There is something that happens when a believer is desperate for God. When the cravings of the flesh and of this world loses its luster. There is a hunger from within that can only be satisfied with more of God. It is through this humble pursuit that God pours out His Spirit. Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled”. A purity is developed through this, such that, when pride, selfishness, envy, or jealousy, etc… tries to replant their cancerous roots - they can’t! And it’s because that believer is walking in God’s grace and the Holy Spirit is living inside of him/her. As believers we must be consistent in feeding our spirit, so that we bear the Fruit of the Spirit and reflect Christ in and out of season.
We as Spirit filled believers, have to be intentional to feed our Spirit not our flesh. I picture a metaphorical dog fight happening inside of us and the outcome is dependent on the dog I choose to feed, Spirit or Flesh. Galatians 5:17 literally talks about the flesh being in conflict with the Spirit. As we read God’s Word, spend quality time in Prayer, actively using our gifts of the Spirit, praying in our prayer languages, living a sacrificial life, and surrounding ourselves with like minded people, we feed our Spirit. If we are consistent with feeding our Spirit we will bear fruit in and out of season.
Galatians 5:22-23, "The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. Against such things there is no law.” In our pursuit of God, we desire to be more like Him, but only through the work of the Spirit in our fully submitted lives can that be possible. The Fruit of the Spirit are characteristics of Jesus, and Jesus is the perfect example of the fruit lived out. We as humans can try to wear these traits in our own strength, but our own counterfeit efforts will fall short every time in comparison to the authentic Love, Joy, Peace, etc… that comes from God. A believer who walks in the Fruit of the Spirit reflects Christ.
This past week has been a lot, it has stretched me in many ways. This past week was Explore Camp, a VBS (Vacation Bible School) that Freedom Center Church puts on for the kids in the community. My involvement in the event was me playing a character throughout the week called, Arty the Astronaut. Lines were needed to be memorized in order to play this character well, not including my weekly ten scripture verses that also were needing to be memorized. On top of that, FCA was also helping lead a youth internship, and with that came the responsibility of pouring into youth and doing ministry alongside them. A blog for FCA also needed to be written (this blog). Despite all the busyness and stress that would normally be expected from a week like this, it’s actually turned out to be one of the best weeks. In the midst of everything, God has been so faithful and near, and He’s been my source. I know God has had His hand on me guiding me through each and every situation. With all the tasks going on I can think of several times where God used me to give a word in season to a youth student. Instead of allowing worry of the drama skits to overwhelm me I leaned into God asking him to bring peace over my heart. I’m so thankful for this past week and the ministry God was able to do through me and Freedom Center Church. God has been growing me and it’s amazing.
-Isaiah Gallegos
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