Additional Thoughts

As I was reflecting on the words I wrote yesterday, I realized I left out an important thought. I will include it for those who are interested.

There is an easy way to know whether your life and the lives of those around you are controlled by the Lord. When the fruit of the Spirit of self-control (see yesterdays BLOG) is operating in our lives and we have given control of our life to God, people will know what to expect when they are around us. Have you ever known someone or been someone who is irritated one day and happy the next? You know the type - you never know what you are going to get when you are around them. One moment they will be great and the next they will be bummed or grouchy or just a pain in the you know what. It is hard to want to be around them because you do not know which one of them is going to show up. No they are not schizophrenic - they are simply controlled by whatever is going on at the moment.

If by any chance you are ever like that, let it be a reminder that God has provided a better way for you. He has filled you with His Spirit and one of the fruit of that Spirit is self-control. As you rely on Him, you have the power to take control of your life away from all the things that are trying to control you. Through the fruit of self-control you can give control to God who is your fortress and your strong tower. The good news is that you can be rock solid, you can be stable, you can be a constant source of joy and peace that is unmoved and unaffected by the people and things around you - as you trust in Jesus and rely upon His Spirit.

Be a Blessing and Be Blessed!

Dave Hampson