Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                          Day 100

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:12-13

Many kids and teenagers struggle with discovering and establishing their own identities. While developing their identities, they encounter pressures from peers and friends. These friends typically splinter off in various directions as they grow older. Meanwhile, parents hope and pray that as their children become more independent, they will choose to go along with their positive peers. Parents also desire that their children remember the lessons taught at home once they are on their own and being tested.

As believers, we have opportunities to reveal that we have embraced the teachings of our Heavenly Father. We face choices of whether to stand firm on His Word or to conveniently adopt common beliefs which we know do not align with His Word. Each of us can establish our identity as a follower of Christ or as someone who supports principles contrary to Christ. Whether by taking a stand on an issue or by simply conducting ourselves like Christ, we can reveal to the world on whose side we stand.

As we recognize our free will, acknowledge our legal opportunities, or even defend our legal rights, let us not allow our lives to endorse behaviors that contradict Christ. Let us resist temptations to follow popular opinions that forsake the ways of Christ. While we love others in word and deed, let us learn to stand against principles that are contrary to our God.

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Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 97

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

The power of addiction is an enemy that many people battle throughout their lives. Addiction is not restricted to substances such as illegal drugs and alcohol. There are countless addicts of shopping, eating, sodas, prescription drugs, internet sites, etc. These addicts find momentary peace and solace in their addictions. Some try to move away from their addictions, but struggle to find peace outside of the dead end nature of their habit. Ultimately, they usually face the inevitable consequences of their actions.

For many of us, it is not a clinically recognized dependence that we face. It is the power of compulsions like anger, impatience, peer approval, and financial irresponsibility that serve as our albatross. No matter who we are, we all fight against the addictions of our flesh and carnal minds.

A key step in Alcoholics Anonymous is the recognition that there is a greater power. As believers in Christ, our primary tool in fighting personal addictions should be the greatest Power. When we are spiritually-minded, we seek ways to evade circumstances and places where we may revert to a carnal mind. At times, this may even require counseling to help us implement God’s will.

When we are spiritually-minded, we avoid dead end futures in exchange for a peaceful eternity. This eternal peace always proves to be more gratifying than any temporary physical or emotional satisfaction. Let us seek to recognize the addictions that weaken us. Let us become spiritually-minded and find peace. Let us pray to embrace the fruit of self-control in all facets of our lives.

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Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 98

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 14:38                 Matthew 26:41

How many times have we promised to begin doing something we believed to be good? Whether to eat better, exercise more, or even to get more rest, we often recognize positive changes that we can make in our lives. Conversely, there are also times that we commit ourselves to never doing something again. Indeed, many Christians have temporarily broken from the addictions of their eyes, hearts, bodies, or mouths, but find themselves once more overcome by temptation. Though willing and full of good intentions, we often encounter our weaknesses in the midst of our efforts to progress forward.

Jesus prescribed a simple formula for victory over our weaknesses - “watch and pray.” For some, “watch” may mean to “watch out” for the triggers that come in various forms such as certain old friends, books, magazines, websites, restaurants, or emotional vulnerabilities. Let us not forget that when we pray and remain focused, we can maintain self-control. We can keep our minds on the One who will give us strength and guide us away from the pull of our weakened flesh.

Just like the disciples in Mark 14:38 (Matthew 26:41) who grew weary when they were physically present with Jesus, we too may struggle with the things that tempt us. We will have victories and defeats. However, let us continue to watch and pray for Christ’s guidance, so that we may have self-control and strength through Christ.

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Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 99

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.

Matthew 6:22

Many children sing songs (both spiritual and secular) without recognizing the power of the lyrics. One such song is “Be Careful Little Eyes (What You See).” This generations old song, by an unknown author, describes how small exposure to inappropriate things may later develop into larger problems. The musical group Casting Crowns described this as a “Slow Fade.” 

How many of us have experienced the slow fade from a momentary temptation that eventually led to sin? How many have gazed with envy that led to hate, told small lies that led to betrayal, or maintained a secret friendship that led to an emotional affair? We can slowly fade in a variety of ways.

When we draw close to temptation, we may find it difficult to readjust our eyes or minds away from that which is ungodly. We soon find our minds, money, and bodies out of place. Yes, we strive to close our eyes and ears to these trappings; yet, the best way to control our exposure is to control our proximity to the things that lead us close to sin.

Like a farmer plowing a field, let us keep our eyes on a fixed target so that we will follow a straight path. With Christ as our target, we can avoid distractions. As children sing, “be careful little eyes what you see,” let us set our sights on Christ and the life God intended for us.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Reveal Your Fruit (1 Timothy 6:11-14) Day 101

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Ephesians 6:12-13) Day 100

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Matthew 6:22) Day 99

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Mark 14:38 / Matthew 26:41) Day 98

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

 Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Romans 8:6) Day 97

Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 96

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16

The Holy temple of Jerusalem was built and rebuilt during the time of the Old Testament. It was the central place for the worship of God. It was tended to with strict rules and with special attention given to every detail. There were also strict rules utilized in offering sacrifices to atone for sins.

Now, because of Christ, there is no longer a need to make sacrifices in order for our sins to be forgiven. We do not even require a physical building in order to worship or fellowship with God. Each of us is a temple of God. However, do we treat ourselves with the care worthy of a temple of God?

Do we take the time to care for our temples spiritually or physically? Do we expose our temples to the filth of lust and sin in what we view and read? Do we abuse our temples with alcohol, drugs, or even food?

Let us not be careless with our temples. Whether physically weak or strong, it is the temple of God. Let us spiritually empower our temples regularly with spiritual fuel. Instead of being like the Israelite's who built but had to rebuild the temple because of carelessness and unfaithfulness, let us remain faithful and controlled with our temples.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (1 Corinthians 3:16) Day 96

Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 95

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11

There are many outward signs that may suggest someone has faith in God. Many people carry their bible into church services but never open the bible or read it when not at church. It is common to see people in public wearing necklaces with a cross or crucifix. Some people customarily tell others to “have a blessed day.” However, none of these surface expressions or actions require or guarantee that someone has received Christ into his or her heart.

Applying God’s Word in our lives is what reveals that we have received Him into our hearts - not things like acting, speaking, or dressing religiously. We should do more than just appear to have access to God’s Word. Let us consume and internalize His Word.

Possessing food does not prevent hunger. Having water available does not make someone immune to thirst. In circumstances like these, it is by consuming, eating, or drinking that we are satisfied and fulfilled. So, let us receive His Word into our hearts.

Let us tap into Him as the source of our self-control, so that we do not sin against Him. Let us become intimate with his Word such that it resonates within us and is revealed as the fruit of self-control. In order to have His Word in us, we must take time to read and receive His words. Let us protect His Word within us, apply it, and live by it.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control ( Psalm 119:11) Day 95

Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 94

Love . . . is not provoked,

1 Corinthians 13:5

What some describe as love causes many people to react in a variety of ways. Some are positively motivated by love to care for others, to strive through difficult circumstances, and to endure all types of challenges. Meanwhile, others negatively react according to their pride, vulnerabilities, or desire for control. They ultimately reveal their lack of self-control. Their emotions lead them astray such that they quickly become jealous, violent, or easily provoked.

Love that is easily provoked is love in theory, not love in practice. Being easily provoked reveals that we are not motivated by a love for others. It shows that we are simply using love as an excuse and tool to get what we want and to make ourselves happy, even if we must force others along. However, when we are not easily provoked, we can slow down and reveal that love is a consistent state of being, not just a behavior we engage in from time to time.

With self-control, we learn how to respond to each situation instead of just reacting. We take the time to respond to others with a loving state of mind and with loving attitudes. When love is our true motivation, we eventually learn to react with a pure, self-controlled love.

Let us commit ourselves to learning love as an instinctive reaction, when we might otherwise be provoked. With self-control, we can learn to love continuously, rather than just performing individual nice acts. God’s constant reaction to us is love. Let us exercise self-control and be more like Him.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

 Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (1 Corinthians 13:5) Day 94

Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 93

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

When we focus on our pasts, we all have numerous examples of failure and times that we have missed our mark. However, we are not alone. The bible is essentially a collection of failures and defeats that were eventually overcome through faithfulness to God.

Our past shortcomings occasionally may dissuade us from even attempting a new challenge. We fear yet another defeat. Though we do not doubt God’s power, the weight of our doubt and fear prevents us from moving toward our next victory.

Isn't it great to know that God’s fruit to us is not a spirit of fear? He has given us a spirit of power. He has given us a spirit of love. He has given us a spirit of a sound mind.

A mindset and spirit of power will allow us to have confidence in the midst of our challenges. The spirit of love in our hearts will keep us gentle towards others as we overcome barriers. A sound mind will keep us focused on the authority of God over our lives.

When we have daily time with God, we can refocus on His power and not on our past weaknesses. Through time with Him, we may control our fears and walk with a sound mind, in love, and with power. Through prayer and by meditating on Him, we can tap into these resources that God has given us and maintain our focus each day.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (2 Timothy 1:7) Day 93

Self-Control (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Self-Control                                                                            Day 92

¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Galatians 5:16-17

From September of 1971 to February 1984, a child named David Vetter suffered from a rare genetic disease that left him unusually vulnerable to illnesses. In order to prevent sickness, his bedroom was converted into a sterilized, plastic chamber that was created to protect him from harm. He commonly became referred to as “Bubble Boy.”

Few have ever lived in sterile, physical conditions like David Vetter. We all, however, must learn to avoid infectious temptations that threaten our spiritual health. Paul writes that for protection, we can submit to the bubble of the Holy Spirit.

When we walk in the Spirit, our thoughts are guided by those things that are spiritually pure and not just physically satisfying. The Holy Spirit will direct us away from the impulsive directions where our flesh lusts to go. Outside the bubble of the Spirit, we become more vulnerable to the fleshly temptations of our emotions, bodies, and pride.

Let us walk in the Spirit wherever we go. The Spirit is more than a plastic bubble. The Spirit is not limited to a particular building, church, or a room. So, not only can we walk in the Spirit, we can work, drive, and fellowship, all while we choose to find our rest in the Spirit’s bubble.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Galations 5:16-17) Day 92

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 91

 ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:10-11

Societies and cultures have a tendency of categorizing people, attributing a particular value to a person’s status, and classifying an importance on peoples’ lives. It is seen in our media when someone considered to have a high status experiences a tragedy. There is more attention given to that person’s situation than when the same event occurs in the life of someone less known. We see this done by income, communities, schools, occupations, group affiliations, etc. There implicitly seems to be a public declaration of who should be considered relevant or not.

No matter how others view our status, let us recognize that our social circles are not of ultimate consequence. Our temporary and artificial hierarchies do not really matter. There is only One who is and will always be number one, and we all have access to Him. It is “at the name of Jesus that every knee shall bow.”

Just as we know that He is superior, let us also acknowledge that His ways are superior, as well. If the Son of God was humble and gentle, then we have no reason to exalt ourselves above others. The risen Savior died for all of us.

 So, let us accept that at this moment, we are just as important in the eternal kingdom as any other person on Earth. Likewise, let us also recognize that everyone else is just as important as we are. No matter anyone’s status, wealth, or who they know, we all have an equal right to salvation through Christ.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Gentleness (Philippians 2:10-11) Day 91

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 90

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

We have seen it time and time again. Pastors, politicians, business leaders, and athletes have all publicly fallen. At one moment, they reach or are on the way to accomplishing new personal heights. Next, the results of their sin and its shameful results are revealed. These failings and trapping, however, are not limited to public figures. We all have encountered or experienced similar challenges on our own levels.

During our successes, it is important to remember that God has blessed us with our gifts, opportunities, or prosperity. Just as Satan tempted Jesus, we also will be tested. However, we can turn our temptations and tests into a testament about God’s role in our lives. Having humility like Jesus will allow us to listen and receive Godly wisdom to overcome our trials. When we are humble, we move beyond paying too much attention to ourselves. Instead, we recognize how to serve others.

No matter how proud we feel of any act we have done, nothing can compare to the sacrifice of Christ. It surpasses all others. Christ is the model of humility. He is the only one who has ever saved the eternal lives of all humanity - dead, living, and yet to live. Let us wise up to the power of God, humble ourselves, and acknowledge His power over our lives. Let us accept that it is better to be humble than to be humbled.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Gentleness (Matthew 18:3) Day 89

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 89

Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

Children mature from depending on their caretakers to wanting their independence; from believing all that they are told (from Santa Clause to the Tooth Fairy) to questioning everything; and from being sincere and genuine to having pride. In fact, younger children seemingly hide their wrongdoings due to fear of punishment, not because of pride. Pride tends to come with age and maturity.

To adopt a heavenly mindset, we must unlearn some lessons and convert back to how we began as young children. We may not be punished for refusing to be humble. God may allow us, however, to encounter experiences that allow our pride to be reduced.

Pride in things such as our wealth, positions, or God-given talents may be counterbalanced by our personal struggles in those same areas. Some struggles may be due to our arrogance about our accomplishments or from over-valuing ourselves. With such a mindset, childlike humility may occasionally be forced upon us.

With each passing day, let us learn to resemble the genuine nature of a child. Let us seek God. Let us accept that there is a Holy Father greater than us all. Instead of seeking verification of our value from others, let us seek to enter the kingdom of heaven.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Gentleness (Psalm 149:4) Day 88

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 88

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

Psalm 149:4

There are countless ways that our relationship with God may be disrupted. For example, a lifestyle centered on impressing others can lead us on a path away from God. This may be more than being focused on materials such as cars, houses, clothes, shoes, etc. We may be intent on telling others about all we have done, the things we have purchased, or places where we have traveled. Our primary concern is not what God knows of our hearts but the thoughts others have of us. Thus, it is important that we conduct an occasional self-evaluation of our priorities.

Do we acknowledge that God is Lord over us? Do we aim to walk humbly? Unlike Jesus, we are imperfect. So, we will fail from time to time, but GOD takes pleasure in His people. In fact, He has preserved salvation for those who humble themselves to Him.

When we continue to acknowledge Him as the Lord of lords, we humble ourselves. When we humble ourselves to God, we will not be concerned with the impressions that others have of us. We will focus on God’s standards. If we do consider the thoughts of others, let others see that we serve and follow our Almighty God.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Gentleness ( 2 Timothy 2:25) Day 87

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 87

Be humble when you correct people who oppose you. Maybe God will lead them to turn to him and learn the truth.

-CEV

2 Timothy 2:25

There are certain people who are commonly referred to as “Know it Alls.” No matter the subject, they seem to have an answer for everything and want you to know just how smart they are. Eventually, those who are around them avoid asking questions or just avoid being in their presence, even if Mr. or Mrs. Know It All is often correct.

We run the risk of doing this in our efforts to spread the Word. Although we do not want to condone sin or the world’s ways, we must be careful how we wield our swords of truth. In our attempts to cut others free from the chains of bondage and sin, we may find ourselves piercing them so much that they refuse to give Christ a chance. If all that is felt when encountering Christians is the pain of correction, the world will never learn to accept the healing love of Christ.

We must learn to be passionate, yet gentle, in sharing how great God is. We should be gentle in explaining what He asks from us. In 2 Timothy 2:25, we see that though we may provide an example of humility, it is God who turns people to the truth, not us. Let us do as President Theodore Roosevelt stated, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” The Word of God is both the biggest and gentlest of all.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Gentleness (James 3:17) Day 86

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 86

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:17

When conversing with others, we usually do not understand what someone else is expressing to us solely based on the words that are being spoken. Often, it is not what is said, but also how something is said that communicates the meaning. Indeed, changing the emphasis on a word or altering the inflection of our voice can convert our words from expressing love to being sarcastic or angry.

Throughout the bible, we learn that how we speak may reveal godly wisdom, and wisdom may reveal our humility. Psalm 37:5 informs us that “[t]he words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious.” Proverbs 11:2 instructs us that “with the humble is wisdom.” James 3:17 (today’s scripture) further explains that godly wisdom also will be revealed in our gentleness. It is by traits such as purity, a willingness to yield, and by being merciful, that we expose our godly wisdom. None of which is fully possible to embrace without God’s help.

Like Solomon’s prayer for knowledge in 1 Kings 4:12, let us seek wisdom to better serve God. Let us pray to be peaceful, pure, and to display other traits of gentleness described by James. Let us desire to have hearts and minds filled with wisdom from God, not just knowledge from the world. With godly knowledge, we can reveal to others the true nature of God. We can do so, not only by what we say, but by how we say it and show it in our gentleness.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Gentleness ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-5) Day 85

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 85

⁴ . . . Love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 
⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own . . .

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

On average, there are more mirrors in a home than there are bibles. In fact, most people spend more time looking into mirrors each day than spending time in fellowship with God. While this reality may reveal the emphasis our culture places on appearances and de-emphasizes God, it too may reflect the emphasis we place on “I” and “me.” When it comes to loving others, however, we must learn to lessen the emphasis on “us” and increase the emphasis on “how” God would have us love others. We should love with a humble and pure heart.

Pure love does not seek its own or focus attention on itself. Loving others with a humble heart requires that we separate our personal desires from the blessings of others. This love is expressed as a verb, just like the act of feeding.

Someone feeding a child or weaker adult is not envious of what is being eaten. The goal is simply to assure that the other person receives the food. Likewise, let us love without concern for our own increase. Instead of being rude or envious because someone else receives a blessing (healing, house, position, spouse, child, etc.) that we also desire, let us be satisfied with knowing that he or she has been blessed.

Let us learn to love without the focus always being on us. Let us focus on the love of Christ. He loved us so much that He gave up His life that we might receive the great gift of eternal life.

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Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Gentleness (Romans 3:23-24) Day 84

Gentleness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Gentleness                                                                              Day 84

²³ for  all  have  sinned  and  fall  short  of  the  glory  of  God,
²⁴ being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Romans 3:23-24

Where do you live? Where do you work? Where did you go to school? These questions are typical parts of conversations between people meeting for the first time. For some, it is a casual way of getting to know one another. Although, for others, it may serve as a means of comparing lives and distinguishing a status.

Is my neighborhood more elite than yours? Do I earn more than you? Is my church bigger or more prestigious than yours? Though it may not always be through these standards, we often seek ways to compare ourselves to others.

Romans 3:23-24 provide the ultimate equalizer. We all have sinned. We all fall short of God’s glory. It is only through Christ that we are redeemed. It does not matter who we are or who our family may be. Our past or current lifestyles do not matter. We have no reason to elevate ourselves above others nor do we have any excuse to diminish our own value. The same price was paid for us all, and the richest person could never afford to pay it.

Let us never give in to the temptation to feel low or exalted by comparing ourselves to others. Let us not become “holier than thou” or “lower than thou” Christians. We do not know what God has done in someone else’s life. What we can be sure of, is that even though we all have sinned, Christ’s sacrifice has paid the way for us all.

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