I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God.
(Romans 12:1)
In order to obey the verse for today, we have to choose to give the Lord our "members and faculties." In other words, we offer Him our bodies, minds, abilities, and emotions. We must be careful not to let the devil use our minds. The human mind is his favorite battleground and he will fire thoughts at us all day long, thoughts that will drown out the voice of God if we choose to listen to them. The thoughts the devil sends us are usually sly, subtle, and deceptive so we will find them easy to believe. He lies and accuses and tells us anything he can think of the steal our joy, rob our peace, and make us feel ashamed, guilty, and unworthy. He fills our minds with ungodly thoughts about other people. We cannot stop him from sending thoughts our way, but we can resist them in the power of Christ. Then we can deliberately turn our thoughts toward God and the things He speaks to us.
To be honest, there are days when I have to cast down a dozen thoughts just in the time it takes to put on my makeup! But, thank God, I know how to do it. You can do it, too. Think of it this way: two voices are competing for your attention. You can focus on one or the other. Choose to hear the voice of God and to think about the things He says, not the things the enemy says. When we fill our thoughts with right things, the wrong ones have no room to enter.
Page 169
June 18
Hearing from God each morning 365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
God's Word for you today: Give your mind to God and focus on the thoughts He speaks to you.
Also please remember God love you. Go and purchase yourself a:
Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes and Commentary By: Joyce Meyer.
Please get to know who God is. It will be the best thing that you ever have done and will do in your entire life.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
Psalm 143 A Psalm of David (Listen to Daivd Pray) Wow!
Hear My prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In and in Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no man living is [in himself] righteous or justified. [Ps. 130:3; Rom. 3:20-26; Gal. 2:16.] For the enemy has pursued and persecuted my soul, he has crushed my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in dark places as those who have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints within me [wrapped in gloom]; my heart within my bosom grows numb. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands. I spread forth my hands to You my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Answer me speedily, O Lord, for my spirit fails; hide not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit (the grave). Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I Should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I flee to You to hide me. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.
Psalm 143:1-10
David's response to his feelings of DEPRESSION and gloom was not to meditate on his problem. Instead, he literally came against the problem by choosing to remember the good times of past days-pondering the doings of God and the works of His hands (see Psalm 143:5). In other words, he thought about something good, and it helped him overcome his battle of DEPRESSION.
Never forget this: YOUR MIND PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR VICTORY.
I know it is the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of that brings victory into our lives. But a large part of the work that needs to be done is for us to line up our thinking with God and His Word. If we refuse to do this or choose to think it is unimportant, we will never experience victory. But we will win if we discipline ourselves to meditate on the good things God has done.
Lift Point page 950
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes and Commentary By: Joyce Meyer
Psalm 143:1-10
David's response to his feelings of DEPRESSION and gloom was not to meditate on his problem. Instead, he literally came against the problem by choosing to remember the good times of past days-pondering the doings of God and the works of His hands (see Psalm 143:5). In other words, he thought about something good, and it helped him overcome his battle of DEPRESSION.
Never forget this: YOUR MIND PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR VICTORY.
I know it is the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of that brings victory into our lives. But a large part of the work that needs to be done is for us to line up our thinking with God and His Word. If we refuse to do this or choose to think it is unimportant, we will never experience victory. But we will win if we discipline ourselves to meditate on the good things God has done.
Lift Point page 950
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes and Commentary By: Joyce Meyer
A Biblical Prescription For Depression
Psalm 143:3-10 gives a description of depression and how to overcome it. Let's look at this passage in detail to see the steps we can take to defeat this attack of the enemy:
Psalm 143:3: IDENTIFY THE NATURE AND CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. David says he feels as if he is dwelling in 'dark places as those who have been long dead.' This certainly sounds to me like a description of someone who is depressed. I believe that the source of the depression described here is our enemy, Satan, who attacks the soul.
Psalm 143:4: RECOGNIZE THAT DEPRESSION STEALS LIFE AND LIGHT. Depression oppresses a person's spiritual freedom and power. Our spirits (empowered and encouraged by God's Spirit) are powerful and free. Therefore, Satan seeks to oppress our spirits' power and liberty by filling our minds with darkness and gloom. Please realize that it is vital to resist the feeling called "DEPRESSION" immediately when we begin to sense it. The longer it is allowed to remain, the harder it becomes to resist.
Psalm 143:5: REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES. In this verse we see David's response to his condition. Remembering, meditating, and pondering are all functions of the mind. He obviously knows that his thoughts will affect his feelings, so he gets busy thinking about the kinds of things that will help overcome the attack upon his mind. He thinks about God and the good things He does.
Psalm 143:6: PRAISE THE LORD IN THE MIDST OF THE PROBLEM. David knows the importance of praise; he lifts his hands in worship. He declares what his need truly is: He needs God. Far too often when people get DEPRESSED, it is because they are in need of something, and they seek it in the wrong place, which only adds to their problems. God alone can water a thirsty soul. Do not be deceived int thinking that anything else can satisfy you fully and completely. Chasing after the wrong thing will always leave you DISAPPOINTED, and DISAPPOINTMENT opens the door to DEPRESSION.
Psalm 143:7: Ask for God's help. David asks for help. He is basically saying, "Hurry up, God, because I am not going to be able to hold on very much longer without You.
Psalm 143:8: LISTEN TO THE LORD. David knows that he needs to hear from God. He needs to be assured of God's love and kindness. He needs God's attention and direction.
Psalm 143:9: PRAY FOR DELIVERANCE. Once again David declares that only God can help him. Please notice that throughout this discourse, he keeps his mind on God and not on the problem.
Psalm 143:10: SEEK GOD'S WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, AND LEADERSHIP. Perhaps David is indicating that he has gotten out of the will of God and thus opened the door to the attack on his soul. He wants to be in God's will because he realizes that it is the only safe place to be. Then he requests that God help him to be stable. He wants his unsettled emotions to be level-not up and down.
I ENCOURAGE you to meditate on God's Word and apply its principles to your LIFE. Let it bring you FREEDOM and PEACE.
Page 951
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes and Commentary By: Joyce Meyer
Psalm 143:3: IDENTIFY THE NATURE AND CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. David says he feels as if he is dwelling in 'dark places as those who have been long dead.' This certainly sounds to me like a description of someone who is depressed. I believe that the source of the depression described here is our enemy, Satan, who attacks the soul.
Psalm 143:4: RECOGNIZE THAT DEPRESSION STEALS LIFE AND LIGHT. Depression oppresses a person's spiritual freedom and power. Our spirits (empowered and encouraged by God's Spirit) are powerful and free. Therefore, Satan seeks to oppress our spirits' power and liberty by filling our minds with darkness and gloom. Please realize that it is vital to resist the feeling called "DEPRESSION" immediately when we begin to sense it. The longer it is allowed to remain, the harder it becomes to resist.
Psalm 143:5: REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES. In this verse we see David's response to his condition. Remembering, meditating, and pondering are all functions of the mind. He obviously knows that his thoughts will affect his feelings, so he gets busy thinking about the kinds of things that will help overcome the attack upon his mind. He thinks about God and the good things He does.
Psalm 143:6: PRAISE THE LORD IN THE MIDST OF THE PROBLEM. David knows the importance of praise; he lifts his hands in worship. He declares what his need truly is: He needs God. Far too often when people get DEPRESSED, it is because they are in need of something, and they seek it in the wrong place, which only adds to their problems. God alone can water a thirsty soul. Do not be deceived int thinking that anything else can satisfy you fully and completely. Chasing after the wrong thing will always leave you DISAPPOINTED, and DISAPPOINTMENT opens the door to DEPRESSION.
Psalm 143:7: Ask for God's help. David asks for help. He is basically saying, "Hurry up, God, because I am not going to be able to hold on very much longer without You.
Psalm 143:8: LISTEN TO THE LORD. David knows that he needs to hear from God. He needs to be assured of God's love and kindness. He needs God's attention and direction.
Psalm 143:9: PRAY FOR DELIVERANCE. Once again David declares that only God can help him. Please notice that throughout this discourse, he keeps his mind on God and not on the problem.
Psalm 143:10: SEEK GOD'S WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, AND LEADERSHIP. Perhaps David is indicating that he has gotten out of the will of God and thus opened the door to the attack on his soul. He wants to be in God's will because he realizes that it is the only safe place to be. Then he requests that God help him to be stable. He wants his unsettled emotions to be level-not up and down.
I ENCOURAGE you to meditate on God's Word and apply its principles to your LIFE. Let it bring you FREEDOM and PEACE.
Page 951
The Everyday Life Bible
The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living
Amplified Version
Featuring Notes and Commentary By: Joyce Meyer
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
False Evidence Appearing Real
The devil...was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks of falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.
(John 8:44)
It is said that the letters in the word fear actually stand for False Evidence Appearing Real.
Jesus said the devil is a liar and the father of all lies. The truth is not in him. He tries to use falsehood to deceive God's people into fear so they will not be bold enough to be obedient to the Lord and reap the blessings He has in store for them.
Most of the time the fear of something is worse than the thing itself. Usually, if we will be courageous and determined enough to do whatever it is we fear, we will discover it is not nearly as bad as we thought it would be. Throughout the Word of God we find the Lord saying to His people again and again, "Fear not." I believe the reason He did that was to encourage them so they would not allow Satan to rob them of their blessing.
In the same way, because He knows we are fearful, the Lord continues to exhort and encourage us to pres through what lies before us to do what He is telling us to do. Why? Because He knows that great blessing await us on the other side.
Page. 157
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
(John 8:44)
It is said that the letters in the word fear actually stand for False Evidence Appearing Real.
Jesus said the devil is a liar and the father of all lies. The truth is not in him. He tries to use falsehood to deceive God's people into fear so they will not be bold enough to be obedient to the Lord and reap the blessings He has in store for them.
Most of the time the fear of something is worse than the thing itself. Usually, if we will be courageous and determined enough to do whatever it is we fear, we will discover it is not nearly as bad as we thought it would be. Throughout the Word of God we find the Lord saying to His people again and again, "Fear not." I believe the reason He did that was to encourage them so they would not allow Satan to rob them of their blessing.
In the same way, because He knows we are fearful, the Lord continues to exhort and encourage us to pres through what lies before us to do what He is telling us to do. Why? Because He knows that great blessing await us on the other side.
Page. 157
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
God Moves In
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.
(2 Timothy 1:14)
In Old Testament times, Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden and Moses met Him on Mount Sinai. Today, God does not meet us in our gardens or on nearby mountains where we can interact with Him by invitation only. He does not choose to live in a tent, as He did when the children of Israel traveled through the wilderness. And He does not live in a building mode by human hands.
When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwelling us (see John 14:17 KJV). God chooses to move into our spirits-into the core center of our lives-where He can be closer to us than any other living thing. When God's Holy Spirit moves into our hearts, our spirits become a dwelling place for Him (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17) and is made holy because God is there.
The holy state into which we as believers are placed is then worked out in our souls and in our bodies and God wants this working out to be evident in our everyday lives. It occurs as a process, and the phases of change in our everyday lives. It occurs as a process, and the phases of change we go through actually become our testimony to those who know us. We are actually learning how to live inside out! God has done an amazing work in our spirits and the Holy Spirit is teaching us how to live in such a way that we can be a witness to the world that needs Him.
God's Word for you today: Live from the inside out!
Pg 143
Hearing from God each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Remember God loves you.
(2 Timothy 1:14)
In Old Testament times, Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden and Moses met Him on Mount Sinai. Today, God does not meet us in our gardens or on nearby mountains where we can interact with Him by invitation only. He does not choose to live in a tent, as He did when the children of Israel traveled through the wilderness. And He does not live in a building mode by human hands.
When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwelling us (see John 14:17 KJV). God chooses to move into our spirits-into the core center of our lives-where He can be closer to us than any other living thing. When God's Holy Spirit moves into our hearts, our spirits become a dwelling place for Him (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17) and is made holy because God is there.
The holy state into which we as believers are placed is then worked out in our souls and in our bodies and God wants this working out to be evident in our everyday lives. It occurs as a process, and the phases of change in our everyday lives. It occurs as a process, and the phases of change we go through actually become our testimony to those who know us. We are actually learning how to live inside out! God has done an amazing work in our spirits and the Holy Spirit is teaching us how to live in such a way that we can be a witness to the world that needs Him.
God's Word for you today: Live from the inside out!
Pg 143
Hearing from God each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Remember God loves you.
It Is What It Is!
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
(Romans 12:2 NIV)
My body is shaped so that I wear a size eight top and a size ten bottom. I hove always been that way. There are lots of beautiful suits I can't buy because they don't come in split sizes. I could buy two suits and take what I needed, but then I'd feel like I had to find someone who was a size eight bottom and a size ten top, so I wasn't being wasteful! The whole situation used to frustrate me until I decided, "It is what it is!"
Now I mostly laugh about it-and laughing is a very important habit to have, especially as you age. If your feet are larger than you would like them to be, your body is not proportioned perfectly, or you are shorter than you wish you were, don't ever let it frustrate you. Decide right now, "It is what it is!"
I am going to be happy with what I have been given and do the best I can with it. Never forget that God wants you to love your body and yourself. He expects it, no matter what messages the world has given you. As the Bible say, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2 NIV) Think about yourself in a new way. Determine to be the best "you" that you can, and stop trying to be what the world says you should be.
The world can tell you lots of things. It whispers untruths in your ear, many of them cruel. It also changes its views and fashions by the month. If you start following its lead, you are lost. Your friendship with yourself will be lost. But instead, if you see yourself as God sees you, then you will not only love yourself but also have the confidence and faith to be a powerful force for good in the world.
May 23 pg. 144
New Day New You
366 Devotions For Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please remember God loves you, and He is always there for you, all you have to do is call on Him.
(Romans 12:2 NIV)
My body is shaped so that I wear a size eight top and a size ten bottom. I hove always been that way. There are lots of beautiful suits I can't buy because they don't come in split sizes. I could buy two suits and take what I needed, but then I'd feel like I had to find someone who was a size eight bottom and a size ten top, so I wasn't being wasteful! The whole situation used to frustrate me until I decided, "It is what it is!"
Now I mostly laugh about it-and laughing is a very important habit to have, especially as you age. If your feet are larger than you would like them to be, your body is not proportioned perfectly, or you are shorter than you wish you were, don't ever let it frustrate you. Decide right now, "It is what it is!"
I am going to be happy with what I have been given and do the best I can with it. Never forget that God wants you to love your body and yourself. He expects it, no matter what messages the world has given you. As the Bible say, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2 NIV) Think about yourself in a new way. Determine to be the best "you" that you can, and stop trying to be what the world says you should be.
The world can tell you lots of things. It whispers untruths in your ear, many of them cruel. It also changes its views and fashions by the month. If you start following its lead, you are lost. Your friendship with yourself will be lost. But instead, if you see yourself as God sees you, then you will not only love yourself but also have the confidence and faith to be a powerful force for good in the world.
May 23 pg. 144
New Day New You
366 Devotions For Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Please remember God loves you, and He is always there for you, all you have to do is call on Him.
Friday, May 11, 2012
God Speaks Through Gifts and Abilities
A man's mind plan his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
People often wonder, What am I supposed to do with my life? What is my purpose for being alive? Does God have a plan for me? One way God answers these questions is through our natural gifts and abilities. He leads us to understand our purpose through the skills and talents He give us.
A God-given talent, or what we often call "a gift," is something we can do easily, something that comes naturally. For example, many great artists know just how to put shapes and colors together, so they enjoy painting, sculpting, or designing buildings. Many songwriters hear music in their heads, and they simply write down these melodies and/or lyrics to make beautiful music. Some people have natural abilities to organize or administrate, while others are gifted as counselors, helping people sort out their lives and relationships. No matter what our talents are, we derive great pleasure from doing what we are naturally good at doing.
If you are not sure of your purpose in life, just do what you are good at and then watch God confirm your choices by blessing your endeavors. Don't spend your life trying to do what you are not gifted to do. When people work in jobs where they are not gifted, they are miserable-and so is everyone around them. But when people are in their proper places, they will excel in their jobs and be a blessing to their employers and coworkers.
If we do what we are good at doing, we will sense God's anointing (presence and power) on our efforts. We will know we are operating in our gifts and that doing so honors God and ministers life to others. God speaks to us through this anointing, giving us peace and joy to know we are fulfilling His plan for our lives.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Do what you're good at-it's God's gift to you.
Page 121
Hearing from GOD each morning
366 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
People often wonder, What am I supposed to do with my life? What is my purpose for being alive? Does God have a plan for me? One way God answers these questions is through our natural gifts and abilities. He leads us to understand our purpose through the skills and talents He give us.
A God-given talent, or what we often call "a gift," is something we can do easily, something that comes naturally. For example, many great artists know just how to put shapes and colors together, so they enjoy painting, sculpting, or designing buildings. Many songwriters hear music in their heads, and they simply write down these melodies and/or lyrics to make beautiful music. Some people have natural abilities to organize or administrate, while others are gifted as counselors, helping people sort out their lives and relationships. No matter what our talents are, we derive great pleasure from doing what we are naturally good at doing.
If you are not sure of your purpose in life, just do what you are good at and then watch God confirm your choices by blessing your endeavors. Don't spend your life trying to do what you are not gifted to do. When people work in jobs where they are not gifted, they are miserable-and so is everyone around them. But when people are in their proper places, they will excel in their jobs and be a blessing to their employers and coworkers.
If we do what we are good at doing, we will sense God's anointing (presence and power) on our efforts. We will know we are operating in our gifts and that doing so honors God and ministers life to others. God speaks to us through this anointing, giving us peace and joy to know we are fulfilling His plan for our lives.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Do what you're good at-it's God's gift to you.
Page 121
Hearing from GOD each morning
366 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
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