Self-Discipline versus Self-Control

     These days I am reading a book called The Shack, it is a wonderful book by William Paul  Young.  Not only am I reading his book, a book of self-examination, I think, but I am also watching his videos on Up Faith and Family.  

     This morning as I was watching the video that I am up to, Paul was speaking about self-discipline versus self-control.  I had never really considered what I was about to hear.  He said that "self-discipline is of the flesh and self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23). Now I did know this, but I had never really considered these two ways of thinking about these processes.

     Now any of you who have read my blogs in the past know that I am a good one for looking up definitions...

     The following definitions are straight from Google Search:

          Self-discipline - the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.  "his observance if his diet was a show of tremendous will power and self-discipline"

          Self-control - the ability to control oneself in particular, one's emotions and desires, or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in difficult situations.  "Lucy struggled for self-control"

     I had been working, taking care of three of my wonderful grandchildren.  And while I was doing this and especially now when I am not caring for them on a daily basis, I realize that one of the things we must teach our children and our grandchildren is the fruits of the spirit. 

      And if we haven't mastered them ourselves, well there is no time like the present, if this is possible.  It is frequently good to teach others the things we are trying to master ourselves.  But keep in mind that all things take time to learn.

     Children have joy down pat!  This is one we adults should look at much more closely.   And if you have a child that is joyless, oh now that could be a significant problem.  As an adult, I have lost my joy in the past, not a fun place to be.  The only way I have found to fix this situation is by going to the Lord.

     With joy comes peace.  Without joy, there is no peace.  Again go to the Lord.

     Forbearance...google dictionary says...

patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.  I think we ALL need to work on this.  I know I do.

     Gentleness - this is a one that we as adults understand, but, try teaching this to little ones, little tough.

     And that brings us to self-control if God says this is a good thing for us as Christians to have and/or to display as part of our character, then this is definitely something which we need to be vigilant.

     So man says we need self-discipline, and God says we need self-control.  

     Which path will you choose?

Happy Easter

Today is Restoration Day.   2019

Think about it, God devised a plan for each and every one of us.  A plan to attain eternal life, with Him, in heaven.

What an amazing place to spend life eternal?  Do you know the streets are paved with gold?  Now there may be some of you who are reading this and thinking some different thoughts, but for those of us who love the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, what could be better?

But I digress...let's get back to this day, this day of restoration.  Thank you Father for this amazing day....this is the day that the Father in heaven prepared for us, to be able to come back to Him.  So that we might have an eternal life filled with Glory rather than anguish.

As some of you may know I have moved to Florida, my earthly father is down here and I wanted to be closer to him.  Now we may not be living in each other's hip pocket, we are still closer in proximity than we were.  He has a good life and a wonderful girlfriend and I really don't want to intrude on that, I just want to be a bit closer than an 18-hour drive.

So I moved.

Happy Easter a year later. 2020

A Pandemic Easter

Easter at home watching a video of our church service.  How different was that?

Very different! Up and had coffee and took some notes during the service. I made a few phone calls to family and friends, wishing all a very happy Easter.  Our pastor, Pastor Kevin, a really kind and considerate pastor who doesn't pussyfoot.  If you ask him a question, be ready for the answer.  It may not always be what you want to hear, but it will be a biblically accurate answer. I am sure you all know the Easter story.  So what is Easter really about?  It's about the resurrection of Christ, our redemption story.  You might read this and think, "Easter isn't my redemption story." I beg to differ...this redemption gift, if you would, is a gift that is there for each and every one of us.  It's just sitting there, perhaps on a shelf, or in the garage, or maybe right next to your easy chair.  All you have to do is open it!