Devotional
The Power to Say No!
The fruit of the Spirit is… temperance. Galatians 5:23
Temperance here means self-control – and not just with regard to alcohol. Generally, it means having command of ourselves, the ability to restrain ourselves, our feelings, and our desires.
But for Christians, it has an added dimension. For us, self-control is the fruit of the Spirit. It is a spiritual grace, not a natural acquirement. Considered as a spiritual grace, it is the exercise of faith in the gospel by which we obtain the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to overcome the impediments of the flesh to our sanctification and service.
Self-indulgence is the great enemy of the work of the Spirit in and through us. It is the sin of giving way to the lusts of the flesh, and because it feels “natural” it is a sin we can most readily justify or excuse. Self-control – or rather the control of self by the power of the Spirit of God – is total abstinence from all things that the Scriptures forbid, no matter how the flesh craves them, and the avoidance of excess in satisfying the natural desires they permit. It therefore calls for us to live with our eyes on Christ and His cross, to crucify the flesh and its lusts, and to live in submission to what the Spirit says in His word.
Out-of-control Christians are a contradiction in terms and a serious stumbling block for unbelievers. Yet self-control is not easy, for we constantly face fierce temptation to indulge the flesh. We are surrounded by people who do so without the slightest hesitation, and we are often mocked as prudes or fools for refusing to follow their lead. This is a day for bold, selfless, Christian living in the light of what we believe about Christ, being ruled by what God says, regardless of the opinions of men or the urges of the flesh.
Daily devotions are from the book “A Word in Season” published by Let the Bible Speak. © Let the Bible Speak 2010 – All Rights Reserved.
This Week
Nepal Appeal
This is a note from the Ulster Mission Board.
𝗡𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 – 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝗶𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹
Nepal’s death toll has exceeded 1,000 after last week’s devastating floods, and officials say over 4,000 are missing. Rescue efforts continue despite the heavy rains and risk of further flooding.
In conjunction with our partners in Nepal, the Ulster Mission Board have now launched an Emergency Aid Appeal to provide aid for the area. It is planned that our friends in Kathmandu will travel to the affected areas and distribute aid, including tents, rice and other food and blankets. Your help in providing the necessary funds will be greatly appreciated as we try to do all we can to help the needy people of Nepal.
You can donate by marking your offering envelope “Nepal Appeal” or add a note to your E-Transfer. (offering@torontofpc.ca)
Thank you for your support for this needy cause.
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord…” Proverbs 19:17
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