GOD IS IN CONTROL

This week’s focus on “Good vs. Bad Fruit” has allowed us to self-reflect to determine the type of fruit that is being produced within our lives. Self-reflection is only a step toward producing the right fruit in our lives which is the Fruit of the Spirit. Starting the process of producing good fruit is great but it is not enough. We must develop healthy rhythms of prayer, scripture reading and other biblical practices if we are to maintain this process of being transformed. Which is why self-control is one of the nine characteristics (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) of the Fruit of the Spirit. The Greek word used in Galatians 5:23 is enkrateia (ἐγκράτεια) which means “the restraint which a person imposes upon his desires and passions.” The only way for believers to walk in self-control is to surrender all control of our lives to God. This involves allowing him to direct our steps (every decision, every thought, every desire, every emotion). Psalm 37:23 (KJV) states: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” The Apostle Paul went a step further when he made this proclamation to believers in Romans 12:1-2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” If and when we give control of our lives over to God, we will produce “Good Fruit”.

Start your morning with a short prayer: “God, show me how to give total control of my life to you so that the Fruit of the Spirit can be produced in my life. In Jesus name I pray Amen!” Journal any thoughts that come to you as you listen.

Read Galatians 5:22-26
Galatians 5:22-26 Lectio Divina:

Take a few moments to pray, honestly reflect, and journal on the following questions:

• Do I have self-control? In what areas of my life do I need to exercise self-control?
• Am I a person that likes to be in control?
• Have I given control of my life over to God?
• Are my desires affecting my relationships?
• Am I pursuing the Fruit of the Spirit?

Watch Video:
Day 5 Struggling With Self-Control

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