Therefore I always exercise and discipline myself [mortifying my body, deadening my carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects] to have a clear (unshaken, blameless) conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men. — Acts 24:16 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource Power Thoughts Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

The Roman poet Horace wrote: “Rule your mind, or it will rule you.”

The enemy wants your mind; he wants to control or influence as much of your thinking as possible, but you do not have to let him. The key to overcoming him is learning to discipline your thinking, and disciplining yourself to believe you are disciplined is the beginning.

As my son once said, “Discipline is a discipline!” Most people don’t get excited when the subject of discipline comes up. However, if you learn to understand the power, the liberty, the joy, and the victory discipline brings to your life, you will embrace it eagerly.

Prayer Starter: Father, Your Word says You have given me a spirit of discipline and self-control (see 2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC). Help me today to choose my thoughts carefully and purposely dwell on things that are positive and full of hope. Help me to discipline my thoughts, words and actions so I can enjoy the great future You have for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

I know that there is nothing better for them than to be glad and to get and do good as long as they live.— Ecclesiastes 3:12 (AMPC)

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that I cannot count on someone else to make me happy. God has given us the ability to take responsibility for our own happiness.

A lot of people aren’t happy unless a certain person behaves a certain way, or a certain situation works out just the way they want it to. Every day we let our happiness depend on other people and situations, when in reality, God wants us to find our happiness in Him.

There was a time when I would feel sorry for myself if Dave went to play golf the day after one of our conferences. I wanted him to go shopping or watch a movie with me. But God showed me that we have different ways of relaxing and unwinding.

That’s just one example, but there are so many ways that we put unrealistic expectations on people and rely on them to keep us happy. God wants us to look to Him first and rely on Him for our happiness.

Prayer Starter: God, my happiness should only rely on You, not other people and situations. Help me to see any unrealistic expectations I have so I can take responsibility for my own happiness.

http://www.joycemeyer.org