Self-Control

Many troubles in life can be traced to a lack of self-control. It exists in all people and cultures and in big and small matters. Having self-control is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:23). It is one of the most powerful and beneficial attributes you can develop. 

Proverbs 16:32 (TLB) 32 …..it is better to have self-control than to control an army.

8/25/2019

What is Concealed

Jesus is referring to the Pharisees and their hypocrisy in Luke 12:2-3 but hypocrisy and self righteousness is no respecter of time or persons.  Be grateful to face your weaknesses. Ask God to help you become more honest and genuine so you have nothing to hide.

Luke 12:2-3 (NIV) 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

8/21/2019

Praise and Worship

If asked, most say praise and worship is the music at church on Sunday. The actual definition is gratefulness before God. Praise and worship is a necessary attitude of life. Paul said that if you don’t glorify or thank God, you will place your faith in lesser things. 

Romans 1:21-23 (NIV) 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

8/18/2019

Stories Jesus Told

Much of Jesus’ message is delivered through counter-intuitive stories. Mark said your understanding will match your experience and maturity. As you spend more time with Christ and scripture, the more your earlier questions are answered and your understanding deepens.

Mark 4:33-34 (MSG) 33-34 With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke. When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots. 

8/14/2019

Regeneration, Cleansing and Renewing of Life

Ezekiel 47:8-10 is a vision of water flowing forth from a temple. The water represents regeneration, cleansing and renewing of life that comes when God lives in you. This living water regenerates more than just you; things around you are enhanced and renewed also.   

Ezekiel 47:8-10 (NIV)  8...“This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets.The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea.

8/11/2019

The Wisdom from Heaven

As you mature in a relationship with God, you will find yourself wanting to express yourself, as God does to you, in courtesy, listening to others, flexibility and being merciful. James 3:17 is a template of God’s characteristics you develop as you walk with him. 

James 3:17 (TLB) 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere.

8/4/2019