September 19, 2024 – You’re In Control

You’re In Control
September 19, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 23:7-9
 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Those of us who have had to diet to maintain our weight know all too well the temptations of food. Yet, our well-meaning friends, thinking somehow that they are doing us a favor by giving us permission to eat, say things such as, “Go ahead and eat it, you deserve it,” or “Let’s worry about our diet tomorrow; today we’ll just eat.” Sometimes we are strong enough in the moment to say, “No.” Yet, at other times, and probably way too often, we give in to our desires and eat whatever is put before us. Knowing all the while in the back of our minds how hard it will be to make up for what we have just eaten, we do it anyway.

    Why do we do that? We do it because it is our nature to want to live for today and seek self-gratification. It’s not that we cannot ever have those days; we can. However, they should be prepared for, planned, and then enjoyed with no remorse. It is those unexpected moments that hurt us the most.

    Have our good-hearted friends carefully thought of our total well-being when they say, “Go ahead?” Well, not really. We must remember that they are not intentionally trying to hurt us. The fact is it is easier for them to want to see us happy now than to consider what it will do to our health and self-esteem later. Many times, after the friends have all gone and we are left alone with our convicting thoughts and over-filled stomach, we are actually miserable. What it all boils down to is this: we are the only ones who can control our actions and ourselves.

    Life as a believer is often the same way. People in the world who do not know Christ as Saviour tell others, “Live for today; life is too short to be miserable.” However, living for today with no eternal plans will cause them to miss the greatest joy of all: eternal life with Christ. Jesus has a plan for today that you can enjoy now, and if you will trust in Him, an eternal future that is even better. Which plan of life sounds best to you? In the end, you must choose.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Life is too short not to enjoy it. However, living life without Christ is not true joy. In fact, He said, “I came that you might have life more abundantly.” Christ brings real life, genuine joy, and a meaningful plan for the future. Choose Christ.

Who do you allow to control your life?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: September 19, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Jonah 1 – Micah 4
  Proverbs 23:7 – 9

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Pro. 26-27
  2 Co. 8