If you are reading this on Thursday morning, March 19, 2015, you are enjoying the rain. I love rain in the desert and there is something about waking up to cloudy skies and rain. Thank you Lord!

Sometime today, during your quiet time or your time in the Word, read Galatians 5:22-23 for a quick "self check". Are you living by the Spirit? Does it show? Would your kids, spouse, boss, co-workers give you a passing grade? This section in Galatians always makes me think about my responses to things I consider negatives. The way my kids act, stresses at work... I could go on and on.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law". (Galatians 5:22-23)

But wait! Go ahead and read verse 19-21 also. Guard yourself from "acts of sinful nature".

Father, my prayer today for all your children is that we would live by the Spirit of Jesus who lives within us. That the people around us today and everyday would see "the fruit of the Spirit" in our actions, words, and how we handle tough situations and disapointments. Lord all of us struggle sometimes with sin. Please help us to turn away from sinful nature and follow Jesus! Thank you for your forgivness and your goodness!

Philip J.