Devotional Time with God

One of my worse personality flaw is my quickness to anger.  I was brought up in a realtively dysfunctional family, and my parents are not readily there to guide me in the ways of patience and humility.  They were not Christians back when I was growing up.   We are Christians now and we’ve been taught many times to keep our angry words and thoughts at bay.  The bible says:

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

James 1:19-20

God certainly doesn’t want me to be angry at another, let alone antagonize others.  I must first listen to God, listen to others, and listen to my own heart.  I need to let the spirit of God guide me.  The fruits of the spirit is love, gentleness, patience, and self-control.  It’s what I have to attain to deal with my anger issues.

Thank you, Lord, for filling my heart and mind with your holy spirit.  You know how many times I had burst in anger, being disrepectful, and hurtful to others.  Please forgive me, Lord.  Your kindness and patience towards me exemplifies what I have to do to others.  Guide me, as always.  Fill my heart with gentleness.  Give me the strength to gain self-control.  Provide me the gift of discernment and quick thinking to know the difference between right and wrong.  Let your words flow in me, and in all of us.  Amen.

I started this devotional blog with the lofty intention of writing frequently, at least once a day.  It was easy to do that when I have The Purpose Driven Life as a starting point.  I would read one chapter a day for 40 days, hoping the 6 weeks writing schedule will make it a habit for me.  As the months go by, my schedules at work and home started to pile up.  They affected my daily commitment.  I became complacent after a while.  Now, it’s lucky if I even write once a week!  This is not good.   I could see it in my daily life too.  I became agitated easily.  I became increasingly forgetful how God has been good to me.  I’m beginning to take interest in secular music that has absolutely no spiritual value.  I sometimes forget to pray.  I even make a quick prayer before meals without clasping my hands, closing my eyes, nor bowing my head.

Another words, my lifestyle is no longer holy or Saint like.  I’m not producing the fruits of the Holy Spirit because I had not been letting it control my life.  I’ve been taking matters into my own hands.  I want to be in control and do whatever I want.  I should know better because in the past, I was never able to control my own future.  I let peer pressure dictate my decisions.  I let lust control my relationship.  I let pride get in the way of finding true and caring friends.  I didn’t have any goals or real purpose in life.

Now, God has equipped me with the talents to plant the seeds properly.  I shall not let the seeds fall on hard soil, where it won’t take much root.  I shall not let the seeds fall on weeds, where it won’t grow as much.   I must find the good soil, where the seeds can take root and grow without anything stifling it.  I believe it means slowly finding a way of reading the word, so that they’ll take root in my heart.  It means I clear my life from the distractions of this world that can hinder my growth.

I’ll need to get back to basics, be less ambitious, and know my limits.  I believe God will show me the way if I just ask.  I’ve already open my mind, heart, and soul.  I just have to make sure I slowly walk towards His glory.

Thank you Jesus for coming to this earth and die for our sins.  You have shown me the ultimate way to sow the seeds of life: By sacrificing your life.  Your love for us is great and can not be equalled.  But teach me, Lord, to be as good as you.   Teach me your ways.  I’m ready to learn it all again.  Let your birth be the mark of my spiritual renewal.  I don’t want to forget your sacrifice.  I want to grow and be holy again.  In your name.  Amen.

What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 208

I am just like any other man out there, the temptation storm is always raging within me. I would be driving along the road, noticed people would do stupid things with their cars, and I would be tempted to get angry and curse. I would be browsing the internet, sometimes pornographic images would appear, and then tempted to look and thought about it. I would have some free time, and my first thought to do something useless and ignore the need to meditate on God’ s word.

God promises that if I let the Holy Spirit rule my thoughts and actions, I will receive an antidote for temptation.  I will see the results in my life, as it is written in Galatians 5:23-24 (NIV):

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

I must take the opportunity to do good, instead of evil. I must not let the temptations lead me away from focusing on Jesus and His character.