Day 8: Pause Mode | Self-Control

June 23

Self-control. Another quiet fruit that doesn't shout for attention but speaks volumes in the way we live, respond, and love others well. It’s the ability to pause, breathe, and make Spirit-led choices, especially in the middle of chaos. It shows up in how we love people, how we lead teams, how we parent, and yes... even in how we handle that half pint of ice cream sitting in the freezer at 9:47 p.m. 👀

You know the moment—you’ve had a long day, the house is finally quiet, and your spoon is hovering. Do I eat the whole thing? Do I really need this? That moment is self-control in action. And it’s not just about food—it’s about that choice to hold back the sarcastic comeback (which, let’s be real, would’ve been hilarious but probably not helpful 😅). It’s about choosing grace over reaction, even when your patience is wearing thin.

The truth is, without self-control, even the good things—like planning for XBC or investing in people—can start to wear us out or become unhealthy distractions. We need the Holy Spirit to help us stay rooted, especially when we’re being pulled in a dozen directions or running on empty.

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]." – 2 Timothy 1:7

In XBC, this might look like:

• Speaking kindly even when you're tired and overstimulated

• Holding back sarcasm or irritation when children test your limits

• Resisting the urge to disengage when things feel repetitive or hard

• Choosing to finish strong, even when you feel like checking out

And here’s the good news: you’re not doing any of this alone. The Holy Spirit is your helper. Every time you choose to pause instead of pop off, every time you respond with gentleness instead of frustration—you’re not just building spiritual muscle, you’re modeling for our kids what it looks like to be Spirit-led.

But here’s the real key: you can’t produce fruit if you’re not fully planted. Self-control, patience, love—all of it flows from being rooted in Jesus. When we stay connected to Him through time in the Word, worship, and just being still in His presence, that fruit starts to grow naturally. Not because we’re striving, but because we’re surrendered.

The fruit we bear is the evidence of our walk with Him. So if we want to lead well, love well, and live well—we’ve got to be locked in with Jesus first. Everything else flows from that.

Even if you’ve lost your cool this week (hi, you’re human!), God hasn’t checked out on you. He’s offering you grace and a new opportunity to respond differently—with patience, humility, and love.

Let’s keep showing up. Let’s lead with self-control that reflects the heart of Jesus—even in the little things, like how we finish our day... and whether or not we finish that pint.

Journal Prompt

Think back on a moment this week where you reacted quickly—what triggered it? What would a Spirit-led response have looked like? Write a prayer asking God for help in choosing His way the next time that situation arises.

Challenge

Before reacting to a challenging moment today, pause for five seconds. Take a deep breath. Whisper a prayer. Let your reaction reflect God’s presence in you. Whether it’s staying calm in a noisy room, continuing to serve when you feel overlooked, or simply holding your tongue—let your pause be powerful.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the gift of Your Spirit and the fruit You grow in us. Holy Spirit, we need Your strength now more than ever. Help us to walk in self-control — to pause before we react, to respond with wisdom, and to reflect Your love in every situation. When frustration rises, remind us that self-control, patience, and love are far more powerful.

Teach us to lead by example, not just in our words but in our actions. Let the children we serve this week at XBC see You in us — in our joy, our peace, our gentleness, and our self-control. May every interaction point them toward a deeper understanding of Your love.

We lift up every child and every family walking through our doors this week. Cover them with Your protection. Prepare their hearts to receive, their minds to grow, and their spirits to come alive with faith. Break generational chains, bring healing, and ignite something eternal in their lives.

Strengthen every volunteer and leader. Even when we’re tired or things don’t go as planned, help us to finish strong. Let everything we say and do be done with excellence and love, bringing glory to Your name.

We are Yours, Lord. Use us. Fill us. Lead us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Afternoon Encouragement

Today’s theme is Pause Mode—a perfect reminder as we reflect on the fruit of Self-Control. In a world full of instant reactions and emotional highs, God calls us to pause, breathe, and be led by His Spirit. Self-control is the quiet power of choosing peace over panic, stillness over stress, and obedience over impulse.

Whether you’re leading a group, cleaning up crafts, or managing snacks and schedules, embrace Pause Mode. Step back and let the Spirit guide your response. Remember: a calm spirit is a powerful witness.

🛑 Pause Mode means:

• Take a breath before responding.

• Choose your words carefully.

• Reflect Jesus in how you handle challenges

Prayer Focus

• Thank God for strengthening you over these past 8 days.

• Ask Him to help you pause under pressure, trusting Him to lead your every move.

• Pray for supernatural self-control in every volunteer and that kids would experience a Spirit-filled peace in every space.

• Cover every camper and leader with focus, favor, and joy as they encounter Jesus at Xtreme Bible Camp.

Let’s end this fast with the strength of the Spirit and the beauty of self-control. You've planted seeds of love and faithfulness, now watch how God brings the fruit. Let’s finish strong. One fruit, one child, one moment at a time.