Building Up the Body of Believers

July 10^th – July 20^th

Daily Filled to Bear Fruit

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  07/12/21

When we do not seek the Holy Spirit’s filling each day, we become more and more influenced by our sinful nature. Paul warned the Galatians: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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 you want” (Galatians 5:16-17).

However, for those of us who are sealed and daily filled by the Holy Spirit, we can experience His fruit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. . . . Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

We need to stay connected to Him in order to bear His fruit. If we begin to shut God out of our hearts, we will cease to be fruitful. Jesus explained, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Prayer: God, forgive me for neglecting my relationship with You. Help me keep in step with the Spirit so that I will bear His fruit in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).