Thursday, July 30, 2015

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

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



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?

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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Thursday, July 23, 2015

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

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



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.

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.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

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



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.

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.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

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



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

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

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



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.

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.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

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



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

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

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



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.

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.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com