Topic: Exercise Self-Control [Joyce Meyer Devotional 9 December 2021]

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Adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), and in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), and in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.— 2 Peter 1:5–7 (AMPC)

Also Read: Open Heaven 9 December 2021 –Topic: MAINTAIN YOUR IDENTITY IN GOD 

Does the thought of mowing the lawn get you discouraged? Do you think, Oh man, I wish I didn’t have to mow the lawn today. I really dread it. I wish I could just go shopping or do something fun. If so, you’re not abnormal. We are all tempted to think like that, but the good news is God has given you the spirit of self-control and you can choose what you will think about any situation (2 Timothy 1:7). You can also choose to do what you know is right no matter how you feel at the moment. 

Dale Carnegie said, “You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn’t exist any- where except in the mind.” 

We can conquer worry and fear, and we can also conquer dread. God has given us a spirit of self-control; all we have to do is exercise it and we will experience freedom from fear and dread. 

Prayer Starter: Lord, thank you that I do not have to dread, but I can choose to do what I know is right, no matter what, amen