Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

I do have to wonder what Paul felt he left out that required the 'and so forth' at the end of that exhaustive list. Does that describe the culture in which I am called to minister? Where does the ministry process begin? It begins with a fierce and relentless examination of my soul before God. It is a crying out to the Holy Spirit to reveal those areas of my life that are not in conformance with the Law of God. It is a willingness to repent and be transformed by the renewal of my mind, so that I may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 116

Mid-day: 119:153-160

Evening: Psalm 42

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Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/5828-2015-voices-together-weekly-devotionals. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.