Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I’m frustrated with writing today’s devotional for Venture. True story.

It seems like every time I’m given Scripture to study and share with our Venture family, God uses it to point out things I need to work on. Today’s passage feels like it was written just for me.

If anyone needed this reminder, it was me.

Here’s the honest truth I am reminded of today: my mouth is both my greatest asset and my biggest struggle.

When I’m surrendered to God, He uses my words to speak life, truth, and encouragement. But when I’m not following His lead? Well… let’s just say I can quickly find myself saying things that are unwise, prideful, or just plain dumb.

And that’s not the only area I wrestle with. I struggle with gluttony, too. Most days I eat a healthy diet, but some days — on the harder days — I feed my feelings with nachos and cookies.

What is wrong with me?!?

As the great modern poet Taylor Swift once said: “It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem. It’s me.”

But Taylor isn’t the only one with words of truth. Paul, in Galatians 5, speaks directly to this tension we all feel between our good intentions and our sinful nature:

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT)

It sounds simple enough. But in my experience, setting aside my fleshly desires requires intentionality and accountability. I need time with my Heavenly Father — to listen for His gentle correction and direction. I need time with my House Church family to be held accountable and encouraged toward wise choices. And, you do too.

If gluttony isn’t your particular struggle, take a look at the list of sinful desires in Galatians 5:19-21. I’m willing to bet you’ll find one (or more) you can relate to. And if you don’t? Well, verse 21 offers a catch-all: “and other sins like these.” We all have something we could fill in that blank with.

But I don’t want to leave you sitting here weighed down with guilt. Let me remind you: we are free in Christ Jesus.

Go back and remember what we talked about yesterday — God loves you more than you can comprehend. And a personal relationship with Him brings an inheritance of fruit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.

Honestly, I’m grateful this devotional landed in my lap today. I needed this reminder about the self-control I have within me in Christ.

Jesus, thank You for challenging me through Your Word. I hear Your kind and loving voice pointing me toward what is best. I know You are right. Please help me to walk in the self-control You’ve already given me as Your child. Thank You for Your grace. Please forgive me — and my mouth — and help me to grow. Amen!

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

FALL AT VENTURE

KXP, MVMNT, The Gathering, House Church, and Care Groups are all starting back this fall! You can check the Fall at Venture webpage for launch dates and events happening this fall at Venture.