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Adventures in Israel #4. The Garden of Gethsemane.

10/31/2019

Every day I realize how I have changed. Someone, here at the conference I am attending will read a portion of scripture, mention an area, or a wall, or a river, and I perk up, and pay closer attention. "I was there," I say to myself. My mind escapes from the cold room and hard chair, and I am on location once again in the Holy Land. I feel the wind and the heat beating down on me, and think to myself, "Jesus, I know where you were, when you said that. Paul, I know where you were when you wrote that. Luke, I was in the place that happened." In the smugness of my American mindset I think I know something, but in my spirit I know, that I know very little. I say, I'll never deny Him. I say I'll do anything. I believe I am obedient. However, I know as hard as the stones that lay everywhere in Israel serve as a reminder to me, how hard my heart can truly be capable of becoming---but for God. Jesus help me. Holy Spirit please don't take your presence from me. Don't allow me to stand like a stained glass window that only allows only a little light to come into the rooms of my heart. Illuminate me fully, to all that you are. Let your light shine through my life. Allow me to be the light you've called me to be.

Mark 14:50 (NIV)
"Then everyone deserted him and fled."

Everyone forsook Him and fled. I read these words at the garden of Gethsemane I cried. Everyone. The thorn of crowns that grows amongst the olive trees are a sharp reminder of the pain, the crushing, of what Jesus did for me, and not just what was done to Him, but how He felt,--crushed and pierced, to the core of His being. Jesus forsaken by all. Jesus left by all. Have you ever felt that way? Truly alone? Truly crushed to the point that you longed to die, rather than live? Many have and so they close their hearts and minds to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. These thorns weren't small like those on a rosebush here in America, these were as long as my fingers, my hands. I did this to Him. My sin, my choices, my disobedience--that's what He bore.

The only gate of the Old City of Jerusalem, presently closed. So, many hearts and minds are like these gates. Closed to the love and knowledge of what God has done and will do for them. As we come alive to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ may we be willing to stand with Jesus, and forsake all but Him. May we be willing to endure to the end what He has asked of us, fully open to His will being done on earth as it is in Heaven.

ACTION STEP: As the above Olive Tree stands full of olives yet to be crushed, let us remember we are to bear fruit that others are to take and eat. In order to take in the fruit of the tree, many times there is a process the fruit must go through. I pray we are able to go through the process fully, that we can become all God has called us to be.

Adventures in Israel #3 in series

10/30/2019

Welcome back to day three of my adventures in Israel. I wish I would have brought my journal to Texas with me, but I figured I wouldn't have time to read through it with all the meetings I'd be attending. However, writing here would have been much easier and on a day to day basis. At this point I wake up and wonder where I am and what time is it? I was thinking God graced me with a special grace from having flown from Dulles to Ghana, then from Ghana to Philadelphia, then Philadelphia to Texas--until last night. At 9 PM my eyes decided to close. I fell asleep sitting up in my chair writing. Who does that? I went to my room grabbed some Sarris chocolate covered pretzels and headed back to the Ballroom. It was one of my favorite speakers. I knew it wasn't boredom so, yeah that happened. Prayerfully, I have adapted and overcome. My "Word" for the year if you remember is "Sticktoitiveness".....and yes, it really is a word. I couldn't have made it up. God knows every word in the dictionary and I let Him pick. Go figure?

The above photos are from the River Jordan. This was one of the highlights from my trip. However, "Sticktoitiveness" really came into play. I'd never seen the River of Jordan. Sure, I'd read about it in the Bible, how it was considered dirty. 2 Kings "And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” Naaman complained and was insulted. When I saw that muddy water I had myself a "Naaman Moment". I truly had to talk myself into getting in that water. But, I can honestly share with you, without a shower, just a change of clothes I felt cleaner, softer and so refreshed. Now, I can truly sing from the bottom of my heart, "I been to the Jordan and I been baptized!" It was a great feeling.

You will notice the roped off area. This was as far as we could go legally because the other side was not safe and many armed guards were ready to defend their portion of land. We were warned if we crossed the rope we could be killed. That being said, I never felt unsafe while in Israel. Even at night walking the streets I felt totally safe and was informed by our guides we were safe. Ignore what the media tells you and go have the time of your life. Need connections and a tour guide let me know and I will give you some contact information. I would totally go again.

So, from the map above you can see it was a great trip. I took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, baptized folks in the Jordan River and was re-baptized myself and then swam in the Dead Sea. It was truly a great trip. I am still pinching myself and telling myself this really did happen. God truly gives us the desires of our hearts.

Here is a great link to read more about the River of Jordan: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jordan-River.html

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU BAPTIZE IN THE JORDAN RIVER

We went to a more private area and if you are interested contact me here at RPMDaily.net

The baptismal site “Yardenit” on the Jordan River is a must-visit place for any visitor or pilgrim. Many of the tourist will not only go to visit, but also be baptized in the same place where John baptized Jesus Christ. The site offers 12 separate baptismal pools, enabling different groups to comfortably conduct private worship ceremonies. Every year, over half a million tourists from all over the world visit the site.
Here are the most important things to know before you go.

1. When should I go?The spring and summer are the best seasons to visit. Approximately around May and up until mid-October, the weather is perfect for baptism. Sunday to Thursday are usually less crowded than Saturday. Operation hours change, please check the official website for the information. The water is under the supervision of the Israeli Health Ministry and are suitable for baptizing all year round.

2. What Should I bring with me?The site offers towels and robes for rent (The special robes are also available for sale). There are showers and dressing rooms you can use, so you should bring all your shower necessities. All visitors are required to change in the change facilities. Access to them is included with the rent or purchase of a baptismal kit. There is a restaurant on the premises, but you can also bring your own food and water. Cameras are highly recommended, also you will have the option to purchase a DVD of your own baptizing. Baptisms are only allowed while wearing the special white robes, which can be rented or purchased on site. Swim suits must be worn under the robe.

3. I want a Pastor to baptize me! How can I reach one?There is no resident pastor on site. You should contact the premises in advance and we they can refer you to a pastor according to your needs and denomination. This service is free and most pastors do not charge for conducting baptismal ceremonies. We suggest making a small donation directly to the pastor as a courtesy.

4. What else is there to see at “Yardenit”?“Wall of New Life”- Yardenit’s unique project, celebrating the diversity of cultures from which visitors have come to Yardenit to baptize in the waters of the Jordan River. Over 85 large panels, each inscribed in a different languages or dialect, make up the Wall of New Life which runs along the banks of the Jordan River up to our baptismal pools. Each section represents a different community from around the world, where visitors have come to Yardenit. The many panels of The Wall of New Life are dedicated to ‘Christians throughout the world, which at this place has followed their Savior through the waters of baptism’.
Olive Grove- Yardenit’s Olive Grove gives community leaders a unique and rare opportunity to plant a tree on the shore of the Jordan River as a symbol of peace and their communities’ dedication to the land of Israel. 12 trees have been planted so far.

5. What Else is in the area?Yardenit is a crossroad for many pilgrims, one among other holy places around the Sea of Galilee, such as Capernaum, Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes.
To make a whole day in the area, you can also visit the Sea of Galilee or Tiberias, which are both very close to the area. Kibbutz Ginosar is also about 10 minutes from Yardenit. Plenty of sites to see and places to visit to make your holiday in Israel unforgettable.

Adventures in Israel #2 in the series.

10/28/2019

Walking where Jesus walked was a sobering experience for me. I didn't realize how long the walk was or how narrow the streets were. The route is in the old city of Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa is about a half mile long. The Via Dolorosa, or Way of Suffering, weaves its way through Jerusalem's Old City and is believed to be the path Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion.

It's hard to image what these walls have seen. If only they could speak. That was my thought as I weaved my way through the masses of people that still come here from all over the world today. I am sure as I got lost in my thoughts there were many photos that I could or should have taken, but instead my heart was taken with the reality of what Jesus did for me, the walk He walked for me. I began to ask myself questions about my own walk, and what I am leaving behind for others to follow? So many times tears would stream down my face, not because I was sad, but because I was grateful. My life is forever changed because of Jesus.

Below are some pictures of our actual walk. Notice the road made of stones that still exist and the various stages of the cross that lined the path. The Stations of Cross (or Way of the Cross) is a series of 14 artistic images that depict the Passion of the Christ and His crucifixion. Many Catholics and others use these images to pray and reflect on the last hours (or Passion) of Jesus Christ. The streets are very slick and it's a tough walk on stone everyday, so if you plan to go wear really good shoes with bottoms that have some grip. I was fine but my legs were screaming by the last few days. I dropped my phone once and needless to say, when I got home I had to get a new phone. So, take an old phone or a really good case! The streets are not as forgiving as the one who walked them.

ACTION STEP: Take some time and read and study about this event. If you truly desire to go to Israel I would suggest learning as much as you can before you go, so that you will be able to comprehend what you will see and experience.
Jesus, thank You for walking the way of sorrow and making a way for us to be reconciled to God.
Christ’s sacrifice was what God desired and what our sin required. I am so grateful Christ was willing to pay the cost. The Bible is not just a story, it is not just history, it is life-changing.

Adventures in Israel 2019 NDCC Tour #1 in Series

10/28/2019

Life happens quickly. Moments and memories are captured in the unexpected and unplanned. The desires of our hearts and the items on our "Bucket List" are checked off and at times we feel the need to pinch ourselves. Did this really just happen? Am I really doing this thing? Then, you answer the question with a heart full of gratitude and say, "Yes, God you are amazing!" Take a breath and snap some photos. God loves His children and delights in giving them the desires of their heart. God is a dream keeper not a grim reaper. He loves us to believe Him for something and then let go and let Him do His thing. He is abundantly more than we could think or ask.

As my plane approached the runway I was surprised at the topography. I don't know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I didn't expect high rise hotels, narrow crowded streets with buses that had WiFi and a lack of toilets, and toilet paper. I didn't expect as many people from all over the world to line the streets and carry headsets. I had this preconceived idea of the Israel of the Bible. I wasn't at all disappointed or surprised. I was in awe, that so much had been preserved, when so many years and wars had transpired. Yet, the land had opened itself to the world, to come and see what was, what is, and what will be.

This is a view from my first few nights in Tel Aviv. What does Tel Aviv means? Tel Aviv is the Hebrew title of Theodor Herzl's Altneuland ("Old New Land"), translated from German by Nahum Sokolow. Aviv is Hebrew for "spring", symbolizing renewal, and tel is a man-made mound accumulating layers of civilization built one over the other and symbolizing the ancient. Tel Aviv is an overall safe city in terms of crime, but due to frequent terrorist attacks, it is ranked 81st out of 113 on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous cities. On April 11, 1909, Tel Aviv, the first modern Jewish city was founded. Ever since the time of Bible, including appearances in the books of Joshua, Jonah and 2 Chronicles, there has been a presence in the city of Joppa, or Jaffa as it is called today. Tel Aviv sees millions of visitors a year, and the police and military forces know how to keep them safe. Tel Aviv in general is extremely "street-safe," and is a walking and cycling friendly city compared to most major world cities as is most of Israel. Women especially will feel comfortable even alone.

I felt safer in Israel than anywhere I have ever traveled. Even while walking with other women at night through the old city and atop the walls of Nehemiah. The view was spectacular though very high above the city. Now, I want to study more on how in the world Nehemiah was able to do this?

Not only are the walls high, the stairs are steep and I wouldn't want to fall off. The stones the wall was built with are large, slick and the color of the sands of the beaches in Florida. If you want to tour Israel I suggest you be in good shape. I'm a runner and my legs were screaming even before the wall climb.

As you can see from the photos below public transportation is readily available and doesn't cost much. The town comes to life at night. Friends Tours and Travel is a great way to go. The bus is air conditioned and has WiFi. The driver is amazing and since I can't spell his name we will call him Houdini, because he could get us in and out of anywhere. He never complained, kept all our items safe on the bus, and even provided bottled water for us to purchase for a much better price than hotels.

ACTION STEP: For the entire week I will be sharing with you some of the highlights from my trip to Israel. It had always been on my "Bucket List" but it's not something I believe I will ever be able to just check off. I want to take everyone. I desire those I love to see and experience, what I was blessed to see and experience. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and want to thank Pastors Dave and Teresa Verdecchio of New Destiny Christian Center, travelwithfriends.com, Bill and Claudia Whiddon, and our guide Charlie Dajana, and all the folks I was blessed to be on location with. We are "The Redeemed....and we've been to the Jordan and we'e been baptized." More on that later.

Going to Israel will want to make you read your Bible more and study the life of Jesus like never before. Being in Israel brings the Bible to life.

IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!

10/25/2019

It is not about you! It is about your purpose. It is about who you are called to. It is about those that are waiting for you to enter in to your valley. It is about what God is doing to you and through you. You want to be used by God? Then you must allow people to use you. Quit feeling sorry for yourself. I don’t see the Apostles crying over leaving knotted nets and empty boats. I don’t see Ezekiel crying over being in a valley surrounded by dead bones. We all want to be surrounded by the up and coming. We want to be surrounded by the successful and victorious. But we can’t be surrounded by the victorious and overcoming successful armies, until you become who you are to become.

Open up your mouth and call things and people what God calls them. See what God sees. Believe what God has shown you. Doubt not in your heart that what God has spoken He will bring to pass. Go all out, or don’t go at all. No one wants to eat a half-baked cake. No one wants to live a half-fulfilled life. We are all looking for the “Sold-outs”. We all want to follow the “All-ins!”

ACTION STEP: Embrace the place God put you. You are the hope of others. Arise and do your part! Refuse to settle for noise and rattling. (Ez.37:7).

YOU MATTER TO SOMEONE

10/24/2019

Who is waiting for you? Who is lying in dis-unity and dryness with no hope? Who is waiting on you? Why do you think you have no purpose? Why do you doubt that God can use you? Embrace the valley. Embrace the impossible! Embrace the areas that God has brought you in to and speak the Word. You matter! There is someone or some people that are waiting for you to speak in to their situation! You and God have got this, so that others may be restored to their destiny.

In reading Ezekiel 37 the Word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel. It is in the valley of death that life, arises. Embrace your valley. Let the Spirit of God have His way in your life. Letting go of what you think, for what God says will be one of your greatest victories. However, the victory does not just belong to you it belongs to all the dead, disembodied believers that have not fulfilled the call of God upon their lives. Many have gone to an early grave for lack of hope. Proverbs 13:12 NIV “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” We are the trees of the Lord. We are the planting of our God. We will bring forth fruit in our season.

ACTION STEP: God is faithful. What the question then that remains is, “Are we faithful?” Our faithfulness shall determine others fruitfulness. This is a body vision. This is why the devil brings division. The devil wants to kill the vision. Don’t let him! Stay the course. Remain in the valley until your assignment is completed! You and God have got this. He brought you up out of the valley as well as into the valley for a purpose.

FINDING YOUR PURPOSE IN THE VALLEY

10/23/2019

Today, I want to continue what we began the last couple of days. Please stay with me. Read the previous two days. God wants to see your fame grow. God wants your life to bring Him Glory. God wants the dead things in your life to live again. God does not want your livelihood in tangles and knots. God wants us to follow Him so He can make us into a person that He can use greatly. God wants to use our mouths to speak to situations and circumstances and see that we have power and authority over impossible situations and circumstances.

We can see in Ezekiel 37:1-14 that not once did Ezekiel say, “But God…”. He did not give any reasons that what God was asking him to do, couldn’t be done. Ezekiel did not say, “Get someone else I am not qualified.” No, Ezekiel obeyed. Ezekiel didn’t stop after step one, step two, or step three! Ezekiel followed Gods instructions completely. You can too. Ezekiel lived before the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We have a more precious and powerful covenant. Old things have passed away and behold all things have become new. Bones came together. Yeah! But what good are skeletons? Skin and sinews came on those skeletons. Yeah! But what good is flesh? It passes away, needs fed, bathed, and usually has a mind of it’s own. Ohhhhhhhhh, but then! Breath came into them-the Spirit of God and they stood on their feet and became an exceedingly great army! Hallelujah! Now, we got something God can work with. Let’s do this thing! Let’s go all the way with God. Let’s obey Him fully. Let’s not stop until we have done all that God has spoken to us, to do.

ACTION STEP: When you find yourself in a valley like Ezekiel did in verse one of chapter 37, sit down. Let God speak. In the valley is where you receive your call. In the valley is where you find the purpose for which you were born. In the valley is where the dry bones, the dead, the waiting were lying without hope until Ezekiel came on the scene. No wonder there was such a noise and a rattling (verse 7). That which was in dis-unity came together for purpose. A man of God under authority and in submission to God’s mission, brought unity and hope. That rattling and noise I believe was a praise left untapped and unsung, until someone spoke. Speak the vision, prophesy the word of God and be the one, the world is waiting on!

DON'T STOP UNTIL THE ASSIGNMENT IS COMPLETED.

10/22/2019

We ended yesterday, with a challenge to immediately obey God. This is easy, when what you are doing isn’t working. But, what about when what God tells you to do, looks impossible? When God asked you to do something so foolish, that everyone will think you are crazy, will you obey then? Yes, even then. When God wants immediate obedience to do something crazy we are to obey. Whatever, you are looking at that seems impossible, God wants to make it possible.

In the book of Ezekiel beginning with chapter 37 verse 1, we see God showing the prophet an impossible situation and then asking him a question. Now, you and I both know we are not smarter than God. God knows all things. God asked us a question to show us how little we know. When God asked us a question He wants us to go to Him for the answers. God wanted to help Ezekiel, not see him fail. When we succeed we bring God Glory. Whatever, we are looking at, whatever we are up against, God has an answer.

Most churches are content with seeing a bunch of dry bones stand up and go to the altar. We stop there. But God, wasn’t finished with Ezekiel when the noise and the rattling began. God wanted Ezekiel to finish what he started, to keep on prophesying, to keep on doing what God told him to do. Too many churches and preachers start Facebooking and televising a half-finished miracle, a half-done move of God. God wanted a mighty army with flesh, sinews and breath in them. God wanted graves open, He wanted to give them land they owned not the bank! God wanted them out of debt! God wanted complete restoration. Who knows, it could have been debt that sent them to an early grave in the first place!

ACTION STEP: Begin today to speak the Word of God over your situation. Don’t stop until what looks impossible becomes a reality. Let your life speak to the nations of unbelievers so that they can see that God is the God of impossibilities. Let your life bring Glory to God.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH YOU ARE CALLED?

10/21/2019

All week we are going to discuss being obedient to God. Don’t turn me off because I said that dreaded word “Obedience”, for what I am prophesying to you is having the power of God working in, and through your life. These are not message’s out of a book but the Book! Revelation from God, that I have experienced in my own life. I want you to know, what I know and experience the success I am experiencing. God is no respecter of persons. What He says, HE will do.

The scriptures that I am using for this week will be Ezekiel chapter 37 and Matthew chapter 4 verses 18 through 25. God downloaded me with this message for today. Right now where you are, whatever is dead and dry can live again. It may be your bank account, your marriage, a job or relationship? Whatever looks like a mountain of dry bones can come back to life and be what it was originally meant to be. However, you must act immediately on God’s word to you. You must be completely obedient to say and do what he tells you, even if it looks foolish.

Matthew 4:18-25 NKJV
“18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. 24 Then [a]His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. 25 Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

There is something powerful about immediate obedience. There is something powerful about walking away from a knotted-up situation rather than trying to untie a mess. When God gives us an instruction He only has our best in mind. His desire is for us to become powerful agents doing what He did while He was on this earth. We are to become fishers of men. We are to cast out all sorts of demons and heal all diseases. We become powerful when, we become immediate followers of Jesus and walk away from a life in knots stuck on the shoreline of life unable to make work, what use to work for us. Times are changing. We need a word from God and He needs immediate obedience. Together the Kingdom is advanced and we are people that gain much fame and followers. (See verse 24-25)

ACTION STEP: Do immediately what God has called you to do. Walk away from a knotted-up situation that has you shore bound. Become what God has called you to become by following Him and He will make you and the fame you seek, will overcome you.

How to live a life of Self-Control

10/18/2019

Chances are most of us already want to live a lfe of Self-Control, but we find ourselves saying, I can’t do it. My passions, my sexuality, my tongue, my body hungers they rule me. So, how can I have self control when I feel powerless?

Three things for you to apply first to your mind, then to your body and then to your spirit.

1. You need a change of mind. You must accept the idea that your mind was meant to rule your body. Some of us need to eject the false idea that we are merely a bunch of atoms and that our passions are who we are as mere animals… so giving in to them is natural and good.

Jesus once looked at his disciples and noticed their lack of self control, and he said, "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." And by that He meant there’s a part of us that wants to tell our bodies to do the right thing, the godly thing. But, then our bodies don't want to cooperate. So, rather than give in to this reality, or grow numb, or use that as an excuse and say, it’s too hard, you’ve got to stay sharp mentally.

Jesus says, your mind was meant to rule your body. St. Francis of Assisi had a saying, he called his body, "Brother ass." Which is to say, my body is my pack animal, given to me as a gift, meant to do work for me. But something is seriously wrong when my body calls the shots.

Go back to Sampson from earlier this week, God meant for him to use his body as an instrument of his righteous judgement. His body was good, it was a gift. It was meant to carry a load. Instead, his body became in charge, telling him where to go and what to do… and his strength was wasted.

Friend, maybe you have to have a change of mind. To say, "No I will run the show. God made my mind to be in control of my passions. And if I’ve surrendered the leadership role, it’s time to take it back and stop making excuses for why brother ass is in control."

2. Your body needs to be trained by new habits. If re-trained with God’s help, our bodies become great pack animals capable of amazing amounts of good works. They can get up earlier, their sexual passions can be restrained and channeled properly, their enjoyment of food can be managed so as to not self destruct, and become less useful and more of a burden.

However, your body will rebel mightily to be subjected to new habits because our flesh is part of a fallen world. It exerts a powerful southward pull on our lives. If we understand how powerful that is, we won’t let our bodies into certain settings, we won’t let it look at certain things.

What people tend to do once they start to seek self control they say, "Oh, my mind is strong, my mind is calling the shots, so I can put my body at risk." No! Go back to Joseph.

What did he do when a beautiful woman who was not his wife made sexual advances towards him? Did he stand there and say, "my mind is strong. Maybe I’ll just see if we can be friends." No! He ran. He got his body out of a situation where its weakness would overwhelm his mind.

We have to do the same. Once your body is in a compromising situation, it’s too late. You’ve already lost. Once you’re:
- surrounded by those friends,
- watching those websites, or movies,
- at that restaurant,
- once you’re talking about that person,
- once you’re in the mall, you’ve already lost.

You’ve got to get your body out. New habits. So you can’t go here or there, you can’t do some things others do with impunity. Does that make you weak? That makes you strong! You’re the person of great character.

3. Finally, your spirit. And this is the most important application because no matter how much your mind changes and your body changes its habits, if our spirits are still cut off from God, we’ll be fighting a losing battle. We’ll want to do the right thing, but be helpless to carry it out.

BUT, we can gain a NEW power by getting a renewed spirit within. If you accept Christ as your leader and forgiver, the Bible says, God comes by his Spirit to forgive you and personally live in you… and this same Spirit brings with Him the power to display new fruit of Godly character.

Self Control is one of those things. If you become a follower of Christ today, it will no longer be a matter of HOW DO I GET SELF CONTROL. You’ll ALREADY have it, by the Holy Spirit who lives in you. The question will be, are you taking hold of the self-control God has already given you?

Taking hold of it means you reach out by faith and say, I am under self control, because God lives in me. I have the resources already here to say, NO or say YES. I have this power, not by willpower but by God himself. I just need to grab hold of it. When my body rises up and demands to be in charge, I pray and ask God to strengthen my mind to lead, and to subdue my body daily.

Paul the Apostle said. No sloppy living for me… I’m staying alert and in top condition, I subdue my body, it’s not going to overtake me. I won’t be caught napping.

Friends, I maintain that most of our problems with self control, after we become Christians have nothing to do with a lack of power. Christ followers HAVE power totally available to them. It’s that they do not access the power they have because there’s something we don’t want to give up.

ACTION STEP: Let’s not blame God friends. He’s given you a solution for you mind, your body and your spirit. The question now is all in your camp… will you take him up and become a man or woman of character?