Read Galatians 5:22-25

Step 7 – “We humbly ask God’s Spirit to change our hearts and minds in order to follow Christ fully. “

Our reading today says we need to keep in step with the Spirit. What does that look like to you?

When our son, Matt, spent a summer in the Philippines on a cross cultural experience for college, he would send us pictures of his activities.  One of my favorite pictures was of him walking along a dusty path with five little Filipino kids following behind him. The kids didn’t know where they were going, how long the journey, or how rocky the path, but they trusted in their leader and kept following him in his steps. 

The definition of follow is “to go or come after; to move behind in the same direction; to imitate or copy.”

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.”

Romans 8:29

If God plans to conform you to the image of Jesus and Jesus is the visible image of God, it means that God’s plan is for you to become His image bearer – to be like Him. But He didn’t leave us alone in this process of following Him.

Keep reading.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will bein you.”

John 14:16-17

When we’ve placed our faith in Christ, the Spirit lives in us.  Relying on the Holy Spirit is critical for our recovery from whatever sin struggle we are dealing with.

Maybe you’re struggling with your relationship with Jesus. Maybe you want to grow in your knowledge of Him. In Step 7, Re:generation provides these four ways to help you.

1. Praying. God is personal. He wants you to communicate with Him.  Jesus made time for talking and listening to the Father.
2. Reading and memorizing God’s word.  The Bible is God’s love letter. He wrote it through faithful men who preserved it for you to know God and His will.  It aligns your heart and mind with God.
3. Spending time with God’s people. At Re:generation, you see people changed by a relationship with Jesus.  They try to live by the Spirit, walk by faith, serve sacrificially, love radically, and live in truth and grace. 
4. Walking in step with God by His word and the Spirit. Each step of Re:generation is a step of faith to walk with God in His will, as revealed by His word through the power of the Spirit.  Thus, your understanding of God’s love and power has grown.

So today, how are you doing following Christ fully? Are you keeping in step with the Spirit or have you gotten off the path?

The choice is yours.

Cathy Simms – ReGen Leader

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ReGeneration is a ministry for people battling the storms of life. From emotional struggles to substance abuse, ReGen is a ministry for those who want to experience healing, recovery, community and accountability in the midst of their storms. Currently, ReGen meets on Tuesday nights (7p) at Grace Church in Wooster. We would LOVE to host you! Text “regen” to 3302649459 if you want more information or want to attend!