Live in the Spirit

April 1, 2017

Opening Hymns:
The Voice of God is Calling: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh436.sht

Scripture Reading:
Romans 8:6-11
8:6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

8:7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law-- indeed it cannot,

8:8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

8:9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

8:10 But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

Message:
On Ash Wednesday we are reminded that “from dust we came, and to dust we shall return.” No matter how much research we do, it is very evident that we are all mortal. This scripture reminds us that if we only live in the flesh we will pass away. However, if we welcome in God’s Spirit and live in the Spirit we have life.

Setting aside the ways of the flesh is saying no to greed, lust, selfishness, judgments, and laziness. When we welcome the Spirit in, we focus our attentions on service, loving, selflessness, kindness, and generosity.

Time of Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, teach us to live in the Spirit. Help us to let go of all our selfish desires, and to look with compassion to those around us. Guide our actions and each step we take. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh351.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God