Self Control

Jesus

Jesus uses self control

Quick Overview

After His baptism, Jesus spent time alone with God in the wilderness. For forty days, He ate no food. He grew very, very hungry. "Jesus," called a voice, "if you are really God's Son, why don't You turn these stones into bread so that You can eat?" Jesus recognized Satan's voice, and although He was hungry, He said, "It is written, 'Man does not live by eating only bread, but by every word that comes from God's mouth.'" Then Satan showed Jesus the peak of the temple and said, "If you are really God's Son, You could jump from here and Scripture says angels would catch you." "It also says, 'Do not tempt God,"' answered Jesus. So Satan took Jesus to the top of a tall mountain and said, "Look down there. See all that lies below you, every kingdom, and every single thing on the earth. Bow down and worship me, and I will give it all to you." "Get away from me, Satan!" commanded Jesus. "It is written, 'Worship God alone, and serve only Him.'" At that, Satan fled, and angels came down and cared for Jesus.

Self-Control is allowing God to be in control of your will and heart and seeking the Spirit to enable us. Then we will know what not to do and guard the areas we are weak in. This will allow us to have discipline and restraint with obedience to God and others. It is not letting distractions derail or remove us from His will and plan so we will not be held back with what Christ called us to do.

Self-indulgence is the opposite, from eating a pound of chocolate at once or partying your way to oblivion. Too much excess will leave you empty and alone, it will at best cause us to gain a lot of weight and lose your friends and at worst lose your life and miss out on our heavenly reward! Self-indulgence seeks what is fleeting when we as a Christian are made for eternity.

Read the following verses then answer the questions below

Titus 1:8, Titus 2:2, Titus 2:6, 2 Peter 1:6

Question One. How would you define Self-Control?

Question Two. How do I exhibit Self-Control in my daily life?

Question Three. What can I do to develop a better attitude of Self-Control?

Question Four. What blocks Self-Control from working and being exhibited in me?

Question Five. How can I make Self-Control function better, stronger and faster even in times of uncertainly and stress?

Question Six. What are the things that lure you to be self-indulgent?

Question Seven. How does the excess of life counteract Self-Control?

Question Eight. What happens to our relationships with God and others when we relinquish self-control?

Question Nine. When have you been filled with Self-Control the most?

Question Ten. In what situation did you fail to have Self-Control in which you should have?

Question Eleven. What issue is in your life that would improve with more Self-Control?

Question Twelve. Think through the steps you need to take to put Self-Control into action in a specific instance. Such as how can you place safe guards against the areas in your life where you are weak in? Or how can you avoid situations, things, certain people and places that may cause you to lose control? Or how can you balance having joy and fun so they do not become excess that lead to sin?

The "I Wills" of Self-Control

I will not act impulsively

I will not equate desires with rights

I will set my own limits

I will see my anger as a sign that something is wrong in me

I will walk away from things that aren't right

How to Demonstrate Self-Control

·At Home·

Refuse to allow other family members to provoke you to anger.

Never discipline in anger.

Look for ways to serve other family members rather than yourself.

Purpose never to raise your voice in anger in the home.

·At Work/School·

Purpose ahead of time that you will stand alone for what is right and refuse to compromise.

Refuse to participate in harmful habits.

Choose to walk away from questionable activities.

Don't allow anger to destroy the effectiveness of your witness.

·At Church·

Reject gossip about church leaders and other church members.

Never react in anger to those who disagree with you.

Follow the principles in Matthew 18:15-20 to restore someone who has a fault.

Let this be your prayer,

Dear God,

I pray that you will plant self control in me that will help me grow up like a tree of strength. I pray that you will help me rein in my passions, desires and emotions and make them subject to your Spirit. Please give me the self-discipline I need.

In Jesus name AMEN

Attentiveness

Mary & Martha

Attentive Women

Quick Overview

Jesus had two friends named Mary and Martha who were sisters. One day, as He traveled, Jesus stopped at Martha's home to visit. Mary was also there. The two sisters were happy to see Jesus. Martha went right to work fixing food and cleaning. She wanted everything perfect for Jesus! While Martha worked, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to Him. His words were like cool, pure water to Mary. And she gladly drank them in, not wanting to miss a single thing He said. When Martha noticed how Mary was sitting with Jesus, instead of helping, she became angry. "Lord," exclaimed Martha, "see how Mary just sits while I do all the work. You should tell her to help me!""Martha, Martha," said Jesus calmly, "you are bothered by so many little things. Do you know what is really necessary?" Martha looked at Jesus with a puzzled face. "Mary made the right choice," said Jesus. "And it won't be taken from her."

Attentiveness will recognize the value of other people by giving them listening ears, respect, courtesy, and total concentration. This means paying attention to others, not just listening to our own needs and desires, and also giving genuine contemplation to God's Word and His call to respond to others.

Read the following verses then answer the questions below

2 Chronicles 6:40, Psalm 34:15, Psalm 130:2 Jeremiah 8:6, 1 Peter 3:12.

Question One. How would you define Attentiveness?

Question Two. How do I exhibit Attentiveness to others in my daily life?

Question Three. What can I do to develop an attitude of, and a willingness to be Attentive?

Question Four. What blocks my being Attentive to others?

Question Five. How can I make Attentiveness function better, stronger, and faster, even in times of uncertainty, stress, and, most importantly, time constraints?

Question Six. Do you strive to be Attentive to others as a reflection of who you are in Christ, and what He did for you?

Question Seven. How does gossip counteract Attentiveness? Why is Attentiveness something that does not happen as much as it should?

Question Eight. What happens to our relationship with God, and with others, when we become pursuers of only our needs and time, rather than being Attentive?

Question Nine. When have you most been Attentive to others?

Question Ten. In what situation did you fail to be Attentive when you should have been?

Question Eleven. What issue is in your life that would improve by your being more Attentive?

Question Twelve. Think through the steps you need to take to put Attentiveness into action in a specific instance. Such as, how can you improve your listening skills? How can you make yourself available to others so your needs and desires do not supersede all of the time?

How to Demonstrate Attentiveness

·To God·

Spend time with the Lord first thing in the morning

Listen to the Word of God

Remove thoughts that distract from God

Use fasting to concentrate on the Lord

·To Parents·

Honor the presence of your parents

Look at the faces of your parents

Look into the eyes of your parents

Remember the words of your parents

Let them know where you are at all times

·In Church·

Sit up and lean slightly forward

Look at the speaker

Don't watch your watch

Take notes on what you hear

Stifle yawns, coughs, and sneezes

Dress up for church

Sit as close to the front as possible

·To your Civil Authorities·

Pray for your civil authorities

Learn how God uses civil authorities

Know and honor the law in your community

·To your Employers·

Learn the priorities of your employer

Protect the name of your employer

Deflect praise to your employer

Demonstrate attentiveness to detail

Have the attitude of a servant - become excited about making him successful

Let this be your prayer,

Dear God, The Bible tells me that your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Without it I would walk in darkness and be led astray. I want to give attention to Your Word but follow its instruction so that we will not drift from the truth. I pray that you will help me be attentive to you today.

In Jesus name AMEN

Courage

Esther

A Courageous Woman

Quick Overview

King Xerxes ruled over the mighty land of Persia. When he needed a wife, his servants searched the land for the most beautiful women. They brought these women to the palace so the king could choose his bride. A woman named Esther was chosen. She was good and wise and very beautiful. But she was an Israelite. He warned her not to tell anyone she was an Israelite.

Mordecai often sat by the palace gates to hear how Esther was doing. One time, he overheard men plotting to kill the king. Mordecai warned Esther, and she told the king. Later on, a powerful man named Haman became angry at Mordecai. Haman knew that Mordecai was an Israelite, and he encouraged King Xerxes to make it legal to kill all Israelites. Esther knew this law meant that she too must die. "I will do all I can to change this," she said to Mordecai. “Even if it means that I am killed. Please ask my people to pray for me." Later on Esther approached the king saying “Dear King," said Esther. "If you are pleased with me, I beg you to spare my life. And also spare the lives of my people. If we were to be sold as slaves, I would not have bothered you, but it seems unfair that we are to be put to death.""Who dares to do this?" demanded the king."It is this cruel Haman," said Esther, pointing to her enemy. The king ordered Haman to be hung that very same day. Esther and her people were safe!

Courage for the Christian is the motivation to say and do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. We are fueled with courage because God promises to help us and save us because of what Christ has done for us! It is allowing Him to work in us with strength, power, and conviction. Because of our saving faith, we should have the response of gratitude, willing to tell others about what He has done for us and what He can do for them. Fear and trepidations will not go away, but when we lean on Him, He will give us the courage for evangelism and teaching.

Remember; Courage is crucial for sharing the faith, and teaching the truth of Christ. Jesus told us this would not be easy, that we will meet resistance. However, He will give us the faith and courage to prevail! All of these characters work together, so being courageous will be within the parameters of love, kindness, and self-control… Being courageous means not doing things stupidly or taking unnecessary chances!

Read the following verses then answer the questions below

Deuteronomy 31:6, Ezekiel 22:14, Acts 27:22, Acts 27:25, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Philippians 1:20.

Question One. How would you define Courage?

Question Two. How do I exhibit Courage in my daily life?

Question Three. What can I do to develop a better attitude of Courage?

Question Four. What can block Courage from operating from my life?

Question Five. How can I make Courage function better, stronger and faster even in times of uncertainly and stress?

Question Six. What are the things that cause you to have fear, especially with others?

Question Seven. How do fear, and being biased, counteract Courage?

Question Eight. What happens to our relationship with God and with others when we are cowardly with others, refusing to take a chance even if it hurts us?

Question Nine. When have you been filled with Courage the most?

Question Ten. In what situation did you fail to be Courageous when you should have?

Question Eleven. What issue is in your life that would improve with more Courage?

Question Twelve. Think through the steps you need to take to put Courage into action in a specific instance. Such as, how can you do something you are called to do that causes you dread, such as witnessing to a stranger? Consider how much you can grow and learn when you are willing to take a chance now and then, and how much that can influence others around you who struggle with fear!

The "I Wills" of Courage

I will not be afraid to speak the truth

I will keep a clear conscience

I will support others when they are right

I will be willing to stand alone

I will speak with humility

Let this be your prayer,

Dear God, I pray that you will give me courage to do what is right, for those that trust in you have no need to fear. Make be brave to face any danger which may now threaten me. Give me the help that you have promised to those who ask it, that I may overcome my fears and go bravely forward. Fill me with courage, that nothing which is my duty to do may be too hard for me. Let me put my trust in your power and goodness.

In Jesus name AMEN

Generosity

Widow

A Generous Woman

Quick Overview

Jesus warned His disciples, "Watch out for those who teach the law. They like parading in fancy clothes and being seen in the marketplace. They always want the best. And yet they often treat poor widows unfairly. Men like that will be punished one day."

Jesus looked up and saw a rich man proudly place money into the temple treasury. Then a poor widow quietly dropped two small coins into the box. "The truth is, that poor widow gave more than all the others. The others gave out of much riches, but she gave all the money she has in the world."

Generosity is the realization we have God’s living water flowing in us. To keep it fresh, it must flow out of us, too! The Dead Sea in Israel is dead. There is no life is in it because it has no outlet. It has a river flowing into it, but the water remains there, and becomes stagnated with harsh salts and minerals to the point that nothing can live or grow there. When we are stingy, we become like the Dead Sea--stagnant and lifeless. The living water within us will quickly become stagnant, like a mud puddle with mosquito larvae growing in it, useless, and even dangerous.

Generosity is an example of our trust and reliance on God. Because He has given so much to us, way beyond what we can comprehend, we can therefore be charitable with others. This is an act of worship--to model Christ, and see the big picture that goods and material things are not important, but relationships are. This goes to giving back to God, providing to those who have less, and making sure your church is modeling this character. A selfish church that does not give, and only sees them as a charity, will become a Dead Sea rather quickly. How sad and pathetic that would be--an unconcerned, uncaring, and self-absorbed quandary to the neighborhood, and a disgrace to the Kingdom!

Read the following verses then answer the questions below

Deuteronomy 15:10, 1 Chronicles 29:14 Psalm 37:21, Psalm 112:5, Proverbs 11:25

Question One. How would you define Generosity?

Question Two. How do I exhibit Generosity in my daily life?

Question Three. What blocks me from being Generous?

Question Four. What are the things that cause you to be stingy with what God gives you?

Question Five. How does greed counteract Generosity?

Question Six. What happens to our relationship with God, and with others, when we refuse to see all that we have is His?

Question Seven. When have you most been filled with Generosity?

Question Eight. In what situation did you fail to be Generous when you should have been?

Question Nine. What can I do to develop a mindset to know that all I have in life belongs to God, and, since He supplies all I have and need, I can model His grace through being Generous?

Question Ten. How can I make Generosity function better, stronger, and faster, even in times of uncertainly and stress?

Question Eleven. What issue is in your life now, which would improve with being more generous?

Question Twelve. Think through the steps you need to take to put Generosity into action in a specific instance. If you are not a giving or hospitable person, seek to discover why. You are blocking God’s work in you. How can you release your selfish attitudes, and embrace the flowing in and out of His work in you? The lack of Generosity will reflect a lack of faith and obedience! If you think there are no rivers coming into you, then seek what is blocking them. Is it sin, attitude, fear….? God blesses those who steadfastly embrace His call, and who stay true to Christ

How to Demonstrate Generosity

·To God·

Give God the first part (10%) of your income

Give God the first part of your day

Dedicate yourself totally and unconditionally to the Lord

·To Parents·

Be generous with praise for your parents

Give meaningful gifts on special occasions that demonstrate your appreciation for your parents

Send them an unexpected gift such as flowers or a card for no reason other than to say "I love you and am grateful for you"

·To your Employers·

Be willing to work overtime if necessary

Show initiative and go the "extra-mile"

·To your Church Leaders·

Show hospitality to other church members and visitors

Be willing to give sacrificially to mission projects and other church needs

Tell your church leaders that you are willing to serve in any way that you can

Let this be your prayer,

Lord, I think you for everything you have blessed me with, I pray that you will help me use what you have given to bless others, and that I will do so with a good attitude. In Jesus name AMEN

Loyalty

Ruth

A Loyal Woman

Quick Overview

Naomi was a kind old woman, who lived far from her homeland. Her husband and sons had died and all she had left were her two daughter-in-laws. One day Naomi told them, that she must return to her homeland and that there was nothing she could do for them, because of her age. Ruth was a very loyal daughter-in-law and begged her “Let me go where you go. Your people will be my people. And your God will be my God." Naomi agreed, and Ruth went to stay with Naomi, one day while Ruth was out harvesting the fields a man Boaz asked who she was, some of the men told him ‘she came back with old Naomi, and she works hard all day’ After hearing this Boaz approached Ruth, and told her she could gather as much grain as she needed. Ruth said to Boaz ‘You are very kind to a foreigner’ Boaz replied ‘You helped my relative Naomi," said Boaz. "May God bless and reward you for your kindness.’ And God did bless her for her loyalty.

Loyalty is like faith; it means promise of another. In ancient times, the two words had the same meaning, and referred to one's loyalty to a person, or trustworthiness to a promise they had made. The person receiving the promise was acting on faith and trusting in that person, and that is what loyalty is mainly about. But, loyalty has another side to it. It is also a call that we involve other characters into, such as, forgiveness, mercy, and respect. We are to realize this with people, even when it is underserved and unearned. Loyalty is also the knowledge that the people we place our loyalty will disappoint us. However, we cannot base our character and self image in their reaction, only in who Christ is. Our outlook on life and reaction to people needs to be rooted in God, not on how those people respond to us. We are not responsible for how people treat us; we are only responsible for treating them with utmost character, as a reflection of Christ. Hence, the word Christian is being “Christ like,” not “self like.”

Read the following verse then answer the questions below

Romans 12:10

Question One. How would you define Loyalty? Are you a respectful person? If so, what about respect for your government leaders?

Question Two. How do I exhibit Loyalty in my daily life?

Question Three. What blocks Loyalty from working and being exhibited in me?

Question Four. How can I make Loyalty function better, stronger, and faster, even in times of uncertainly and stress?

Question Five. What can I do to develop a better willingness to be loyal and maintain a commitment to people?

Question Six. What issue is in your life that would improve with more loyalty?

Question Seven. How will being loyal affect my relationship with God?

After answering the questions above, do you have a better understanding of what it means to be loyal and why it is so important?

How to demonstrate loyalty

®At Home®

Surprising each other with fun outings even during difficult times.

Avoiding influences that draw family members' hearts away from one another.

Parents staying involved in their children's activities even in a crisis.

Sons and daughters being willing to give up things that their parents cannot afford to buy rather than make them feel inadequate.

Parents reaffirming their commitment to their family with no possibility of divorce.

®At Work/School®

Look for ways to serve and encourage your teachers/employer.

Refuse to participate in conversation that seeks to mock your authorities.

Be an "energy-giver."

®At Church®

Purpose to only speak well of church leaders and members to others.

Don't look for a new church the moment a problem arises - seek to resolve those conflicts Biblically.

Attend your church services regularly as a family.

Let this be your prayer,

Lord, I pray that you will help me become a loyal person, to you, my friends, my parents, and everyone you put in authority over me. And help me to forgive others, when they’re no loyal to me. In Jesus name AMEN

Wisdom

Solomon

A man of wisdom

Quick Overview

Solomon was known in the Bible for being a very wise man, he prayed to God for wisdom many times when he was king. One day two women came to Solomon both claiming to be the mother of a newborn baby, Solomon knew that the real mother would rather the baby live with the other women than to be killed. So Solomon said to the women, if both of you claim to be the mother than have the baby cut into two, and given to each of you. Immediately one of the women said ‘No let her keep him, do not harm him’ Solomon knew right away this was the real mother.

Wisdom is the recognition of the faith and abilities we have been given, and applying them, along with the responsibility to follow through with energy. We are to be realistic, yet bold and daring, be smart and cautious stewards, yet go with passion, willing to take a risk (if it is wise to do so). Wisdom gives us the temperament, balance, and place to be so we can influence and help others, while not adding our inclinations to it. We are to grow in the wisdom of the Lord, know what our capacities are, and where the opportunities lay, so we know where to go, and where to grow, and then carry it to glorify our Lord.

Read the following verses then answer the questions below;

Psalm 49:10, Psalm 107:42-43, Psalm 119:98, Proverbs 8:33.

Question One. How do I exhibit Wisdom to others in my daily life?

Question Two. What can I do to develop an attitude of, and a willingness to exercise Wisdom?

Question Three. What blocks my imparting Wisdom to others?

Question Four. How would you define Wisdom?

After answering the questions above, do you have a better understanding of what wisdom is and why it is so important?

Personal Evaluation

· Can you contrast God's principles with natural inclinations?

· Do you know the commands of Christ?

· Are your aware that God is watching and weighing every one of your words, thoughts, actions, attitudes and motives?

· Have you asked God for wisdom and treasured it?

· Do you have a Godly hatred of evil and genuine love for sinners?

· Do you record the insights of wisdom God gives you?

· Do you seek instruction of wise men and reject the teachings of fools?

· Are you slow to answer and swift to hear?

Let this be your prayer,

Lord, I pray that you will give me the words to say when talking to others about you, I pray that you will also give me wisdom in all things. And I pray this all in Jesus name AMEN