Tag: self-control

February 2, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Power of Our Words

Opening Verse

“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.” – James 3:9 (KJV)

Introduction

Words are powerful. With the same mouth, we can praise God in one moment and tear down others in the next. James warns us about this contradiction—how can we bless God while cursing those made in His image? Our speech reflects our heart, and as followers of Christ, we must be mindful of how we use our words.

Devotional Story

Michael was known for leading worship at church. His voice carried through the congregation as he passionately sang praises to God. People admired his devotion. But outside of church, his words were different.

At work, he was quick to snap at his coworkers. He mocked the mistakes of others and was known for his sharp tongue. One afternoon, a coworker, David, overheard him belittling another employee. Later, David approached Michael and said, “I thought you were a man of God. How can you lead worship on Sunday and speak like this during the week?”

Michael was stunned. He hadn’t realized how his words contradicted his faith. That night, he prayed, asking God to help him tame his tongue. He knew that if his words didn’t align with his worship, his testimony would mean nothing.

What This Means

James 3:9 reminds us that our words must be consistent with our faith. We cannot worship God while speaking harshly about others, for they are made in His image. Every person we encounter carries God’s imprint. If we truly love God, our words should reflect His love and truth, not destruction and bitterness.

Instead of using our words to harm, we should use them to build up, encourage, and speak life.

Think About This

  • Do your words reflect Christ in all areas of your life, not just in church?
  • Have you ever spoken negatively about someone and later regretted it?
  • How can you use your words to glorify God and uplift others?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I have used my words to harm instead of heal. Help me to speak words that reflect Your love and kindness. Let my speech be a testimony of Your grace in my life. Teach me to honor You not just in worship but in every conversation I have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

January 29, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Sweetness of Sin


Opening Verse

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)

Introduction

We love sweet things. A piece of cake, a handful of candy, a sugary drink—these little treats bring us joy. They taste good, they feel good, and in the moment, they seem harmless. But over time, too much sugar takes a toll. It weighs us down, slows us, and harms our bodies in ways we don’t always see right away.

Sin is just like that. It looks good. It feels good. It seems harmless. But little by little, it adds up, and before we realize it, we are spiritually heavy, sick, and distant from God.

Devotional Story

There was a man who loved desserts. He enjoyed cake with his coffee, sweet tea with his lunch, and a bowl of ice cream before bed. At first, it was just a small indulgence—a reward at the end of the day. But over time, his cravings grew. He started feeling sluggish, tired, and unmotivated. His clothes didn’t fit like they used to. His doctor warned him about the damage he was doing, but he ignored the signs.

One day, he looked in the mirror and barely recognized himself. What had happened? It hadn’t been sudden. It had been gradual—one spoonful at a time, one small choice after another.

Sin works the same way. At first, it’s just one little lie. One compromise. One indulgence. It doesn’t seem like much. But over time, it builds. It becomes a habit. It weighs the soul down until, one day, we wake up spiritually distant, numb to God’s presence, and weak in faith.

What This Means

Sin never announces its destruction immediately. It starts off small, subtle, and seemingly harmless. Just like sugar, sin can be addictive. The more we consume, the more we crave. And just like too much sugar harms the body, sin damages the soul.

Jesus calls us to walk in righteousness, to be spiritually fit, and to cast off the weight of sin.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)

Sin is a weight. It may not show up immediately, but over time, it will slow you down, make you weak, and separate you from God’s best.

Think About This

  • Are there small sins in your life that you’ve been allowing because they seem harmless?
  • What habits are making you spiritually weak?
  • How can you replace sinful indulgences with things that nourish your soul?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to the things in my life that weigh me down. Help me to recognize sin for what it is, no matter how sweet it seems at first. Give me the strength to resist temptation and the desire to seek what truly nourishes my spirit—Your Word, Your presence, and Your will. Teach me to lay aside every weight and run with endurance toward You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)

January 25, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Danger of Foolish Words

Opening Verse

“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.” — Proverbs 18:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Our words have the power to build relationships or destroy them. Proverbs 18:6 warns us about the consequences of careless, foolish speech. Words spoken without wisdom often lead to conflict, strife, and unnecessary trouble.

Devotional Story

Tom was known for his sharp tongue. At family gatherings, he had a habit of making sarcastic remarks, often turning lighthearted conversations into heated debates. His brother, Paul, frequently warned him, saying, “Tom, your words are like matches—one spark can start a fire.”

One day, during a neighborhood meeting, Tom’s words ignited chaos. Frustrated with the group’s decisions, he publicly mocked their efforts. His comments stirred up anger, and the room erupted into an argument. Feeling embarrassed and isolated, Tom realized too late the damage he had caused.

Later that week, Tom reflected on his behavior. He remembered Paul’s words and came across Proverbs 18:6 during his Bible reading. He finally understood the truth: his reckless words had invited trouble, not just for others, but for himself.

Tom prayed for God’s help to tame his tongue. Over time, he learned to speak with wisdom, bringing peace instead of division.

What This Means

Proverbs 18:6 is a sobering reminder that foolish speech can lead to conflict, even violence. The words we choose matter, and once spoken, they cannot be taken back. God calls us to be careful and intentional with our speech, avoiding words that provoke anger or discord.

Instead of foolishness, let us seek to reflect wisdom in our conversations, speaking life, encouragement, and truth.

Think About This

  • Have your words ever caused unnecessary conflict? How can you avoid this in the future?
  • Do you seek God’s wisdom before you speak, especially in emotionally charged situations?

Prayer

Father, teach me to guard my tongue and to speak with wisdom and love. Help me to avoid foolish and careless words that bring strife. Let my speech reflect Your truth and bring peace to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” — Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

January 6, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Lure of Temptation

Opening Verse

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” – James 1:14, KJV

Introduction

In our spiritual journey, understanding the nature of temptation is crucial. The verse from James 1:14 offers profound insight into this struggle, highlighting the internal origins of temptation.

Devotional Story

Imagine a man named John, who, despite his deep faith, finds himself constantly battling with the temptation to indulge in excessive spending. His desires for material goods often lead him down a path of financial strain and spiritual conflict. One day, while contemplating another extravagant purchase, John recalls the words from James 1:14. He realizes that his own desires are luring him away from the simplicity and contentment taught in the Scriptures.

What This Means

This scripture reveals that temptation often stems from our own desires. It’s not merely an external force, but an internal battle. The verse calls us to self-reflection, urging us to recognize and control our desires before they lead us astray.

Think About This

Consider your own life. Are there desires or “lusts” within you that might be drawing you away from the path God intends for you? How can you address these internal temptations to align more closely with your spiritual values?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to recognize the desires within me that lead to temptation. Help me to resist being drawn away by my own lusts, and instead, guide me in Your ways of righteousness and self-control. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41, KJV

Closing Song