Fruit of the Spirit: SELF-CONTROL

On December 2, 2020December 3, 2020 By Heather Wiest

Please join me for this 9-week yoga series exploring each fruit of the Spirit beginning Friday, October 9, 2020 through Friday, December 4, 2020. Click my class schedule to join locally in-person or from anywhere via ZOOM at Moment of Truth Healing Space.

Week 9: SELF-CONTROL (self-restraint, strength of spirit) = the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations; disciplined. Although the word self is not found in Galatians 5:23, most translations render this as “self-control.” The word is actually “lordship,” or by implication “spirit-strength.”

Niyama = self-restraint in Sanskrit. The second limb of Patanjali’s eightfold path, which consists of purity (saucha), contentment (santosha), austerity (tapas), study (svadhyaya), and dedication to the Lord (ishvara-pranidhana).

“My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Sprit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?” Galatians 5:16-18 The Message

“An impulsive person has a short fuse and can ruin everything, but the wise show self-control.” Proverbs 14:17 The Passion Translation

“For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Sprit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 The Passion Translation

I have strength of spirit.
I deny the compulsions of selfishness by choosing to be led by the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives me mighty power, love, and self-control.
God help me ______________________________.

OPENING MEDITATION

Think of a time you experienced complete SELF-CONTROL.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of SELF-CONTROL.

CLOSING MEDITATION

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of SELF-CONTROL. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.”
(Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)

“And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.” Ephesians 3:16-17, The Passion Translation

Fruit of the Spirit: GENTLENESS

On November 25, 2020 By Heather Wiest

Week 8: GENTLENESS of heart (humility, meekness) = the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. Softness of action or effect; lightness. Gentleness comes from a state of humility.

Mardava (Sanskrit) = a divine quality, to be lenient with those who make mistakes, to never be offended, and remaining quiet when people revile or ignore God. Mardava is softness, letting go of ego. Mardava is a gentleness with all objects and weakness.

“Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.” Matthew 11:29 The Passion Translation

“With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience.” Ephesians 4:2 The Passion Translation

“Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life.” Philippians 4:5-6 The Passion Translation

Humility initiates gratitude. In fact, the root word of humble means “ground or earth.” To be humble, then, is to be grounded, which naturally leads to a more calm, present state. We not only feel more grounded in our own selves, but also in our connection to others. When we are humble, we feel less compelled to control everything or to prove ourselves to others, which makes it easier to settle down inside and to have more inner peace. When we rest in humility, gratitude naturally follows. What are you grateful for?

I am gentle and kind with myself and others.
I demonstrate tender humility and gentleness in my relationships.
I am grounded and grateful.

OPENING MEDITATION

Think of a time you experienced complete GENTLENESS.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of GENTLENESS.

CLOSING MEDITATION

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of GENTLENESS. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.”
(Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)

Fruit of the Spirit: FAITHFULNESS

On November 19, 2020November 25, 2020 By Heather Wiest

Week 7: FAITHFULNESS (faith that prevails) = loyal, constant, steadfast, unfailing, remaining loyal to someone or something

Shraddha comes from two Sanskrit words: shrat (shrad), which means “truth” or “faithfulness,” and dha, which translates “to put or place; to direct one’s mind toward.”

“For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you. He’s so loving that it will amaze you—so kind that it will astound you! And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all. Everyone knows our God can be trusted, for he keeps his promises to every generation!” Psalm 100:5 The Passion Translation

“His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you. You can run under his covering of majesty and hide. His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.” Psalm 91:4 The Passion Translation

“Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.” Hebrews 11:1 The Passion Translation

“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.”
Corrie Ten Boom

I live life with fierce faith.
I am faithful to myself and others.
I am faithful to causes that are important to me.
God is faithful, steadfast, and unfailing.

OPENING MEDITATION

Think of a time you experienced complete FAITHFULNESS.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of FAITHFULNESS.

CLOSING MEDITATION

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of FAITHFULNESS. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.” (Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)

Fruit of the Spirit: GOODNESS

On November 12, 2020November 18, 2020 By Heather Wiest

Week 6: GOODNESS = a life full of virtue, doing what is right, righteousness in action (Benevolence = the quality of being morally good or virtuous, uprightness of heart and life—action)

Maitri (Sanskrit) = means benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, good will, and active interest in others.

“And the supernatural fruits of his light will be seen in you— goodness, righteousness, and truth.” Ephesians 5:9 The Passion Translation

“God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-loving, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 The Message

“With this in mind, we constantly pray that our God will empower you to live worthy of all that he has invited you to experience. And we pray that by his power all the pleasures of goodness and all works inspired by faith would fill you completely.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 The Passion Translation

God, thank you for your goodness in my life.
I am supernaturally empowered to do what is right.
With discernment, I take the right action at the right time.

OPENING MEDITATION

Think of a time you experienced complete GOODNESS.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of GOODNESS.

CLOSING MEDITATION

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of GOODNESS. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.” (Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)

Fruit of the Spirit: KINDNESS

On November 4, 2020November 18, 2020 By Heather Wiest

KINDNESS in action, the quality of being friendly, generous, considerate, respectful and compassionate. The Aramaic word can be translated “sweetness.”

Maitri (Sanskrit) = benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, good will, and active interest in others.

“O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!” Psalm 136:26 Amplified Bible

“Lord, you’re so kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and so patient with people who fail you! Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness.” Psalm 103:8 The Passion Translation

“Do not forget or neglect to do kindness and good, to be generous and distribute and contribute to the needy, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16 Amplified Bible

Soft Belly Breath Exercise:

Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth a few times. Place one hand on your heart, and one hand on your belly. Then as you begin to breathe slowly and steadily through the nose, visualize inhaling into your belly receiving kindness, sweetness and compassion — and exhaling out through your heart giving it all away. Continue for a few minutes. The breath is the most important tool in yoga — it is the bridge between the body and the mind — it draws us inward and into the present moment.

I experience God’s sweetness in my life.
I am kind and compassionate with myself and others.
I am generous with my time and resources.

OPENING MEDITATION

Think of a time you experienced complete KINDNESS.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of KINDNESS.

CLOSING MEDITATION

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of KINDNESS. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.”
(Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)