Today…
Today….
I am called today to joyful, peaceful, kind, patient, gentle and to have self-control. Wow!! That is a TALL order.
Paul tells me in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Hmmm…what fruit do I (or others) see in my life…daily, moment by moment? Those moments, like this morning, when my children are being noisy and I need them to be quiet. Or, when my precious 9 year old son, who is making maltomeal for his siblings, puts WAY too much maltomeal in and didn’t measure correctly? What fruit came from my mouth? “She opens her mouth in wisdom; and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 Was that me this morning, or did the irritation of my sinful heart creep out when I spoke?
My children and husband are much too precious for me to let myself get bent out of shape over a few mishaps! Paul also tells me to “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Phil. 2:14 And, listen to this...James says, “Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:19-20, 22 Do what it says…. Many times that is easier said than done.
And, what if I am able to keep my mouth shut but my heart hasn’t changed? No, I have to dedicate myself from the inside out, to doing God’s will. That means it must be my heart’s desire to be joyful and peaceful and kind and patient and gentle. And, to be all those things, I must have self-control. That must be my heart’s desire today then…self-control.
Lord Jesus, You have led me on a journey this morning. A journey seeking knowledge of Your will for my life. Thank you for walking with me this morning, as I read scripture in search of Your truth. I know You are leading me to something so amazing, so wonderful, that my life will never be the same again. I also know that it will not be easy, this self-control that You desire to see in my life. But, I will do what You ask of me. I dedicate myself to You this morning. May I be a light for You today. May I lead my children to love You and seek You first. I love You, Lord, more than life itself!! In Jesus sweet name I pray, Amen!
Today….
I am called today to joyful, peaceful, kind, patient, gentle and to have self-control. Wow!! That is a TALL order.
Paul tells me in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Hmmm…what fruit do I (or others) see in my life…daily, moment by moment? Those moments, like this morning, when my children are being noisy and I need them to be quiet. Or, when my precious 9 year old son, who is making maltomeal for his siblings, puts WAY too much maltomeal in and didn’t measure correctly? What fruit came from my mouth? “She opens her mouth in wisdom; and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 Was that me this morning, or did the irritation of my sinful heart creep out when I spoke?
My children and husband are much too precious for me to let myself get bent out of shape over a few mishaps! Paul also tells me to “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Phil. 2:14 And, listen to this...James says, “Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:19-20, 22 Do what it says…. Many times that is easier said than done.
And, what if I am able to keep my mouth shut but my heart hasn’t changed? No, I have to dedicate myself from the inside out, to doing God’s will. That means it must be my heart’s desire to be joyful and peaceful and kind and patient and gentle. And, to be all those things, I must have self-control. That must be my heart’s desire today then…self-control.
Lord Jesus, You have led me on a journey this morning. A journey seeking knowledge of Your will for my life. Thank you for walking with me this morning, as I read scripture in search of Your truth. I know You are leading me to something so amazing, so wonderful, that my life will never be the same again. I also know that it will not be easy, this self-control that You desire to see in my life. But, I will do what You ask of me. I dedicate myself to You this morning. May I be a light for You today. May I lead my children to love You and seek You first. I love You, Lord, more than life itself!! In Jesus sweet name I pray, Amen!
