PRACTICAL STEPS to DISCIPLINE and SELF-CONTROLSample

YIELDING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

I want you to meditate on the fact that the Fruit of the Spirit is already in you. You already have the motivation, determination and self-control you need – it’s in your born-again spirit.

The first step to yielding to it, is surrendering your will to God. By that I mean choosing to do what He wants, choosing His will. And we find out what His is by reading the Bible. His Word is His will.

Remember, He loves you so much -- more than anyone has ever loved you, and more than you love yourself. He wants the best for you, and you’ll be happiest when you do what He wants.

I pray that you will come to know that in a deeper way than ever before today. When you do, surrendering your will to Him – doing what He wants -- becomes second nature. It’s not hard. Just say, “Lord, I surrender my will to You. I trust You. I know you love me and have a good plan for me. I want to do what You want me to do – I yield to You.”

This is what the Apostle Paul meant in Galatians 5:16 when He said, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. When you need motivation or self-control, ask for His help and look into His Word, then follow His lead and act in cooperation with His plan.

Yielding to the Fruit of the Spirit is trusting His abilities more than your own (Zecheriah 4:6). Depend on His wisdom and power to do what He wants you to do. Yielding to the Spirit is following His leadership – listening for His will, then obeying it.

His Word (the Bible) is full of instructions how we should act, behave, speak or minister, and follow. His Word stored in your heart is His primary tool to lead you. That’s why you need to be sure you’re reading it every day, and even more if you’re seeking Him for direction, discipline or self-control.

Remember, we’re not looking to the outside for help and answers – we’re looking inside, where the Holy Spirit (and His fruits) dwell in our born-again spirit.