Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Self-control”
Our Bible verse for today: “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 (Amplified Bible)
Our thought for today: “Life lived according to God’s Word is the best life.”
I recently read a great illustration which helps us to understand why God has given us so many instructions for living in the Bible. The author asked, “What does the highway patrol in your state require of motorists? Stay within the speed limit; don’t endanger others; keep your car under control; don’t drive without a license – simple things designed for the well-being of all. Would you say that the highway patrol is heavy-handed and unfair to make such demands of motorists, or that their intent is to ensure that everyone is able to use and enjoy the highways to the fullest? The latter, of course.”
God is the author of life and He knows exactly what’s needed in order for us to live a safe, full, rewarding, and enjoyable life. So in the Bible He has given us written instructions for living the life that Jesus came to make possible for us.
Satan, of course, hates God. And since you and I have been created in the image of God, and since we are so important to God, Satan hates us too. Satan is also a master deceiver. He uses his great skills in deception to draw us away from God and into patterns of living that are sinful, and therefore offensive to God. That’s why things like illicit sex, and over-indulgence, and the love of money and possessions, have such a strong appeal for human beings. That’s Satan’s work in our lives, deceiving us into desiring things that God forbids, or to use good things to excess.
The solution for us is to know God’s Word – to know it very well – and then to live our lives in a way that conforms to the instructions He has given us. Doing that will always result in the best life you can possibly have.
God’s instructions to us are not overly restrictive and they are not heavy-handed. Instead they come out of Divine wisdom and are designed to protect us and to lead us into the fullness of life that God wants for us.
When it comes to developing self-control in your life, begin with diligent study of God’s Word. Then prayerfully invite the Holy Spirit to identify those areas of your life that need work. Through the Spirit’s transforming power at work in your life, combined with your own best efforts, you will move steadily in the direction of developing the life God wants for you.
I want to leave you this morning with the words the Lord spoke to Joshua (and to you) about the importance of knowing and obeying His word: “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in what you do. Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 