Fruit of the Holy Spirit in You - Self-control (Mark 14:38 / Matthew 26:41) Day 98
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
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?
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Thursday, July 23, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
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.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
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.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
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.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Monday, July 13, 2015
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.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
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.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Monday, July 6, 2015
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.
See more at www.thefruitinyou.com
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