August 29

Spiritual Check Up Day 11 by SGLY Ministry

SELF CONTROL
But the fruit of the Spirit is…self control
Galatians 5:23 (NKJV)

Today’s Action:
The Holy Spirit is at work in believers daily.
His desire is to bring about fruitfulness.
Each day He wants to cultivate, feed and water our spirits so we can grow fruit and offer it to the world around us for God’s glory.
In order for this to happen we need to do our part. We need to cooperate with Him.

Spiritual Exercise:
Self Control is all about our will vs God’s will.
It is putting God’s will above our own emotions, desires and actions.
It is monitoring our thoughts, speech and actions and bringing them into alignment with God’s word.

Do a checkup on your self.

Are you in control of your emotions?
Are your desires healthy?
Are your actions bearing spiritual fruit?
If not, determine to allow this Spiritual Fruit of Self Control to grow and develop in you.

Start by reminding yourself daily that “It’s NOT about ME”. It’s all about God and His will for our lives.

We are here to be spiritually healthy so we can be used by God to fulfill His purpose for us. We are here to do His will and glorify Him. It’s not about us…it’s about HIM.

So each day let’s do a checkup on ourselves to make sure we are seeking God’s will and allowing the fruit of self control to grow in our lives.

Memorize and repeat what Jesus said: “…nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

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Slow Me Down, Lord

Slow me down, Lord!
Ease the pounding of my heart
By the quieting of my mind.
Steady my harried pace
With a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me, amidst the confusions of my day,
The calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves
With the soothing music of the sighing streams
That live in my memory.
Help me to know
The magical restoring power of sleep.

Teach me the art
Of taking minute vacations of slowing down to look at a flower;
To chat with an old friend or to make a new one;
To pat a stray dog,
To watch a spider build a web;
To smile at a child;
Or to read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me each day
That the race is not always to the swift;
That there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward
Into the branches of the towering oak
And know that it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord,
And inspire me to send my roots deep
Into the soil of life’s enduring values
That I may grow toward the stars
Of my great destiny.

Wilferd A. Peterson

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Set Your Mind and Keep It Set

And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. - Colossians 3:2

The Bible says we are to set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth. Having been addicted to approval, I know how difficult it is not to think about it when we feel someone is not pleased with us. Thoughts of that person's anger and rejection seem to fill our every waking moment. Instead of trying not to think wrong thoughts, choose right ones. Fill your mind with positive thoughts. Meditate on God's Word and His will for you. Then wrong thoughts will find no place of entry.

We have all had the experience of being terribly worried about something, of having our minds rotating around and around a problem endlessly. If we get involved in something else that interests us, we stop worrying for a period of time. When it is quiet and we are alone, or when we have nothing else to do, we begin to worry again.

I have found that one of the best allies against wrong thinking is to stay busy doing something for someone else. I don't have time to think about "me" when I am occupied with someone else's need. In this way I set my mind on what is above, not on earthly things. I set my mind on God's instruction to me to walk in love (see Ephesians 5:2).

From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer.

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A Bible Devotion

Walk In Love

EPHESIANS 4:31-32 NCV 31 Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. 32 Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.

As a human who has been hurt, you may find it impossible to forgive and walk in love. But as a child of God, with God helping you, you can do it.

God freely forgave you. Now, with His love placed in your heart, you are to act like Him and forgive others.

EPHESIANS 5:1-2 NIV 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Putting others first is the essence of walking in love. Selfishness is the opposite of walking in divine love.

COLOSSIANS 3:12-13 NIV 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

If you are having trouble with this, just ask the Lord to work in you and change you. Tell Him you need help.

SAY THIS: I can walk in love because the Lord is my Helper.

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Rescue by Seek Ye First the Kingdom

Though many times we feel we are struggling through challenges alone, barely hanging onto hope of rescue. We must remember, God knows. He is there with us and will bring us through in the best way for us.

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.” Psalm 91:14-15

Dear Lord, thank you for always being with us and supporting us in our troubles. When things seem hopeless, remind us to call on you, and believe your promise to rescue us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Breaking Strongholds

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Scripture tells us that there is a battle going on in our minds. Our thoughts dictate our actions. That’s why the enemy will do everything he can to get you thinking in the wrong direction. Sometimes, it’s not our own thoughts that are holding us back; sometimes it’s that we’ve believed the negative things that other people have spoken. Those words are like seeds. If you dwell on them long enough, they’ll take root and become reality.

In life, there will always be people telling you what cannot be done, speaking negative things. Too often we latch on to those negative words and develop what the scripture calls a “stronghold.” That’s a wrong thought or action that keeps us from God’s best. The way you break those negative strongholds is by rejecting the lie, forgiving the person, and embracing the truth of God’s Word. In other words, you have to choose to delete that negative file in your mind.

Today, why don’t you take inventory of your thought life? Ask yourself, “Where did these thoughts come from? Do they line up with what God says about me?” Break the negative strongholds and embrace God’s truth so you can be all that God has called you to be!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, today I choose to reject negative thoughts. I choose to reject lies from the past. I break every stronghold through the power of Your Word and embrace Your truth which sets me free in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Bible Verses

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22

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PSALM 107:1 NKJ 1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

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COLOSSIANS 3:15 NKJ 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

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Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. — James 1:12

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Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

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Nahum 1:7 7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

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Prayers

What a Great Morning

Holy God, thank you for giving me another morning! I am lucky to be alive on your beautiful planet, so full of marvelous things and the beautiful plants and animals and all the people you have created in your image. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, now and all day long, until I go to sleep, because I want to live with you every minute of this day. The time and opportunities I have right now will never return, so help me make the best of it, Lord. And let me remember this one thing: You know what you are doing, whether I can see it or not; so I will try to remember today that you are in charge, that you put me here for a reason and that, by your grace, things will turn out with your triumph and the Kingdom of Heaven, for all those who live by your grace. All praise to you forever, Amen.

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Holy God, I pray to be filled with your Holy Spirit for the rest of this day. Let me go forth, walking with your Spirit in my heart, that I may be filled with the joy and energy and praise for your entire creation, thankful in the many gifts you have given me, and showing forth your light in my every word and deed. This I pray in Christ's name, Amen.

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The Stronghold of Accusation

Father God, I repent and renounce all accusations I have spoken against You, others and myself. Forgive me for being suspicious rather than discerning, and looking for evil intent rather than believing the best. I repent of and renounce self-pity, inordinate sensitivity, and gossip. Now is come my salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of my God, and the power of His Christ…I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

Scripture Reading Rev. 12:10-11 (KJV)

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Dear Lord, just for today, I will try to serve You by putting Your will ahead of my desires. ... Just for today, I will try to think before I speak or act, asking myself, "How would Jesus respond?" ... Just for today, I will try to live out my faith with the help and strength of the Holy Spirit -- one day at a time. ... Help me, for I often forget.

In the name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

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My Father, may there be no room in my soul for doubt. Help me to be cautious and careful that my own neglect and carelessness may not cause the loss of my faith. May I be trustful as I look for the great light that guides me over the uncertain way. Amen.

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Lord Jesus, your friends said to you: “Teach us how to pray”. We ask that you give us the fullness of your Spirit to help us to pray, so that we may grow in friendship with you. Amen.

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“A Prayer For Living In Purity”

Father, help each of us to be on guard against the trappings of the devil and remain steadfast in resisting temptation at each step. We want to live in a way that pleases you, Father, as You have taught us. We want to guard our hearts against the lure of the enemy, so that we continue to experience the holy and abundant life that You have provided for us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
See II Thessalonians 4:3-5, Proverbs 4:23

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Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith...Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. Hebrews 13:7, 9, NIV

Lord our God, dear Father in heaven, we thank you for all you do in our lives, for you stretch out your hand to us on earth through our Savior Jesus Christ. We entrust ourselves to you, knowing that everything depends on your rule over our lives. It is your rule that enables us to go forward in your strength and in your light, always finding new joy in spite of struggles and temptations. May your mighty hand be with those who call to you, no matter how they may do it. You see into their hearts. You know those who are sincere, and you will send your Savior to bring them out of all evil and darkness. Be with us today and every day. Amen.

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Dear Father, thank you for today and every day you give me. Sometimes I am unsure of my path and I feel lost. I ask you to guide me today, for I am not sure what path I must take. Please help me make the right decisions, not only for myself, but my family as well.

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“A Prayer For Letting Our Light Shine”

Father, we thank You that You shine Your light through us most especially in unusual circumstances in which we find ourselves. We are to let our lights shine before others that they may see our good works and glorify You in heaven. There are times when we cry out, “No More! I just can’t do this anymore.” But Father, in Your infinite wisdom You give us daily strength and spiritual resolve to carry on in the darkest of circumstances so that the light of Christ might be made manifest in our lives. We will carry the light of Your salvation through our words, our actions, and the way in which we seek to be fruitful and bloom where we are planted. It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

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Lord our God, dear Father in heaven, we thank you for all you do in our lives, for you stretch out your hand to us on earth through our Savior Jesus Christ. We entrust ourselves to you, knowing that everything depends on your rule over our lives. It is your rule that enables us to go forward in your strength and in your light, always finding new joy in spite of struggles and temptations. May your mighty hand be with those who call to you, no matter how they may do it. You see into their hearts. You know those who are sincere, and you will send your Savior to bring them out of all evil and darkness. Be with us today and every day. Amen.

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Dear Father, I ask you to help me be strong. I want to forgive those who have done me wrong and live a life of happiness. I ask for the strength as forgiveness can be difficult when hurt feelings start to surface.