Monday, May 15, 2023

Monday, May 15, 2023
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

On Mother’s Day, did you celebrate the best mom anyone could ask for? Or, perhaps she could’ve been better… a lot better. Whatever the case, God’s commandment to those who love Him remains the same: honor your parents. Your mother is the person God chose to bring you into this world, and there’s incredible significance in that. The Lord used her to mold and shape you, and He loves her more than words could describe, the same way He loves you. Honor the mother God gave you this Mother’s Day, whether that’s through a simple phone call, a handful of flowers, or even just a prayer. It’s taking the time to appreciate her that means something, both to her, and to her Maker.

Friday, May 12, 2023

Friday, May 12, 2023
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

You might have heard the phrase “God gives His toughest battles to His strongest warriors.” It may not be a Bible verse, but there’s some truth to be found in it. If the Lord has something He wants you to accomplish on this earth, it doesn’t matter how big it is, or how small you feel in comparison. He will equip you to fight any battle, resist any temptation, and overcome any obstacle. But the choice is still yours, even with God on your side. You can choose to follow Him wherever He may lead you, leaning on His strength, or you can refuse and live your own way. Self-control is a daily decision, and the ones who practice it can live powerfully and righteously for the One who writes their story.

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Thursday, May 11, 2023
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The battle has already been won; Christ died, and sin died with Him, and He rose back to life so that we who believe can live, too. We know how the story ends, but that doesn’t mean Satan’s time is over just yet. The Bible warns us that the enemy scours the earth looking for people to tempt, deceive, and turn away from heaven. He will do everything he can to corrupt the relationship you have with the Father, whether that be through temptation, distractions, or trials that make you question God’s character. The Word cautions all believers to be sober-minded, and to remain alert… but also to have peace, knowing that nothing from heaven or hell can separate us from the love of God.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Proverbs 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Being mighty, rich, and successful doesn’t make you a good person… in fact, it often makes you the opposite. If you have all the success in the world but lack good character, what does that make you? What does it profit someone to gain the whole world, but lose their soul? Instead of putting so much emphasis on accomplishments, focus on being the person God wants you to be. Be patient and wise, and practice self-control, making obedience to Him your number one priority. After all, the things that matter in the long term aren’t earthly successes; instead, it’s the person you were before God, and the good works you did for His kingdom.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Tuesday, May 9, 2023
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

You experience temptation every day, and if it weren’t for temptations, self-control would be no problem. At the very least they make self-control difficult, and at their worst, temptations can cause you to stumble into sin that you would never have imagined falling for. The allure of sin is powerful, but God has promised that no temptation will come upon you that is truly insurmountable. During His time on earth, Jesus experienced every worldly temptation that you and I do; He understands our sin nature, and how difficult it can be to stay disciplined. But He assures us that as long as the Lord is the king of your life, nothing will tempt you beyond your ability. He will always provide a way for you to escape and endure, so long as you keep your eyes on Him.

Monday, May 8, 2023

Monday, May 8, 2023
Proverbs 25:28
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

A citadel that has been breached and left without walls is a place where anything could happen. Anyone and anything are free to creep in and live there, and subsequently, anything can get out without permission. Proverbs uses this analogy to describe a person who lacks self-control. Unkind words can burst from them at any time, unfiltered, and anything from the outside can infect their heart and trigger their emotions in an instant. Having self-control means exercising authority over what comes out of you, but it’s also the strength to guard against what you allow in.