Banquet With The King

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

You Can Endure

Memory Verse:

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

He will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your own sin…like in this Psalm that David wrote?

LORD, don't hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can't see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, LORD, rescue me! Come quickly, LORD, and help me. Psalm 40:11-13

Earlier in that same Psalm David penned some wonderful words praising the Lord.

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. Psalm 40:1-4

Smooth Path
Hiking near Parker, Arizona

In the Old Testament Isaiah wrote about God providing a smooth path. To me that is like a way out.

But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. Isaiah 26:7

God has a plan…and He will make a way of escape for you…a way out so that you can endure. It will be a smooth path—not steep or rough that will lead you out of despair. Can you trust Him? Many people will see what the Lord has done…and will trust Him. I trust Him to provide a way out of any temptation. I can endure.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am thankful for all that You have provided for me…physically and spiritually. You are an awesome and faithful God. I trust you to come quickly and help me. Thank you for always hearing my prayers.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 5-8

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2019

When…not If.

Memory Verse:

When you are tempted…. When…Not if! We can all expect to be tempted. We’re human…it is going to happen. I know that the when for me is a daily battle. I continually slip into the temptation to consider…if I’d made other choices, life would be different. But then I remember that God has a plan for me…and my family, friends and homeland are part of His plan—since He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. Even when temptation comes knocking at my door…God is faithful. I can count on Him to be with me…and stay with me…and to make a way of escape.

Temptation began with Eve and Adam…and then it continued with their sons. For us…like Cain…sin is crouching at our door. Crouching there ready to spring out and grab us.

Later she (Eve) gave birth to his brother and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. "Why are you so angry?" the LORD asked Cain. "Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." Genesis 4:2-7

God warned Cain…and thus each of us… But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. Again, it is our choice that makes a difference in our life. We have the choice to do what is right and subdue that sin, the temptation to do wrong. Maybe it is not you that is on the verge of sin, but maybe it is another Christian. When he wrote to the church at Galatia, Paul gave some good advice on encouraging others and not falling into the same temptation.

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

Share each other’s burdens—but remember that sin is crouching at your door…so don’t get caught up in some seeming innocent temptation that others are experiencing and that is now taunting you. When…not if.

Prayer ~ Lord God, help me to remember, when I am tempted, not to say, "God is tempting me." For You, God, never tempt anyone. James 1:13. Thank You for Your promises, Your faithfulness and Your unending love.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 1-4

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, July 8, 2019

How Much Can You Tolerate?

Memory Verse:

Is this scripture hidden in your heart?

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.

And God is faithful.

He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.

When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13

We need the peace of solitude--with no temptation.

He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.

God knows our limits—how much we can tolerate—how much we can stand? Remember that God does not tempt us.

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. James 1:13

It is in the book of Isaiah when the fall of Babylon is predicted a catastrophe will occur.

You felt secure in your wickedness. 'No one sees me,' you said. But your 'wisdom' and 'knowledge' have led you astray, and you said, 'I am the only one, and there is no other.' So disaster will overtake you, and you won't be able to charm it away. Calamity will fall upon you, and you won't be able to buy your way out. A catastrophe will strike you suddenly, one for which you are not prepared. Isaiah 47:10-11

Catastrophes will occur…and the children of Israel will not be able to buy their way out, but God will provide a way of escape…just as He promised. God will make a way of escape from our temptations. That is what He has promised. Trust Him? How much can you tolerate?

Prayer ~ LORD, You are my strength and shield. I trust You with all my heart. Thank You, Lord, for all that you have done for me…and for my family, friends, and neighbors. My heart is overflowing with anguish with You in knowing what You have done for us all…and knowing that You hear my prayer.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, July 7, 2019

How Do You See God’s Faithfulness?

Memory Verse:

How are you doing memorizing this?

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.

And God is faithful.

He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.

When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Did you write it out three times?

Did you say it out loud?

Have you got a song for it…or changed the lyrics in a familiar song to this scripture? Try to sing it to the tune of “Amazing Grace”.

As His light shines down from Heaven...His grace flows to us.

…God is faithful. We can see example after example of God’s faithfulness—especially to the children of Israel—in scripture passages of the Old and New Testaments.

Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9

He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! Deuteronomy 32:4

God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

How do you see God’s faithfulness working in your life today? Do you feel His presence in your daily life? Are your prayers answered…or even if they are not answered, do feel that God has heard your prayers and has responded in another way? His ways are not always our ways…although He has promised to give us the desires of our hearts.

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:3-5

As John wrote in Revelation—Jesus is the Alpha and Omega…the beginning and the end…the Almighty One. He is coming again. Watch and see. Be ready!

This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! "I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One." Revelation 1:4-8

God is faithful. He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrew 13:5). We can trust Him to keep His word…to fulfill His promises.

Prayer ~ Lord God, may Your peace make me holy in every way, and may my whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until my Savior Jesus Christ, the Messiah, comes again. God, I trust that You will make this happen, for You are faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Daily Bible Reading: Jonah

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Saturday, July 6, 2019

Everyone is Tempted

Memory Verse:

Temptation..is it.the snake or the alligator?
There is no difference for either...or you.
Painting by Zander Shultz

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. No difference. Everyone is tempted. It doesn’t matter is you are red, yellow, brown, black or white, rich or poor, single, married or in a committed relationship, educated or illiterate, employed or unemployed, a Christian, Jew or Muslim…you face temptations in your life.

Paul was speaking to the Christians in Corinth—but his message is good for all humanity. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. What tempts you?

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:12-15

James tells us that God does not tempt us. Temptation comes from our own desires—from our sinful nature. Are you following your sinful nature? Our choices make the difference.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-21

What can you do about the temptation?

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Colossians 3:5

Choices…it all comes down to the choices we make, day by day…moment by moment. Choose to have nothing to do with things that tempt you. I have found that reciting scripture to myself is very useful in directing my thoughts away from temptations. This scripture passage should give each of us encouragement.

Temptations are no different for you…or your neighbor, spouse, friends, family or work associates.

Prayer ~ Lord God, the temptations in my life are no different from what others experience. You are faithful and will not allow the temptation to be more than I can stand. When I am tempted, You will show me a way out so that I can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13. Thank You for Your promise, Your love and Your commitment to show me a way out of the grip of temptation.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Friday, July 5, 2019

Lead Us Not into Temptation…

Memory Verse:

Look at this scripture in context.

I don't want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, "The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry." And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don't grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Our Father in Heaven...lead us not into temptation.

Temptation. We all face it. We all have choices to make. Do we flee from that temptation…or do we give into the temptation? There is no in-between choice, although we can pray as Jesus taught His disciples…

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13

Prayer ~ Lord… My sacrifice to You is my broken spirit and repentant heart. Please bless the food that I eat…the physical and spiritual food. May I remember that You are the Bread of Life. Your body is represented by bread…broken for the sin in my life. Thank you for Your sacrifice for me—and your promise that you will show us a way out of temptation.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Bread is mentioned 228 times in the New Living Translation of the Bible. Bread is important to life…all through the Old and New Testaments…and even today. Whole grain breads that contain seeds like pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds are my healthy favorites, although I personally don’t eat much bread as the gluten tends to give me an arthritis ache in my hands. I have found that lower gluten or no gluten grains like brown rice, oatmeal, rye or quinoa are much healthier for me. No pain is a gain. This is one of those things that each person has to discover for themselves. I went on a 21-day no gluten, no dairy, no sugar diet and then added gluten products back in slowly, followed by a reintroduction of dairy products into my diet to see what affected me. Sugar is like poison so I tried for a while to totally avoid it. It is too much a part of the American diet—my diet—to totally eliminate it. But a way of eating that includes no sugar does have a great benefit in being healthier and providing more energy. Can you even make bread without sugar in some form? Yes. Even unleavened bread does not have to have sugar, but yeast bread needs the sugar for the yeast to develop the gas that makes it rise. Jesus and His disciples were eating yeast free…unleavened bread at the beginning…the first day of Passover or Feast of Unleavened Bread meal (Mark 14:12).

We are reminded that sin is like yeast…

Get rid of the old "yeast" by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

New bread of sincerity and truth. That sounds like something we could all use. In the meantime, here’s a recipe for unleavened bread…with no sugar and of course, no yeast.

UNLEAVENED BREAD

Preheat oven to 475 degrees prior to mixing ingredients

2 cups of flour (I used a gluten free flour blend)
1 teaspoons of salt
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 cup of warm water (or more if needed added gradually)

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in olive oil with a fork. Gradually add water until you have a nice soft dough. Then pinch of pieces of dough and either roll or pat them into a circle. Poke the breads with a fork. You can then drizzle with additional oil if you like. Add herbs of your choice for variety. Bake for 3-5 minutes.

Adapted from…http://www.eliyah.com/recipes.html

Margaret Feinberg, author of Taste and See, stresses in her chapter on bread that true unleavened bread needs to be baked within 18 minutes of adding the water to the flour. Bread is the basic food for people all around the world…all throughout time. Truly unleavened bread will rise if it is allowed to sit more than 18 minutes. So, if you are trying to make unleavened bread you must work quickly and be ready to take the bread OUT of the oven within the 18 minute time limit. Ms. Feinberg’s favorite recipe uses only flour and water. You can check out her recipes in her book available on her website. https://margaretfeinberg.com/tasteandsee/

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Thursday, July 4, 2019

Can You Buy Freedom?

Memory Verse -

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

Can You Buy Freedom or Peace?

God sent Him (His Son, Jesus) to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir. Galatians 4:5-7

Celebrate your spiritual freedom!

Freedom isn’t free. Someone purchases it…someone gives up something for others to be free. In the United States our military and police men and women give up their time, talents and often their homes so that they can safeguard our country. The USA is known for its freedom. Today we all celebrate that freedom with parades, BBQs and fireworks. It’s time to gather family and friends to celebrate our liberty once again.

A price has been paid for our spiritual freedom, too. Jesus paid it all. He obediently went to the cross and died—as a sacrifice for our sin. When there is sin—someone or something has to pay. With Adam and Eve, God sacrificed an animal in the Garden of Eden to cover their shameful nakedness. God gave up His Son for us…Jesus was the sacrifice. Do you think you are without sin? Consider… For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23. Everyone sins…some worse than others…but everyone has sinned. We can’t ever stand before God, in His purity and righteousness if we have sinned. So Jesus took on our sin on Himself when He went to the cross. That means that we can go before God—pure and sin free. Safely home to God one day. What a great hope.

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18.

Spiritually, we are adopted by God. Romans 5:15-17 says, For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. As heirs of God we will receive our “inheritance” from our adopted Heavenly Father. That thought is a spiritual meal in itself! So much food for thought. What will our inheritance be? Are you among God’s adopted children? Do you realize that to be His adopted child is just as easy as confessing your sin, agreeing with God that you are a sinner—we all are! Then merely asking for His forgiveness, and accepting that forgiveness. It really is as easy as it sounds, but it takes a decision. What is your “decision”? What will be your inheritance? Can you buy freedom with your inheritance? Our freedom has been paid for by Jesus. God sent Him to buy freedom for us.

Is spiritual freedom the same for everyone? I think not because we are not all at the same level of spiritual maturity. Sin binds us spiritually—holding us back from spiritual growth. Christ gives us freedom from sin just as God promised. So we are free. Christ means Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah for whom the Jews were searching and longing. The Savior. Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is He your promised Savior?

And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you. Galatians 3:29

Enjoy your freedom in Christ! He bought our freedom—Rejoice and be glad!

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, "The LORD be magnified!" Psalm 40:16 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 9-11

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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(Revised from 2017 Banquet With The King blog)

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

What Kind of Fruit is Produced in Your Life?

Memory Verse -

Have you memorized this scripture? Test yourself…one more time. Write it out. Say it out loud for a friend, family member or someone…anyone. Video yourself and play it back.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:

love,

joy,

peace,

patience,

kindness,

goodness,

faithfulness,

gentleness,

and self-control.

There is no law against these things!

Galatians 5:22-23

What fruit do you imagine representing each of these elements of the fruit of the Spirit?

love—strawberry. It is closest to heart shaped.

joy—grapes. They come in so many colors and often bring joy to people’s hearts.

peace—pomegranate. A symbol for hospitality, and thus peace.

patience—watermelon. Seeds…you have to deal with them.

kindness—orange. Sweet treat any time of the day. Especially those little mandarin oranges that are so easy to peal for little children.

goodness—pear. Juicy and just plain good.

faithfulness—lemon. Even though it is tart, it can be sweetened.

gentleness—banana. It bruises easily, so be gentle.

self-control—cherry. Bet you can’t eat just one.

Once again…

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

Is there evidence of this fruit in your life? Sometimes at the end of the day, as I reflect on how my day has gone I have to look pretty hard for some of these elements. Did I share or experienced joy, peace or patience…have I been kind to others and myself…was I good and gentle in my reactions or responses to others …and was I self-controlled? Above all, was I loving? I have found that it is best to plan ahead, rather than look back. Remember Jesus told us not to look back…and Paul said to reach for the mark. So in setting a goal or at least looking for ways of sharing and experiencing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in daily activities it is far better than just reflecting on the day and thinking…I could have, should have, would have done things differently. Plan ahead…make things happen. We have the choice. God has given us choices to make…choose His way. This is one way to apply God’s word to your life. Choose to find a way…His way to share and show the kind of fruit that the Holy Spirit produces ... in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

Prayer ~ Jesus, have I brought You glory today in all that I have thought, said and done? May the Holy Spirit produce this kind of fruit in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 5-8

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Tuesday, July 2, 2019

No Law?

Memory Verse -

No law? No law against the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are qualities that we should not only desire…but look for, long for and ask for in our lives. These are the ultimate gifts…well, maybe heaven and eternal life are the ultimate gifts…but this is a gift of the Spirit that can be useful to God in our lives now. Paul taught the Galatians more about the Holy Spirit and our sinful nature in verses just before our scriptural text.

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. Galatians 5:14-18

There it is. When you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. That is where Paul explains that there is no law against the fruit of the Spirit. Think about it. The Ten Commandments, the law of Moses, can be summed up as loving God and loving our neighbors. The fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, actually enhance the commands to love God and our fellowman.

Lemons growing on trees in Merces, Portugal near the ConCafe.

I think it is imperative that we recognize that we are looking at the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruits of the Spirit. Although the list includes nine elements, they are produced in our lives as one fruit. This is the time of year when fruits are beginning to be harvested. Cherries and raspberries are ripe now—and they are so wonderful. We can see grapes, apples, peaches and other fruit developing—and it won’t be long until it is harvest time for those crops, too. But the fruit of the Spirit can be produced in our lives all year around. Is your heart ready for the Holy Spirit to bless you with the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience,.kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You provide so much for us…our family, friends, homes, food, and clothing,—as well as Your words. May the Holy Spirit guide our lives…our very thoughts, words and actions that we would live lives pleasing and honoring You. Give us this day our daily bread—spiritual as well as physical nourishment including the fruit of the Spirit...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 1-4

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, July 1, 2019

Where is Your Self-Control?

Memory Verse -

I’m part Irish and have battled with a hot temper all my life. The Holy Spirit has really helped me get my temper and tongue under control—under God’s control—in the past forty some years! Thinking clearly, and reacting intentionally in a way that gives God glory is at the center of my self-control victories. I praise Him for that!

Red sky in the morning...sailor take warning.
Red sky in the night...sailor's delight.
Peter was a fisherman who knew the sky's warning.
Are you self-controlled enough to heed the warning?

Peter was a bold and head-strong fisherman who became one of Jesus’ most valued disciples, yet early in his discipleship his self-control was not evident. Hot tempered, yes. His relationship with Jesus changed his life and he clearly gives us direction and advice that encourages self-control.

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. 1 Peter 1:13

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9.

Look at your own life since you have come to know more about Christ. Have you yielded your self-control to the Lord…or are you still demanding your own way about almost everything? Peter wrote about qualities that act as building blocks: moral excellent, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection and love. Such good advice that the more these qualities are incorporated into our lives, the more useful our knowledge of Jesus Christ will be. As that knowledge becomes part of us…the more like Jesus we become.

How are you doing memorizing this scripture passage?

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:

love,

joy,

peace,

patience,

kindness,

goodness,

faithfulness,

gentleness,

and self-control.

There is no law against these things!

Galatians 5:22-23

Prayer ~ Lord…may we live a life filled with love, following Your example. You loved us and offered Yourself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2. Please give us more wisdom, insight, understanding and knowledge of You…and may we be more like You every day—self-controlled.

Daily Bible Reading: Obadiah; Psalms 82-83

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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