SELF-CONTROL???

So, I really blew it this morning with my children. Things didn't go smoothly and I lost it. I take them all to school and when I return home to go through e-mail and such, I come across a daily devotion that focuses on "sophron" which means self-control in Greek. The article describes what happens when we do not have a sound mind driven by the Lord, one who lacks the virtue of self-control.

Needless to say the Holy Spirit was confirming His own conviction on my mind and soul. How does the God of the universe continue to make the sun to rise and set, to make sea turtles lay eggs, to create thousands of babies daily each with a different set of finger prints, forgive sins, be totally satisfied with Himself and still have the ability to speak to me, in Lafayette, Louisiana at the exact time of 7:24 on Friday, October 31, 2008 about a problem that I had at 6:30 on the same morning through a devotional on my computer. I am amazed, overwhelmed and completely unworthy of the grandeur of His love for me. His ways are definitely not our ways.

Praying for supernatural self-control today. Thank you Jesus for the intimacy we have with you.

Here's just a snippet of the article below. To read the whole thing, which is excellent, copy and paste this link:

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=10052


A woman who does not have sound thinking:

* is impulsive
* lacks discretion
* follows worldly philosophies
* is driven by her flesh
* lacks follow-through
* is self-centered
* is discontented
* has emotions controlled by circumstances
* seeks escapism from problems
* is easily provoked
* falls apart in a crisis
* easily loses hope
* says whatever she thinks without thinking first
* is highly opinionated
* speaks roughly with profane or crass talk
* is overly concerned about what other people think
* has unpredictable behavior
* is morally careless
* procrastinates
* is given to extremes
* is a pleasure seeker
* is easily distracted
* yields easily to temptation
* struggles to develop consistent life disciplines
* enjoys mindless entertainment
* looks for the easy way out
* thinks about the short-term rather than the long-term
* is demanding
* fritters away time
* makes decisions based on what is easiest

A woman who does have sound thinking:

* is restrained in: her thoughts, her tongue, her eating,
her spending and her reactions
* is calm under pressure
* is purposeful in the use of her time
* is a good steward
* is morally chaste
* has a well-ordered life
* show good judgment
* doesn't "lose it" under pressure
* responds in faith versus fear
* guards her heart and mind
* evaluates what she reads or hears in light of Scripture
* is mentally disciplined
* resists temptation
* shows delayed gratification
* demonstrates others-centered living
* is diligent and faithful in her responsibilities
* is intentional
* is modest in dress and behavior
* hopes in God
* gives thanks in all things
* makes wise, biblical decisions
* prays
* demonstrates the Spirit controlling her flesh

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