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.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com