Thoughts for Life: SELF-CONTROL IN GOD'S STRENGTH

~ Kristen Holmberg- A 1972 study known as the "marshmallow test" was developed to gauge children's ability to delay gratification of their desires. The Kids were each offered a single marshmallow to enjoy but were told if they could refrain from eating it for ten minutes, they'd be given a second one. (Google image, Marshmallows)

About a third of the children were able to hold out for the larger reward. Another third gobbled it up within thirty seconds! We might struggle to show self-control when offered something we desire, even if we know it would benefit us more in the future to wait.

Yet Peter urged us to "add to [our] faith" many important virtues, including self-control (2 Peter 1:5-6). Having laid hold of faith in Jesus, Peter encouraged his readers, and us, to continue to grow in goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, and love "in increasing measure" as evidence of that faith (vv. 5-8).

While these virtues don't earn us God's favor nor secure our place in heaven, they demonstrate — to ourselves as well as to all those with whom we interact — our need to exercise self-control as God provides the wisdom and strength to do so.

And best of all, He's "given us everything we need [to live] a godly life," one that pleases Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit (v.3).

Let's pray-

Holy Spirit, help us see Your familiar Words in a fresh, beautiful, new way, showing us ways to encounter Jesus within the pages of our Bibles. Help us grow in the qualities that reflect You, so we will reveal Your goodness to the world around us.

In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

851-855 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-

851- Pro. 18:4 "The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook."

852- Job 23:16 "For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me."

853- Eph. 5:15 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise."

854- Ps. 41:11 "By this I know that thou favorest me, because mine enemy doth not thriumph over me."

855- Eph. 3:12 "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him."

Quotes for today-

~ Marcy Johnson- "Holding on to Jesus is the only way to trek life's pathways successfully. I plan to grab Jesus' hand daily, so I can boldly press on with Him."

~ Joelle Suel- "Thoughts of what might happen tomorrow or what happened yesterday hinder us from enjoying today. We must practice living in the present and should not be harsh on ourselves when we fail. Guilt added to worry results in despair. Instead, we can praise God for His amazing grace. We remember His love and worship Him. What helps us turn worry into worship is shifting our focus to Jesus and His ever-abiding presence."

~ Martin Wiles- "Regardless of the Christmas separations we experience, we can still celebrate the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord. And we can relish in His forgiveness, the abundant life He gives us presently, and the eternal home He promises us. Nothing can separate us from Him in the present or the future."

Words from the Father in a journal:

"I am working on some things that are for your benefit. I will arrange things that will surprise and please you . What will happen is what I delight to have happen. The process that is happening is My will and I Am in charge of it all."

Some encouraging words-

"We could say that we have "inherited" the potential for self-control from our Heavenly father. It's there in our spirits, already developed to some degree, waiting for the opportunity to continue growing. So be of good cheer! If God is for us — and He is —we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us with an everlasting love!" (Foundation of Praise News)

Upcoming posts:

31st- A KEY TO HAPPINESS

Merlin Crothers

Jan. 7th- THE MIRACLE OF SALVATION

Kimya Lader

14th- LEGO LESSONS
Dave Branon