2 Timothy 1:7

 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." -2 Timothy 1:7

Here is a thought that I had in my mind this morning as I was reading the book of 2 Timothy.  I find this verse to have so much in it that I just love.  When I think of the Spirit and what He brings into my life, I don't always think of the self control.  It is a part of my life that I wish I could do better, and it is a great encouragement to know that He is not a Spirit of fear, but of power and love and self control.  When I look at the sin that I have committed in even the past week, lies that I have told, lust that has crept into my mind or just simply eating too much food and being a glutton.  This verse stands out to me as something that I can tell Satan when he attacks me, that he has no power over me, and that I have a Spirit of self control in me that allows me to say no to these temptations.  I am continually amazed at the new things that God teaches me about His word.  Thanks be to God our Father, Jesus Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit our Helper.