Galatians 5:1 - Cloaked In Fruit

Step 1: Pray. Select.

As I began my prayer practice today, I longed to understand Paul’s devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ on a deeper level. It is debatable whether or not Paul and Jesus ever crossed paths. Most people do not believe they ever encountered each other, but some say Paul might have attended a sermon of Jesus, which we will never know.

I dove into Galatians, and before I knew it, I had read the whole book or letter. I didn’t plan this, but I was so enthralled with Paul’s consistency in teaching that the Holy Spirit wanted me to soak in the wisdom of what our dear friend in the faith, Paul, left behind.

Out of the whole book, the Holy Spirit guided me to meditate further on Galatians 5:1 today.

Let’s begin our journey there, friends.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

• For Christ

• Stand Firm

• Do Not

• Be Burdened

• By A Yoke Of Slavery

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart. Don't forget, if you are doing this alongside me today, make sure to add your name to your unique sentence:

• Jennifer, for Christ, stand firm; do not be burdened by a yoke of slavery.

Step 4: Visualize

As I mediate on the verse and sentence today, the Holy Spirit is drawing me closer to stand firm only on one thing—Christ. Nothing in this world matters more than Jesus's teachings.

As the world becomes more chaotic and trying, like the wind roaring outside, we must stand firm on the rock and unmovable foundation of Christ Jesus within our mind, body, and spirit.

Jesus is trying to set us free, and the enemy is constantly roaming to get into our spirit through the weakness of the flesh. The ‘chink in our armor’ if you will. If he finds a way in, he can take away our joy and our peace and enslave us into thinking we must be on guard from things that Jesus has already been victorious over.

I think today's lesson is to slow down and make sure we put on our full armor of God, cloaking ourselves in the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control before we speak or react to any situation.

Holy Spirit draws me back to Galatians 5:14: For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

How can we love our neighbor if we put ourselves first? But if we put Jesus and his teachings at the top of our minds, we can stop the attempts of the enemy to create discord amongst us and the people we encounter in a day. We shall not live by the law but first by the spirit.

A question arises, so I move to Step 5.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The question that came to mind is:

• Holy Spirit, sometimes I get so wrapped up in the busyness of the morning that I don’t take a moment to focus on the good fruit you provide each and every day—every moment. How can I tame my flesh into looking at your fruit first versus taking care of the worldly demands and schedule at any given moment?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Here is the answer I received:

"The answer is clear. If you look at the time, the schedule, and the tasks ahead for the day, the list is never-ending, and you have put on the law first instead of cloaking yourself in the spirit. When you are filled from the inside with the Holy Spirit, the gifts flow out of you. Ask yourself today, where am I empty, and how can my Father fulfill my needs so I can live like Jesus. Talk to him. Let him know where you need mending. Let him heal your wounds from the day or moments before returning to battle. If you are tired, go to Him, and He will give you rest. If you are weary, run to him, and he will mount you up with wings like an eagle. If you are troubled, know he will not let your foot stumble and send watchmen to protect you while you build your future. If you do not, you risk coming out exposed and unprepared as prey to the enemy. But as you dress yourself from the inside out, overflowing with the fruits of the spirit, you will walk in His grace and glory so everyone knows who and who you belong to - a child of the most high God!”

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Heavenly Father, I come to you humbly in the mighty name of Jesus.

I pray you protect me today from the fiery darts and fill me from the inside out until I overflow with the fruits of the spirit. Let the fragrance of the fruit overtake the atmosphere, allowing me to be a good representation of Jesus Christ's teachings.

Let me be more spirit than law and help guide my footsteps today and always.

I lift you up and seal this prayer with the mighty blood of Jesus - Amen!

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today.

Remember to spread hope and share your miracle or testimony HERE. We want to see how God is working in your life!

Conclusion:

Today, no matter what comes your way, remember to pull from the inside to heal anything that comes your way from the outside. Jesus is there with you in spirit.

Stay firm in the teachings of Jesus, and he will protect and heal all your wounds by the fruit of the spirit.

Remember, you are a child of the most high God, and as Paul states, let us love our neighbor above all else, living by the spirit and not solely by the law.

Have a great day, friends! See you soon.