by Christian International | Nov 4, 2025 | Articles
I have seen many people in my life who lack self-control (NIV) or temperance (KJV). It is one of the fruits of the Spirit and affects every aspect of your life.
Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) –
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Self-control isn’t just willpower—it’s evidence of the Spirit at work in us. God calls us to be in control of our tongue (what we say), our mind (what we think), and our body (what we do).
Sowing and Reaping
I’ve seen people without self-control, also known as self-discipline. Some couldn’t control their anger and became verbally or physically abusive. Others lost control of their thought life and fell into perversion and immorality.
“Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.”
This is based on the biblical principle of sowing and reaping.
Control Over the Body
When people don’t have control over their bodies, they can become obese or anorexic. They might not exercise or care for their health, becoming weak and unable to function properly. Some fall into addiction or alcoholism because they don’t control what they put into their bodies. We have to remember our bodies are the Temple of God.
Control Over Words
It is important to think before you speak. God warns us not to gossip or backbite. Scripture tells us to listen more than we speak. Hurtful words can sometimes hit harder than a physical blow.
Proverbs 17:27–28 (NIV) –
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
It’s better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Control Over Thoughts
Mental illness is a big topic today. I do believe many people experience real trauma and mental challenges. But sometimes, the issue is not illness, it’s a lack of self-control over emotions and thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) –
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
What you focus on shapes who you become. Every choice you make affects your life—positively or negatively—and often affects your family and friends as well.
Let God Take Control
God wants to be in control of your life. He asks for your whole heart, mind, soul, and body.
Titus 2:2 (NIV) calls older men to be “temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled.”
Temperance implies a lifestyle of steady moderation that fosters long-term wisdom and stability.
There have been many times in my life when I couldn’t see a way out of a bad situation. But when I placed it in God’s hands and let Him take control, I was amazed at how He directed my steps and worked all things together for good.
Self-Control in Daily Life
Peer pressure and social norms can test our self-control. For example, some say, “To do my job, I have to drink.” Or to fit in a social setting” But there are many leaders in government and business who have never taken a drink.
I’m not saying that having a drink is always wrong, but if you lack self-control, then for you—it may be wrong.
You also need control over your money. If you spend more than you earn, you’ll fall into debt. If you gamble or fail to give tithes, you’re not being a wise steward. God calls us to be faithful managers of the resources He entrusts to us.
And you need self-control with your family—to be faithful to your spouse, and to raise your children with love and discipline. Without self-control, you may become abusive if you can’t manage anger or patience, or you may become overly lenient, failing to teach your children boundaries and self-control in their lives.
Final Thoughts
Self-control touches every area of life—spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, financial, and relational. It is not something we can achieve in our own strength. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, developed as we yield ourselves to God daily. Scripture says we are to know them by the fruit and self-control they have in their lives.
When we let God’s Spirit rule in us, our actions, words, and thoughts begin to align with His will. And through that, we not only change our destiny—we reflect Christ to the world.
by Christian International | Jun 30, 2025 | Articles
On May 23, I was blessed to welcome my eighth grandchild, Sylas. The miracle of birth is truly amazing and a beautiful reminder of God’s creative power.
In the womb, a baby is protected, surrounded by fluid, receiving continual nourishment, and everything it needs from the mother. All the while, the baby is growing into the likeness and image of its parents, maturing and preparing for the next stage of life. In many ways, this is how our Christian journey unfolds—we are growing daily into the image of Christ as we prepare for eternity.
Then, in just a few short hours, everything changes. The baby is thrust from that safe, familiar environment into a new world—breathing air, no longer protected by fluid, now needing to cry for nourishment, completely dependent on others to care for and protect them. This mirrors the believer’s transition from this earthly life into the glory of heaven.
My mother once had a revelation that this is what it may be like to die and go to heaven. While we are on earth, we are maturing and growing into the likeness and image of Christ Jesus. One day, just like a baby leaving the womb, we will leave this world and be thrust into an entirely new and glorious heavenly realm.
The difference between the womb and the world is immense, but so is the difference between this world and heaven. Just as a baby cannot comprehend what life outside the womb will be like, we cannot fully comprehend what heaven will be like.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:9
“And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.” – 1 Corinthians 15:49
Trying to understand God and the spiritual realm with our natural minds is like an ant trying to understand a satellite. Imagine handing an ant a manual to an airplane or a spaceship and expecting it to comprehend it. Likewise, we often argue over theology, but God has told us that many things are beyond our understanding. Just take a second and think about God never beginning and never ending. Mind Blown! God gave us a manual to live by—the Bible—but we cannot grasp all its meaning without the help of the Holy Spirit.
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” – 1 Corinthians 13:12
That’s why God says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” – Hebrews 11:6. Walking with God is a walk of faith and trust—not asking why?, but learning to lean into His faithfulness and trusting He is directing your steps.
Instead of endless debates about theology, God calls us to love. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30 “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
We are to love our neighbors as ourselves—which means we must also learn to love ourselves. He tells us not to worry, that He will work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Just as the birds do not worry, we are to trust Him. (Matthew 6:26)
With God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). Just as a baby learns to walk and talk over time, we too are learning and growing in our faith. Babies place their complete trust in their parents—and we must place our trust in our Heavenly Father.
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
In the Gospels, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for debating and trying to trap Him in theological arguments. Instead, He emphasized love, faith, humility, and obedience.
We are instructed to “study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15
Our God is a great God. He knows the end from the beginning. He is the Alpha and Omega, all-knowing.
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” – Psalm 145:3
Yet He loves us each individually. He knows the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7). His love is so vast we cannot even begin to imagine it (John 3:16). His grace, forgiveness, and heart for us are beyond our comprehension.
There is much we may never understand on this side of heaven. But one thing we do know: God is a good Father, and He has prepared something far greater than we can imagine for those who love Him.
by admin | Nov 13, 2024 | Articles
Recently, I attended a celebration of my dad, Bishop Hamon’s 70 years of ministry and 90 years of life. During that time, I had a rare moment alone with Gordon Robertson, something unusual as I’m not usually the one hosting guest speakers. As we talked, Gordon remarked, “Oh, you’re the missing child.” This statement lingered with me, and as I prayed about its meaning, I sensed God giving me deeper insight.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of children who seemed to be forgotten or overlooked, yet later emerged as central figures in God’s plan. These stories reveal that even when someone is left out, rejected, or underestimated, their destiny is often far greater than what others perceive. Two of the most notable examples are David, the shepherd boy who would become king, and Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, but destined to save them. These narratives follow a divine pattern where God brings forth greatness from obscurity. Let’s delve into these and other biblical stories of “missing” children who later fulfilled their God-given destinies.
David: The Overlooked Shepherd Who Became King
David’s story is a classic example of someone initially dismissed. When the prophet Samuel arrived to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as Israel’s next king, David wasn’t even invited to the gathering. His father paraded his seven older sons before Samuel, assuming one of them would be chosen. But none were God’s choice.
Samuel then asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” Only then did Jesse mention David, the youngest, who was out tending sheep (1 Samuel 16:11). Brought in from the fields, David was unexpectedly anointed as Israel’s future king. Though overlooked by his family, he was not forgotten by God.
David’s anointing speaks a profound truth: God sees potential where others do not. Though he was the youngest and least likely candidate, David went on to defeat Goliath, unify Israel, and establish a royal lineage that would lead to Jesus. His story is a powerful reminder that God’s plans often defy human expectations.
Joseph: The Forgotten Brother Who Became a Savior
Another powerful example is Joseph, the favored son of Jacob. His brothers, jealous of their father’s affection for him, sold Joseph into slavery and led Jacob to believe he was dead. For years, Joseph was “missing” from his family’s life, enduring hardship as a slave and later as a prisoner in Egypt.
Yet, as Joseph later told his brothers, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good” (Genesis 50:20). In time, Joseph rose to become second in command of Egypt, overseeing the nation’s resources during a severe famine. When his brothers came to Egypt seeking food, they did not recognize the brother they had once betrayed. But Joseph, filled with mercy, chose forgiveness over revenge, ultimately saving his family and being restored to them.
Joseph’s story is one of divine providence. Though forsaken by his family, God had a greater purpose for him. His journey shows us that, even in the darkest times, God’s plan is still unfolding, often hidden until the appointed time.
Moses: The Hidden Child Who Became a Deliverer
Moses was also a child who was “missing,” though in a different way. Born during Pharaoh’s decree that all Hebrew male babies be killed, Moses’ mother hid him for as long as she could. Eventually, she placed him in a basket and set him adrift on the Nile, where he was found and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter.
Though Moses grew up away from his people, God would later call him back to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. From the burning bush, God commissioned Moses to confront Pharaoh and lead His people to freedom. Like David and Joseph, Moses’ early removal from his family did not hinder him from playing a critical role in God’s redemptive plan.
Jephthah: The Rejected Son Who Became a Leader
The story of Jephthah, found in Judges 11, is another example of a child rejected by family, only to be called back for a greater purpose. Born to a prostitute, Jephthah was driven out by his half-brothers, who refused to share their inheritance with him. In exile, Jephthah became a leader of a band of outlaws.
When Israel faced oppression by the Ammonites, the elders sought Jephthah’s help. Despite his earlier rejection, Jephthah returned and led Israel to victory, becoming one of the judges who governed the nation during that time.
Samuel: The Child Dedicated and Called by God
Samuel’s story is unique in that he wasn’t physically “missing,” but his destiny was overlooked by others. Dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, Samuel grew up under the care of Eli the priest. Though he lived in the temple, Samuel’s prophetic calling was not immediately recognized.
One night, God called to Samuel as he slept. After several failed attempts to understand the source of the voice, Eli realized it was the Lord. From that point on, Samuel became a key prophet, eventually anointing both Saul and David as kings. Samuel’s life illustrates that even when others don’t see our potential, God’s calling remains true.
Conclusion: The Divine Pattern of Restoration
These biblical stories reveal a recurring theme of children who were overlooked, rejected, or forgotten, only to be restored and called to a higher purpose. David was left in the fields, Joseph was sold into slavery, Moses was hidden away, Jephthah was cast out, and Samuel was initially unrecognized. Yet, in each case, God orchestrated their return to the forefront to fulfill their destinies.
These stories remind us that God’s timing and plans often transcend our understanding. Even when we feel overlooked or insignificant, we can trust that God sees us and has a purpose for our lives. The “missing” child may be out of sight for a time, but in God’s eyes, they are never truly forgotten. When the time comes, they will be called forth to fulfill their destiny.
