Daily Devotional: Friday, March 5

Speaker: Ben Sigman

Theme: Self-Control

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Happy Day by Tim Hughes; No Not One by Christy Nockels; Sing to the King by Passion Worship Band; Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin.

Read: Exodus 13:17-22; Exodus 14:19-20; John 14:16; John 16:13

Think: As we wrap up our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, it seems fitting to make sure we see source - the power -behind that fruit. The Holy Spirit.

In the Old Testament we can read the account of Israel's escape from Pharaoh and how God led them by a "pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night" (Exodus 13:21). There have been a lot of times in my life I've prayed God would send me a pillar or two to lead the way... How about you?

Awhile ago I read a great discussion on the parallel between this cloud in the wilderness and the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christ-follower. The author said that just as the cloud was a gracious gift to Israel as they fled, in the same way the Holy Spirit is a gift to any who trust in Jesus. Jesus said it Himself, "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper" (John 14:16). The pillar of cloud was provided to guide the children of Israel. In just the same way the Holy Spirit leads us as we live for Jesus.

Jesus promised that the Father would send the Spirit, who would stay and live within believers forever (14:16). So, God Himself lives within our hearts. He's there to guide us and lead us so we then can live lives characterized by all that we've been studying these past weeks: love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23).

Do: Don't try to live your faith on your own power - tap into the power of the Holy Spirit that lies within you. He's been there from the moment you said yes to Jesus. He will be there always to provide the strength you need to live this life for the Lord.

Pray: Holy Spirit, I want to live my life in your power and strength. Fill me today and everyday so I can truly live for You and be who You have designed me to be. Lead me and guide me as I navigate this day, and let all I do be pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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