me with your Spirit so that my life more nearly reflects your will and focuses on your concerns. Through Jesus, who poured out your Spirit upon me at my baptism, I pray. Amen.

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9 Related Resources by Heartlight

Galatians 5:16
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."
Let the Holy Spirit Guide Your Lives!
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves."
Live by the Spirit
Illustration of Galatians 5:16
Inspirational illustration of Galatians 5:16 -- Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
The Flesh Versus the Spirit
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, giver of your Spirit, Help me to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of my flesh. For the desires of my flesh are opposed to...."
See All 9 Related Resources about Galatians 5:16

Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 5:16 — Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, January 16, 1950

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
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"Don’t behave like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he kill him? He killed him because his own works were evil,..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Company of Friends' (Mt. 26:36-38)
"Then Jesus went with [the apostles] to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray." He took Peter and..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'An Outsider's Story'
"Dear Friend, You just have to love the apostle Levi! You may know him better as Matthew since that is the name of the first gospel in your New..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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