In a world that often shouts “more, more, more,” temperance whispers a steady reminder: balance is the key to lasting peace. Temperance isn’t about denying yourself joy, but about practicing self-control so that joy is never replaced by regret.
Temperance is the guardrail that keeps us from going off course. It is the wisdom to know when enough is enough, whether in food, speech, habits, or even emotions. Proverbs 25:28 says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Without temperance, we are unprotected, vulnerable to impulsive choices and harmful patterns. But when we walk in balance, we build strength, clarity, and resilience.
Think of temperance like tuning a guitar. If the strings are too tight, they snap; if too loose, they make no music. But when in balance, they create harmony. So it is with our lives—temperance tunes us to the right pitch.
Today, on September 11, a day remembered for its heavy weight in history, let’s choose temperance in how we respond to life. Instead of anger, practice patience. Instead of indulgence, show restraint. Instead of extremes, seek balance. In doing so, you’ll discover that temperance is not a chain that restricts, but a key that unlocks freedom.
Reflection for Today:
Where do I need to practice temperance—in my thoughts, actions, or words? Am I living in balance, or am I letting extremes rule my life?
Remember: temperance isn’t weakness—it’s strength under control.
Nothing is permanent in this world but kindness is infinite
Story:
I have written a lot lately about animals and insects because they are so amazing. When they come to earth they are hardwired with hmm what they need. Nobody tells the birds that it’s time to fly south for the winter. They just come with the knowledge that they need.
Man, when he arrives on the other hand, only knows how to cry when he is hungry and not much else. Everything else is learned.
I know there’s many versions of the eagle and the chicken but I will tell the version that I know. An eagle’s egg got mixed up with some chicken eggs. It hatched out with some of the other chickens. Since the eagle couldn’t see himself he thought that he was a chicken. He pecked on the ground and only jumped a few feet. He imitated everything he saw his brothers and sisters do.
One day, while outside with his mother, he saw a majestic eagle fly above them. He wished so much that he could do that and fly so high. He told his mother that he would give about anything to be an eagle and be able to fly that high! She told him that he was a chicken and would always be a chicken.
You could be an eagle if you wouldn’t be so much of a chicken!!
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If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?
–A man took his children to a restaurant. The six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As heads were bowed he said, “God is great and God is Good. Let us thank Him for the food, and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice-cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen!”
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby they heard a woman remark, “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!” Hearing this, the son burst into tears and asked, “Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?” As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, and elderly gentleman approached the table.
He winked at my son and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.” “Really?” the son asked.
Cross my heart.” Then in theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.”
Naturally, Dad bought the boy’s ice cream at the end of the meal. The boy stared at his for a moment and then did something about that will be remembered for the rest of life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, “Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes and my soul is good already.”
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Anxiety has a way of sneaking into our hearts when we least expect it. It clouds our thoughts, steals our peace, and whispers lies about what might go wrong. But anxiety doesn’t have to control us—it can become a reminder to lean on the One who holds all things together.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Notice the shift here: instead of letting anxiety dominate our thoughts, we are called to turn our worries into prayers. Anxiety says, “What if?” but faith says, “Even if, God is still in control.”
A Simple Shift in Perspective
When anxiety rises, try to pause and reframe it:
Instead of “I don’t know what tomorrow holds,” say, “But I know Who holds tomorrow.” Instead of “I feel weak,” say, “God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness.” Instead of “I can’t handle this,” say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
A Story to Remember
A little boy once stood at the edge of a swimming pool, trembling with fear. His father stretched out his arms and said, “Jump—I’ve got you.” The boy hesitated, anxiety flooding his mind with what ifs. But when he finally leapt, he discovered what his father had known all along—he was safe.
That’s how it is with God. Anxiety keeps us standing on the edge, but trust helps us leap into His arms.
Encouragement for Today
If anxiety is weighing on your heart today, remember this: peace is not the absence of problems—it’s the presence of God. Take one deep breath, release that anxious thought, and whisper a prayer of surrender.
Let today be the day you trade anxiety for assurance, fear for faith, and worry for worship.
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Scripture:
Matthew 25:24-29
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Humor:
The patient’s family gathered to hear what the specialists had to say. “Things don’t look good. The only chance is a brain transplant. This is an experimental procedure. It might work, but the bad news is that brains are very expensive, and you will have to pay the costs yourselves.”
“Well, how much does a brain cost?” asked the relatives.
“For a male brain, $500,000. For a female brain, $200,000.”
Some of the younger male relatives tried to look shocked, but the men nodded in understanding, and a few actually smirked. Then the patient’s daughter asked,
“Why the difference in price between male brains and female brains?”
“A standard pricing practice,” said the head of the team. “Women’s brains have to be marked down because they are used.”
If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?
9/9– Can You Spare A Minute?
9/9–A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence.
After the first 10 years, his superior called him in and gave him an opportunity to speak two words, “Do you have anything to ansay?” The monk replied, “Food bad.”
After another 10 years, the monk again had opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, “Bed hard.”
Another 10 years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, “I quit.” His superior said, It doesn’t surprise me a bit. You’ve done nothing but complain ever since you got here.”
A successful person is one that can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at them!
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Life can be tough, but that doesn’t mean we have to be. In fact, one of the greatest strengths a person can carry is a tender heart. To be tender-hearted is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of true courage.
A tender heart is one that chooses kindness over criticism, compassion over condemnation, and empathy over indifference. It’s the kind of heart that sees people not just for what they’ve done, but for who they are and who they can become.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” That verse reminds us that being tender-hearted is tied to forgiveness. It’s hard to stay bitter when your heart stays soft.
Think about it: a hardened heart can push people away, but a tender heart draws them in. When you speak with gentleness, listen with patience, and act with compassion, you create an atmosphere where love and trust can grow.
Here’s the truth—people will not always remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Being tender-hearted leaves a lasting impact that outlives the moment.
So today, slow down. Look for ways to soften your words, show compassion, and forgive quickly. The world already has enough harshness; what it needs is more people with tender hearts willing to make it a better place.
Motivational Thought for Today:
A tender heart may seem small in a world full of hardness, but it has the power to change lives—starting with your own.
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