Now Live It! July 3, 2008

Beth Moore gives these eight steps to live victoriously in self-control by the Spirit . . .

Living Beyond Yourself, by Beth Moore, Week 10, Day 5

1. Acknowledge His authority! (first thing in the morning, confess, repent, worship, place Him in proper perspective)

2. Abound in His presence! (allow Him to fill you for the day)

3. Ask to see His glory and power! (believe and ask, have your spiritual eyes open)

4. Award Him with your mouth! (make sure you mouth is full of the Spirit before talking)

5. Approach Him with praise! (Hallelujah!)

6. Attribute all satisfaction to Him! (Enjoy, share, rejoice in Him)

7. Audit the manifold blessings! (in the evening, thank Him for all that He’s done that day)

8. Allow yourself to rest in His arms! (no better way to fall asleep if you ask me!)

Zip the Lip!!! July 1, 2008

Self-control of the mouth – Part II

Talking and listening!

Harsh reality #2 – talking too much!!!  This is something I definitely have to watch.  I think most of us do.  I would love to talk a lot if everything I say is filled with the Spirit.  But I know that’s not true.  That’s where the self-control needs to come in.

But in addition to our talking, we can listen more, but only to the wholesome stuff.  We need the self-control to stop listening when it comes to gossip and such.

‘Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.’ Ephesians 4:9

Lord, fill our mouths and words and minds with You!

Um, Um, Good!!! June 30, 2008

Self-control of the mouth – Part I

Food!!!

Beth Moore pointed out our mouth’s role in self-control that stirred me deeply.  Mostly because those are the main two areas that seem to get me.  One, of course, is food.  Overeating, undereating, obessing.  This is the one addiction that is politically correct for Christians.  But it can become a similar ‘filler’ just like alcohol, drugs, sex, or smoking.

Why is food that big of a deal?  Why does our society make is so exciting and special?  It’s just temporary, unless it turns into fat. :)  And we totally go beyond its original purpose – to nourish, sustain us, allow us to serve and live fully.

The thing that really stinks is that when I’m sad, down, excited, nervous, tired, stressed, at peace – are my thoughts focused on Him, His glory, His fulfillment, or am I wondering what I can eat right now?

Crap!  the truth hurts!

‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’  I Corinthians 10:31

Lord, give us freedom from our struggles with grabbing food or anything else instead of grabbing onto You.

Self-Control by Beth Moore June 27, 2008

from Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore, Week 10, The Crucible of Self-Control

Love keeps us afloat, and self-control keeps us anchored. Love lends us liberality, and self-control provides the boundaries within which love can be unleashed.

. . . self-control is knowing when to say, ‘that’s enough for now’. Beloved, we are desparate for self-control, and in its absences, we are drowning in self-defeat.

The key to self-control is the refusal to allow our enemies (the flesh, the world, or Satan) to rule or hold us captive in any way.

We are the temple of God . . . and self-control is our wall of protection!  It fortifies all that is within. The quality of self-control is that which secures our freedom to love, to experience joy, to know peace, to respond with patience, to have a kind disposition, to act out of goodness, to step out in faithfulness, and to agree with gentleness. How? Because self-control is the ability to make choices which invite and enhance the authority and filling of the Holy Spirit.

Self-indulgence robs sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Self-indulgence saps us of much-need strength.

The Bealls’ Book June 25, 2008

Cindy Beall’s book

You know I love Cindy’s blog and she and Chris’s friendship.  They have shared their powerful story of forgiveness, grace, redemption, and true love, and now her book is ready for reading!  And for free online!  Check it out!!!

Living Beyond Yourself June 24, 2008

I have read some amazing devotional books, but this by far has been my favorite – Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore.  I went through it in its entirety during college with a dear friend, and now reference back to it and redo chapters when I’m in need of guidance.  This week has been one of those times!

As you all well know, I’m definitely a self-improvement advocate and also share my struggle with food, weight, beauty, etc.  In the midst of my crazy thoughts, God totally showed up to provide clarity.  And He wrapped everything up into one powerful idea – Self-Control.

I’ve got lots to share in the posts to come, but any thoughts before I get started?

Grace Rules . . . final thoughts April 8, 2008

‘We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them’ – Ephesians 2:10

‘In the spiritual reality of a grace walk, service is the natural expression of who we are.’ – Steve McVey, page 198

‘The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age.’ Titus 2:11-12

These quotes I’ve posted are more of a summary and closing thoughts to the book.  There’s lots of good stuff throughout.  Okay, I’m finished with my Grace Rules marketing campaign.

Got any questions about the book??  What do you think?? Want to read it?? 

May you all live in His grace!!!!

Grace Rules . . . still sharing :) April 7, 2008

‘Nothing is more invigorating to the life of a believer than continuously experiencing the grace of God. Religion drains a person. A religious man is a driven man. By contrast, grace doesn’t drive us, but directs us in a way that we enjoy serving God from a heart filled with gratitude.’

‘A grace-filled Christian usually won’t meet the expectations of a legalist, but at the same time he won’t become lazy in his Christian walk.’

‘Genuine grace not only delivers us from something, but also delivers us to Someone.’

‘Grace is the divine enablement for one to powerfully express the life of Jesus Christ through his lifestyle.’

- Steve McVey, pages 194 & 195

Any thoughts?

Grace Rules . . . another thought April 6, 2008

‘Are you in Christ? Then join the party. God won’t mind. In fact, He has been waiting for you to enjoy the celebration. Go ahead and let go. Believe it, live it, sing it. Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music of His grace!’

- Steve McVey, page 189

Are you celebrating? Or is it more of a job or role?  Do we fully believe it? Live it? Sing it? Dance!!!

Grace Rules . . . again April 5, 2008

‘When a person knows God and the exceeding riches of His grace toward those of us who believe, he has entered into a lifestyle where grace rules.’

‘His new nature has become one witht the Holy Spirit so that when he is by faith walking in the spirit, God’s desires become his desires.’

-Steve McVey, page 174 & 175

Basically, quit trying so hard, focusing on obedience and perfection – just walk in His grace . . .   How are you walking??