When I attended the University of Delaware in the late 1980’s, it was rated the #1 party school in the nation. After my first semester following in the footsteps of the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32, a Christian retreat off campus altered the course of my life. Over the next 4 years, I began to meet people whose faith shined so bright in this dark place, it became clear to me that the spirit of God resided deep inside their hearts.
And the plan seemed good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find this man’s equal, a man in whom is the spirit of God? 39 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Forasmuch as [your] God has shown you all this, there is nobody as intelligent and discreet and understanding and wise as you are. 40 You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word [with reverence, submission, and obedience]. Only in matters of the throne will I be greater than you are, Genesis 41:37-40.
Throughout the book of Genesis, Moses highlights places where the Spirit of God fell upon and or visited Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These locations were dedicated with an altar, monument and or stone pillar to let others know of God’s presence. After reading Genesis 41, the Spirit of God gives Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh’s two dreams and apparently provides a clear plan of action to overcome what lies in the future.
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[f]that can bring a charge]. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit,] Galatians 5:22-25.
During a first century letter to the Church at Rome, the apostle Paul confesses in Romans 7:14-18 that a spiritual force inside of his body is causing him to do the opposite of what God desires. This period in Paul’s life likely inspires the words in the above passage. While human bodies are weak, Matthew 26:41, the Spirit of God is willing to show you how to prevail, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Subsequently, whenever you find yourself slowing slipping away from the Lord, pray for the fruits of the Holy Spirit so that God will help you crucify your fleshly desires by keeping in step with the Holy Ghost.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 