Life Journey Devotions

Weekly Scripture: (Matt 4:1-11) 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " 7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' " 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. NIV

This collection of devotions is provided as a resource for your journey towards a daily, workplace ministry. You may search our archives for more installments.

Self-Control
(LJM Small Group Bible Study & Prayer Support)

Motif Search our devotions archives

I. Bible Passage(s)

Galatians 5:23 …the fruit of the Spirit is …self-control

Say "No" to your own desires? Just say "No" to your own impulses and the desires of your old nature? Sound like hard work?

Self-control is not an achievement or the determination of your will over the desires of your old nature, but the result of a Christ-controlled life freed to live for God wherever you are. …For, it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). God's good purpose is not that you indulge yourself in your old nature, instead, He works in you a life of meaningful work to serve one another and to encourage other believers in their spiritual walk (Galatians 6:10).

II. Discussion

1. Read 2 Peter 1:1-11 about your participation in God's divine power which is everything you need for life and godliness.

2. Freed to live for God. In 1 Corinthians 10:23, 31, Paul talks about personal freedom. Even if your impulses and desires are lawful and not harmful to anyone subject each one to these three tests:

a. Is it helpful?

b. Is it constructive?

c. Is it to the glory of God?

Test a few lawful and not harmful impulses and desires that come to mind. Pray for God to work on those that fail the tests.

III. Connection

1. Share the high points and low points of your week. Why do you see these as highs and lows? How are they impacting your life right now?

2. This week I want to thank God for …

3. This week God is leading me to confess or grow in …

IV. Prayer & Praise

The prayer of the cross can be a helpful guide for prayer and praise. Simply picture a cross in your mind. Label the top of the cross "Praise and Adoration of God." Label the base of the cross "Requests." On the cross bar, label the left side "Confession;" and the right side "Thanks." These four categories help us keep our prayers well rounded.

Many people make the sign of the cross when they pray. You might like to practice this prayer while making the sign of the cross. Touch your forehead and pray your praises and adoration of God. Touch your chest and pray any requests you may have. Touch your left shoulder and make any confessions the Spirit brings to mind. Touch your right shoulder and pray your thanks.