All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that His is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of mean [the full, original purpose of His creation, ... the foundation of all happiness ...] and the whole [duty] for every man.
(Ecclesiastes 12:13)
The writer of Ecclesiastes was a man who literally tried everything to be happy. He restrained himself from no earthly pleasure. Anything his eyes desired, he took. He ate, drank, and made merry. He had tremendous knowledge, wisdom, and respect, yet he hated life. Everything began to appear useless to him. He tried to figure out what life was all about and became more and more confused.
Finally, he realized what his problem had been all along. He had not been obeying God's commandments. He was unhappy because of it and made the statement that the foundation of all happiness is obedience.
There are many, many, sad, grieved individuals walking around blaming their unhappy lives on people and circumstances, failing to realize the the reason for their dissatisfaction is their disobedience toward God.
I believe you want to be happy. The key to happiness is obeying God. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says that obedience is "the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstance." That means that anything out of order or harmony got that way through disobedience and only obedience can bring it back into harmony. Every time we obey God, something in our lives improves.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Set you mind to obey God in all things and your joy will increase
Page 304
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you. Just go to Him any time and talk to God about any thing He is right there waiting to hear your voice call out to Him.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Fill Up Your Love Tank
May Christ through you faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His Permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.
(-Ephesians 3:17)
Each one of us is born with a "love tank," and if our tank is empty, we are in trouble. We need to start receiving love from the moment we are born and continue receiving it -and giving it out -until the day we die. Sometimes Satan manages to arrange things so that instead of receiving love, we receive abuse. If that abuse continues, we become love starved and warped, so that we are unable to maintain healthy relationships.
Many people develop addictive behaviors of different types. If they can't get good feelings from within themselves, they look for them on the outside. One of the things we must understand is that people have to have a certain number of good feelings. We are all created to have a good feelings about ourselves, We cannot go around hurting, being wounded, and feeling bad all the time. We are just not designed to live that way.
To find those good feelings, many people turn to sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food, money, power, gambling, work, television, sports, and many other addictive things. They are simply trying to get those good feelings they are missing from within themselves and their relationships.
The good news is that whatever may have happened to us in the past, whatever we may have been deprived of, we can get it from the Lord. He is our Shepherd, so we shall not want (see Psalm 23:1). He has promised not to withhold any good thing from us (see Psalm 84:11).
If we did not get enough love when we were growing up, or if we are not getting enough love now, we don't have to go through the rest of our lives with an empty "love tank." Even if there is not one other human being on this earth who loves us, we are still loved by God, and we can become rooted and grounded in His love.
Page 302
New Day New You
36 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please always remember God loves you so very much, and He wants and needs you to just love Him back.
(-Ephesians 3:17)
Each one of us is born with a "love tank," and if our tank is empty, we are in trouble. We need to start receiving love from the moment we are born and continue receiving it -and giving it out -until the day we die. Sometimes Satan manages to arrange things so that instead of receiving love, we receive abuse. If that abuse continues, we become love starved and warped, so that we are unable to maintain healthy relationships.
Many people develop addictive behaviors of different types. If they can't get good feelings from within themselves, they look for them on the outside. One of the things we must understand is that people have to have a certain number of good feelings. We are all created to have a good feelings about ourselves, We cannot go around hurting, being wounded, and feeling bad all the time. We are just not designed to live that way.
To find those good feelings, many people turn to sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food, money, power, gambling, work, television, sports, and many other addictive things. They are simply trying to get those good feelings they are missing from within themselves and their relationships.
The good news is that whatever may have happened to us in the past, whatever we may have been deprived of, we can get it from the Lord. He is our Shepherd, so we shall not want (see Psalm 23:1). He has promised not to withhold any good thing from us (see Psalm 84:11).
If we did not get enough love when we were growing up, or if we are not getting enough love now, we don't have to go through the rest of our lives with an empty "love tank." Even if there is not one other human being on this earth who loves us, we are still loved by God, and we can become rooted and grounded in His love.
Page 302
New Day New You
36 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please always remember God loves you so very much, and He wants and needs you to just love Him back.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
(Ephesians 2:10)
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God's own handiwork. He created us with His own hands. We human beings got messed up along the way, so we were re-created in Christ Jesus. We had to be born again spiritually so we could go ahead and do the good works that God preplanned for us before Satan tried to ruin us.
Just because you and I have made mistakes or have trouble in our lives, does not mean that God's plan has changed. It is still there. All we have to do is get back in it by trusting and obeying Him.
Life Point
Page 1932
The Everyday Life Bible
The power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes And Commentary By
(Ephesians 2:10)
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God's own handiwork. He created us with His own hands. We human beings got messed up along the way, so we were re-created in Christ Jesus. We had to be born again spiritually so we could go ahead and do the good works that God preplanned for us before Satan tried to ruin us.
Just because you and I have made mistakes or have trouble in our lives, does not mean that God's plan has changed. It is still there. All we have to do is get back in it by trusting and obeying Him.
Life Point
Page 1932
The Everyday Life Bible
The power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes And Commentary By
Friday, October 26, 2012
Getting Past Your Past
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
A lot of people let the past dictate their future. Don't do that! Get past your past. We all have a past, but we all have a future. The Bible teaches us in Ephesians 2:10 that we are re-created in Christ Jesus so we might do the good works He planned beforehand for us and live the good life He prearranged and made ready for us. The word re-created indicates we were created, messed up, and in need of repair.
In Jeremiah 18:1-4 we re of the potter who had to remake his vessel because it had been marred. That is a picture of us in the hands of the Lord, the Master Potter. We are said to be new creatures when we enter into a relationship with Christ. Old things pass away. We have an opportunity for a new beginning. We become new spiritual clay for the Holy Spirit to work with. God makes arrangements for each of us to have a fresh start, but we must be willing to let go of the past and go on. We make a way for the new by believing what god says about it.
Don't let your past failures leave you hopeless about your future success. Your future has no room in it for the failures of the past. As I have stated, just because you have failed at some things does not make you a failure. Whatever Satan has stolen through deception, God will restore doubled, if you are willing to press forward, forgetting the past. You have to let go in order to go on!
Page 300
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
(Jeremiah 29:11)
A lot of people let the past dictate their future. Don't do that! Get past your past. We all have a past, but we all have a future. The Bible teaches us in Ephesians 2:10 that we are re-created in Christ Jesus so we might do the good works He planned beforehand for us and live the good life He prearranged and made ready for us. The word re-created indicates we were created, messed up, and in need of repair.
In Jeremiah 18:1-4 we re of the potter who had to remake his vessel because it had been marred. That is a picture of us in the hands of the Lord, the Master Potter. We are said to be new creatures when we enter into a relationship with Christ. Old things pass away. We have an opportunity for a new beginning. We become new spiritual clay for the Holy Spirit to work with. God makes arrangements for each of us to have a fresh start, but we must be willing to let go of the past and go on. We make a way for the new by believing what god says about it.
Don't let your past failures leave you hopeless about your future success. Your future has no room in it for the failures of the past. As I have stated, just because you have failed at some things does not make you a failure. Whatever Satan has stolen through deception, God will restore doubled, if you are willing to press forward, forgetting the past. You have to let go in order to go on!
Page 300
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE AMPLIFIED VERSION
THE WORD which came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.
Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he was working at the wheel.
And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it.
(Jeremiah 18:1-4)
In Jeremiah 18:1-4 we read of the potter who had to remake his vessel because it had been marred. That is a picture of us in the hands of the Lord, the Master Potter.
When we enter into a relationship with Christ, the Bible tells us that we become new creations (see II Corinthians 5:17). Old things have passed away, and we are given an opportunity for a new beginning. We become new spiritual clay for the Holy Spirit to work with. I believe that He is shaping you into a beautiful vessel, perfectly designed for the great purposes He has for your life.
Life Point
page 1177
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes And Commentary By
Joyce Meyer
Please give yourself completely to the Lord, love Him with all you whole heart, trust in God, He will never lead you wrong. God loves you.
Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.
Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he was working at the wheel.
And the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he made it over, reworking it into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make it.
(Jeremiah 18:1-4)
In Jeremiah 18:1-4 we read of the potter who had to remake his vessel because it had been marred. That is a picture of us in the hands of the Lord, the Master Potter.
When we enter into a relationship with Christ, the Bible tells us that we become new creations (see II Corinthians 5:17). Old things have passed away, and we are given an opportunity for a new beginning. We become new spiritual clay for the Holy Spirit to work with. I believe that He is shaping you into a beautiful vessel, perfectly designed for the great purposes He has for your life.
Life Point
page 1177
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes And Commentary By
Joyce Meyer
Please give yourself completely to the Lord, love Him with all you whole heart, trust in God, He will never lead you wrong. God loves you.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
We All Work Together
As in one physical body we have many parts...and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, so we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].
(Romans 12:4-5)
Today's verses teach us about the diversity of gifts given to individuals. We are all parts of one body in Christ, and He is the Head. In the physical realm, all body parts must relate to the head if everything is to be in good working order. The various parts of the physical body word together; they are not jealous or competitive. The hands help the feet put their shoes on. The feet take the body wherever it needs to go. The mouth does the talking for the rest of the body. There are many parts to the body; they don't all have the same function, but they all work together for one combined purpose. The spiritual body of Christ should work the same way. That is why the Holy Spirit used the example of the physical body when He inspired Paul to write the book of Romans.
When we attempt to function in any way other than the way God has created and assigned us to function, we end up with pressure in our lives. But when we do what God has designed us to do, we experience joy, satisfaction, and great reward. We need to work with the Holy Spirit to discover what our unique, customized destiny is, and then do everything we can do to fulfill it. When God has gifted or enabled you to do something you will be good at it, so find something you are good at and start doing it.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: If you want to be used by God, then find a need and meet it.
Page 296
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And remember God loves you very much.
(Romans 12:4-5)
Today's verses teach us about the diversity of gifts given to individuals. We are all parts of one body in Christ, and He is the Head. In the physical realm, all body parts must relate to the head if everything is to be in good working order. The various parts of the physical body word together; they are not jealous or competitive. The hands help the feet put their shoes on. The feet take the body wherever it needs to go. The mouth does the talking for the rest of the body. There are many parts to the body; they don't all have the same function, but they all work together for one combined purpose. The spiritual body of Christ should work the same way. That is why the Holy Spirit used the example of the physical body when He inspired Paul to write the book of Romans.
When we attempt to function in any way other than the way God has created and assigned us to function, we end up with pressure in our lives. But when we do what God has designed us to do, we experience joy, satisfaction, and great reward. We need to work with the Holy Spirit to discover what our unique, customized destiny is, and then do everything we can do to fulfill it. When God has gifted or enabled you to do something you will be good at it, so find something you are good at and start doing it.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: If you want to be used by God, then find a need and meet it.
Page 296
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And remember God loves you very much.
Friday, October 19, 2012
The Holy Spirit Is a Gentleman
To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of ] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit.
(Galatians 3:14)
In this book, I have written a great deal about the Holy Spirit and about being filled with the Spirit, and I want to make sure you have an opportunity to know the Holy Spirit in this way as you journey through these pages.
The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will not force Himself into you life in His fullness uninvited. He will fill you, but only if you ask Him to do so. In Luke 11:13, Jesus promises that God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. And James 4:2 tells us that the reason we do not have certain things is that we do not ask for them.
I encourage you to go boldly before God and daily ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Ask expecting to receive. Don't be double-minded or allow doubt to fill your heart, but ask in faith. Believe you receive, and thank God that He lives in you. God is not a man, that He should lie (see Numbers 23:19). He is faithful to fulfill His Word whenever anyone steps out on it in faith, so ask and receive that you joy might be full (see John 16:24).
Today's verse says that we receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gifts cannot be forced on anyone; they must be offered by the giver and then received by those to whom they are offered. God makes the offer of His Spirit, so all you need to do is relax and receive by faith.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Never be shy about asking and continuing to ask God to meet all of your needs.
Page 292
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please always say it to yourself and believe it by faith (God loves me and I love Him), (God loves me, God love me!, God love me and I love Him). Just say it all the time, plant it in your heart, and know in your heart that God loves you, and do not let any one of no body in this world tell you different.
(Galatians 3:14)
In this book, I have written a great deal about the Holy Spirit and about being filled with the Spirit, and I want to make sure you have an opportunity to know the Holy Spirit in this way as you journey through these pages.
The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will not force Himself into you life in His fullness uninvited. He will fill you, but only if you ask Him to do so. In Luke 11:13, Jesus promises that God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. And James 4:2 tells us that the reason we do not have certain things is that we do not ask for them.
I encourage you to go boldly before God and daily ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Ask expecting to receive. Don't be double-minded or allow doubt to fill your heart, but ask in faith. Believe you receive, and thank God that He lives in you. God is not a man, that He should lie (see Numbers 23:19). He is faithful to fulfill His Word whenever anyone steps out on it in faith, so ask and receive that you joy might be full (see John 16:24).
Today's verse says that we receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gifts cannot be forced on anyone; they must be offered by the giver and then received by those to whom they are offered. God makes the offer of His Spirit, so all you need to do is relax and receive by faith.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Never be shy about asking and continuing to ask God to meet all of your needs.
Page 292
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please always say it to yourself and believe it by faith (God loves me and I love Him), (God loves me, God love me!, God love me and I love Him). Just say it all the time, plant it in your heart, and know in your heart that God loves you, and do not let any one of no body in this world tell you different.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Out of the Spirit, Not the Head
[For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].
-(James 1:8)
You and I have two huge vats of information within us. One is carnal information that comes off the top of our head. The other is spiritual information which wells up out of our hearts. One is muddy, polluted water, and the other is clean drinking water. It is up to us to decide which sources we are going to drink from. Some people try to drink from both sources. That's what the Bible calls being double-minded.
do you know what it means to be double-minded? It means that your mind is trying to tell you one thing, and your spirit is trying to tell you just the opposite. Instead of saying, "I'm not going to believe that because it's a lie," you get caught in a cross fire, going back and forth between the two thoughts.
If you and I are ever going to live the happy, victorious, and successful Christian life the Lord wills for us, we are going to have to decide which fountain of information we are going to drink from. We are going to have to learn to live out of our spirits and not out of our heads.
Page 291
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
And please please always remember God loves you, and He is always there if you need Him, all you have to do is just call out to Him and ask Him for the help you need.
-(James 1:8)
You and I have two huge vats of information within us. One is carnal information that comes off the top of our head. The other is spiritual information which wells up out of our hearts. One is muddy, polluted water, and the other is clean drinking water. It is up to us to decide which sources we are going to drink from. Some people try to drink from both sources. That's what the Bible calls being double-minded.
do you know what it means to be double-minded? It means that your mind is trying to tell you one thing, and your spirit is trying to tell you just the opposite. Instead of saying, "I'm not going to believe that because it's a lie," you get caught in a cross fire, going back and forth between the two thoughts.
If you and I are ever going to live the happy, victorious, and successful Christian life the Lord wills for us, we are going to have to decide which fountain of information we are going to drink from. We are going to have to learn to live out of our spirits and not out of our heads.
Page 291
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
And please please always remember God loves you, and He is always there if you need Him, all you have to do is just call out to Him and ask Him for the help you need.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The Answer Is Not in the Stars
Turn not to those [mediums] who have familiar spirits or to wizards; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.
(Leviticus 19:31)
As believers, we have access to God and to the spiritual realm. We can hear God's voice and receive direction from Him. Many people want spiritual guidance, but not everyone seeks it from God.
Many people worldwide seek advice and direction from the stars, psychics, fortune-tellers, and other such things and people. This is wrong and offensive to God. Satan deceives a lot of people through this avenue. People are searching for direction and soultions for their lives, but sadly they have not been taught that God will provide it. My purpose in witing today's devotional is to let you know that God wants to be your source of information. He wants to give you daily guidance for your life through His Word and His Spirit.
I once worked with a woman who was deeply involved in astrology. She consulted the stars before making any decisions. She even checked with the alignment of the stars to see what day she should get her hair cut. Why should we consult the stars when we can consult God, Who made the stars?
If you are involved in seeking guidance or direction from any source besides God, I urge you to repent, turn to Him, and ask the Holy Spirit to be your only guide in life from now on.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Seek information and guidance from God alone.
Page 289
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please always remember that God loves you so very much, He just would love you to love Him back.
(Leviticus 19:31)
As believers, we have access to God and to the spiritual realm. We can hear God's voice and receive direction from Him. Many people want spiritual guidance, but not everyone seeks it from God.
Many people worldwide seek advice and direction from the stars, psychics, fortune-tellers, and other such things and people. This is wrong and offensive to God. Satan deceives a lot of people through this avenue. People are searching for direction and soultions for their lives, but sadly they have not been taught that God will provide it. My purpose in witing today's devotional is to let you know that God wants to be your source of information. He wants to give you daily guidance for your life through His Word and His Spirit.
I once worked with a woman who was deeply involved in astrology. She consulted the stars before making any decisions. She even checked with the alignment of the stars to see what day she should get her hair cut. Why should we consult the stars when we can consult God, Who made the stars?
If you are involved in seeking guidance or direction from any source besides God, I urge you to repent, turn to Him, and ask the Holy Spirit to be your only guide in life from now on.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Seek information and guidance from God alone.
Page 289
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please always remember that God loves you so very much, He just would love you to love Him back.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Open the Door
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.
(Revelation 3:20)
As I opened the door of my heart to the fullness of the Holy Spirit's ministry in my life, He began to speak to me and deal with me about every area of my life; there was nothing He was not involved in. I liked it, but I didn't like it, if you know what I mean.
God spoke to me about how I talked to people and about them. He spoke about how I spent my money, how I dressed, who my friends were, and what I did for entertainment. He talked to me about my thoughts and my attitudes. I realized He knew my deepest secrets and that nothing was hidden from Him. He was no longer in the "Sunday morning room" of my life, but it seemed as though He was running the entire house! I never knew when He might begin to speak to me about something in my life. As I mentioned, it was exciting, but it was also challenging because I knew His speaking to me would lead to many changes in my life.
We all want change in certain areas, but when it comes, it can be frightening. We often want our lives to change, but not our lifestyles. We my not like what we have in life, but we wonder if it may be better than the alternatives. We can become anxious or even afraid of losing control over our lives and allowing Someone we cannot see to take over.
To hear and obey the voice of God as He works in our lives means living for His pleasure and glory, not our own. We may be nervous of apprehensive about opening the doors of every area of our lives to Him but I guarantee that it is worth it.
GOD'S WORDS FOR YOU TODAY: Invite God into every area of your life.
Page 285
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please remember and never ever forget that God loved you first and He loves you with all His Heart. And also remember God wants you to love Him back.
(Revelation 3:20)
As I opened the door of my heart to the fullness of the Holy Spirit's ministry in my life, He began to speak to me and deal with me about every area of my life; there was nothing He was not involved in. I liked it, but I didn't like it, if you know what I mean.
God spoke to me about how I talked to people and about them. He spoke about how I spent my money, how I dressed, who my friends were, and what I did for entertainment. He talked to me about my thoughts and my attitudes. I realized He knew my deepest secrets and that nothing was hidden from Him. He was no longer in the "Sunday morning room" of my life, but it seemed as though He was running the entire house! I never knew when He might begin to speak to me about something in my life. As I mentioned, it was exciting, but it was also challenging because I knew His speaking to me would lead to many changes in my life.
We all want change in certain areas, but when it comes, it can be frightening. We often want our lives to change, but not our lifestyles. We my not like what we have in life, but we wonder if it may be better than the alternatives. We can become anxious or even afraid of losing control over our lives and allowing Someone we cannot see to take over.
To hear and obey the voice of God as He works in our lives means living for His pleasure and glory, not our own. We may be nervous of apprehensive about opening the doors of every area of our lives to Him but I guarantee that it is worth it.
GOD'S WORDS FOR YOU TODAY: Invite God into every area of your life.
Page 285
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please remember and never ever forget that God loved you first and He loves you with all His Heart. And also remember God wants you to love Him back.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Speak as God Speaks
But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.
(2 Timothy 2:16)
Avoid all empty, idle, vain, and useless talk. Instead, learn to speak as God speaks. It is the Word of God, spoken in truth and love from your lips, that will return to Him after accomplishing His will and purpose. But in order to speak that Word in truth and love, your heart must be right before the Lord, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks-for good or for evil. You are bound by your word, by your declarations.
You are also judged by them. Watchman Nee once said, "If you listen to a person, you can detect by their words the spirit that is coming forth from them." That is why it is so important to place a guard upon your lips so that what issues forth from them is not only truthful but also kind and positive and edifying and in line with the will of God.
You can change your action and behavior, but to do so you must first change your thoughts and words. And to do that, you need to help of the indwelling Spirit of God. If you truly want your life to be totally different, then submit yourself to the Lord and in humility ask Him to transform you into the image and nature of His Son Jesus Christ. He is doing that for me; and if He can do it for me, He can-and will-do it for you too.
Page 284
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
And please always remember God loves you. Say to yourself all the time, God loves me and I know it, God loves me and I know it, God loves me and I know it.
(2 Timothy 2:16)
Avoid all empty, idle, vain, and useless talk. Instead, learn to speak as God speaks. It is the Word of God, spoken in truth and love from your lips, that will return to Him after accomplishing His will and purpose. But in order to speak that Word in truth and love, your heart must be right before the Lord, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks-for good or for evil. You are bound by your word, by your declarations.
You are also judged by them. Watchman Nee once said, "If you listen to a person, you can detect by their words the spirit that is coming forth from them." That is why it is so important to place a guard upon your lips so that what issues forth from them is not only truthful but also kind and positive and edifying and in line with the will of God.
You can change your action and behavior, but to do so you must first change your thoughts and words. And to do that, you need to help of the indwelling Spirit of God. If you truly want your life to be totally different, then submit yourself to the Lord and in humility ask Him to transform you into the image and nature of His Son Jesus Christ. He is doing that for me; and if He can do it for me, He can-and will-do it for you too.
Page 284
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
And please always remember God loves you. Say to yourself all the time, God loves me and I know it, God loves me and I know it, God loves me and I know it.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The "Holy Thing"
The angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God.
(Luke 1:35)
The Virgin Mary became pregnant by the working of the Holy Spirit, Who came upon her and, according to today's verse, planted in her womb a "holy Thing." The Spirit of Holiness was planted in her as a Seed. In her womb the Seed grew into the Son of God and the Son of Man, Who was necessary to deliver people from their sins.
When we are born again, a similar dynamic takes place in us. The "holy Thing," the Spirit of Holiness, is planted in us as a Seed. As we water that Seed with God's Word and keep the "weeds of worldliness"from choking it out, it will grow into a giant tree of righteousness, "the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3).
God's Word teaches us to pursue holiness (see Hebrews 12:14). When we set our hearts on this pursuit, the Spirit of Holiness helps us. If we want to be holy, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and permit Him to speak to us, correct us, guide us, and help us in every area of our lives.
Never forget that a "holy Thin" lives inside of you. Water that seed with God's Word and let the Holy Spirit speak to you and teach you how to help it grow.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: The Holy Spirit desires to be your close companion as He teaches and instructs you in holiness.
Page 282
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you. Say it to yourself all the time (God love me!)
(Luke 1:35)
The Virgin Mary became pregnant by the working of the Holy Spirit, Who came upon her and, according to today's verse, planted in her womb a "holy Thing." The Spirit of Holiness was planted in her as a Seed. In her womb the Seed grew into the Son of God and the Son of Man, Who was necessary to deliver people from their sins.
When we are born again, a similar dynamic takes place in us. The "holy Thing," the Spirit of Holiness, is planted in us as a Seed. As we water that Seed with God's Word and keep the "weeds of worldliness"from choking it out, it will grow into a giant tree of righteousness, "the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3).
God's Word teaches us to pursue holiness (see Hebrews 12:14). When we set our hearts on this pursuit, the Spirit of Holiness helps us. If we want to be holy, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and permit Him to speak to us, correct us, guide us, and help us in every area of our lives.
Never forget that a "holy Thin" lives inside of you. Water that seed with God's Word and let the Holy Spirit speak to you and teach you how to help it grow.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: The Holy Spirit desires to be your close companion as He teaches and instructs you in holiness.
Page 282
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you. Say it to yourself all the time (God love me!)
Monday, October 8, 2012
Good Words
Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:19)
The King James Version translates today's verse: "Speaking to your selves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." I like to apply this Scripture both ways. The way I speak to myself is important, and the way I speak to others is important, too.
It is easy to fall into the trap of talking about negative things, problems, disappointments, and struggles. But none of that helps us stay filled with the Sprit and none of that reflects what the Holy Spirit wants to speak to us because He is not negative in any way. Even when He speaks to us about a problem, He speaks to bring a solution; He does so to bring us comfort and strength. The more we think and talk about our problems, the weaker we become, but we are strengthened as we talk and think about Jesus and His promises to us.
Life is not always easy; we all face difficulties at times. God has filled us with His Spirit to enable us to do difficult things with ease. When you are going through a hard time, keep you ear tuned in to the voice of God. Speak the positive things God say to you through His Word and through the voice of His voice of His Spirit in your heart. We all feed on our own words so it is very important to speak good words that are full of life.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Choose your words wisely today, for they have the power of life or death.
Page 280
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please always remember that God love you with all His Heart!
The King James Version translates today's verse: "Speaking to your selves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." I like to apply this Scripture both ways. The way I speak to myself is important, and the way I speak to others is important, too.
It is easy to fall into the trap of talking about negative things, problems, disappointments, and struggles. But none of that helps us stay filled with the Sprit and none of that reflects what the Holy Spirit wants to speak to us because He is not negative in any way. Even when He speaks to us about a problem, He speaks to bring a solution; He does so to bring us comfort and strength. The more we think and talk about our problems, the weaker we become, but we are strengthened as we talk and think about Jesus and His promises to us.
Life is not always easy; we all face difficulties at times. God has filled us with His Spirit to enable us to do difficult things with ease. When you are going through a hard time, keep you ear tuned in to the voice of God. Speak the positive things God say to you through His Word and through the voice of His voice of His Spirit in your heart. We all feed on our own words so it is very important to speak good words that are full of life.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Choose your words wisely today, for they have the power of life or death.
Page 280
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please always remember that God love you with all His Heart!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Your Father Wants to Talk to You
[The Spirit which] you have received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!
(Romans 8:15)
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Adoption. This means that by the power of the Holy Spirit we are actually part of God's family. We were once sinners serving the devil, but God redeemed us, purchased us with the blood of His Son, and calls us His own beloved sons and daughters.
Adoption is amazing! Someone who wants a child purposely chooses one and takes them as their own to love and care for. In some instances, this can be even better than being born into a family because when children are born into a family, they are not always wanted. Sometimes their birth results from choices their parents regret. But when children are adopted, they are wanted, specifically picked out, and chosen on purpose.
When we choose to put our faith in Jesus Christ, the new birth brings us into the family of God. He becomes our Father; we become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (see Romans 8:16 - 17). He treats us as a loving, perfect Father. A good father is not silent toward his children. He does many things for them, just as God does for us, including speaking to them to tell them how much he loves them, instructing them, guiding them, warning them, affirming them, and encouraging them. You belong to God; He has adopted you and is now your Father; and He wants to speak to you today. If you have had the painful experience of being rejected or abandoned by you natural parents, let me remind you that God adopts you and takes you ans His own child (see Psalm 27:10).
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God thinks you are special. He has chosen you to be His own child.
Page 279
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you so much, just seek Him so you can find out how much He really loves you.
(Romans 8:15)
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Adoption. This means that by the power of the Holy Spirit we are actually part of God's family. We were once sinners serving the devil, but God redeemed us, purchased us with the blood of His Son, and calls us His own beloved sons and daughters.
Adoption is amazing! Someone who wants a child purposely chooses one and takes them as their own to love and care for. In some instances, this can be even better than being born into a family because when children are born into a family, they are not always wanted. Sometimes their birth results from choices their parents regret. But when children are adopted, they are wanted, specifically picked out, and chosen on purpose.
When we choose to put our faith in Jesus Christ, the new birth brings us into the family of God. He becomes our Father; we become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (see Romans 8:16 - 17). He treats us as a loving, perfect Father. A good father is not silent toward his children. He does many things for them, just as God does for us, including speaking to them to tell them how much he loves them, instructing them, guiding them, warning them, affirming them, and encouraging them. You belong to God; He has adopted you and is now your Father; and He wants to speak to you today. If you have had the painful experience of being rejected or abandoned by you natural parents, let me remind you that God adopts you and takes you ans His own child (see Psalm 27:10).
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God thinks you are special. He has chosen you to be His own child.
Page 279
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you so much, just seek Him so you can find out how much He really loves you.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Manifesting Your Reality
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix you minds on them].
(Philippians 4:8)
Manifesting your reality" sounds like something from a contemporary self-help course, but the concept comes straight out of the JBible: "As he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) I like to say it like this "Where the mind goes, the man follows."
Positive thoughts are the precursors to a positive life. On the other hand, our lives can be made miserable by anxious thoughts and negative expectations. We usually think our problems are the thing ruining our life, but usually it is our attitude toward them that does the ruining.
We all encounter people who have a great attitude despite being in trying circumstances. We also encounter those who have money and privilege to burn, yet they murmur and complain, are negative and critical, and are filled with self-pity and resentment. We have more to do with how our lives turn out than we like to admit. Learning how to think right is mandatory for good health.
Thoughts affect emotions, and they both affect the body. In order for you to be whole, you must maintain a healthy mind. Make a decision right now that your are going to have a healthy mind. Renewing your mind will take some time and effort. You must learn new, positive ways to think, but reading God's Word can help you do just that.
Page 272
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Every Day Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
(Philippians 4:8)
Manifesting your reality" sounds like something from a contemporary self-help course, but the concept comes straight out of the JBible: "As he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) I like to say it like this "Where the mind goes, the man follows."
Positive thoughts are the precursors to a positive life. On the other hand, our lives can be made miserable by anxious thoughts and negative expectations. We usually think our problems are the thing ruining our life, but usually it is our attitude toward them that does the ruining.
We all encounter people who have a great attitude despite being in trying circumstances. We also encounter those who have money and privilege to burn, yet they murmur and complain, are negative and critical, and are filled with self-pity and resentment. We have more to do with how our lives turn out than we like to admit. Learning how to think right is mandatory for good health.
Thoughts affect emotions, and they both affect the body. In order for you to be whole, you must maintain a healthy mind. Make a decision right now that your are going to have a healthy mind. Renewing your mind will take some time and effort. You must learn new, positive ways to think, but reading God's Word can help you do just that.
Page 272
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Every Day Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
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