Merlin Gonzales will be delivering a weekly inspirational message through Be InSpired blogtalkradio at 8p EST. Be blessed as you listen to praise/worship, Scripture readings and Merlin’s teachings at Sundays 8:00p to 9:30p
Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV), “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
The Spirit and the flesh are at war with each other. They have different appetites and different perspectives. Our “human body” is not sinful; it is neutral. In verse 16, Apostle Paul said “the desires of the flesh” not the body. So if our body is neutral, and the Holy Spirit controls it, then we keep in step with the Spirit.
However, if the flesh controls our body, then we walk in the lusts or desires of the flesh. We live by the worldview instead of living with Biblical perspectives.
This is a brief overview of living in the Spirit. In my next issue, we will take a look at the second part of the equation. Until then, live in His blessings!
Merlin
In Genesis 28, Jacob was running away because of his lies in the past. He was at a low point in his life – in the desert both figuratively and physically. However, God reassured His promises even though Jacob knew that he messed up repeatedly. Jacob was in no position to earn God’s favor but God promised to be with him. This event marked the beginning of Jacob’s lifelong relationship with God. Since then, he operated his life at a higher level, he believed God even through the tough times in his life. He trusted God’s promise in the midst of being taken advantage of by his Uncle Laban over and over again. His awareness expanded beyond the physical realm.
”Our awareness directs our action and our collective action changes our culture.” ~Merlin Gonzales
We are aware of the benefits of exercise. How about eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep, living a less stressful life and the importance of education? All these are good information that everyone should know about. It could change how you feel, how you look and how you live. But they are only information; unless you act on them, they will remain in your head and they may not have a direct effect in your life.
Awareness directs our action but only when you act on it, then it will have impact on your life. You act on things that are important and according to your priority. A good example that all of us can relate to is breathing. Everything stops in your life until you have your next breath. If you are under the water and needing to breath, you don’t stop to think about the nice coral or fish next to you. All your energy, all your focus will be to swim above the water. The information of not breathing is good but until you act on it, you’ll die.
Our next step is to expand our awareness of the Kingdom so we can see what’s available to us and how we can act on it. If all the aspects of your life, your family, your work, your money, your business, your promotion and your future depends on the Kingdom of God, what would you do today, tomorrow or the rest of your life? How would your priorities change, how would you rearrange your schedule, where will your focus be?
My next Blog will be about simple steps to expand our awareness of the Kingdom.
Listen to Merlin Gonzales, author of Kingdom in Our Midst, and founder of Faith, Hope and Love, International – Indianapolis on ArtSees Diner Radio this Sunday, April 28 at 10am
“Take a fresh look at your neighborhood” is the topic of Merlin’s message Sunday. Listen live at ArtSees Diner Radio.
Kingdom In Our Midst Series – Featuring Merlin Gonzales is a special presentation brought to you by ArtSees Diner Radio, and ArtSees Production. The week series with author, community activist and church leader Merlin Gonzales. Merlin founded Faith Hope and Love Intl., which collaborates with churches crossing denominational lines. He has developed the concept of “Mission Trips in Your Own Backyard” to unify the Body of Christ by bringing the love of God into the community. Merlin’s messages and teachings are about raising up a generation passionate for God to build a legacy of transformation.
7pm eastern time!