The last part of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. On the one hand, we need self control. On the other hand we need to deny ourselves and surrender to Christ. How do we do both? I think the more we surrender to Christ, the better we can have self-control. As we follow Him, not only are we declared righteous by what He did for us, not by our own doing, but our lives and desires will be changed and we will want to do what is righteous and overcome temptation through the Holy Spirit. That to me is what self-control is about.
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The World We Live In
When the Bible talks about “the world” what does that mean? We live in a world full of people. We live in a world full of trouble. God created the world (the earth and everything in it), God so loved the world (the people of the world), but we are to not love the world (worldly affairs and systems which oppose God; I think that’s what is meant when Jesus says that we are in the world but not of the world). Something like that. Let us see what God’s word has to say about it.
Continue reading “The World We Live In”Sin is More Than a Mistake
We all make mistakes. We all sin. Are they the same? No! Should we dwell on either one of them? No! We have hope. I once heard someone say God forgives our mistakes. No! Jesus paid for our sins. He saved us from our evil (sinful) nature, from what is in our hearts. If we accept that gift, we are saved from sin, we will receive God’s grace. Unfortunately, we have to live with our mistakes, but we can also learn from them. But sin is much more serious. Sin leads to death. Without the blood that Christ shed for us, we are doomed for hell. But, when we trust in Jesus, we have an inheritance in heaven. No matter what we have done in the past, He will forgive us.
Continue reading “Sin is More Than a Mistake”Jonah: Running from God
Why do we think we can run or hide from God? Why would we want to?
Everyone knows the story of Jonah and the big fish. But what is the message God is trying to tell us? What does this teach us about God? This is not just a story to tell your kids. It is God’s truth about people, about sin, about repentance, about righteousness, about mercy. Jesus used the same power described in this account while here on earth. He also referenced this historic event to describe His death and resurrection though which we can have salvation by believing in Him.
Continue reading “Jonah: Running from God”Joel: Warnings and Prophecies
God often starts a prophecy with a warning, but He also offers hope and blessing. God wants His people to do the right thing, to turn to Him, to be blessed. But sometimes, people are stubborn and it takes drastic measures to get their attention. Actions result in consequences. Ever wonder why there is so much chaos and so many troubles in this world? Perhaps we need to turn to God. Perhaps He is trying to get our attention.
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My Daily Scriptures 