Controlled by the Spirit 

I remember Sheri, my wife, and I sitting at home one Saturday afternoon. I was enjoying a ballgame on TV; she was sewing something in the background. 

I had been mulling over a frustrating situation. I started to voice that frustration to Sheri when this verse from Eph. 4:29 so plainly came to mind: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” 

At that very moment I realized I had a decision to make. I could either allow the Spirit of God to control me,  or I could allow my sinful nature to do so.  I thought it over for a second … and gossiped.

Just kidding. By the grace of God, I did not say anything to her but rather spoke to the LORD about what was bothering me.   

Throughout today we will have different opportunities to either be controlled by the Spirit of God or the flesh. Let’s live today “under the control of the Holy Spirit.” When we do, the end result will be a life of praise to the Lord and an abundance of joy.