Many people would like to avoid the subject of self-control. Instead of taking responsibility for our actions and decisions, we think it would be easier for God simply to control us. In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that God has given us the ability to choose right over wrong and exercise self-control.
If you would like more insight into today’s devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon The Spirituality That Heals, Part 9: LISTEN NOW
[00:00:00] You are listening to MY Devotional, the Daily Devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading The Way.
[00:00:07] Empowered for self-control by Dr. Michael Youssef
[00:00:13] A father asked his daughter who spent too much time watching television to begin memorizing Scripture.
[00:00:20] He chose the verses and Galatians concerning the fruit of the Spirit as a place for her to begin.
[00:00:25] When she was sure she had reached her goal, she began to list the fruit of the Spirit to her dad.
[00:00:31] Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and remote control.
[00:00:42] When it comes to the subject of self-control, many of us would like to dodge the issue.
[00:00:48] Maybe we would like to think there's a way to put our minds, wills and emotions under God's remote control.
[00:00:55] Instead of having to take responsibility for our actions and decisions, we think it would be easier for God simply to control us.
[00:01:04] However, God has a more creative plan in mind and in Christ He has given us the ability to choose right over wrong and self-control over emotional impulse.
[00:01:15] Paul warns in Ephesians chapter 5 verses 15 through 20. Be very careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.
[00:01:29] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is, be filled with the Spirit speaking to one another with Psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit.
[00:01:41] Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.
[00:01:49] Don't set your heart on having a remote control attitude, dig deep into God's word, learn what it means to be self-controlled, pray that you would reflect His love and self-control to others whose lives are spinning out of control to encourage and strengthen them in difficult times.
[00:02:07] Let's pray together, Lord thank you that you are a gentle God not a controlling God.
[00:02:13] Show us how to live by the Spirit that you have so graciously given to us, help us to take responsibility for our own actions and live in the fullness of Christ so that you may be glorified.
[00:02:26] We pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.
[00:02:30] To take a deeper dive into today's devotional topic, check the show notes for links to additional resources.
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[00:02:44] My devotional is a ministry of leading the way with Dr. Michael Yusuf.
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