LET US NOT GRATIFY OUR DESIRES OF THE FLESH

Galatians 5:16-26 I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ...

Father, let us not over indulge in the things of the flesh; but keep us focused on the things of the Spirit, and strengthen our fruit of self-control.  Lord, teach us how  to fast as a manner of self-control; that enhances our prayer lives and deepens our relationship with Christ.  Jesus, draw us closer to You so self-control will be less of an issue for us.  Father, let us not excuse our own indulgence while judging others for their indulgence.  Father, give us an appreciation for the biblical disciplines of self-denial; and let us not be enslaved by anything material or physical, as we pick up our cross daily.  Lord, help us esteem, extol, and cherish the teaching of the Word that helps put our fleshly cravings to rest,  and gives us the strength to repent from them. in Jesus name Amen