Tag Archives: Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Think About Something Good

 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. — Philippians 4:8

Adapted from the resource Trusting God Day by Day Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

One day I remember praying, God, I can’t go on fighting my thoughts all day, every day. As soon as I capture these wrong thoughts, they come back. What am I supposed to do?” As you fight the battle in your mind, you may find yourself praying the same prayer, so I want to share with you the simple answer God gave me. He said all I needed to do was to think about something else!

When you think about something good, there is no room for wrong thoughts to get into your mind. Concentrating on trying to not think wrong thoughts can actually increase them, but simply filling your mind with good things leaves no room for bad things to get in.

The Bible says that if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (see Gal. 5:16), and this simply means that if we concentrate on the things God desires, then we will not have room in our lives for what Satan desires.

This was a life-changing revelation for me. I realized I couldn’t wait for something good to just fall into my mind. I had to choose my thoughts on purpose. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 30:19 that God sets before us life and death, blessings and curses. If you and I do not choose thoughts that lead to life, the enemy will make the choice for us—and he will choose thoughts that lead to death. But when we choose thoughts that lead to life, our lives will be blessed.

Take time to roll good thoughts over and over in your mind and this will help you form the habit of thinking good things. You must believe you can do something or you won’t even try. So, I repeat: “You can choose your own thoughts!” You can “overcome (master) evil with good” (see Romans 12:21 AMPC).

Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to guard my thoughts today. Help me to think on things that will honor You and breathe life into my moods, attitudes and actions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Partnering with God

 

pray without ceasing, — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Adapted from the resource The Power of Being Thankful Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Prayer is the greatest privilege of our lives. It’s not something we have to do; it’s something we get to do! Prayer is one of the ways we partner with God to see His plans and purposes come to pass in our lives and in the lives of those we love. It is the means by which we human beings on earth can actually enter into the awesome presence and power of God.

Prayer allows us to share our hearts with God, to listen for His direction, to express our thanksgiving, and to know how to discover and enjoy all the great things He has for us. I have heard it said that “all failure is a failure to pray.” Communicating with God is indeed the greatest privilege I know, and it is also the simplest privilege I know. Don’t make prayer complicated or difficult. Keep it simple and enjoy every moment spent with the Lord in prayer.

Prayer Starter: Father, I thank You for the great privilege of coming to You in prayer. It is amazing to think that I can enter into Your presence with thanksgiving today. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer and for guiding me as I go through my day today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

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Joyce Meyer – God Will Change You

 

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. — Proverbs 19:21

Adapted from the resource Starting Your Day Right Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Even though you may still be operating in old habits, you still have hope of change, but you can’t change yourself. God will change you, if you seek Him with your whole heart.

Don’t be in a hurry for God to finish working in your life. We want everything to be done instantly, but God is not interested in our schedule. The enemy may thwart your plans, but God’s plans don’t get thwarted, and He has a unique plan for you.

Seek God’s plan for your life. Stay on fire, red hot, zealous. Pursue His purpose for you with every ounce of energy you have. There is nothing in this world that is worth seeking more.

Prayer Starter: Father, help me to not give up on myself. You are my Source of change. Help me to earnestly seek You in every season of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Love People in Your Thoughts

 

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”— John 13:35

Adapted from the resource Power Thoughts Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

One of the most valuable and beautiful things we can do is love others. We can purpose to think about the good things we find in all the people we know, and as we do, our attitudes toward them will improve.

Often we think about what is wrong with people and what we don’t like about them. Focusing on people’s faults is not showing love to them. We can choose to pray for them concerning any weaknesses they may have, and at the same time pray for ourselves that God will help us in our weaknesses also.

Focus on positive, loving thoughts about people. Then, when they do something you don’t like, you are already so full of good thoughts about them, it is easy to just let it go.

Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to think positive, loving thoughts about other people today. Help me to be patient, merciful, and always believe the best. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – The Negative Effect of Judging Others

 

Therefore you have no excuse or defense or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things [that you censure and denounce]. — Romans 2:1 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource New Day New You Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

In other words, the very same things that we judge others for, we do ourselves.

The Lord gave me a very good example once to help me understand this principle. I was pondering why we would do something ourselves and think it was perfectly all right, but judge someone else who does it. He said, “Joyce, you look at yourself through rose-colored glasses, but you look at everyone else through a magnifying glass.”

We make excuses for our own behavior, but when someone else does the same thing we do, we are often merciless. Doing unto others as we want them to do to us (see Matthew 7:12) is a good life principle that will prevent a lot of judgment and criticism, if followed.

A judgmental mind is an offshoot of a negative mind—thinking about what is wrong with an individual instead of what is right. Be positive and not negative! Others will benefit, but you will benefit more than anyone.

Prayer Starter: Father, I ask for Your help to change the way I think of others. Please help me to not focus on the negative but to think of people the way I want them to think of me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Joyce Meyer – Count Your Blessings

 

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. — Hebrews 13:15 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource My Time with God Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Recently I have been writing down 10 things each day that I am thankful for, and each day I try to make them something different. I am literally counting my blessings, and it has been a fun project.

It is amazing how many things we can begin to take for granted unless we purpose to remember how blessed we are. By looking for 10 different things each day, I have gone beyond the things I would normally think of, and have been pleasantly surprised by all the things I have realized are blessings in my life that I certainly would not want to do without—even things like the smell of a good candle or hot and cold running water.

Let’s be aggressive in offering God the fruit of lips thankfully praising Him!

Prayer Starter: Father, help me realize how much I have to be thankful for. Thank You for reminding me to be thankful!

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – God’s Delivering Power

 

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. — Daniel 6:10

Adapted from the resource Love Out Loud Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Notice in today’s scripture that Daniel got on his knees to pray and thank God three times a day. He had a habit of prayer and thanksgiving. When we get on our knees before the Lord, we humble ourselves and say with our actions, “Lord, I reverence and honor You. I am nothing without You. I need You and I humble myself in Your presence.”

Daniel was delivered from a den of hungry lions. His enemies threw him into the lions’ den because they were jealous of him, a foreigner who rose to a high position in their country’s government. When they conspired to hurt him, they knew he was a righteous man and they could not accuse him of wrongdoing. So, they asked the king to issue a decree stating that anyone who did not worship the local gods or the king would be thrown into the lions’ den.

Daniel was not afraid. He refused to compromise his worship. He kept up his habit of praying and praising his God three times a day. He did get thrown into the lions’ den, but God shut the mouths of the lions and Daniel emerged unharmed.

We can never underestimate the power of worshiping God. Like Daniel, our prayer and worship needs to be a habit and we need to keep doing it, no matter what anyone says. When enemies or circumstances rise against us, we can count on God to hear our prayers, receive our worship, and deliver us.

Prayer Starter: Lord, You are so good. Help me to make prayer and worship a part of my everyday life, knowing You are my joy, peace, strength, and deliverance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Pray and Obey

 

…You have opened my ears and given me the capacity to hear [and obey Your word]…. — Psalm 40:6 (AMP)

Adapted from the resource Hearing from God Each Morning Devotional

For many years, I wanted God to speak to me, but I wanted to pick and choose what things to obey. I wanted to do what He said if it was easy and I thought it was a good idea, but if I didn’t like what I heard, I acted like it wasn’t from God!

Some of what God says to you will be very exciting. Other things He says may not be so thrilling, but that doesn’t mean they won’t work out for your good if you will simply obey. For example, if God tells you that you need to apologize because you were rude to someone, it won’t work for you to respond, “Well, that person was rude to me too!” If you talk back to Him with excuses, you may have prayed and even heard God’s voice, but you didn’t obey.

Looking back at more than four decades of walking with God and being in ministry, I have to say that the simplest explanation for the success we have enjoyed is that we have learned to pray, hear from God, and then do what He tells us to do. Over the years, as I have sought God and pressed forward in what I feel He has told me to do, I can say that what I have done more than anything else is simply to pray and obey. Doing so has not always been popular, but it has worked.

If you want God’s plan for your life, I can give you the recipe in its most basic form: pray and obey. God has given you the capacity to do both, and if you do it continually, you will be moving right along in His will for your life.

Prayer Starter: Thank You, Lord, that You always have my best in mind. Please help me to be even more sensitive to hearing Your voice, and help me to trust and obey You in things big and small. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – From the Pit to the Palace

 

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. — Genesis 37:23-24

Adapted from the resource Ending Your Day Right Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

When Joseph’s brothers threw him in the pit to die, God had other plans. Scripture says that even though Joseph was sold as a slave, he did not have a slave mentality. He still believed he could do great things. Ultimately, he ended up second in command to Pharaoh, the ruler over all Egypt.

How did Joseph get from the pit to the palace? It was by remaining positive, refusing to be bitter, being confident, and trusting God.

Make up your mind right now to do something great for God. No matter where you started, you can have a great finish. If people have mistreated you, don’t waste your time trying to get revenge—leave them in God’s hands and trust Him to bring justice in your life.

Prayer Starter: Lord, only You can take the bad things that have happened and work them out for my good. Help me to stay positive, trust in You, and refuse to give up. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

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Joyce Meyer – What Is Grace?

 

. . . The [Holy] Spirit [Who imparts] grace (the unmerited favor and blessing of God). — Hebrews 10:29 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource Closer to God Each Day Devotional

Grace is the power of the Holy Spirit available to you to do with ease what you cannot do by striving in your own strength. Grace is God’s power coming into our lives, freely enabling us to do whatever we need to do. God’s grace is always available, but we do need to receive it by faith and refuse to try to do things in our own strength without God.

The Holy Spirit ministers grace to us from God the Father. Grace is actually the Holy Spirit’s power flowing out from the throne of God toward people to save them and enable them to live holy lives and accomplish the will of God.

We can rejoice and be full of peace, joy, and contentment each day because of God’s grace in our lives. It is His grace that allows us to live in close fellowship with Him. With the grace of God, life can be enjoyed with an ease that produces rest and contentment.

Prayer Starter: Lord, help me to rely on Your grace to do everything. In my own strength, I can only do so much, but with You, all things are possible. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Positive Minds

 

And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.”… — Matthew 8:13

Adapted from the resource Battlefield of the Mind Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Sometimes when I stand behind the pulpit, and before I speak, I pause and my gaze sweeps across the audience. I look at the faces of the people. I love to see the bright smiles and expressions of anticipation, but there are always a few who look downtrodden and discouraged. I don’t know anything about them and I don’t want to judge them, but their faces look sad. They look as if they have lost hope and expect nothing positive to happen—and too often, they get exactly what they expect.

I understand those discouraged people; I was once one of them.

Here’s a simple fact I’ve learned: Positive minds produce positive lives, but negative minds produce negative lives. The New Testament tells the story of a Roman soldier whose servant was sick, and the soldier wanted Jesus to heal him. That wasn’t uncommon—many wanted Jesus to heal them or their loved ones in those days.

But this soldier, instead of asking Jesus to come to his servant, expressed his belief that if Jesus would just speak the word, his servant would be healed (see Matthew 8:8). Jesus marveled at his faith and sent out His word to heal the servant. The soldier’s positive mindset—his faith—brought positive results. He expected healing, and that’s exactly what happened.

Too often, we cry to Jesus to heal us, to take care of our finances, or to deliver us from problems, but we don’t fully expect the good things to happen. We allow our minds to focus on the negative aspects. Doubt and unbelief war against our minds and steal our faith if we allow it.

As I wrote in my book Battlefield of the Mind, many years ago I was extremely negative. I used to say that if I had two positive thoughts in a row, my mind would get in a cramp. That’s an exaggeration, of course, but that’s how I saw myself. I lived with the same philosophy that other people have: If we don’t expect anything good to happen, we won’t be disappointed when it doesn’t.

I could have excused my negative attitude by telling everyone about my disappointments in life—and I had many. It wasn’t just my lack of expectation. It was more than that. Because I thought negatively, I spoke negatively. When people told me of their spiritual victories, I’d think, That won’t last. When people spoke of their faith, I’d smile, but inwardly I would think that they were gullible. I could always figure out ways that plans would go wrong or people would disappoint me.

Was I happy? Of course not. Negative thinkers are never happy. It’s too long of a story to explain how I came to face that reality, but once I realized what a negative person I was, I cried out to the Lord to help me.

I learned that if I kept studying the Word of God, I could push away negative thoughts. God’s Word is positive and uplifting. My responsibility was to become the kind of believer who honors God with her thoughts, as well as with her actions and her deeds.

I understood the remorse David must have felt when he wrote Psalm 51 (AMPC): Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love… is the way he starts. I especially meditated on verse 9: Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my guilt and iniquities. I hadn’t sinned the same way David did, of course, but my negative thinking and bad attitude was sin. It wasn’t just weakness or a bad habit. When I focused on negative thinking, I was rebelling against God.

The Lord had mercy on me. As I continued in His Word and in prayer, He freed me from Satan’s stronghold. Freedom is available for all of us.

Prayer Starter: Gracious God, thank You for every deliverance in my life. Thank You for setting me free from negative and wrong thinking and for defeating Satan in this area of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Equal

 

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. — Colossians 3:11

Adapted from the resource Wake Up to the Word Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Equal means “just; equitable; giving the same or similar rights or advantages.”

The world places labels and assigns varying values to almost everything, but in God’s eyes, we are all equal. He loves and values each of us equally. We are all one in Christ!

Don’t spend your time thinking over and over about your faults. And don’t compare yourself with other people, thinking that you should strive to be like them. Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

I strongly suggest that you make peace with yourself, if you haven’t already done so, and learn to think about yourself the way God does. Remember, God loves you just as much as He does everyone else. We are all equal in His sight.

Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for loving me…and for making me a unique and special individual. Help me to receive Your love more and more each day. Help me to truly love myself and break free from comparing myself to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – God Will Give You Truth When You Ask for It

 

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. — 1 John 4:8

Adapted from the resource Trusting God Day by Day Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

I spent many years of my life as a very unhappy, dissatisfied person, and I wasted a lot of time thinking my unhappiness was someone or something else’s fault. Thoughts such as, If I just had more money, I would be happy, or If people did more for me, I would be happy, or If I did not have to work so hard, I would be happy, or If I felt better physically, I would be happy filled my mind. The list of reasons that I thought caused my unhappiness seemed endless, and no matter what I did to entertain myself, nothing worked for long.

As I grew in my personal relationship with God, I literally became desperate for peace, stability, true happiness, and joy. That kind of hunger for change usually requires facing some truth—maybe some unpleasant truth or things we don’t like to admit—about ourselves, and I have learned that if we really want truth, God will give it to us. As I began seeking God for the root cause of my unhappiness, He showed me that I was very selfish and self-centered. My focus was on what others could and should do for me, rather than what I could and should do for them. That was not easy for me to accept, but doing so was the beginning of a life-changing journey with God.

God helped me begin to see myself as a person who could give and help. I had to change my thinking from, What about me?, to What can I do for you? I would like to say this was an easy change to make, but the truth is that it was very difficult and took a lot longer than I like to admit.

Everything God does is for our good; all of His commands are intended to help us have the best lives we can possibly have. He commands us to love and be kind to others, which means taking the focus off of ourselves, silencing the voice that asks, “What about me?” and learning to follow Jesus’ example of being kind, generous, and loving toward others.

Prayer Starter: Father, please show me the root causes of any unhappiness in my life—show me truth. As I grow in You, help me to be less me-focused and more concerned with how I can bless others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Having a Childlike Approach to Life

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. — Matthew 18:4

Adapted from the resource The Power of Being Thankful Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

One thing we all know about children is that they enjoy life. A child can literally enjoy anything. A child can turn work into a game so he is able to enjoy it.

I recall asking my son to sweep the patio when he was about 11 or 12 years old. I looked outside and saw him dancing with the broom to the music playing on the headset he was wearing. I thought, Amazing! He has turned sweeping into a game. If he has to do it, he is going to enjoy it. 

We should all have that attitude. We may not choose to dance with a broom, but we should choose an attitude of thanksgiving in everything we do and always enjoy all aspects of life.

Prayer Starter: When I am in a situation that doesn’t seem like a lot of fun naturally, help me, Father, to make the most of it. I thank You that I can enjoy every part of my life, knowing that the joy of the Lord is my strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Ask for Help

 

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. — James 5:16 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource Starting Your Day Right Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Addictions, habits, or negative attitudes can wear you out. If you need deliverance from some wrong behavior, the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is your Helper (see John 14:6). Confess your need to God, and ask Him to deliver you.

He may lead you to confess your faults to other believers whom you can trust to pray for you. The Word says that we are to confess our faults to one other so that we may be healed and restored. If you are out of control in some area, be honest about it. Today can be your day of deliverance.

Prayer Starter: Father, right now I ask for Your help to overcome the things that are controlling my life. Help me to approach these things with honesty, and give me the strength to reach out to others who can help me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Develop Your Potential

 

…He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. — Philippians 1:6 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource Power Thoughts Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Before the days of digital cameras, cameras had film that had to be taken to a processor or a darkroom for development. Just having the undeveloped film didn’t do you any good. But once you went through the process of development, you had beautiful pictures for yourself and others to see.

It’s the same with you. God placed potential inside you, but just having potential is not enough. Be willing to let God work daily to bring you to spiritual maturity in Him. It takes time and a willingness to let God work in your life to develop your potential, but I guarantee you can make a difference in the world and enjoy an amazing life as you learn to be led by the Holy Spirit rather than by your own will and ways.

Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for the great work You are doing in my life. Help me to continually cooperate with You to develop my potential and the gifts You have placed inside of me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Mountains into Molehills

 

For who are you, O great mountain [of human obstacles]? Before Zerubbabel [who with Joshua had led the return of the exiles from Babylon and was undertaking the rebuilding of the temple, before him] you shall become a plain [a mere molehill]! And he shall bring forth the finishing gable stone [of the new temple] with loud shoutings of the people, crying, Grace, grace to it!  — Zechariah 4:7 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource New Day New You Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

The Samaritans who came against the Israelites as they were building the temple of the Lord had become like a mountain of human obstacles, frustrating them and preventing them from doing what God had commanded them to do.

That may be the situation in which you find yourself right now as you read these words. You may feel that the Lord has told you to do something but that the enemy has thrown up a mountain in your path to frustrate you and prevent you from carrying out the Lord’s will. If so, I know just how you feel because that is exactly the way I used to feel.

The problem is one of perspective. In this passage the Lord tells Zechariah that the problem facing the Israelites, although it may appear to be a mountain, is actually a molehill.

How would you like for all your mountains to become molehills? They can, if you will do what God is saying here and look not at the problems but at the Lord and His power. If God has told you to do something, it is certainly His will that you not only begin but that you also finish it.

Prayer Starter: Father, I thank You that You are greater than every obstacle in my life. Please help me to keep my eyes on You and never give up on seeing Your will come to pass in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Fickle Feelings

 

So, then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him. — Romans 8:8 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource My Time with God Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

When we follow the ever-changing impulses of our carnal nature, it is not pleasing or acceptable to God, because He has a much better life in mind for us. We all have times when emotions change without warning, and it is important that we learn how to handle ourselves in times like that. If we merely follow our feelings, we will surely end up making decisions and taking actions that we will regret later on.

Recently, Dave and I had several people to our house for a party, and I was energetic and felt great. The next day, for no apparent reason, I woke up feeling dull-headed and a bit down emotionally. Why? What is wrong with me? Those are the first questions I asked myself. I didn’t get an answer, so I had to make a choice. Should I continue to try to figure out my odd mood and get more and more confused, or should I pray, asking God to reveal anything He wants me to see and go on about the business of the day, asking God to help me live beyond my feelings?

I have learned over the years that being a stable, consistent person requires that I own my feelings instead of letting them own me. In other words, I may have them, but I cannot let them control me. Feelings are fickle. They change frequently and often without any notice. Sometimes we understand why, but much of the time we don’t.

Our physical condition can affect emotions. Consider things like: Did I get enough sleep? or Did I eat something that made me feel bad? or Is it allergy season? Our spiritual condition can also cause mood fluctuation: Have I spent enough time with God? Do I have hidden sin that needs to be dealt with? Is God chastising me about something?

I recommend praying first to see if God reveals anything, and if He doesn’t, then remain steady in the storm. Don’t try excessively to figure out your feelings, because it will get you more and more focused on them. Trust God, use extra self-control, and very soon you will feel better.

Prayer Starter: Father, I desire to be stable emotionally at all times. Help me stay steady when my emotions fluctuate. I want to live a life that is pleasing to You at all times, and I trust You to continue teaching me in this area. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Joyce Meyer – Celebrate Ordinary Life

 

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. — Ecclesiastes 5:18

Adapted from the resource Love Out Loud Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

Every day is not Christmas or your birthday or even a holiday at school or work. In fact, most days are ordinary; they don’t have anything special about them unless we make them special. Too many ordinary days, especially if stress is “ordinary” for you, can lead to fatigue, lack of joy, resentment, or even bitterness. The way to avoid these things is to take time to celebrate and do things you enjoy—for no particular reason. Do them to celebrate life and to keep yourself in a good frame of mind.

The first thing your brain may say to you when you decide to have a little celebration in the middle of a mundane day is, You don’t have time to do that. But I am telling you that you need to take the time. If you do, your remaining tasks will go more smoothly and joyfully. If you don’t, then you are probably headed for some version of sinking emotions—discouragement, anger, resentment, or self-pity. When you start to feel down, just take the time to do something “up” that lifts your mood and helps you feel better about life in general.

Perhaps we could enjoy everyday life more if we learned to celebrate the ordinary. Eat a cookie (not a dozen), go to lunch with a good friend, sit in the sunshine, go for a walk. Take the time to do whatever is special to you in the midst of your ordinary, everyday activities.

No day needs to be ordinary if we realize the gift God is giving us when He gives us another day.

Prayer Starter: Father, help me to celebrate life today. In the midst of my busy day, allow me to see opportunities to laugh or do something special that will lift my mood. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

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Joyce Meyer – Seeing in the Darkness

 

God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on], and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. — 1 Corinthians 1:9 (AMPC)

Adapted from the resource Ending Your Day Right Devotional – by Joyce Meyer

There are times you just can’t see through the darkness that seems to be closing in around you. It is in those times of endurance and patience that your faith is stretched and you learn to trust God even when you can’t hear His voice.

You can grow in your confidence level to the point where “knowing” is even better than “hearing.” You may not know what to do, but it is sufficient to know the One Who does know.

Everyone likes specific direction; however, when you don’t have it, knowing God is faithful and ever true to His promise, and that He has promised to be with us always, is comforting and keeps us stable until His timing comes to illuminate the situation.

Prayer Starter: Father, You know exactly where I am today. Help me to continually put my confidence in Your faithfulness, even when I don’t know what the next step is. I know You are with me always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

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