Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.
(Revelation 3:20)
As I opened the door of my heart to the fullness of the Holy Spirit's ministry in my life, He began to speak to me and deal with me about every area of my life; there was nothing He was not involved in. I liked it, but I didn't like it, if you know what I mean.
God spoke to me about how I talked to people and about them. He spoke about how I spent my money, how I dressed, who my friends were, and what I did for entertainment. He talked to me about my thoughts and my attitudes. I realized He knew my deepest secrets and that nothing was hidden from Him. He was no longer in the "Sunday morning room" of my life, but it seemed as though He was running the entire house! I never knew when He might begin to speak to me about something in my life. As I mentioned, it was exciting, but it was also challenging because I knew His speaking to me would lead to many changes in my life.
We all want change in certain areas, but when it comes, it can be frightening. We often want our lives to change, but not our lifestyles. We my not like what we have in life, but we wonder if it may be better than the alternatives. We can become anxious or even afraid of losing control over our lives and allowing Someone we cannot see to take over.
To hear and obey the voice of God as He works in our lives means living for His pleasure and glory, not our own. We may be nervous of apprehensive about opening the doors of every area of our lives to Him but I guarantee that it is worth it.
GOD'S WORDS FOR YOU TODAY: Invite God into every area of your life.
Page 285
hearing from GOD each morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please remember and never ever forget that God loved you first and He loves you with all His Heart. And also remember God wants you to love Him back.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Speak as God Speaks
But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.
(2 Timothy 2:16)
Avoid all empty, idle, vain, and useless talk. Instead, learn to speak as God speaks. It is the Word of God, spoken in truth and love from your lips, that will return to Him after accomplishing His will and purpose. But in order to speak that Word in truth and love, your heart must be right before the Lord, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks-for good or for evil. You are bound by your word, by your declarations.
You are also judged by them. Watchman Nee once said, "If you listen to a person, you can detect by their words the spirit that is coming forth from them." That is why it is so important to place a guard upon your lips so that what issues forth from them is not only truthful but also kind and positive and edifying and in line with the will of God.
You can change your action and behavior, but to do so you must first change your thoughts and words. And to do that, you need to help of the indwelling Spirit of God. If you truly want your life to be totally different, then submit yourself to the Lord and in humility ask Him to transform you into the image and nature of His Son Jesus Christ. He is doing that for me; and if He can do it for me, He can-and will-do it for you too.
Page 284
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
And please always remember God loves you. Say to yourself all the time, God loves me and I know it, God loves me and I know it, God loves me and I know it.
(2 Timothy 2:16)
Avoid all empty, idle, vain, and useless talk. Instead, learn to speak as God speaks. It is the Word of God, spoken in truth and love from your lips, that will return to Him after accomplishing His will and purpose. But in order to speak that Word in truth and love, your heart must be right before the Lord, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks-for good or for evil. You are bound by your word, by your declarations.
You are also judged by them. Watchman Nee once said, "If you listen to a person, you can detect by their words the spirit that is coming forth from them." That is why it is so important to place a guard upon your lips so that what issues forth from them is not only truthful but also kind and positive and edifying and in line with the will of God.
You can change your action and behavior, but to do so you must first change your thoughts and words. And to do that, you need to help of the indwelling Spirit of God. If you truly want your life to be totally different, then submit yourself to the Lord and in humility ask Him to transform you into the image and nature of His Son Jesus Christ. He is doing that for me; and if He can do it for me, He can-and will-do it for you too.
Page 284
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
And please always remember God loves you. Say to yourself all the time, God loves me and I know it, God loves me and I know it, God loves me and I know it.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The "Holy Thing"
The angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God.
(Luke 1:35)
The Virgin Mary became pregnant by the working of the Holy Spirit, Who came upon her and, according to today's verse, planted in her womb a "holy Thing." The Spirit of Holiness was planted in her as a Seed. In her womb the Seed grew into the Son of God and the Son of Man, Who was necessary to deliver people from their sins.
When we are born again, a similar dynamic takes place in us. The "holy Thing," the Spirit of Holiness, is planted in us as a Seed. As we water that Seed with God's Word and keep the "weeds of worldliness"from choking it out, it will grow into a giant tree of righteousness, "the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3).
God's Word teaches us to pursue holiness (see Hebrews 12:14). When we set our hearts on this pursuit, the Spirit of Holiness helps us. If we want to be holy, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and permit Him to speak to us, correct us, guide us, and help us in every area of our lives.
Never forget that a "holy Thin" lives inside of you. Water that seed with God's Word and let the Holy Spirit speak to you and teach you how to help it grow.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: The Holy Spirit desires to be your close companion as He teaches and instructs you in holiness.
Page 282
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you. Say it to yourself all the time (God love me!)
(Luke 1:35)
The Virgin Mary became pregnant by the working of the Holy Spirit, Who came upon her and, according to today's verse, planted in her womb a "holy Thing." The Spirit of Holiness was planted in her as a Seed. In her womb the Seed grew into the Son of God and the Son of Man, Who was necessary to deliver people from their sins.
When we are born again, a similar dynamic takes place in us. The "holy Thing," the Spirit of Holiness, is planted in us as a Seed. As we water that Seed with God's Word and keep the "weeds of worldliness"from choking it out, it will grow into a giant tree of righteousness, "the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3).
God's Word teaches us to pursue holiness (see Hebrews 12:14). When we set our hearts on this pursuit, the Spirit of Holiness helps us. If we want to be holy, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and permit Him to speak to us, correct us, guide us, and help us in every area of our lives.
Never forget that a "holy Thin" lives inside of you. Water that seed with God's Word and let the Holy Spirit speak to you and teach you how to help it grow.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: The Holy Spirit desires to be your close companion as He teaches and instructs you in holiness.
Page 282
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you. Say it to yourself all the time (God love me!)
Monday, October 8, 2012
Good Words
Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:19)
The King James Version translates today's verse: "Speaking to your selves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." I like to apply this Scripture both ways. The way I speak to myself is important, and the way I speak to others is important, too.
It is easy to fall into the trap of talking about negative things, problems, disappointments, and struggles. But none of that helps us stay filled with the Sprit and none of that reflects what the Holy Spirit wants to speak to us because He is not negative in any way. Even when He speaks to us about a problem, He speaks to bring a solution; He does so to bring us comfort and strength. The more we think and talk about our problems, the weaker we become, but we are strengthened as we talk and think about Jesus and His promises to us.
Life is not always easy; we all face difficulties at times. God has filled us with His Spirit to enable us to do difficult things with ease. When you are going through a hard time, keep you ear tuned in to the voice of God. Speak the positive things God say to you through His Word and through the voice of His voice of His Spirit in your heart. We all feed on our own words so it is very important to speak good words that are full of life.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Choose your words wisely today, for they have the power of life or death.
Page 280
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please always remember that God love you with all His Heart!
The King James Version translates today's verse: "Speaking to your selves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." I like to apply this Scripture both ways. The way I speak to myself is important, and the way I speak to others is important, too.
It is easy to fall into the trap of talking about negative things, problems, disappointments, and struggles. But none of that helps us stay filled with the Sprit and none of that reflects what the Holy Spirit wants to speak to us because He is not negative in any way. Even when He speaks to us about a problem, He speaks to bring a solution; He does so to bring us comfort and strength. The more we think and talk about our problems, the weaker we become, but we are strengthened as we talk and think about Jesus and His promises to us.
Life is not always easy; we all face difficulties at times. God has filled us with His Spirit to enable us to do difficult things with ease. When you are going through a hard time, keep you ear tuned in to the voice of God. Speak the positive things God say to you through His Word and through the voice of His voice of His Spirit in your heart. We all feed on our own words so it is very important to speak good words that are full of life.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Choose your words wisely today, for they have the power of life or death.
Page 280
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
And please always remember that God love you with all His Heart!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Your Father Wants to Talk to You
[The Spirit which] you have received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!
(Romans 8:15)
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Adoption. This means that by the power of the Holy Spirit we are actually part of God's family. We were once sinners serving the devil, but God redeemed us, purchased us with the blood of His Son, and calls us His own beloved sons and daughters.
Adoption is amazing! Someone who wants a child purposely chooses one and takes them as their own to love and care for. In some instances, this can be even better than being born into a family because when children are born into a family, they are not always wanted. Sometimes their birth results from choices their parents regret. But when children are adopted, they are wanted, specifically picked out, and chosen on purpose.
When we choose to put our faith in Jesus Christ, the new birth brings us into the family of God. He becomes our Father; we become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (see Romans 8:16 - 17). He treats us as a loving, perfect Father. A good father is not silent toward his children. He does many things for them, just as God does for us, including speaking to them to tell them how much he loves them, instructing them, guiding them, warning them, affirming them, and encouraging them. You belong to God; He has adopted you and is now your Father; and He wants to speak to you today. If you have had the painful experience of being rejected or abandoned by you natural parents, let me remind you that God adopts you and takes you ans His own child (see Psalm 27:10).
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God thinks you are special. He has chosen you to be His own child.
Page 279
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you so much, just seek Him so you can find out how much He really loves you.
(Romans 8:15)
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Adoption. This means that by the power of the Holy Spirit we are actually part of God's family. We were once sinners serving the devil, but God redeemed us, purchased us with the blood of His Son, and calls us His own beloved sons and daughters.
Adoption is amazing! Someone who wants a child purposely chooses one and takes them as their own to love and care for. In some instances, this can be even better than being born into a family because when children are born into a family, they are not always wanted. Sometimes their birth results from choices their parents regret. But when children are adopted, they are wanted, specifically picked out, and chosen on purpose.
When we choose to put our faith in Jesus Christ, the new birth brings us into the family of God. He becomes our Father; we become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (see Romans 8:16 - 17). He treats us as a loving, perfect Father. A good father is not silent toward his children. He does many things for them, just as God does for us, including speaking to them to tell them how much he loves them, instructing them, guiding them, warning them, affirming them, and encouraging them. You belong to God; He has adopted you and is now your Father; and He wants to speak to you today. If you have had the painful experience of being rejected or abandoned by you natural parents, let me remind you that God adopts you and takes you ans His own child (see Psalm 27:10).
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: God thinks you are special. He has chosen you to be His own child.
Page 279
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please all ways remember God loves you so much, just seek Him so you can find out how much He really loves you.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Manifesting Your Reality
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix you minds on them].
(Philippians 4:8)
Manifesting your reality" sounds like something from a contemporary self-help course, but the concept comes straight out of the JBible: "As he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) I like to say it like this "Where the mind goes, the man follows."
Positive thoughts are the precursors to a positive life. On the other hand, our lives can be made miserable by anxious thoughts and negative expectations. We usually think our problems are the thing ruining our life, but usually it is our attitude toward them that does the ruining.
We all encounter people who have a great attitude despite being in trying circumstances. We also encounter those who have money and privilege to burn, yet they murmur and complain, are negative and critical, and are filled with self-pity and resentment. We have more to do with how our lives turn out than we like to admit. Learning how to think right is mandatory for good health.
Thoughts affect emotions, and they both affect the body. In order for you to be whole, you must maintain a healthy mind. Make a decision right now that your are going to have a healthy mind. Renewing your mind will take some time and effort. You must learn new, positive ways to think, but reading God's Word can help you do just that.
Page 272
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Every Day Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
(Philippians 4:8)
Manifesting your reality" sounds like something from a contemporary self-help course, but the concept comes straight out of the JBible: "As he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) I like to say it like this "Where the mind goes, the man follows."
Positive thoughts are the precursors to a positive life. On the other hand, our lives can be made miserable by anxious thoughts and negative expectations. We usually think our problems are the thing ruining our life, but usually it is our attitude toward them that does the ruining.
We all encounter people who have a great attitude despite being in trying circumstances. We also encounter those who have money and privilege to burn, yet they murmur and complain, are negative and critical, and are filled with self-pity and resentment. We have more to do with how our lives turn out than we like to admit. Learning how to think right is mandatory for good health.
Thoughts affect emotions, and they both affect the body. In order for you to be whole, you must maintain a healthy mind. Make a decision right now that your are going to have a healthy mind. Renewing your mind will take some time and effort. You must learn new, positive ways to think, but reading God's Word can help you do just that.
Page 272
New Day New You
366 Devotions for Enjoying Every Day Life
By: Joyce Meyer
#1 New York Times Bestselling author
Friday, September 28, 2012
A Delay Is Not a Denial
My times are in Your hands, deliver me from the hands of my foes and those who pursue me and persecute me.
(Psalm 31:15)
When we pray, we don't always get answers right away. Sometimes we have to wait a long time, but that does not necessarily mean that God is saying no to our request. It is very important to trust God's timing in all matters concerning ourselves and our lives. Perhaps you have been waiting a long time for a breakthrough in something you have prayed about and the silence of God has brought confusion into your life. Please remember that God is not the author of confusion. He wants you to trust Him, not be confused.
Many delays are "divine delays." They are designed by God to do a work in us that needs to be done. If we continue serving God faithfully even during times of darkness we develop strong godly character. Think of Joseph, who waited thirteen years to see the answer to his prayers; or Abraham, who waited twenty years. If they had given up they would never have enjoyed the reward of their trust in God. God may not be early, but He won't be late. most things worth having usually take longer than we thought they would, and are more difficult than we think we can endure. But, God does know exactly what He is doing and He wants you to trust His timing.
God promises to deliver us from our enemies, but while we are waiting we need to pray for them and be a blessing to as many people as we possibly can be. God is working while you are waiting.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Learn to wait peacefully or a lot of your life may be miserable.
Page 271
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you very much and you are very important to Him.
(Psalm 31:15)
When we pray, we don't always get answers right away. Sometimes we have to wait a long time, but that does not necessarily mean that God is saying no to our request. It is very important to trust God's timing in all matters concerning ourselves and our lives. Perhaps you have been waiting a long time for a breakthrough in something you have prayed about and the silence of God has brought confusion into your life. Please remember that God is not the author of confusion. He wants you to trust Him, not be confused.
Many delays are "divine delays." They are designed by God to do a work in us that needs to be done. If we continue serving God faithfully even during times of darkness we develop strong godly character. Think of Joseph, who waited thirteen years to see the answer to his prayers; or Abraham, who waited twenty years. If they had given up they would never have enjoyed the reward of their trust in God. God may not be early, but He won't be late. most things worth having usually take longer than we thought they would, and are more difficult than we think we can endure. But, God does know exactly what He is doing and He wants you to trust His timing.
God promises to deliver us from our enemies, but while we are waiting we need to pray for them and be a blessing to as many people as we possibly can be. God is working while you are waiting.
GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY: Learn to wait peacefully or a lot of your life may be miserable.
Page 271
Hearing from God Each Morning
365 Daily Devotions
By: Joyce Meyer
Please always remember God loves you very much and you are very important to Him.
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