Now you [collectively] are Christ's body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].
-1 Corinthians 12:27
Being satisfied and happy with yourself is a very important key to enjoying your life. Because of my background, I had many weaknesses in the area of accepting myself and being me. I was always comparing myself with others, jealous of them and their possessions and abilities. I wasn't being myself; I was trying to keep up with everyone else.
I often felt pressured and frustrated because I was operating outside my gifts and calling. When I finally realized I could not do anything unless God had ordained it and anointed me to do it, I started relaxing and saying, "I am what I am. I cannot be anything unless God helps me. I am just going to concentrate on being the best me I can be."
God has made every one of us unique. He personally made you and gave you gifts, talents, and abilities. Just think about it: Nobody else in the world is exactly like you. That means what is best for someone else may not be best for you. So, when you are tempted to say to God, "I wish I looked like somebody else," or "I wish I could do this or that like them," don't say it. Be satisfied with whom God made you to be. Remember that He made you exactly the way He wants you to be. If you try to be like someone else, you will miss the beautiful life God has planned specially for you.
Page 363
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please all ways remember God loves you so much, He give up His only begotten Son for you and all of us.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Nothing Else Satisfies
My soul yearns for You [O Lord] in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly.
(Isaiah 26:9)
The world makes it easy for us to fill our ears with all kinds of things that drown out the voice of God and push Him far, far into the background of our lives. However, the day comes for every person when only God remains. Everything else in life eventually passes away; when it does, God will still be there.
The Bible teaches that what is known about god is evident to all because He has made Himself known in the inner consciousness of humankind (see Romans 1:19-21). Each person will someday stand before Him and give an account of his or her life (see Romans 14:12). When people don't want to serve God with their lives, when they want to go their own way, they find ways to hide from and ignore this instinctive knowledge of their Creator, Who wants to talk to them and guide them in the way they should go.
The truth is, whether people try to hide from God or not, nothing can satisfy our longing for Him except communion and fellowship with Him. Even when people try to ignore Him, deep down they would love to hear His voice.
I encourage you to satisfy your longing for God by spending time with Him, sitting in His presence, and listening to His voice.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Live your life in such a way that you have no fear or dread of standing before God when your life on Earth is over.
Page 355
hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please remember God loves you more then any one else in the world, and He is there for you any time you want to spend time with Him and talk to Him.
(Isaiah 26:9)
The world makes it easy for us to fill our ears with all kinds of things that drown out the voice of God and push Him far, far into the background of our lives. However, the day comes for every person when only God remains. Everything else in life eventually passes away; when it does, God will still be there.
The Bible teaches that what is known about god is evident to all because He has made Himself known in the inner consciousness of humankind (see Romans 1:19-21). Each person will someday stand before Him and give an account of his or her life (see Romans 14:12). When people don't want to serve God with their lives, when they want to go their own way, they find ways to hide from and ignore this instinctive knowledge of their Creator, Who wants to talk to them and guide them in the way they should go.
The truth is, whether people try to hide from God or not, nothing can satisfy our longing for Him except communion and fellowship with Him. Even when people try to ignore Him, deep down they would love to hear His voice.
I encourage you to satisfy your longing for God by spending time with Him, sitting in His presence, and listening to His voice.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Live your life in such a way that you have no fear or dread of standing before God when your life on Earth is over.
Page 355
hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please remember God loves you more then any one else in the world, and He is there for you any time you want to spend time with Him and talk to Him.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
His Dwelling Place
Do you not discern and understand that you...are God's temple (His sanctuary), and that God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you?
(1 Corinthians 3:16)
I am amazed and in awe as I think of the great blessing of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He inspires us to do great things. He endues us with power for all our tasks. He stays in close communion with us, never leaving us or forsaking us.
Just think about it-if you and I are believers in Jesus Christ we are the home of the Holy Spirit of God! We should meditate on this truth over and over until it becomes a personal revelation in our lives. If we do, we will never be helpless, hopeless, or powerless, for He promises to be with us to speak to us, strengthen us, and empower us. We will never be without a friend or without direction, for He promises to lead us and go with us in everything we do.
Paul wrote to his young disciple Timothy, "Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us" 92 Timothy 1:14).
The truths you know about the Holy Spirit are so precious; I encourage you to guard them and keep them in your heart. Don't allow them to slip away from you. Since you are a believer in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is in you to help you not only maintain what you have learned about Him, but to help it grow and enable you to share it with others. Appreciate Him, honor Him, love and adore Him. He is so good, so kind, so awesome. He is wonderful-and you are His dwelling place!
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Say out loud several times a day: "I am the dwelling place of God. He makes His home in me.
Page 353
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please remember God loves you.
(1 Corinthians 3:16)
I am amazed and in awe as I think of the great blessing of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He inspires us to do great things. He endues us with power for all our tasks. He stays in close communion with us, never leaving us or forsaking us.
Just think about it-if you and I are believers in Jesus Christ we are the home of the Holy Spirit of God! We should meditate on this truth over and over until it becomes a personal revelation in our lives. If we do, we will never be helpless, hopeless, or powerless, for He promises to be with us to speak to us, strengthen us, and empower us. We will never be without a friend or without direction, for He promises to lead us and go with us in everything we do.
Paul wrote to his young disciple Timothy, "Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us" 92 Timothy 1:14).
The truths you know about the Holy Spirit are so precious; I encourage you to guard them and keep them in your heart. Don't allow them to slip away from you. Since you are a believer in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is in you to help you not only maintain what you have learned about Him, but to help it grow and enable you to share it with others. Appreciate Him, honor Him, love and adore Him. He is so good, so kind, so awesome. He is wonderful-and you are His dwelling place!
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Say out loud several times a day: "I am the dwelling place of God. He makes His home in me.
Page 353
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please remember God loves you.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Choose Life
I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.
(Deuteronomy 31:19)
Thousands of thoughts are presented to our minds every day, and we must allow our minds to be renewed after the Spirit and not after the flesh. Our carnal (worldly, fleshly) minds have had so much practice operating freely that we can think wrong thoughts without much effort at all. On the other hand, we have to purposely choose to think right thoughts. After we have finally decided to be like-minded with God, then we will need to choose and continue to choose right thoughts.
When we begin to feel that the battle of the mind is just too difficult and that we are not going to make it, we must cast down that negative kind of thinking. We must choose to think that we are going to make it and decide not to quit. when bombarded with doubts and fears, we need to take a stand and say: "I will never give up! God is on my side. He loves me, and He is helping me!"
You and I will have many choices to make throughout our lives. In Deuteronomy 30:19, the Lord told His people that He had set before them life and death and urged them to choose life. Proverbs 18:21 also tells us we can choose life of death. It says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]."
Our thoughts become our words. Therefore, it is vitally important that we choose life-giving thoughts.
Page 324
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified version
FEATURING NOTES AND COMMENTARY BY
Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you and want to be involved in your whole life.
(Deuteronomy 31:19)
Thousands of thoughts are presented to our minds every day, and we must allow our minds to be renewed after the Spirit and not after the flesh. Our carnal (worldly, fleshly) minds have had so much practice operating freely that we can think wrong thoughts without much effort at all. On the other hand, we have to purposely choose to think right thoughts. After we have finally decided to be like-minded with God, then we will need to choose and continue to choose right thoughts.
When we begin to feel that the battle of the mind is just too difficult and that we are not going to make it, we must cast down that negative kind of thinking. We must choose to think that we are going to make it and decide not to quit. when bombarded with doubts and fears, we need to take a stand and say: "I will never give up! God is on my side. He loves me, and He is helping me!"
You and I will have many choices to make throughout our lives. In Deuteronomy 30:19, the Lord told His people that He had set before them life and death and urged them to choose life. Proverbs 18:21 also tells us we can choose life of death. It says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]."
Our thoughts become our words. Therefore, it is vitally important that we choose life-giving thoughts.
Page 324
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified version
FEATURING NOTES AND COMMENTARY BY
Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you and want to be involved in your whole life.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Let God Lead You to Life
I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses, therefore choose life.
(Deuteronomy 30:19)
In John 16:8, Jesus said the Holy Spirit would "convict and convince" the world about sin and righteousness. He didn't say anything about the Holy Spirit bringing condemnation. He said He brings "demonstration... about sin and about righteousness."
The Holy Spirit reveals the results of sin and the results of righteousness so people may understand which path to follow. He makes clear distinction between right and wrong, between blessings and curses, and between life and death so people can ask God to help them choose life.
People who live in sin have wretched, miserable lives. I occasionally run into people I knew years ago and haven't seen in quite some time. Some of these people have not been living for God and the rough, rugged lifestyles they have chosen have taken a toll on them. The sour, sad, miserable choices they have made are visible because sin has left them looking sad and often older than they are. They are unhappy, negative, and discontented individuals often filled with bitterness because their life has not been a good one. they fail to realize that their life is the direct result of bad choices they made.
The result of sin may be observed everywhere. The line between those who love and serve God and those who don't is becoming quite clear. god pleads with us to make right choices, ones that will lead us into the life He desires for us to enjoy. There are two paths before each of us: a broad path that leads to sin and destruction and a narrow path that leads to life (see Matthew 7:13-14). I encourage you to choose life today and every day.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Good choices become a good life.
Page 352
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please all ways remember God loves you. Say it to yourself everyday day, God loves me, God loves me, God loves me.
(Deuteronomy 30:19)
In John 16:8, Jesus said the Holy Spirit would "convict and convince" the world about sin and righteousness. He didn't say anything about the Holy Spirit bringing condemnation. He said He brings "demonstration... about sin and about righteousness."
The Holy Spirit reveals the results of sin and the results of righteousness so people may understand which path to follow. He makes clear distinction between right and wrong, between blessings and curses, and between life and death so people can ask God to help them choose life.
People who live in sin have wretched, miserable lives. I occasionally run into people I knew years ago and haven't seen in quite some time. Some of these people have not been living for God and the rough, rugged lifestyles they have chosen have taken a toll on them. The sour, sad, miserable choices they have made are visible because sin has left them looking sad and often older than they are. They are unhappy, negative, and discontented individuals often filled with bitterness because their life has not been a good one. they fail to realize that their life is the direct result of bad choices they made.
The result of sin may be observed everywhere. The line between those who love and serve God and those who don't is becoming quite clear. god pleads with us to make right choices, ones that will lead us into the life He desires for us to enjoy. There are two paths before each of us: a broad path that leads to sin and destruction and a narrow path that leads to life (see Matthew 7:13-14). I encourage you to choose life today and every day.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Good choices become a good life.
Page 352
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please all ways remember God loves you. Say it to yourself everyday day, God loves me, God loves me, God loves me.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Christlike Communication
Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].
(-Colossians 4:6)
Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus acting in two contrasting ways. He confronted the moneychangers in the temple, overthrowing their tables and firmly demonstrating God's will to all those who watched Him. He said to them, "The Scripture says, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers," (Matthew 21:13) Yet in other places, we see Jesus standing falsely accused, without speaking one word in His own defense. So what are we to learn from His communication patterns? He was a lion when He needed to be and yet always a lamb-He never sinned or failed to be excellent in speech. It's difficult to ignore insults and shun retaliation. Isaiah 53:7 says of Jesus, "He was oppressed, [yet when] He was afflicted, He was submissive and He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth."
Sometimes I find that one of the hardest things God has asked us to do is to Christlike in our communication with others. When somebody is rude and tells you off, mistreats or insults you, it is hard to just stand there and look at them with godly love and just wait on God. Thank God, He gives us the power to change and to become like Christ. I still feel the reaction of my old nature sometimes, but more and more I am learning self-control. The key to improvement is to learn to confront when God says to confront and to leave an issue alone when God says to leave it alone.
Page 351
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Also please remember at all times, no matter what is going on in your life, no matter what things look at in front of you, that you all ways have God to run to. God loves you with all His might, just go to Him and He will save you.
(-Colossians 4:6)
Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus acting in two contrasting ways. He confronted the moneychangers in the temple, overthrowing their tables and firmly demonstrating God's will to all those who watched Him. He said to them, "The Scripture says, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers," (Matthew 21:13) Yet in other places, we see Jesus standing falsely accused, without speaking one word in His own defense. So what are we to learn from His communication patterns? He was a lion when He needed to be and yet always a lamb-He never sinned or failed to be excellent in speech. It's difficult to ignore insults and shun retaliation. Isaiah 53:7 says of Jesus, "He was oppressed, [yet when] He was afflicted, He was submissive and He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth."
Sometimes I find that one of the hardest things God has asked us to do is to Christlike in our communication with others. When somebody is rude and tells you off, mistreats or insults you, it is hard to just stand there and look at them with godly love and just wait on God. Thank God, He gives us the power to change and to become like Christ. I still feel the reaction of my old nature sometimes, but more and more I am learning self-control. The key to improvement is to learn to confront when God says to confront and to leave an issue alone when God says to leave it alone.
Page 351
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Also please remember at all times, no matter what is going on in your life, no matter what things look at in front of you, that you all ways have God to run to. God loves you with all His might, just go to Him and He will save you.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Make It Personal
You are My friends if you keep on doing the theings which I command you to do.
(John 15:14)
In today's verse, Jesus tells us we are His friends if we obey Him. In the following verse, He says He no longer calls us His servants, but His friends. Clearly, He wants a personal relationship with us and He wants us to get personal with Him. He proves this by the fact that He lives in us. How much more personal can anyone get than to live inside another person?
If God had wanted a distant, businesslike, professional relationship with us, He would have lived far away. He might have visited occasionally, but He certainly would not have come to take up permanent residence in the same house with us.
When Jesus died on the cross, He opened up a way for us to get personal with almighty God. What an awesome thought! Just think about it: god is our personal friend!
If we know someone important, we love to have an opportunity to say, "Oh, yes, that person is a friend of mine. I go to his house all the time. We visit with one another often." We can say the same about God if we do our part to fellowship with Him, listen to His voice and obey what He says, and stay in His presence every day.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: You can have a personal relationship with God; He's your friend.
Page 349
hearing from God each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you.
(John 15:14)
In today's verse, Jesus tells us we are His friends if we obey Him. In the following verse, He says He no longer calls us His servants, but His friends. Clearly, He wants a personal relationship with us and He wants us to get personal with Him. He proves this by the fact that He lives in us. How much more personal can anyone get than to live inside another person?
If God had wanted a distant, businesslike, professional relationship with us, He would have lived far away. He might have visited occasionally, but He certainly would not have come to take up permanent residence in the same house with us.
When Jesus died on the cross, He opened up a way for us to get personal with almighty God. What an awesome thought! Just think about it: god is our personal friend!
If we know someone important, we love to have an opportunity to say, "Oh, yes, that person is a friend of mine. I go to his house all the time. We visit with one another often." We can say the same about God if we do our part to fellowship with Him, listen to His voice and obey what He says, and stay in His presence every day.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: You can have a personal relationship with God; He's your friend.
Page 349
hearing from God each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Are You Listening?
The Lord came and stood and called as at other times, Samuel! Samuel! Then Samuel answered, Lord, for Your servant is listening.
(1 Samuel 3:10)
The verse 1 Samuel 3:10 comes from a story in which god wanted to tell Samuel what He planned to do in a certain situation. He had to speak several times before Samuel knew the voice he heard belonged to God. Once Samuel realized god was speaking to him, he responded by saying, "I'm listening."
Hearing God's voice is vital to enjoying His plans for your life, but whether or not you will listen to Him is a personal decision. No one else can make it for you; you must make it for yourself. God wants you to listen to Him. He will not force you to choose His will, but He will do everything He can to encourage you to say yes to Him.
God wants you to know what He wants you to do, how He feels about you, and what His plans are for your life. Proverbs 3:7 says "Be not wise in your own eyes." In other words, don't even think you can run your life and do a good job without God's help and direction. The more confidence you have that you can hear His voice, the better you can receive His guidance and instruction.
Decide today that God wants to speak to you, that you are going to listen when He speaks, and that you will give your full attention to His voice.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God has good plans for your life and will tell you everything you need to know. Remember to listen!
Page 346
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Also please remember that God loves you.
(1 Samuel 3:10)
The verse 1 Samuel 3:10 comes from a story in which god wanted to tell Samuel what He planned to do in a certain situation. He had to speak several times before Samuel knew the voice he heard belonged to God. Once Samuel realized god was speaking to him, he responded by saying, "I'm listening."
Hearing God's voice is vital to enjoying His plans for your life, but whether or not you will listen to Him is a personal decision. No one else can make it for you; you must make it for yourself. God wants you to listen to Him. He will not force you to choose His will, but He will do everything He can to encourage you to say yes to Him.
God wants you to know what He wants you to do, how He feels about you, and what His plans are for your life. Proverbs 3:7 says "Be not wise in your own eyes." In other words, don't even think you can run your life and do a good job without God's help and direction. The more confidence you have that you can hear His voice, the better you can receive His guidance and instruction.
Decide today that God wants to speak to you, that you are going to listen when He speaks, and that you will give your full attention to His voice.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God has good plans for your life and will tell you everything you need to know. Remember to listen!
Page 346
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Also please remember that God loves you.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
God's Way Is Best
For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His counselor?
(Romans 11:34)
We need to come to the realization that God is smarter than we are. His plan really is better. No matter what you or I may think, God's way is better than ours. I look back now at many of the frustrating times I went through trying to give birth to things in my timing and being frustrated about waiting, and I realize now that I really was not ready for them. God knew I wasn't ready, but I thought I was. I spent so much of my time asking, "Why God why?" and "When God when?" I asked questions only God had the answers to, and He had no intention of telling me. Remember, god wants our trust-not our questions
I have discovered over the years that trust requires unanswered questions. When we face puzzling situations, we should say, "Well, Lord, this does not make any sense to me, but I trust You. I believe You love me and that You will do Your best for me at the right time." God does not need our counsel in order to work; He needs our faith.
I Exodus 33:13 Moses prayed for God to show him His ways: "Now therefore, I pray; You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your ways, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight." We should pray that prayer regularly, remembering that God's ways include His timing.
Page 346
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
And please all ways remember God loves you very much. Take some time with Him and spend some time with Him get to know who God really is, and how much He loves you.
(Romans 11:34)
We need to come to the realization that God is smarter than we are. His plan really is better. No matter what you or I may think, God's way is better than ours. I look back now at many of the frustrating times I went through trying to give birth to things in my timing and being frustrated about waiting, and I realize now that I really was not ready for them. God knew I wasn't ready, but I thought I was. I spent so much of my time asking, "Why God why?" and "When God when?" I asked questions only God had the answers to, and He had no intention of telling me. Remember, god wants our trust-not our questions
I have discovered over the years that trust requires unanswered questions. When we face puzzling situations, we should say, "Well, Lord, this does not make any sense to me, but I trust You. I believe You love me and that You will do Your best for me at the right time." God does not need our counsel in order to work; He needs our faith.
I Exodus 33:13 Moses prayed for God to show him His ways: "Now therefore, I pray; You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your ways, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight." We should pray that prayer regularly, remembering that God's ways include His timing.
Page 346
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
And please all ways remember God loves you very much. Take some time with Him and spend some time with Him get to know who God really is, and how much He loves you.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Spending Time in God's Presence
As for me, I will continue beholding Your face in righteousness (rightness, justice, and right standing with You); I shall be fully satisfied, when I awake [to find myself] beholding Your form [and having sweet communion with You].
(-Psalm 17:15)
There is a God - shaped hole inside every one of us, and we cannot buy something across the counter to fill that hole. The only thing that is going to fill that craving is God Himself. One prayer will not be enough. We have to have daily maintenance. The Bible says, "Ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18)
I spent years trying to find a time to fit God into my day. God finally told me to stop trying to work Him into my schedule, but to work my schedule around Him.
Contentment is found in the Lord's presence. The Psalms proclaim that the fullness of joy is in God's presence: "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." (16:11)
We will be fully satisfied when we awake to find ourselves beholding His form and having sweet communion with Him. When God is first in our lives to point where Hi is the first thing on our minds when we wake up in the morning, we will have a depth of satisfaction that no devil can take away from us.
Page 345
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please all ways remember God loves you so much. Please come on and just love Him back.
(-Psalm 17:15)
There is a God - shaped hole inside every one of us, and we cannot buy something across the counter to fill that hole. The only thing that is going to fill that craving is God Himself. One prayer will not be enough. We have to have daily maintenance. The Bible says, "Ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18)
I spent years trying to find a time to fit God into my day. God finally told me to stop trying to work Him into my schedule, but to work my schedule around Him.
Contentment is found in the Lord's presence. The Psalms proclaim that the fullness of joy is in God's presence: "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." (16:11)
We will be fully satisfied when we awake to find ourselves beholding His form and having sweet communion with Him. When God is first in our lives to point where Hi is the first thing on our minds when we wake up in the morning, we will have a depth of satisfaction that no devil can take away from us.
Page 345
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please all ways remember God loves you so much. Please come on and just love Him back.
Friday, December 7, 2012
How to deal with Discouragement
AS THE hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God.
(Psalm 42:1)
(putting the WORD to work) - page 856 - (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 42:1 tells of a deer that longs for a refreshing stream. On a hot day, knowing about water does nothing to quench you thirst; only drinking water does. The same is true of your desire for God. Have you ever longed for more than just information about God? God wants you to experience Who He is. Seek Him, and He will satisfy your desire to know Him intimately.
My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? [John 7:37; I Thess. 1:9, 10.]
My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?
These things I [earnestly] remember and pour myself out within me; how I went slowly before the throng and led them in procession to the house of God [like a bandmaster before his band, timing the steps to the sound of music and the chant of the song], with the voice of shouting and praise, a throng keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.
O my God, may life is cast down upon me [and I find the burden more than I can bear]; therefore will I [earnestly] remember You from the land of the Jordan [River] and the [summits of Mount] Hermon, from the little mountain Mizar.
(Psalm 42: 2-6)
(Lift Point) page 856 in Amplified Bible
In Psalm 42:5, we see the sons of Korah struggling with depression. I would like for us to examine how they handled their situation, because it shows us what to do when we are feeling depressed.
As we dissect this verse, we see three distinct responses the sons of Korah give to their depressed feelings. First, they put a question to their own souls and ask themselves; "Why are you downcast?"
Then they give an instruction to their souls: "Put your hope in God." Finally, they declare what they are going to do: "I will praise the Lord." We might say the sons of Korah have a talk with themselves.
We must follow this same basic pattern of action as we confront our feelings of depression and come out of them and into victory.
In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist is discouraged. Discouragement destroys hope, so naturally the devil always tries to discourage us. Without hope we give up, which is exactly what the devil wants us to do.
The Bible repeatedly tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed. God knows that we will not be victorious if we get discouraged, so He always encourages us as we start out on a project by saying to us, "Do not get discouraged." God wants us to be encouraged, not discouraged.
When discouragement or condemnation tries to overtake you, the first thing to do is to examine your thought life. What kind of thoughts have you been thinking? Have they sounded something like this? I am not going to make it; this is too hard. I always fail; it has always been the same. Nothing ever changes. I am sure other people do not have this much trouble getting their minds renewed. I may as well give up. I'm tired of trying. I pray, but it seems as if God doesn't hear. He probably doesn't answer my prayers because He is so disappointed in the way I act.
If these examples represent your thoughts, then no wonder you get discouraged or feel condemned! Remember, you become what you think. Think discouraging thoughts, and you will get discouraged. Think condemning thoughts, and you will come under condemnation. Change your thinking and be set free!
Instead of thinking negatively, think more like this: Well, things are going a little slowly, but, thank God, I am making some progress, I am sure glad I'm on the right path that will lead me to freedom. I had a rough day yesterday. I chose wrong thinking all day long. Father, forgive me, and help me to keep on keeping on. I made a mistake, but at least that is one mistake I won't have to make again. This is a new day. You love me, Lord. Your mercy is new every morning. I refuse to be discouraged. I refuse to be condemned. Father, the Bible says that You do not condemn me. You sent Jesus to die for me. I'll be fine-today will be a great day. I ask You to help me choose right thoughts today.
I am sure you can already feel the victory in this type of cheerful, positive, God-like thinking. Practice this type of thinking today!
Page 857
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
FEATURING NOTES AND COMMENTARY BY: Joyce Meyer
And please all ways remember God love you!
(Psalm 42:1)
(putting the WORD to work) - page 856 - (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 42:1 tells of a deer that longs for a refreshing stream. On a hot day, knowing about water does nothing to quench you thirst; only drinking water does. The same is true of your desire for God. Have you ever longed for more than just information about God? God wants you to experience Who He is. Seek Him, and He will satisfy your desire to know Him intimately.
My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? [John 7:37; I Thess. 1:9, 10.]
My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?
These things I [earnestly] remember and pour myself out within me; how I went slowly before the throng and led them in procession to the house of God [like a bandmaster before his band, timing the steps to the sound of music and the chant of the song], with the voice of shouting and praise, a throng keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.
O my God, may life is cast down upon me [and I find the burden more than I can bear]; therefore will I [earnestly] remember You from the land of the Jordan [River] and the [summits of Mount] Hermon, from the little mountain Mizar.
(Psalm 42: 2-6)
(Lift Point) page 856 in Amplified Bible
In Psalm 42:5, we see the sons of Korah struggling with depression. I would like for us to examine how they handled their situation, because it shows us what to do when we are feeling depressed.
As we dissect this verse, we see three distinct responses the sons of Korah give to their depressed feelings. First, they put a question to their own souls and ask themselves; "Why are you downcast?"
Then they give an instruction to their souls: "Put your hope in God." Finally, they declare what they are going to do: "I will praise the Lord." We might say the sons of Korah have a talk with themselves.
We must follow this same basic pattern of action as we confront our feelings of depression and come out of them and into victory.
In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist is discouraged. Discouragement destroys hope, so naturally the devil always tries to discourage us. Without hope we give up, which is exactly what the devil wants us to do.
The Bible repeatedly tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed. God knows that we will not be victorious if we get discouraged, so He always encourages us as we start out on a project by saying to us, "Do not get discouraged." God wants us to be encouraged, not discouraged.
When discouragement or condemnation tries to overtake you, the first thing to do is to examine your thought life. What kind of thoughts have you been thinking? Have they sounded something like this? I am not going to make it; this is too hard. I always fail; it has always been the same. Nothing ever changes. I am sure other people do not have this much trouble getting their minds renewed. I may as well give up. I'm tired of trying. I pray, but it seems as if God doesn't hear. He probably doesn't answer my prayers because He is so disappointed in the way I act.
If these examples represent your thoughts, then no wonder you get discouraged or feel condemned! Remember, you become what you think. Think discouraging thoughts, and you will get discouraged. Think condemning thoughts, and you will come under condemnation. Change your thinking and be set free!
Instead of thinking negatively, think more like this: Well, things are going a little slowly, but, thank God, I am making some progress, I am sure glad I'm on the right path that will lead me to freedom. I had a rough day yesterday. I chose wrong thinking all day long. Father, forgive me, and help me to keep on keeping on. I made a mistake, but at least that is one mistake I won't have to make again. This is a new day. You love me, Lord. Your mercy is new every morning. I refuse to be discouraged. I refuse to be condemned. Father, the Bible says that You do not condemn me. You sent Jesus to die for me. I'll be fine-today will be a great day. I ask You to help me choose right thoughts today.
I am sure you can already feel the victory in this type of cheerful, positive, God-like thinking. Practice this type of thinking today!
Page 857
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
FEATURING NOTES AND COMMENTARY BY: Joyce Meyer
And please all ways remember God love you!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
God Speaks Comfort and Consolation
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement).
(2 Corinthians 1:3)
We all desire to be accepted, not rejected. I hate the lonely, isolated feeling and emotional pain that come from feeling rejected, yet I experienced it for many years, not knowing I could do anything about it. Thank God, all that has changed!
Several years ago, something happened that brought back those old pains of rejection. I reached out to someone who had hurt me greatly during my childhood. Instead of an apology, I was blamed for something that wasn't my fault and received a clear message that this person had no interest whatsoever in me.
I wanted to hide and feel sorry for myself, but instead I immediately asked God for the comfort of the Holy Spirit. I asked Him to heal my wounded emotions and enable me to handle the situation as Jesus would have. As I continued to lean on God, I felt a warmth come over me, almost as though soothing oil was being poured over my wounds.
I asked God to forgive the person who had hurt me, and He brought to my mind the saying, "Hurting people hurt people." His intimate, personal response brought healing to my wounded spirit.
God is the source of all comfort, consolation, and encouragement. Please, do everything you can to develop and maintain an intimate relationship with Him because that is the context within which you will be able to hear His voice, receive His comfort and healing, and be strengthened by His encouragement and care.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God knows how important it is to comforted; He sent you the Holy Spirit to do just that.
Page 338
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you so much, please just love Him back.
(2 Corinthians 1:3)
We all desire to be accepted, not rejected. I hate the lonely, isolated feeling and emotional pain that come from feeling rejected, yet I experienced it for many years, not knowing I could do anything about it. Thank God, all that has changed!
Several years ago, something happened that brought back those old pains of rejection. I reached out to someone who had hurt me greatly during my childhood. Instead of an apology, I was blamed for something that wasn't my fault and received a clear message that this person had no interest whatsoever in me.
I wanted to hide and feel sorry for myself, but instead I immediately asked God for the comfort of the Holy Spirit. I asked Him to heal my wounded emotions and enable me to handle the situation as Jesus would have. As I continued to lean on God, I felt a warmth come over me, almost as though soothing oil was being poured over my wounds.
I asked God to forgive the person who had hurt me, and He brought to my mind the saying, "Hurting people hurt people." His intimate, personal response brought healing to my wounded spirit.
God is the source of all comfort, consolation, and encouragement. Please, do everything you can to develop and maintain an intimate relationship with Him because that is the context within which you will be able to hear His voice, receive His comfort and healing, and be strengthened by His encouragement and care.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God knows how important it is to comforted; He sent you the Holy Spirit to do just that.
Page 338
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you so much, please just love Him back.
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