The Right Power Source

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

Most people don’t have much of an interest in trains besides enjoying the items they ship from cars to clothing. I found it interesting to learn that a Tier 4 locomotive can weigh around 432,000 pounds, the same as 108 hippos put together! It can even reach a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour pulling thousands of tons of freight. Now, that’s pretty impressive!

God has made us to function in three parts: body, soul, and spirit. The inner connection between these three parts is a complex connection but essentially, our spiritual health will have a significant impact on our emotional health which will have a major influence on our physical health. Galatians 5:16-18 captures this connection well:

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18

Paul clearly states that the basic mark of our flesh is that it is unsubmissive to God’s absolute authority. The two are constantly at war with each other. When the body is unrestrained and operates without the soul or spirit’s influence, like a locomotive, has the power to warp our judgement and lead us out of step with the Spirit of God within us.

If you’re seeking to ‘walk by the Spirit’ in your life and not be pulled by the world’s pleasures, it’s critical that you make the Spirit the locomotive and your body the caboose. When we’re led by that power, we will experience freedom, holiness, fruitfulness, and joy in our lives. Your source of power makes all the difference!

Listen to the sermon series: The Keys to Lasting Change

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

I count it an immense blessing to serve alongside my son, Josiah, at New Life Community Church where he serves as our Lead Pastor. Recently, Josiah had just finished preaching two back-to-back messages and sat down on the stage to take a breather. With no hesitation, our grandson, Saint, came and sat right next to his dad looking up to him with a beaming smile. Right then, someone from our congregation captured that moment on their phone! It stands as a great reminder for us dads to never underestimate the profound influence of fatherhood.

“When you teach your son, you teach your son’s son.” Jewish Book of Laws