Monday, July 15, 2013 -- Life Improves As I Practice Self-control

Monday July 15, 2013

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

We live in a time where the freedom to do what we want, when we want, with whomever we want is the popular understanding of freedom, and the basis of a wonderful life. Why would God call us over and over again to exercise self-control, and to deny the right to express ourselves in certain ways at certain times? God wants us to experience the best life He has planned for us. God knows what works and what doesn't. God calls us to express self-control so we can experience deeper joy and satisfaction in our relationship with Him and with others.

TEMPER: People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs. (Proverbs 19:11 NLT)

WORDS: Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything. (Proverbs 13:3 NLT)

USE OF TIME: So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. (Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT)

MAKING MONEY: Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. (Proverbs 23:4 NLT)

SPENDING MONEY: The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. (Proverbs 21:20 NLT)

SLEEP: Too much sleep clothes them in rags. (Proverbs 23:20-21 NLT)

PARTYING: Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. (Proverbs 13:13 NLT)

HARD WORK: Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. (Proverbs 13:4 NLT)