Self-control is the last fruit listed in the long list of the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

In Paul’s small letter to Titus, ‘self-control’ is mentioned 5 times. Titus only has 46 verses in the whole book. Clearly, self-control is an emphasis.

• Elders are to be self-controlled. (1:8)
• Older men are to be self-controlled. (2:2)
• Older women are to train the younger women to be self-controlled. (2:5)
• Younger men are to be self-controlled. (2:6)
• The grace of God has appeared and trains us to live self-controlled lives. (2:12)

A life that is out of control lacks the presence of God and has no assurance of being filled with the Spirit of Christ. But when self-control is evident, one can have confidence in God’s Spirit being at work in his life.

If your life out of control? Are you raging in some areas? Turn to God. Repent of it. And see the Spirit of God bring self-control to you.

This quote from Charles Spurgeon has had a huge influence on me and my priorities. Do you live above or below your means?

“No one is so miserable as the poor person who maintains the appearance of wealth.”

Today, January 11th, is my mother’s birthday. My mom is Sherry Reed Greene. This is a picture of her with me and my dad and 2 of her grandsons, JJ & Eli. I love this picture.

I thank God for my mom. She teaches me so much. She encourages me so much. She instills confidence in me. She loves me. In God’s infinite wisdom and glory, he gave me my mom to raise me. And God has used my mom so mightily to make me who I am today. No one else on earth has been as influential in my life as my mom.

Mom, I love you! Happy Birthday! You are beautiful in so many ways. You are blessed!

Proverbs 31:28“Her children rise up and call her blessed”