Self-Control

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is... Self-Control." Galatians 5:22-23

Do you have good self-control?  In what areas of your life do you practice good self-control, and in what areas do you need more?  Do you spend money uncontrollably, blow up when a little thing upsets you, check out every guy/girl that walks by... Do you over indulge yourself at meal times, keep a nice fit body, keep a budget, or have a major fascination with eBay?  How do you measure out?  Do you have a lot of self control, or do you really need to work on this area?

This week's scriptures:

Proverbs 25:28, "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (NLT)

1 Timothy 3:2,"So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach." (NLT)

Titus 1:8, "Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (NIV) Both of these verses are referring to elders.

1 Peter 1:13, "So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world." (NLT)

Other Scriptures to check out:

1 Corinthians 7:5

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

2 Timothy 3:3

Titus 2:2-12

1 Peter 4:7

2 Peter 1:5-6

What are some of your favorite scriptures on self-control?  Which Old Testament character showed the most self-control? Which New Testament character (not including Jesus)?  I look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings,

~ S*

Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving!

A lot of people this year are counting down the days to Thanksgiving by posting a new status on Facebook each day stating a new thing they are thankful for.  This is a nice way to stay in the thankful mood when it comes to the November holiday.

I just spent the last twenty minutes writing a "letter" to God, in which I thanked Him for a few of the blessings in my life.

What are some of the ways you show your thankfulness this time of year? Do you only show God your thankfulness on Thanksgiving or in the month of November?

A recent status I saw on Facebook was as follows: "What if you only had today what you thanked God for yesterday?" Pretty powerful quote.  What would you have?  I know I wouldn't have very much. We all need to get in the habit of being thankful.  And I don't only mean to God, but to others as well.

Let's be thankful to the men and women who serve our country, to the person who stops to let us out in the middle of a traffic jam, to the maintenance worker who finally comes by to empty your trash can at work, or to your family for everything they do for you each day... And the list goes on...

Verses on Thanks:

Psalms 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name." (NLT)

Psalms 107:1 & 136:1, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 15:57, "But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." (NLT)

Philippians 4:6, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." (NLT)

Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (NLT)

1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (NLT)

Extra verses to look up:

Psalms 7:17

Psalms 28:7

Psalms 30:12

Psalms 75:1

Psalms 95:2

Psalms 118:28

1 Corinthians 11:24

2 Corinthians 2:14

2 Corinthians 9:15

Hebrews 12:28

Revelations 4:9

What are some of your favorite verses on Thanks?  Let's all try to thank God more often for the wonderful blessings He has bestowed on our lives!

Blessings!

~ S*

Gentleness (Part 2)

But the Fruit of the Spirit is... GENTLENESS..." Galatians 5:22-23

 

Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

How many of you have experienced this verse first hand in one or both instances?  Unfortunately, if I answer harshly, I tend to be around family/those who know me best. However, if I am at work or with people who don’t know me very well, I usually have a gentler answer.  Pretty sad isn’t it?  This proves that if I want to, I can control what comes out of my mouth (even if it isn’t what I might be thinking). At work I know that it is my job to be kind, gentle, and overly considerate to the customers (and fellow associates) that I encounter.  If I don’t, I could be fired, or I may be on the receiving end of a long lecture about customer service.  Meanwhile, at home, your family can’t fire you… They (usually) love you no matter what.  This should make us want to be gentlest to them, but instead we usually take advantage of the fact that they are family and will love us anyway…  I want to try to have a soft/gentle answer when it comes to everyone.  I am striving to be someone who serves God whole-heartedly and not just when others are watching.  I want to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer…(James 1:22)

What are some instances where you have gently answered someone and it has turned out for the better?  Who do you need to be gentler to?

As always I look forward to you input!

Blessings!

~ S*

Gentleness (Part 1)

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is... GENTLENESS..." Galatians 5:22-23

Definitions:

gen·tle  (jntl)adj. gen·tler, gen·tlest

1. Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender.

2. Not harsh or severe; mild and soft: a gentle scolding; a gentle tapping at the window.

3. Easily managed or handled; docile: a gentle horse.

4. Not steep or sudden; gradual: a gentle incline.

gentleness [ˈdʒɛnt^əlnɪs]n

1. the quality of being gentle

Scriptures for this week:

Proverbs 25:15, "Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone." (NIV)

Ephesians 4:2, "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love." (NLT)

Philippians 4:5, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." (NIV)

Colossians 3:12, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (NLT)

1 Timothy 3:3, "He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money." (NLT)  This scripture is talking about what is required in a  man if he is to become an Elder or Deacon in the church.

1 Timothy 6:11, " But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." (NIV)

1 Peter 3:4, "You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." (NLT)  This scripture is telling wives how to treat their husbands.

1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," (NIV)

More scriptures to check out:

Jeremiah 11:19

Zechariah 9:9 goes with Matthew 21:5

Matthew 11:29

1 Corinthians 4:21

1 Thessalonians 2:6-7

What are some of your favorite scriptures on Gentleness?  I would love to hear your testimonies relating to gentleness below!

Blessings! 

~ S*