Immanuel Lutheran Church- Indee

2 weeks ago

Topic of the Month
Led by the Spirit
by Ron Oline
All Things Members (ATM) Committee

I keep asking myself, what is going on in this world. There seems to be so much rage against one another. It seems like everyone is trying to come up with an answer, but because we are imperfect human beings, we will never be able to come to a lasting mutual understanding. It is to the point that I have a hard time believing what is being reported by the news or posted on social media, because everyone seems to have their own agenda.

As I was reading the June 18th devotion titled, “Walking by the Spirit” in Portals of Prayer (Karsten, 2020), I found my inspiration for this month’s topic. This devotion referenced Galatians 5: 16-26, which states:

Galatians 5:16-26 New International Version (NIV)
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

To me this means instead of focusing on what is wrong in the world, we should all walk by the Spirit and try our best to do good things. I am assuming Pastor Greg and Gina were led by the Spirit to go to Minneapolis recently to help hand out supplies to those in need. Some of us were probably also led by the Spirit to help by donating supplies to that cause. And if you wish you could do more work led by the Spirit, here are just a few ways you can do that to make life a little better for someone else:
1. IWELCA at Immanuel will soon request donations of school supplies for Lutheran World Relief school kits. You can donate supplies or funds to help with this project. ATM and Immanuel youth will assist with assembly.
2. The Food Pantry is asking for personal care item donations. Since Covid-19 restrictions prevent them from holding their own annual drive for these items, they are looking to the community for help. The director tells me they hope to start accepting items at the local food pantry after July 1st. Once Immanuel opens for worship in our building, we will look at a safe way to collect those types of items at the church.
3. There are still long lines going through fast food drive-throughs. Have you ever thought about paying for the vehicle behind you as an act of kindness?

Please share your thoughts on acts of kindness that you have done or would like to see done in the Comment section if you are reading this on Facebook. We all need to hear more good news and feel the Spirit grow within each one of us. To choose to walk and live by the Spirit every day can help us decide that evil will not get the upper hand. Instead, we will let the Spirit guide us and show us the better way to go. ... See MoreSee Less