Self Control-Just Try It

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city” Proverbs 16:32

Wow the fruit of the Spirit of self control is a tricky one to master at least for me.  It encompasses your mouth, your feelings, your money, your actions and so much more. For the purposes of this devotion I will deal with words or what you say. 

Thinking things through before you blurt something out is a good practice to get into. Like before you share something ask yourself why it is necessary to share it and do you have the facts straight. When you just spill your guts without thinking it can have serious consequences. 

The 24 hour rule is a good one to practice especially before you open your mouth and regret it. This applies to texting too and social media posts. Ask yourself what you are trying to achieve before speaking and maybe you won’t say what you were going to. 

PRAYER: Lord the tongue is so hard to master. Give me strength to get it under control. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Carriers

"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"Luke 9:23

I heard a sermon recently where the minister talked about being carriers of the good news of Jesus. Usually if you hear the word carrier you might think of a disease carrier. 

Do you carry Jesus words with you and share with others? Also do you ‘carry’ yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel? 

Be a carrier for Christ and let the joy of the Lord spill out to others. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to always carry myself in a manner worthy of you and carry your words to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me". John 14:1

What is bothering you? Have you gone to the Lord and shared your heart? 

You are not to worry about anything(See Philippians 4:6-7) but to pray about everything no matter how little or trivial you think it might be. 

The enemy can cause you to stay fixated on some issue or person and you may not be able to break free because you constantly mull over things you can’t fix. You truly have to purpose in your heart to not be troubled. Period. Let things go and wait on God. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life to guide my every step. I don’t want to try to orchestrate my own life so help me stay on track. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus Walked Among Sinners

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”Matthew 9:10-11

When you think you are a pretty good person look out because all of us are sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory(See Romans 3:23). Jesus went to where people needed help not to huge church gatherings. Basically he walked among sinners. 

The world we live in is a broken place and many have wandered from the faith and had their ears tickled by teachings that justified their beliefs and sins. Deceiving spirits have caused many to believe lies and follow the world’s ways rather than God. 

Guess what? You need to not cave in but you do need to go out and share your faith with a broken world. When wrong is called right and evil is called good we are in trouble. My friend take time daily to read scripture and pray that you will not be led astray and tempted by Satan. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to open my eyes to the truth. I pray for all those people who have never known you to have a Holy Spirit encounter and for those who have walked away to come back. In Jesus’ name. 

Waiting-Not Easy

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."Philippians 4:6

Waiting is a part of life and it is not fun nor easy. Whether waiting on medical news, return of a prodigal child, hearing news on a job or a host of other things at times you may want to help God and speed things along. Prayer shouldn’t be an ASAP thing but should be when God will it in His plan.

Is waiting an issue in your life? If you are honest I would say it probably is a part of everyone’s life story. 

Guard your heart. Keep your mouth closed. Be still. Pray. 

PRAYER: Father I get overwhelmed at times wanting things to be snappy but realize you are working. Keep me still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Look At Me!

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom"Proverbs 11:2

I admire those people I know who live a happy life without social media. It can be done. Social media can breed hurt and dissatisfaction as you compare yourself with another. Social media for sure doesn’t promote humility but promotes putting self on the throne. 

I use social media to put my devotions out and try to limit what I feel a need to post. Also try to not look at others stuff because you might find you were left out of something and feel hurt. I think social media is the devil’s playground but why not turn it into a ground for believers to reach out and comfort others. 

Today ask yourself why you feel a need to share everything with everyone. Talk to God and seek to put Him first above social media postings. Maybe fast from it for a while. Delete unnecessary apps like Tik Tok, Snap chat or Instagram. Go and enjoy your life and if you have to make a post make it one to lift up Jesus. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for giving me wisdom and for guiding my life. Help me get my boosts from you not from ‘likes’. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Maybe God Is Not Done With You Yet

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Do you ever get discouraged and wonder what you possibly could be contributing to other people’s lives? The enemy is the one who brings discouragement and a host of other things. 

First don’t compare yourself with other people that too is a tool of the enemy. Count your blessings which you will find are many. Show love when you don’t feel like it. 

When you feel confused get busy doing something. Try to find someone to help. Send cards to people who need cheered up. God can use you all the years of your life. 

PRAYER: Father I know you love me and I know you have made each person unique. Help me embrace where you have me, stay off social media, and pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.