Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink!
(-John 7:37)
You are precious and valuable, and God has a plan to manifest His goodness and kindness through what He wants to do to you. It does not matter what you have done or what has been done to you-the past remains in the past. God has a great future for you. You can have a wonderful life, fut you have to receive it. You have to agree and say, "That is for me."
Jesus cried out to tell us that He has what we need: "Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice. If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!" (John 7:37), What you cannot do for yourself, God has already done for you. He invites you now to come and receive it, to drink it, to take it into yourself. You do that by believing it is for you.
To drink is defined as "to take in or receive avidly"; "to receive into one's consciousness." Remember that Jesus said, "Now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete." (John 16:24) If you ask and receive, then your joy will be full.
How are we going to impress a depressed world if we believers are as depressed as those who are without Christ? God wants His people to show forth the glory of His kindness upon them. As we receive God's provision, our joy will be complete, which is the way the church is supposed to be.
Act as a receptacle for God's blessings. Take in what Jesus has paid for with His own life to provide for you. Study the Word so that you will be sure of His promises. Pray to Him, saying, "Here I am, Lord. Pour it on. I receive the fullness of whatever you Holy Spirit has for me."
Page 335
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please do not ever forget that God loves you.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Wait on Him
Those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall left their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up close to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.
(-Isaiah 40:31)
Isaiah teaches us to wait for the Lord when we know our strength needs to be renewed. Waiting for God means spending time with Him in His Word and His presence. There are certain people we can draw strength from just by being around them. Their very presence, the way they talk and approach life, seems to make us feel better when we are discouraged of feeling down in any way. Likewise, there are others who can always make us feel worse. They have a way of putting a negative edge on everything.
When you and I need to be strengthened, we should spend time with God and with people filled with His Spirit. Spending time in God's presence is like sitting in a room filled with sweet-smelling perfume. If we sit there long enough, we take the fragrance with us when we leave. It will be in our clothing, in our hair, and even in our very skin.
Moses was a man of prayer. He spent a great deal of time fellowshiping with and talking to God. He knew that if God did not help him, he would fail miserably. Because of Moses' faithfulness to seek God, he was given an assuring message: "And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)
Page 255
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
God loves you!
(-Isaiah 40:31)
Isaiah teaches us to wait for the Lord when we know our strength needs to be renewed. Waiting for God means spending time with Him in His Word and His presence. There are certain people we can draw strength from just by being around them. Their very presence, the way they talk and approach life, seems to make us feel better when we are discouraged of feeling down in any way. Likewise, there are others who can always make us feel worse. They have a way of putting a negative edge on everything.
When you and I need to be strengthened, we should spend time with God and with people filled with His Spirit. Spending time in God's presence is like sitting in a room filled with sweet-smelling perfume. If we sit there long enough, we take the fragrance with us when we leave. It will be in our clothing, in our hair, and even in our very skin.
Moses was a man of prayer. He spent a great deal of time fellowshiping with and talking to God. He knew that if God did not help him, he would fail miserably. Because of Moses' faithfulness to seek God, he was given an assuring message: "And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)
Page 255
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
God loves you!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Spirit of Love
No man has at any time [yet] seen God. But if we love one another, God abides (lives and remains) in us and His love (that love which is essentially His) is brought to completion (to its full maturity, runs its full course, is perfected) in us!
(1 John 4:12)
We cannot give away what we don't have. Trying to love others is useless if we have never received God's love for ourselves. We should love ourselves in a balanced way, not a selfish, self-centered way. I teach that we should love ourselves, not be in love with ourselves.
To love yourself, you simply need to believe in the love God has for you; know that it is everlasting, unchangeable, and unconditional. Let His love affirm you and make you feel secure, but don't begin to think of yourself more highly than you should (see Romans 12:3). Loving ourselves does not mean we love all of our behavior; it means that we love and accept the unique person God has created us to be.
I believe loving ourselves in a balance way is what prepares us to let love flow through us to others. Without receiving God's love for ourselves in a healthy, appropriate way, we may have feelings of affection or respect for others, a humanistic type of love; but we certainly cannot love people unconditionally unless god Himself inspires and provokes that love.
The Holy Spirit purifies our hearts so we can allow the sincere love of God to flow through us (see 1 Peter 1:22) to others. This is part of being filled with the Spirit.
God wants us to express love to others. When we think of others and how we can bless them, we keep ourselves filled with the Holy Spirit, Who is the Spirit of Love.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: You have something wonderful to give to the world today-the love of God that is in you.
Page 299
hearing from God each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please all ways remember God loves you.
(1 John 4:12)
We cannot give away what we don't have. Trying to love others is useless if we have never received God's love for ourselves. We should love ourselves in a balanced way, not a selfish, self-centered way. I teach that we should love ourselves, not be in love with ourselves.
To love yourself, you simply need to believe in the love God has for you; know that it is everlasting, unchangeable, and unconditional. Let His love affirm you and make you feel secure, but don't begin to think of yourself more highly than you should (see Romans 12:3). Loving ourselves does not mean we love all of our behavior; it means that we love and accept the unique person God has created us to be.
I believe loving ourselves in a balance way is what prepares us to let love flow through us to others. Without receiving God's love for ourselves in a healthy, appropriate way, we may have feelings of affection or respect for others, a humanistic type of love; but we certainly cannot love people unconditionally unless god Himself inspires and provokes that love.
The Holy Spirit purifies our hearts so we can allow the sincere love of God to flow through us (see 1 Peter 1:22) to others. This is part of being filled with the Spirit.
God wants us to express love to others. When we think of others and how we can bless them, we keep ourselves filled with the Holy Spirit, Who is the Spirit of Love.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: You have something wonderful to give to the world today-the love of God that is in you.
Page 299
hearing from God each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please all ways remember God loves you.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Confusion Is Not from God
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
(-1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
I was holding a meeting in Kansas City, and it came to my heart to ask the audience how many of them were confused. There were about 300 people at the meeting, and from what I could tell, 298 of them raised their hands. And m;y husband was one of the two who didn't raise a hand. I can tell you that Dave has never been confused in his life because he doesn't worry. He doesn't try to figure out anything. He is not interested in having all the answers to everything, because he trusts God.
When you trust God, you can relax and enjoy life. You don't have to go through life worrying and trying to figure out how to solve all you problems. Think about all the things you have worried about in your life and how they have all worked out. That ought to help you realize that worry and reasoning are a waste of time and energy. Stop worrying. Stop complicating your life by trying to figure out everything. Just admit that you don't know, that you are not able, that you need God. Then go on living, and enjoy life while God is giving you the answers.
Page 309
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please remember God loves you.
(-1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
I was holding a meeting in Kansas City, and it came to my heart to ask the audience how many of them were confused. There were about 300 people at the meeting, and from what I could tell, 298 of them raised their hands. And m;y husband was one of the two who didn't raise a hand. I can tell you that Dave has never been confused in his life because he doesn't worry. He doesn't try to figure out anything. He is not interested in having all the answers to everything, because he trusts God.
When you trust God, you can relax and enjoy life. You don't have to go through life worrying and trying to figure out how to solve all you problems. Think about all the things you have worried about in your life and how they have all worked out. That ought to help you realize that worry and reasoning are a waste of time and energy. Stop worrying. Stop complicating your life by trying to figure out everything. Just admit that you don't know, that you are not able, that you need God. Then go on living, and enjoy life while God is giving you the answers.
Page 309
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please remember God loves you.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Mind, Will, and Emotions
We have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.
(1 Corinthians 2:16)
When we invite Jess to come into our hearts, the Holy Spirit makes His home in us. From that position in our hearts, which are the very centers of our beings, the Holy Spirit begins a purifying work in our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions).
Our minds tell us what we think, not what god thinks. The Holy Spirit is working in us to change that. We have to learn how to think in agreement with God, how to be vessels for God to think through. Old thoughts must be purified from us, and new thoughts-thoughts from God-must become part of our thinking.
Our emotions tell us how we feel, not how God feels about situations, people, and the decisions we make. According to Psalm 7:9, God tests and tries our emotions. He works with us until we are not moved by human emotion alone, but by His Spirit.
Our wills tell us what we want, not what God wants. The will over rides emotions and even thoughts. We can use it to do the right thing even when we don't feel like doing it. We have a free will, and God will not force us to do anything. He leads us by His Spirit into what He knows will be good for us, but the final decisions are ours to make. God wants us to regularly make decisions that are in agreement with His will, not our wills.
As these three areas of our lives-mind, will, and emotions-come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we will become increasingly mature as believers.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: You can manage your emotions instead of letting them manage you.
Page 319
hearing from God each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember that God loves you.
(1 Corinthians 2:16)
When we invite Jess to come into our hearts, the Holy Spirit makes His home in us. From that position in our hearts, which are the very centers of our beings, the Holy Spirit begins a purifying work in our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions).
Our minds tell us what we think, not what god thinks. The Holy Spirit is working in us to change that. We have to learn how to think in agreement with God, how to be vessels for God to think through. Old thoughts must be purified from us, and new thoughts-thoughts from God-must become part of our thinking.
Our emotions tell us how we feel, not how God feels about situations, people, and the decisions we make. According to Psalm 7:9, God tests and tries our emotions. He works with us until we are not moved by human emotion alone, but by His Spirit.
Our wills tell us what we want, not what God wants. The will over rides emotions and even thoughts. We can use it to do the right thing even when we don't feel like doing it. We have a free will, and God will not force us to do anything. He leads us by His Spirit into what He knows will be good for us, but the final decisions are ours to make. God wants us to regularly make decisions that are in agreement with His will, not our wills.
As these three areas of our lives-mind, will, and emotions-come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we will become increasingly mature as believers.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: You can manage your emotions instead of letting them manage you.
Page 319
hearing from God each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember that God loves you.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
God's Ways Are Not Our Ways
My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.
(-Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
I have discovered that God often seems unreasonable. What He chooses to do does not always make sense to us. It does not always fit into our balance of reason. We have a tendency to want things to make sense, but God wants us to learn to be led by our trust and not by our understanding. We should thank God that His ways are not our ways. My life would have turned out badly if God had given me my way in many situations. It is wise for us to pray, "Your will be done, Lord, not mine."
I often tell the Lord what I would like to have, but follow it up with, "However, if You know it is not right for me, please don't give it ti me." His thoughts are above our thoughts. He sees the end from the beginning. All His ways are right and sure. In the natural we can think something makes sense, but it may not be what god wants at all.
Page 318
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please remember God loves you.
(-Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
I have discovered that God often seems unreasonable. What He chooses to do does not always make sense to us. It does not always fit into our balance of reason. We have a tendency to want things to make sense, but God wants us to learn to be led by our trust and not by our understanding. We should thank God that His ways are not our ways. My life would have turned out badly if God had given me my way in many situations. It is wise for us to pray, "Your will be done, Lord, not mine."
I often tell the Lord what I would like to have, but follow it up with, "However, if You know it is not right for me, please don't give it ti me." His thoughts are above our thoughts. He sees the end from the beginning. All His ways are right and sure. In the natural we can think something makes sense, but it may not be what god wants at all.
Page 318
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please remember God loves you.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Spiritual Nourishment
I tell you, do not be anxious and troubled [with cares] about your life, as to what you will [have to ] eat; or about your body, as to what you will [have to ] wear. For life is more than food, and the body [more] than clothes.
(-Luke 12:22-23)
If you have a rich spiritual life, you'll already be satisfied with the moment, the day, the year. We all have these moments at times. You wander through a summer field of fireflies and suddenly feel still and awed at the beauty of it all. You hold your new son or grandson on your lap and feel a great spiritual bond of love all around you. You're sitting in a pew Sunday morning and the light comes through the stained glass and fills your heart with joy. The moment is complete in itself. You don't think, My heart is full of joy, and boy, do I wish I had a slice of chocolate cake in my hand!
You can know the complete fulfillment of spiritual nourishment and know that if you can experience it regularly, you'll have no problem eating and drinking only what you need. In fact, we should all feel those transcendent moments more often than we do. I believe they are essential to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. And I think we spend too little time trying to achieve them and too much time meditation on our problems. Whether it's in therapy, at home, or with friends over coffee, if we stew in our own problems all the time, they are only going to be with us that much more.
Get your mind off the problems, and spend more time meditating on the one, true solution-God's love. Our problems in life-and there will be problems-should drive us to God, not away from Him. Jonah tried running from his duty to the Lord by sailing to a remote destination, and look what happened to him! Don't follow Jonah's path. Run to God! He won't just help you find the solutions to your spiritual hunger; He is the solution.
Page 317
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.
(-Luke 12:22-23)
If you have a rich spiritual life, you'll already be satisfied with the moment, the day, the year. We all have these moments at times. You wander through a summer field of fireflies and suddenly feel still and awed at the beauty of it all. You hold your new son or grandson on your lap and feel a great spiritual bond of love all around you. You're sitting in a pew Sunday morning and the light comes through the stained glass and fills your heart with joy. The moment is complete in itself. You don't think, My heart is full of joy, and boy, do I wish I had a slice of chocolate cake in my hand!
You can know the complete fulfillment of spiritual nourishment and know that if you can experience it regularly, you'll have no problem eating and drinking only what you need. In fact, we should all feel those transcendent moments more often than we do. I believe they are essential to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. And I think we spend too little time trying to achieve them and too much time meditation on our problems. Whether it's in therapy, at home, or with friends over coffee, if we stew in our own problems all the time, they are only going to be with us that much more.
Get your mind off the problems, and spend more time meditating on the one, true solution-God's love. Our problems in life-and there will be problems-should drive us to God, not away from Him. Jonah tried running from his duty to the Lord by sailing to a remote destination, and look what happened to him! Don't follow Jonah's path. Run to God! He won't just help you find the solutions to your spiritual hunger; He is the solution.
Page 317
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.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
When Life Gets Difficult
The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.
(Exodus 13:21,22)
Sometimes God leads us the hard way instead of the easy way because He is doing a special work in us. How will we ever learn to lean on Him if everything in our lives is easy enough for us to handle by our selves? God led the children of Israel the long, difficult way through the wilderness to prepare them for the battles they would face in possessing the Promised Land. He was concerned that when they saw the enemy they might run back to Egypt and become enslaved again in their former bandage. God wanted to teach them Who He was and that they could depend on Him to fight their battles.
Many of us think that when we enter into our Promised Land we will have not more spiritual battles. Not so! After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and went in to possess the land of promise, the fought one battle after another. But as they learned to fight in God's strength and under His direction, they won their battles.
If you know God has asked you to do something, do not back down just because it gets hard. When things get tough, spend more time with Him, lean more on Him and receive more grace from Him. Realize the grace comes at no cost to you; GRACE IS THE POWER OF GOD working in you and through you to do those things you cannot do. As you face challenges in your life, beware of thoughts that say, I can't do this; it's just too hard. Do not let your mind give up! Satan knows that if he can defeat you in your mind, he can defeat you in your experience. That is why it is so important not to lose heart and not to grow weary or faint. You can be sure that wherever God leads you, He is able to keep you. He never will allow more to come on you than you can bear (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). You do not have to live in a constant struggle if you learn to continually lean on Him for the strength you need.
Page 108
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes And Commentary By Joyce Meyer
And all ways remember God loves you.
(Exodus 13:21,22)
Sometimes God leads us the hard way instead of the easy way because He is doing a special work in us. How will we ever learn to lean on Him if everything in our lives is easy enough for us to handle by our selves? God led the children of Israel the long, difficult way through the wilderness to prepare them for the battles they would face in possessing the Promised Land. He was concerned that when they saw the enemy they might run back to Egypt and become enslaved again in their former bandage. God wanted to teach them Who He was and that they could depend on Him to fight their battles.
Many of us think that when we enter into our Promised Land we will have not more spiritual battles. Not so! After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and went in to possess the land of promise, the fought one battle after another. But as they learned to fight in God's strength and under His direction, they won their battles.
If you know God has asked you to do something, do not back down just because it gets hard. When things get tough, spend more time with Him, lean more on Him and receive more grace from Him. Realize the grace comes at no cost to you; GRACE IS THE POWER OF GOD working in you and through you to do those things you cannot do. As you face challenges in your life, beware of thoughts that say, I can't do this; it's just too hard. Do not let your mind give up! Satan knows that if he can defeat you in your mind, he can defeat you in your experience. That is why it is so important not to lose heart and not to grow weary or faint. You can be sure that wherever God leads you, He is able to keep you. He never will allow more to come on you than you can bear (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). You do not have to live in a constant struggle if you learn to continually lean on Him for the strength you need.
Page 108
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes And Commentary By Joyce Meyer
And all ways remember God loves you.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Does Your Faith Work?
[If we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
(Galatians 5:6)
Many people think great faith is the number one sign of spiritual maturity, but I believe the truest test of spiritual maturity is walking in love. Our love walk energizes our faith. We cannot have a good relationship with God without having faith in God, but love demonstrates, empowers, and expresses our faith. If we truly love God and have faith in Him, we will also love people.
Today's verse teaches us that faith works through love, and love is not talk or theory; it's action. In fact, the Bible says that we cannot be walking in love if we see a brother in need, have what it takes to meet his need, and will not help him (see 1 John 3:17).
Jesus also said all the law and all the prophets are summed up in love when He declared: " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV). Jesus gave these words to people asking which commandment was most important. They basically said to Him: "Just give us the bottom line, Jesus." He replied: "Okay. You want the bottom line? You want to fully obey all the law and all the prophets? Then love Me and love people." It's that simple. Jesus let people know that walking in love is the key to living a life that is pleasing to Him. Trying to walk in faith without love is like a having a flashlight with no battery. We must be sure that we keep our love battery charged at all times. Otherwise our faith will not work!
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God is love and the ore we know Him, the more we will love others.
Page 312
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you.
(Galatians 5:6)
Many people think great faith is the number one sign of spiritual maturity, but I believe the truest test of spiritual maturity is walking in love. Our love walk energizes our faith. We cannot have a good relationship with God without having faith in God, but love demonstrates, empowers, and expresses our faith. If we truly love God and have faith in Him, we will also love people.
Today's verse teaches us that faith works through love, and love is not talk or theory; it's action. In fact, the Bible says that we cannot be walking in love if we see a brother in need, have what it takes to meet his need, and will not help him (see 1 John 3:17).
Jesus also said all the law and all the prophets are summed up in love when He declared: " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV). Jesus gave these words to people asking which commandment was most important. They basically said to Him: "Just give us the bottom line, Jesus." He replied: "Okay. You want the bottom line? You want to fully obey all the law and all the prophets? Then love Me and love people." It's that simple. Jesus let people know that walking in love is the key to living a life that is pleasing to Him. Trying to walk in faith without love is like a having a flashlight with no battery. We must be sure that we keep our love battery charged at all times. Otherwise our faith will not work!
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God is love and the ore we know Him, the more we will love others.
Page 312
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
You Are Responsible for Your Own Life
Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.
(-James 1:22 (KJV)
One of the biggest problems in society today is that people don't want to take responsibility for their lives. They want quick fixes. Society has trained them to believe that if they have problems, somebody else is responsible. Their parents are responsible. Their spouses are responsible. Their schools or employers are responsible. The company that made the cigarettes or vehicle or junk food is responsible.
I'm not saying you are responsible for the current state of your life. Lots of uncontrollable events occur in our lives. Sometimes we do get very bad messages in childhood. Sometimes we have bad people in our lives who hurt us. The situation you find yourself in may or may not be your fault. But it is your fault if you take it lying down! You do not have to stay in that bad situation. You get to make a choice. And that choice is 100 percent yours.
No matter how you got to where you find yourself today, don't let it be an excuse to stay there. I had many excuses and reasons for my poor health, bad attitude, and unbalanced life. As long as I offered excuses, I never made progress.
The time has come to be very honest with yourself and with God. When you have a moment of privacy, take a deep breath, clear you head, and repeat this phrase: "I am responsible for my own life. No one can take charge of it but me. If I am unhappy or unhealthy, I know I have the power to change that. I have all the help and knowledge I need; and with God's hand today, I start becoming the person of excellence I have always known I could be."
Page 312
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please remember God loves you.
(-James 1:22 (KJV)
One of the biggest problems in society today is that people don't want to take responsibility for their lives. They want quick fixes. Society has trained them to believe that if they have problems, somebody else is responsible. Their parents are responsible. Their spouses are responsible. Their schools or employers are responsible. The company that made the cigarettes or vehicle or junk food is responsible.
I'm not saying you are responsible for the current state of your life. Lots of uncontrollable events occur in our lives. Sometimes we do get very bad messages in childhood. Sometimes we have bad people in our lives who hurt us. The situation you find yourself in may or may not be your fault. But it is your fault if you take it lying down! You do not have to stay in that bad situation. You get to make a choice. And that choice is 100 percent yours.
No matter how you got to where you find yourself today, don't let it be an excuse to stay there. I had many excuses and reasons for my poor health, bad attitude, and unbalanced life. As long as I offered excuses, I never made progress.
The time has come to be very honest with yourself and with God. When you have a moment of privacy, take a deep breath, clear you head, and repeat this phrase: "I am responsible for my own life. No one can take charge of it but me. If I am unhappy or unhealthy, I know I have the power to change that. I have all the help and knowledge I need; and with God's hand today, I start becoming the person of excellence I have always known I could be."
Page 312
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please remember God loves you.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Meditation Produces Success
The Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
(-Joshua 1:8)
Most people do not delve into the Word of God very deeply. As a result, they get confused about why they are not powerful Christians living victorious lives. The truth is that most of them really don't put much effort of their own into the study of the Word. They may go out and hear others teach and preach the Word. They may listen to sermon tapes or read the Bible occasionally, but they are not really dedicated to making the Word a major part of the their lives, including spending time thinking about it.
The flesh is basically lazy, and many people want to get something for nothing (with no effort on their part); however, that really is not the way it works. A person will get out of the Word what he is willing to put into it.
If you want to be a success and prosper in all your dealings, the Bible says you must meditate on the Word of God day and night. How much time do you spend thinking about the Word of God? If you are having problems in any area of your life, an honest answer to this question may disclose the reason why.
Page 311
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
How much time do you spend thinking about the Word of God? The Bible says that if you want to find wise answers to your problems and be successful and prosperous in all your dealings, you need to meditate on the Word of God day and night
(see Joshua 1:8).
For most of my life, I did not think about what I was thinking about. I simply thought whatever crossed my mind because I did not know that Satan could inject thoughts into my brain. Most of my thoughts were either lies from Satan or just plain nonsense-things that wasted my time because they were not truly important. The devil was controlling my life because he was controlling my thoughts. Meditate on God's Word and you can push back the enemy. When you fill your mind with God's truth, you will find that your thoughts are thoughts of truth, freedom, victory, and peace.
(Life Point) page 334
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Note and Commentary By: Joyce Meyer
Please aways remember God loves you, and He would love if you loved Him back.
(-Joshua 1:8)
Most people do not delve into the Word of God very deeply. As a result, they get confused about why they are not powerful Christians living victorious lives. The truth is that most of them really don't put much effort of their own into the study of the Word. They may go out and hear others teach and preach the Word. They may listen to sermon tapes or read the Bible occasionally, but they are not really dedicated to making the Word a major part of the their lives, including spending time thinking about it.
The flesh is basically lazy, and many people want to get something for nothing (with no effort on their part); however, that really is not the way it works. A person will get out of the Word what he is willing to put into it.
If you want to be a success and prosper in all your dealings, the Bible says you must meditate on the Word of God day and night. How much time do you spend thinking about the Word of God? If you are having problems in any area of your life, an honest answer to this question may disclose the reason why.
Page 311
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
How much time do you spend thinking about the Word of God? The Bible says that if you want to find wise answers to your problems and be successful and prosperous in all your dealings, you need to meditate on the Word of God day and night
(see Joshua 1:8).
For most of my life, I did not think about what I was thinking about. I simply thought whatever crossed my mind because I did not know that Satan could inject thoughts into my brain. Most of my thoughts were either lies from Satan or just plain nonsense-things that wasted my time because they were not truly important. The devil was controlling my life because he was controlling my thoughts. Meditate on God's Word and you can push back the enemy. When you fill your mind with God's truth, you will find that your thoughts are thoughts of truth, freedom, victory, and peace.
(Life Point) page 334
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Note and Commentary By: Joyce Meyer
Please aways remember God loves you, and He would love if you loved Him back.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Led by the Spirit
If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
(Galatians 5:25)
Today's verse speaks of living and walking by the Spirit, which are the same as being led by the Spirit. There are many things available to lead us-people, the devil, the flesh (our own bodies, minds, wills, or emotions), or the Holy Spirit. There are many voices in the world that speak to us, and often several that do so at the same time. It is imperative that we learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit. Remember: He is the One Who knows the will of God and Who is sent to dwell in each of us to aid us in being all God has designed us to be and to have all He wants us to have.
The Holy Spirit lives in us to help us. His help may not always be welcome at first, but, thank God, He is persistent and will not give up on us. We should lift up our entire lives daily and say with all our might, "Holy Spirit, You are welcome in every area of my life!"
When you welcome the Holy Spirit in every area of your life, He will come. He will speak to you, guide you, correct you, help you, empower you, and lead you. Other forces may try to lead you, but the Holy Spirit gives you power to resist them and enables you to follow Him.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Ask yourself who is leading your life. Is it you, other people, emotions, the lies of Satan, or the Holy Spirit?
Page 308
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please always remember God loves you.
(Galatians 5:25)
Today's verse speaks of living and walking by the Spirit, which are the same as being led by the Spirit. There are many things available to lead us-people, the devil, the flesh (our own bodies, minds, wills, or emotions), or the Holy Spirit. There are many voices in the world that speak to us, and often several that do so at the same time. It is imperative that we learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit. Remember: He is the One Who knows the will of God and Who is sent to dwell in each of us to aid us in being all God has designed us to be and to have all He wants us to have.
The Holy Spirit lives in us to help us. His help may not always be welcome at first, but, thank God, He is persistent and will not give up on us. We should lift up our entire lives daily and say with all our might, "Holy Spirit, You are welcome in every area of my life!"
When you welcome the Holy Spirit in every area of your life, He will come. He will speak to you, guide you, correct you, help you, empower you, and lead you. Other forces may try to lead you, but the Holy Spirit gives you power to resist them and enables you to follow Him.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Ask yourself who is leading your life. Is it you, other people, emotions, the lies of Satan, or the Holy Spirit?
Page 308
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please always remember God loves you.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Forgiveness Is Essential
Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that you Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.
(Mark 11:25)
If we want to hear from God, we simply must have clean hearts when we approach Him-and one sure way to be clean before Him is to make sure that we have forgiven everyone who has hurt or offended us. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is a prerequisite for effective prayer, as we read in today's verse.
Although Jesus' disciples were familiar with His teachings on forgiveness, they still found it a challenge. Peter asked Him one day, "Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21). Jesus essentially said: "No. How about seventy times seven?" The number "seven" represents completion or perfection, so all Jesus was really saying was: "Don't place any limits on forgiveness; just keep on doing it."
When we forgive, we are being Christlike; we are action as God acts-because He is a forgiving God. Forgiveness is manifested mercy; it is love in action-not love based on a feeling, but love based on decision, and intentional choice to obey God. In fact, I believe forgiveness is the highest form of love. Forgiveness and love go hand in hand and expressing them honors and glorifies God, puts us in agreement with Him, and causes us to obey His Word-which helps us hear His voice.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Be sure you forgive quickly, frequently, and completely.
Page 264
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please remember God loves you.
(Mark 11:25)
If we want to hear from God, we simply must have clean hearts when we approach Him-and one sure way to be clean before Him is to make sure that we have forgiven everyone who has hurt or offended us. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is a prerequisite for effective prayer, as we read in today's verse.
Although Jesus' disciples were familiar with His teachings on forgiveness, they still found it a challenge. Peter asked Him one day, "Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21). Jesus essentially said: "No. How about seventy times seven?" The number "seven" represents completion or perfection, so all Jesus was really saying was: "Don't place any limits on forgiveness; just keep on doing it."
When we forgive, we are being Christlike; we are action as God acts-because He is a forgiving God. Forgiveness is manifested mercy; it is love in action-not love based on a feeling, but love based on decision, and intentional choice to obey God. In fact, I believe forgiveness is the highest form of love. Forgiveness and love go hand in hand and expressing them honors and glorifies God, puts us in agreement with Him, and causes us to obey His Word-which helps us hear His voice.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Be sure you forgive quickly, frequently, and completely.
Page 264
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please remember God loves you.
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