Becoming Like Jesus: Scripture MemorizationSample

Follow the Leading

Pray…

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me new life. Jesus, thank you for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Holy Spirit, thank you for leading me into all truth and guiding me in every area of my life. I trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read…

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.Galatians 5:22-25 NILT

Consider…

You have probably heard this passage before or are kind of familiar with the “fruit of the Spirit.” But what is that, really? And what does it mean for us?

Well, the fruit is the evidence of the kind of tree you are looking at. Meaning, if you see apples, you know you are looking at an apple tree. It’s the same deal with oranges or coconuts or bananas—take your pick. The kind of fruit tells us about the kind of tree.

In the same way, these character traits and patterns of thinking, believing, and living tell the world about the kind of life we have and who we really belong to.

But here’s the thing—as much as you might like the idea of patience or agree that you need some self-control, you cannot force yourself to produce it. You can’t. That’s why the verse says that the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in us. It’s not a fruit of you, it’s a fruit of the Spirit.

But just because you can’t force yourself to manufacture this fruit doesn’t mean you become passive. It doesn’t mean we sit around and do nothing and wait to suddenly become more kind and loving. That’s not how it works. The Holy Spirit works in us, but we partner with Him in that work by following His lead in every area of our lives!

What’s one area where the Holy Spirit is inviting you to start following His lead? Decide now to obey Him in whatever way He prompts you today.

Practice…

17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2nd Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT

Who might God be prompting you to share this verse with? One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it! Look for opportunities to bring up what you are learning in your conversations today.

Listen…

Set your timer for 5 minutes.

Prepare to listen and follow the Spirit’s lead by giving God your unconditional yes right up front today. That means you’re saying, “God, whatever you ask me, no matter the circumstances around me or the feelings in me, I will do what you say.”

Ask God to speak to you and lead you.

When you get distracted, come back to Jesus by praying that prayer again and giving God your “yes.”