Totally Dominated

Thoughts from my devos today....

Proverbs 25:28
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."

Someone who doesn't have self-control is like an invaded city and without walls.

The idea of self-control:
English: Control of one's emotions, desires, or actions by one's own will.
Spanish: Able to dominate your spirit/ self.

Verse insinuates that lack thereof makes you vulnerable...
- to be taken advantage of by others
- w/o strength or protection
- unable to grow/ be successful

This characteristic is fruit of God in our lives... abiding, walking with Him. (Gal. 5:22,23)

Controlling myself.
Normally bears the idea of not being one to loose your temper in my mind... I think because the lack thereof is most evident in those moments. But just as pride goes extroverted and inverted, I think self-control does too. Self-control is not just a "defense". I think to look at it as a quality, we must look at it as a whole- being able to control yourself emotionally and physically, not just from anger, but also disappointment, laziness, enjoying the wrong kinds of things, etc. This is the quality of one who moves themselves to not only that soft answer, but also to discipline, looking away, hope, speak what needs to be heard, serve though no one is watching, etc. Perhaps this is how we will weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice.

It's not easy, it's self-control.
In it's most pure and perfect form, it reflects God's presence in our lives. It's learned abiding and walking with Him.

I am selfish, but there is self-control.
I am manipulative, but there is self-control.
I am hurtful words, but there is self-control.
I am lazy, but there is self-control.
I am afraid, but  there is self-control.
I am anxious, but there is self-control.
I am judgmental, but there is self-control.
I am numb, but there is self-control.
I am captivated, but there is self-control.
I am hurt, but there is self-control.
I am proud, but there is self-control.
I am annoyed, but there is self-control.
I am wicked, but there is self-control.

Seems too hard.

I am Camden, but there is God.

It's a gift, it's a tool, it's beautiful.

Lord, teach me to have control over my emotions, desires, and actions so that I am dominating my spirit and myself in a godly way. I pray that I will choose what I know is right and good. That I will be obedient to Your Spirit because I truly believe that You are GOOD and Your way of life is the best way of life. Thank You for Your grace to save me eternally and change me now. I love You and I pray that You will enable me to reflect You in my life. Thank You for self-control and I pray that the good works done through it will cause others to praise Your name because You truly deserve it!

It's a Brand New Day

    
I like remembering when I get up in the morning that -today- is a brand new day! The outcome of today does not depend on yesterday's failures or successes. That's pretty refreshing and challenging! As I start my day, I want to remember that:


1) Today the Lord loves me and shows me grace just as much as He ever has!

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

2) Today is part of God's plan for me - whatever it may bring!

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:16

This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

3) Today I must make the decision to follow Christ!

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23

Inwardly:

• Seeking the Lord and trusting that He alone meets my needs. (Mt. 6:11/ Lk. 11:3)
• Meditating on God's Word. (Ps. 1:2)
• Praying. (Lk. 2:37)

Outwardly:

• Sharing God's good news of salvation and grace. (Acts 5:42)
• Being an encouragement to those around me. (Heb. 3:13)
• Being available to meet the needs of others. (Acts 6:1/ Jm. 2:15-17)

Extra "Daily" Verses:
1 Cor. 15:31
Acts 17:11
Ps. 30:5
Ps. 23:6