365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 243

Have you ever felt bombarded from all sides? Of course you have. It is the way of the world we live in because evil will try and do anything and everything to draw you away from God. Because of technology, we have chaos coming at us from those things that are part of our lives: the TV, internet, radio. There is always a way out of the chaos and lies dished out to us every day. It is by separating ourselves from it. We need to keep the truth fresh within us which means being in the Word and prayer every day. When you are feeling confused or unsure, it could be that you need a fresh dose of the way, the truth and the life.

Acts 21:34

Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challege-Day 176

Self-control cannot be accomplished in the ways that God would want without the Holy Spirit.  There are a variety of things that can take over our actions. My two as you already know are eating and watching TV.  The Holy Spirit can help us find balance with those things that want to take control over us. I found myself sitting on the couch watching TV last evening as usual. Go to the YMCA and work out was a fleeting thought but the motivation wasn’t there. On to the next show to watch and I found myself saying why am I wasting my time watching this show when it does nothing for me. It doesn’t make me think or laugh or anything. So, the Holy Spirit said go and do some work down in the basement instead. Don’t get me wrong, it was a struggle at first to get going after a long day at work but I found the balance I needed. I had an hour of  rest and that really was all I needed. It was a kill two birds with one stone kind of thing with my work at my re-organization project in the basement and getting exercise. If you feel out of balance, it may be that you are over-indulging in something. Find the self-control you need to get balance with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 355

I write this praise a day ahead of schedule because Wednesday is No Electricity day in the 4^th grade and my daughter has been gearing us up all week for this so that we as a family can do it at home for that day. You do have to plan ahead. Tonight I will be looking for candles, planning a dinner that does not require heating and trying to get the rest of the family on board for our one day of no electricity. This will be a good experience for our kids who have never gone through a black-out for any length of time and give them and us a real appreciation for what blessings electricity brings to our lives.  Thank you Lord for the gift of schools and teachers that teach not just the abc’s but things like this that play a vital part of our lives and need to be appreciated. No Lights, No TV, No Computer, No Microwave, No coffee pot, No hair dryer, NO alarm clock. I am guessing it will be okay to keep our fridge and freezer running. YIPES. Seriously, what would we do with out electricity? 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.