He is the giver of self-control. Maybe self-control partly looks like agreeing with Him regarding what He says He is delivering us from. I will exercise selfcontrol by not agreeing with the declaration of my flesh as it has shouted claims of victory. And as much as possible, it is important to invite others into your journey to stand with you as you contend for victory. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 Arise With Hope If I had one wish for Christmas day, it would be that the children of God would let the Spirit lead them so that they can have the gift of self-control. Fortunately, I not only can wish this but I can pray and declare this. It can start with me and you! This Christmas we can give Jesus a gift of dependency and declarations of His Word. He longs to see us free. Just as a parent wants to see their child free from all hindrances that bring pain into their lives, so does our Heavenly Father. He is happy to share this gift with us because it is a joint effort of our submission and His strength. Arise with hope in your heart and begin to declare the victory of your deliverance over every area where your flesh has led you to believe you are defeated. Neither the devil nor our flesh will be able to prosper in a heart that seeks and longs for the fruit of the Spirit. Declare even now over your life the words from Isaiah 54: "...no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me." Isaiah 54:17 I encourage you to read and declare the truths of all of Isaiah 54 over your lives. I have begun doing this, and although the enemy comes to try to discourage us in this, do not stop or give up! We must walk in the authority given to us in Christ Jesus. Though the enemy has worked overtime to steal the fruit of self-control in our lives, the Spirit is inviting us into His fruit orchard to eat of this fruit and have it manifest in our lives. Rather than another "New Year's" resolution, how about entering into a Holy Spirit agreement and declaration that we have obtained freedom? Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!
THE BURDEN OF THE MANGER, THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A MOTHER AND THE JOURNEY TO THE CROSS
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