Thursday, December 13, 2012

Fruit of the Spirit - Week 9 - Self-Control

"Wise people think before they act; fools don't and even brag about it!"  ~Proverbs 13:16

With only 12 days before Christmas, I think there is a sense of humor in the fact that we are studying "Self-Control"!  During the season of too much shopping, dozens of cookies, plenty of parties and too many commitments, God has asked us to pause and consider the fruit of self-control.

In 1 Samuel 26, David exhibits amazing self-control!  While we may not be able to relate directly to David's situation, if we dial it back a few degrees, we might be able to think of a time when the fruit of self-control was evident in our lives. 

Our author points out a struggle with tempting food, to which I can definitely relate!  Especially with all the cookies I'm baking for Christmas!  But self-control can also be applied to how we react and relate to people and situations.  Do you lose your temper with your loved ones or that driver who's going just under the speed limit?  How about when Facebook seems more important than laundry?  Do you buy that new pair of shoes even when you don't really need them? 

The book of Proverbs gives great advice on the benefits of self-control, including "A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.", Proverbs 25:28.

Take some time today to consider an area of your life where you'd like more self-control.  Feel free to share in the comment section (on the website)!  And most importantly, pray about it. 

I'd like to thank you all for sharing this Bible study with me.  It has been an enlightening journey, delving into the Fruit of the Spirit and discovering what God has given us in this fruit.  It has also inspired me to cultivate the fruit within me and share it with my family, friends, neighbors, and my community.  I hope it has inspired you, too.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  December 14th will be our last meeting until the new year.  Our first meeting in 2013 will be on January 11th at 9:15 am.  

We will be reading It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know by Rachel Olsen.  Copies can be purchased on-line at Proverbs 31 website, Amazon.com and at nearby bookstores.  Read chapters 1 & 2 for the 11th.  We'll be jumping right in to this fantastic study!  I can't wait!!


Have a wonderous Advent Season, a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! 

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health."  ~Proverbs 15:30

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