You're listening to a bonus episode of the Daily Article podcast, presented by the Denison Forum.

Empowered, Day 39. Self-control.

Thomas Akemptus prayed, caused me to live now, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

Jonathan Edwards resolved,

Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do

if I expected it would not be above an hour

before I should hear the last Trump.

G. Campbell Morgan agreed,

every morning when I awaken, I remind myself that I must be ready

to meet God today.

We have learned that when the Holy Spirit takes control of our lives, he manifests the fruit

of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.

The last characteristic of his fruit is

self-control. This term translates a Greek word as someone who controls his or her desires.

The word originally meant to grip something to control it. Plato and Aristotle used the word for a man who had powerful passions and desires,

yet controlled them. He was always their master, never their servant.

The word was typically used with regard to sexual desires, but was also applied to food, love, and ego.

Someone who controls his desires, no matter how tempted he or she is,

manifest self-control.

Where do you need self-control today?

Scripture calls you to choose this character trait.

A man without self-control is like a city broken into Scripture calls you to choose this character trait.

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