Self Control In 2015

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Did you make a list of things you wanted to accomplish in 2015? Some may call them resolutions but it could be a list of goals. Are there any character traits within yourself you would like do have tweaked a bit? 

One I often think of is self control. Self control involves many things. It could be knowing when to put down your fork so you do not overeat. It could be knowing when to not talk so you do not cause a dispute. It could be knowing when to let well enough alone. It is basically just what it says...controlling your self. Self is always wherever you go. You can not get away from you. It is not necessary to always be the center of attention so at times we have to control the 'self monster' and this too would  be  self control. Self control would be not bragging when you feel like you want people to know something. I am sure if you ponder this subject awhile you can make your own list of ways you need to have self control in your life. 

God in fact can help you develop that self control. The urge to do things your own way can often result in disaster. No self control driving you end up with speeding tickets. No self control when it comes to alcohol consumption you could end up in Alcoholics Anonymous or with broken relationships. Indeed it is good to develop this 'fruit of the Spirit' in your life. Pause for a moment and ask God to show you areas in your life that need a dose of self control. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to be controlled by you not by myself. When self is on the throne things are not always the way they should be. I want you on the throne of my life Lord and in all my interactions with people grant me self control. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

QUIETNESS

A couple weeks ago there was a day when the gym at Redstone Arsenal I go to was unusually quiet and uncrowded. Perhaps furlough Friday affected it, the cloudy skies outside, or  summer vacation. Never the less,it was rather nice for a change. Just the sound of weights clanging and elliptical trainers whirling. Sometimes we just need a break from commotion and noise.

Made me think about how important it is for Christians to have a private quiet time with God to keep their spirits alive and refreshed. A person can not hear from God in the clutter of everyday life and constant talking in the background. You need to try to make an intentional quiet time with the Lord. For those readers who may reside in a city such as New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago it may be  a challenge to find a quiet spot. Sometimes even listening to Christian TV or radio you need to turn them off momentarily and be still and listen to God. Read His manual, The Bible.

"How do I do this" you might ask. My  first suggestion is at home before you leave. If you are single and have roommates that too may be a challenge. If this is a desire of your heart and your passion you will find a way. The prayer ministry Moms In Prayer International (www.momsinprayer.org) has something called a DAWG day or "day alone with God".  I love my DAWG days. My favorite place to go is up on the mountain at Monte Sano State Park in nearby Huntsville. You can really focus outside in God's creation. This DAWG day may not last all day but could even be an hour or two as your schedule permits. 

Psalm 46:10(NIV) is one of my absolute favorite verses. Commit it to memory if you can.

'Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted above the nations. I will be exalted above the earth.' This verse is also a great verse to regain peace if you have lost it through fears and worries.

Mark 1:35(NIV) says 'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed.'  Young mothers could have a prayer time with their children or when napping get alone to pray and study God's word.

Today is the day to decide if this is important enough to let it become a daily habit.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for stillness, for peace, and for quiet. I thank you for the Bible. Forgive me Lord when all other activities seem more important than you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"SELF" MONSTER

Selfish, self centered, self absorbed? Those are some of the monstrous
members of the "self family". What each of us needs to learn is how
to take "self" off the throne and learn to put others first. Children
may be born into this world and can be extremely self centered as they
know no better. But as we mature we are to learn it is not all about
me. Also we need to learn "self" control in many areas of life so we
can control bad habits that can hurt us and others. In order to tame
this "self monster" you have to "die to self".

The world we live in encourages us to be self absorbed with things
like looking out for number one and things like Facebook which if not
used properly can almost become narcissistic in a sense. This world
tends to get your focus off other people and onto you with different
advertising gimmicks. If not careful it is every easy to fall into
the trap of self importance and "me first." There is a shampoo
commercial that ends by saying "and I'm worth it." That always smacks
of a little ego there. Now I am not saying to hate yourself but to
consciously be thinking of helping others and not just yourself.

Proverbs 27:2 (NIV) is an excellent verse to commit to memory. It says
'Let another praise you and not your own mouth. An outsider and not
your own lips.' It is necessary to constantly be on your guard to
stay humble particularly if you do something the "world" looks up to
or have a "gift" that is special. James 4:10(NIV) says 'Humble
yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.'

One cure for taking yourself off the throne of "self" is to practice
putting others before yourself. The acronym J.O.Y. simply means "Jesus
First, Others Second, Yourself Last.' John 3:30(NIV) is another great
verse which says 'He must increase and I must decrease.' Think of ways
you can put others before yourself. I encourage you to stop a moment
and ponder building up and encouraging others around you and not be
thinking of what you want for a change.

In 1 Corinthians15:51(NASB) it says 'I affirm brethren, by the
boasting in you by which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die
daily.' This simply means make an effort each and every day you get up
to put Christ first before your own selfish desires and think of ways
to get self out of the way and put others needs before your own.

Get rid of that old self centered nature and replace it with a God
nature of thinking of serving those close to you and even strangers.
Galatians 5:16(NIV) is a reminder and it says 'May I never boast
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.'

Where are you today? Do you have any work to do in this area of
"self". Call unto God with a humble heart and He will help you.

PRAYER: This is your day Lord. I thank you for giving me another day
of life. Forgive me when I complain and am not thankful. I have so
much to praise you for. Help me today to be a blessing in somones
life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link and enjoy the video clip below:
http://youtu.be/3X7jy3ToFRU