Self-Control
"You can do this by adding...self-control." 2 Peter 1:5-6 CEV
Ever notice how we tend to blame our circumstances for our character deficiencies? We attribute our problems to poor upbringing, financial difficulties, or other people's shortcomings. Your circumstances may be beyond your control--but your character isn't. You can no more blame your character flaws on circumstances than you can blame a mirror for how you look. Integrity is always a choice, and every time you make a character-based decision, you take a step forward in your spiritual growth. Think about the times you have faced temptation and adversity. Jot them down, and beside each one, note your choice: to escape, excuse, capitulate, avoid, persevere, or overcome. What problem areas can you identify? How can you do better? If the things you listed were due to circumstances beyond your control, then choose to take greater control of your life. How? "By adding...self-control" to your arsenal. Our lives resemble icebergs, in that 15 percent is visible; that's our reputation. The rest, our character, is hidden below the surface. Character is what we think but don't necessarily share. It's based on what we do when nobody's looking, how we handle life's little aggravations, how we handle failure--and success. At the end of a brilliant career, Joshua challenged Israel with these words: "Choose for yourselves this day who you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15 NIV). Character is based on self-control, and self-control is about making the right choices. And the good news is, you don't have to do it alone: "God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him" (Philippians 2:13 CEV).
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word For You Today
Ever notice how we tend to blame our circumstances for our character deficiencies? We attribute our problems to poor upbringing, financial difficulties, or other people's shortcomings. Your circumstances may be beyond your control--but your character isn't. You can no more blame your character flaws on circumstances than you can blame a mirror for how you look. Integrity is always a choice, and every time you make a character-based decision, you take a step forward in your spiritual growth. Think about the times you have faced temptation and adversity. Jot them down, and beside each one, note your choice: to escape, excuse, capitulate, avoid, persevere, or overcome. What problem areas can you identify? How can you do better? If the things you listed were due to circumstances beyond your control, then choose to take greater control of your life. How? "By adding...self-control" to your arsenal. Our lives resemble icebergs, in that 15 percent is visible; that's our reputation. The rest, our character, is hidden below the surface. Character is what we think but don't necessarily share. It's based on what we do when nobody's looking, how we handle life's little aggravations, how we handle failure--and success. At the end of a brilliant career, Joshua challenged Israel with these words: "Choose for yourselves this day who you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15 NIV). Character is based on self-control, and self-control is about making the right choices. And the good news is, you don't have to do it alone: "God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him" (Philippians 2:13 CEV).
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word For You Today
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January
This Year, Glorify God And Enjoy HimHow To Be Fruitful (1)How To Be Fruitful (2)How To Be Fruitful (3)How To Be Fruitful (4)How To Be Fruitful (5)Don't Lose Your JoyThe Pharisee And The ProstituteBecome A WorshiperPeople With A Past (1)People With A Past (2)People With A Past (3)Acknowledging God's SovereigntyDon't Let Your Feelings Control YouLearning From LepersForgive Your Parents (1)Forgive Your Parents (2)Stick With God's Plan (1)Stick With God's Plan (2)Become A ConduitHave You Sinned? God Will Forgive YouHeaven Is RealBe A Restorer (1)Be A Restorer (2)Self-ControlYoked Together With JesusLiving By FaithChoose PeaceSay No To SinBe Courageous (1)Be Courageous (2)
February
Love Wherever We GoA Humble PostureA Fresh StartThe Wonder of CreationNot for Our ComfortSweet SleepGetting What We WantSuccess and SacrificeMortality and HumilityHis Amazing HelpThe Voice of the FatherLiving by FaithNot ForgottenThe Power of LoveWe Are OneWise AdviceBeing SeenLiftSpotting GodLeaning Into GodNever Say "Can't"Love Your Loved OnesThe Challenge of the StarsFollow the LeaderAvoid the DoorPart of the FamilyThe Joy of Good NewsChoosing Celebration
March
How To Be Financially SecureWho Are You Depending On?God Speaks To You Through His WordLike Seeds Growing Within YouThe Smell Of SinBe Passionate About It! (1)Be Passionate About It! (2)Be Passionate About It! (3)Leaning On Your Own StaffAim For The MarkBe FaithfulGod's DNA Is In His WordDon't Withhold It--Give It!Do It TodayWork It OutHow God Changes Us (1)How God Changes Us (2)Think Right, Live RightWhat Does It Mean To Meditate?A Love For God's WordUnderstanding God's Love For YouIntercede With God For ThemDress For SuccessFeeling Good About YourselfUse Your FaithConquering SelfishnessWhen You Die (1)When You Die (2)When You Die (3)When You Die (4)When You Die (5)
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