Promises for Your Everyday Life

[Aeliana]

Day 32: A Willingness to Change

Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP 19 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

I started smoking when I was nine years old. I liked it because it relaxed me, and for a long time, I didn't want to quit. By the time I knew I should quit, I didn't want to because I thought I'd put on weight. That was my excuse for years. Then I got into this cycle where I would quit and start again, quit and start again.

But I reached my crisis point when I wanted to smoke so much I started sneaking out during church to lie down in the seat of my car and smoke. That's when I knew I had to make a change.

There usually comes a crisis point before a lot of us are willing to change. For example, sometimes it takes a heart attack for a person to start eating right. But you don't have to wait for your crisis point. You can just bite the bullet and say, "That's it. I'm done with this."

The Bible says that we can "choose life." God has provided you with the support and ability to change, but you have to be willing to, otherwise your crisis point will hit you hard and fast. It's so much easier to "choose life" before you reach that point.

Don't be afraid to be a little uncomfortable for awhile. I finally achieved freedom from smoking, and it wasn't easy...but I didn't have to do it alone.

If you think you're not ready to change, just take it to God and say, "Help me, help me, help me."

I'm telling you that with the help of God and a decision on your part to "choose life," you can truly, permanently change for the better.

Prayer Starter:
God, You have given me a choice, and I choose life! I know change is hard, but I ask You to help me. With Your help and my willingness to change, I know I can overcome any obstacle.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Aeliana]

Day 33: Visualize Your Victory

Deuteronomy 28:13 AMP 13 And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day and are watchful to do them. e

I've had some great victories in my life. God has set me free from so many old sins, bondages and habits. The thrill of freedom I've experienced is absolutely amazing, and it's something God wants all of us to experience.

I still have battles I need to win and obstacles to overcome, and I'm sure you do too. I encourage you to pick one thing you'd like to start working on today.

Next, start visualizing your victory today. Think about what your life will look like when you're free.

I use Deuteronomy 28 as an incentive. I encourage you to read the whole chapter. It basically says that if you obey God, He will bless you, and if you disobey God, you will be cursed. Now that's a powerful incentive, wouldn't you agree?

I like working with God to conquer things and not let the enemy rule me. In fact, I think the most exciting journey in life is simply saying, "God, I want to change. I want to please You."

When you get into that frame of mind, you can get free from one thing and go on to another thing and another thing and pretty soon, you'll start to realize that you have some real authority in Christ.

Don't live your life without the thrill of growing and changing or you'll miss out on the good things God can do through you.

Take some time today to visualize the person you want to be and start pursuing God's freedom. Because one day at a time, you and God can do anything!

Prayer Starter

God, I believe that I can use your freedom. Today, I see myself as a thefree person I can be in you. Empower me as I live to please you and walk in the authority you've given me.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Aeliana]

Day 34: Living with Contentment and Satisfaction

I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through him who infuses inner strength into me; I am self sufficient in Christ sufficiency). – Philippians 4:13

The Bible says that godliness accompanied with contentment is great and abundant gain.

What I take from that is, a godly person who is content is in the very best place he can possibly be.

Joy doesn't come from having your circumstances in order and under control; it comes from what's in your heart.

For example, the world is full of people who have what they think they want, and they're still not happy. In fact, some of the most unhappy people in the world are people who seem to "have it all."

Contentment is not about fame or being well-known, how much money you have, your position at work or your social circle.

It's not found in your level of education or what side of the tracks you were born on. Contentment is a heart attitude.

There's nobody happier than a truly thankful person, a truly content person. The word content means 'being satisfied to the point where nothing disturbs you no matter what's going on, but not satisfied to the point that you never want any change.'

We all want to see things get better. But where you are right this minute doesn't have to disturb you. You can choose to believe that God is working and things are changing, and you will see the result of it in due time.

Life is all about the choices we make, so choose contentment and satisfaction every single day of your life.

You won't go wrong when you do.


Prayer Starter

God, I want to be content and satisfied with where I am, right here, right now. Give me the strength to choose to be content every single day.

 

[Aeliana]

Day 35: Through Christ who strengthens you

I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through him who infuses inner strength into me; I am self sufficient in Christ sufficiency). – Philippians 4:13

Philippians 413 is a very popular Scripture that is often quoted out of context. It says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That doesn't mean you can just do anything you decide to do because you want to do it.

Paul was talking specifically about he was able, through the power of Christ, to be content no matter what his circumstances were

I do believe that, by God's grace, we can do whatever we need to do in life. I think that's a mindset we need to have. There's nothing too much for you if you're trusting God. You can handle whatever comes your way because God promises that he'll never put more on us and we can bear and deal with.

So keep a positive attitude no matter where you are right now, no matter what's going on in your life. Cheer up – God is on your side.

Stop being upset about things you can't do anything about God wants you to know that he has an individual plan for your life, and he wants you to accept his unique plan for you and not compare your plan with anyone else's.

You have to trust God knows more about what you need and what you can handle than you do. After all he knows you better than you know yourself!

Prayer Starter

Lord, Lord, like Paul, I want my contentment come from You, not my circumstances. Show me every day that your plan for me is perfect and that I don't need to worry.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Aeliana]

Day 36: Guarding Your Heart

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Proverbs 4:23 says to guard your heart "for it determines the course of your life"

Think about that. Whatever's in your heart is eventually going to show up in your everyday life. Whatever's inside will eventually find its way out, where anyone and everyone can see it. That alone makes it extremely important to monitor the things we allow to shape our hearts.

I don't want something nasty, sinful, and selfish finding its way out and damaging my relationships with others, and I doubt you do either. A large part of guarding your heart means learning how to control your thoughts, your words, your disposition and your general outlook. What you think usually comes out in what you say.

What you say affects how you feel, and that shows up in your overall attitude.

In the course of everyday life, this is what determines how you handle your circumstances, whether you'll have peace or fall apart in a stressful situation. It governs how you respond to others, either with compassion and understanding or with judgment and arrogance, especially when you disagree with them!

You can try and keep your inner thoughts from altering your words and attitudes, but I find it's much easier to have godly thoughts to begin with. Spend time in God's presence, and let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with His goodness.

Prayer Starter:
Lord, I only want my heart to be filled with thoughts and desires that are from You. As I spend more time in Your presence and focus solely on You, I know that my heart will change for the better, affecting the rest of my life in godly ways.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Why Does a Good God Let Bad Things Happen?

Because we need 'em. JOB NEEDED what God put him through in order to get better.

Next question??

 

[Aeliana]

Because we need 'em. JOB NEEDED what God put him through in order to get better.

Next question??

Good answer

Sometimes we come to life’s crossroads andwe view what we think is the end. But God has a much wider vision and He knows that it’s only a bend.
When I came to a bend in the road of my life,the writings of King David helped me regain my bearings. We can learn to handle our twisting pathway by studying this man’s life and readinghis soul-searching Psalms. David teaches us that our God is there with us in the midst of our trials and in the center of our pain. He comforts, guides, teaches, and sustains us. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we needn’t fear, for He is with us.

Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

In the past 3,400 years, the world has been at peace less than ten percent of the time—about 268 years total. It would be easy to point the finger at Almighty God, but the problem lies in the human heart. Although God has the power to prevent bad things from happening, He created us with the...

davidjeremiah.blog

 

[Aeliana]

Day 37: Making the Most of Your Time

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16

Time really does fly, doesn't it? On the other hand, in some situations, it may seem like time crawls! No matter how fast or slow it feels like time goes by, each of us only has a certain amount of time on this earth. With that in mind, I want to ask you, what are you doing with your time?

Time is such a gift from God! I see every day how He takes His time to make us what He wants us to be. And then, in His mercy and grace, He gives us time to get in agreement with what He's doing in our lives so we can experience His goodness. What a loving God!

So, ask yourself, "Am I in agreement with what God is doing in me? Or, am I struggling and fighting, impatiently trying to do things my way?" I can assure you, if you're struggling with God, you're just wasting your time, but if you're in agreement with Him, you're using your time for great things.

Remember, God is gracious. He takes His time. We might think He's taking too long when, in His goodness, He is just waiting for us to line up with the work He's doing in us. He won't rush. He is patient.

Our struggling only delays our progress. So maybe this is a good time to change your outlook and start looking ahead to a new way of doing things, a new vision for life, a renewed faith and trust in the One who is always at work in us, and always for our good.

My encouragement to you is to trust God and spend your time getting in agreement with what He is doing in your life. Let Him define your purpose. Know in your heart that He has great plans, and no matter how much time He takes, He loves you, and He always has your best interest at heart.

Prayer starter

Lord, I want to spend my time agreeing with, not fighting, the great work You are accomplishing in me. I thank You that when I start to waste time, You always remind me that You love me and that Your timing is always best.

 

[Aeliana]

Day 38: True Happiness

And I was a constant example to you in helping the poor; for I remembered the words of the Lord Jesus, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” - Acts 20:35

Years ago I had no idea how strongly God felt about giving to others. Before that, I lived a selfish, me-first life. I struggled and strived constantly to find happiness for myself, but I always found myself worn-down, stressed-out, and definitely unhappy. However, God taught me a thing or two about true happiness.

Once I figured out that happiness is a by-product of doing something good for other people, I began to adopt a lifestyle where I intentionally look for ways to help people, every day.

The Bible says in Acts 20:35, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' (NIV).

That's amazing. Giving brings more happiness than receiving? On the surface, that doesn't make much sense. We live in a world and a culture that's obsessed with receiving.

So many times, we look at people who have a lot of stuff and think, 'They must be truly happy.' But true happiness comes from a lifestyle of giving to others. Now, that doesn't mean you have to give away millions.

All God asks is that you give what you have. I don't ever want to be the kind of person who just says, "Well, I'm doing enough. I'm satisfied." In reality, that will never bring satisfaction.

No, I want to help as many people as I possibly can. Today, find someone you can give to. No matter how big or small your gift, whether it's money, time, or encouragement, just give what you have.

Experience the true happiness that comes from giving.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Aeliana]

Day 39: Social Justice

Deuteronomy 10:18-19 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.

It's simply wrong to see or hear of someone in need and do absolutely nothing. Let me explain...

Awhile ago, the Lord revealed to me just how strongly He feels about wanting me to work for justice for the oppressed. It's part of His calling for all in the body of Christ.

He's been looking for people to help the fatherless, the widows, the oppressed, the poor, the lonely and forgotten since He gave the law in Old Testament times. Speaking through Moses, He said, "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child" (Exodus 22:22 AMP).

God is not partial, "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger or temporary resident and gives him food and clothing" (Deuteronomy 10:18 AMP). God told the people that if they fed the strangers, the widows and the fatherless, He would bless the work of their hands (see Deuteronomy 14:29).

Some of the most lonely and forgotten people in the world today are the girls who have been forced into prostitution in order to survive, the orphan boy in Africa whose parents have died of AIDS, the prisoner who spends day after day alone in a prison cell, the homeless man living on the streets...there are plenty of people in need out there.

This can all seem overwhelming, and you might be thinking, "What can I do about this?' God has taught me that while I cannot solve everything, if I relieve the suffering of just one person, I am making a difference. Please don't think that what you have to give isn't enough.

The hurting, broken, hungry and homeless are all around. Will you help them today?



Prayer starter

Lord, You clearly care about helping those who are poor and lonely. Give me Your heart for justice and show me the hurting and broken that You want me to help.

 

[Aeliana]

Day 40: Know God's Character

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

---

It's important that we know God's character. Why? It gives us discernment.

If we don't know the character of God, how can we ever know who is from God and who is not from God? Here are three character traits of God that help me stay in tune with who He is and what He is doing:

1. Justice: God is a God of justice.

That word justice is so awesome because it means that He will always make anything that's wrong right. This helps me to not worry when I am mistreated because I know God will bring justice. It's who He is.

2. Goodness: God is good, this fact never changes.

And He's good all the time, not just once in a while or when things go your way. Psalm 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him" (NIV). When things are bad, I find great encouragement in God's goodness.

3. Holiness: God is holy and righteous, and He desires to make us holy, pure and clean, free from the defilements of sin. To be honest, it has helped me in my walk with God to realize that whatever He does is right, whether I like it or not. This helps me to stay in sync with Him.

These three traits are not the only characteristics of God, but they are some of the most significant and powerful ones to me. I encourage you to spend some time looking up these traits, and other traits of God that are important to you.

When you study who He is, the Holy Spirit will help you incorporate His traits into your own personality. Begin to practice them in your daily life, and see what God does... You won't be disappointed.

Prayer Starter

You are wonderful. Your justice, goodness, holiness, and countless other traits amaze me and remind me of how great You are. Continue to remind me of Your character so I can become more like You.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Logikos]

Day 40: Know God's Character

---

It's important that we know God's character. Why? It gives us discernment.

If we don't know the character of God, how can we ever know who is from God and who is not from God? Here are three character traits of God that help me stay in tune with who He is and what He is doing:

1. Justice: God is a God of justice.

That word justice is so awesome because it means that He will always make anything that's wrong right. This helps me to not worry when I am mistreated because I know God will bring justice. It's who He is.

2. Goodness: God is good, this fact never changes.

And He's good all the time, not just once in a while or when things go your way. Psalm 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him" (NIV). When things are bad, I find great encouragement in God's goodness.

3. Holiness: God is holy and righteous, and He desires to make us holy, pure and clean, free from the defilements of sin. To be honest, it has helped me in my walk with God to realize that whatever He does is right, whether I like it or not. This helps me to stay in sync with Him.

These three traits are not the only characteristics of God, but they are some of the most significant and powerful ones to me. I encourage you to spend some time looking up these traits, and other traits of God that are important to you.

When you study who He is, the Holy Spirit will help you incorporate His traits into your own personality. Begin to practice them in your daily life, and see what God does... You won't be disappointed.

Prayer Starter


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

A post that, by itself, falsifies the whole of Calvinism!

(Joyce Meyers' doctrine not withstanding.)

 

[Logikos]

Day 39: Social Justice



It's simply wrong to see or hear of someone in need and do absolutely nothing. Let me explain...

Awhile ago, the Lord revealed to me just how strongly He feels about wanting me to work for justice for the oppressed. It's part of His calling for all in the body of Christ.

He's been looking for people to help the fatherless, the widows, the oppressed, the poor, the lonely and forgotten since He gave the law in Old Testament times. Speaking through Moses, He said, "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child" (Exodus 22:22 AMP).

God is not partial, "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger or temporary resident and gives him food and clothing" (Deuteronomy 10:18 AMP). God told the people that if they fed the strangers, the widows and the fatherless, He would bless the work of their hands (see Deuteronomy 14:29).

Some of the most lonely and forgotten people in the world today are the girls who have been forced into prostitution in order to survive, the orphan boy in Africa whose parents have died of AIDS, the prisoner who spends day after day alone in a prison cell, the homeless man living on the streets...there are plenty of people in need out there.

This can all seem overwhelming, and you might be thinking, "What can I do about this?' God has taught me that while I cannot solve everything, if I relieve the suffering of just one person, I am making a difference. Please don't think that what you have to give isn't enough.

The hurting, broken, hungry and homeless are all around. Will you help them today?



Prayer starter

A good sentiment to be sure but it should be tempered by sufficient wisdom and discernment required to ensure that one's help isn't actually making the problem worse by enabling foolish behavior. Giving money to an alcoholic won't feed him, it'll extend his drunken stupor. Giving food to the lazy removes one of God's best motivators (i.e. hunger pains).

Often, it really is the most loving thing to simply allow someone to experience the natural consequences of their actions.

 

[Aeliana]

Day 41: God's Agape Love

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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The Bible talks about various kinds of love. There's the Greek word "phileo," which means friendship or tender affection.

Then there's "eros," which is the passionate love we feel for a lover. But there's a third kind, a higher kind of love. "Agape" is the kind of love God has toward His Son and the human race. It's a love that sacrifices, the love that we see in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..."(NIV). There are so many scriptures on this topic.

It's really something you should sit down and study personally. Another scripture that teaches the concept of agape love is Matthew 5:44. It tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. It's not difficult to pray for people who are good to you. But it does stretch you to pray for people who have wounded you.

It's easy to hang out with your friends at church. But it's harder to seek out that person who looks like they're miserable and alone and just listen to them for awhile. That's agape love. It's sacrificing your comfort to do what's righteous.

You can "agape love' people by being patient with them, by being understanding with them, by saying something encouraging or by not saying anything when you could. As humans, we are inherently selfish, constantly asking, "What about me?'

It's time to declare war on selfishness with the power of agape love. It's time to be good and loving to people on purpose as we study and understand what scripture says about love. And let the agape love of God in you overflow to others.

Prayer Starter

Lord, Your powerful agape love is amazing. Empower me as I declare war on selfishness and make a decision to, on purpose, live a life of agape love.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Logikos]

The Greek notion of Agape does NOT mean "unconditional love" nor does it mean having fond affection for someone no matter what they've done or what sort of person they are. It hasn't ever meant that at any time. It's a nicer than God, Christian myth. Even doing so much as looking up the term in Strong's concordance is all that is needed to expose this myth....

G26 agápē – properly, love which centers in moral preference. So too in secular ancient Greek, 26 (agápē) focuses on preference; likewise the verb form (25 /agapáō) in antiquity meant "to prefer" (TDNT, 7). In the NT, 26 (agápē) typically refers to divine love (= what God prefers).​

Agape in ancient Greek could actually refer to any sort of love at all including romantic love depending on the context but generally it is used to convey a kind of love that is dispassionate, which is not to say unemotional; a kind of love that is based on a moral principle, not on an emotional state of mind. It's the sort of love that a good father has for his children where he'd give his own life for his children if rightly called upon to do so. He would sacrifice his own comfort, his possessions, his relationships, and even his very life if doing so would work to his children's best interests. It's the sort of love that means that you're willing to do the hard thing, like spanking your toddler child when he's been caught lying or meeting a friend's (or enemy's) foolishness with a harsh but truthful and hard to hear rebuke or booting the unrepentant sexual sinner from your church.

This feel good about yourself, nicer than God, hate the sin love the sinner, "love" everyone one no matter how vile they happen to be nonsense, is unbiblical gobbledygook that morally hobbles children, destroys relationships, undermines righteousness and is the literal opposite of agape love!

 

[Aeliana]

Day 42: Being an Imitator of God

Ephesians 5:1 Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children

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Being a Christian isn't about making a weekly trip to church. We need to develop the character of God so others can actually see Jesus working in a practical way.

Ephesians 5:1 says that we are to be imitators of God. Unfortunately, saying it is a lot easier than actually doing it.

So many times we do things that don't reflect God at all. It's easy to get discouraged, give up on and condemn ourselves when we fall short.

Thankfully, God isn't bothered that we haven't arrived yet. He knows we're only human. He knows that we're not going to instantly, perfectly mirror Him overnight, but He does want us to continue growing. We're not meant to live stagnant lives, never moving forward in our faith.

Where's the adventure in that? We need to be able to look back on our life and see some changes taking place. I used to be a Pharisee. I think I could have been the chief of Pharisees. I had a real religious act going on, but I wasn't really doing anything to truly "imitate" God.

At some point, God led me to ask myself: "What am I doing to be more like God? Am I actually helping anybody? Am I just in this thing so God will make my life better?" When we're in a place of questioning, that's the best place to be. It's a place of constantly striving toward being more like Christ.

As you're striving, don't fall into the trap of perfectionism and self-condemnation. We all make mistakes but the important thing is to be willing to take steps every day toward being more like God.


Prayer Starter

God, I thank You that even though You see my mistakes, You still love me and help me live a godly life. While I refuse to be discouraged by my failures, I also refuse to stay the same. I choose to follow You and imitate You more and more each day.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Aeliana]

Day 43: God Approves of You

Numbers 6:24-26 "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

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We need to speak affirming words over people. We need to resurrect this benediction in Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; the Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace" (AMP).

In other words, God's smiling at you. Think about it. Every time you smile at someone, you're saying to them, "I approve of you. I accept you. You're cool." God not only approves of you, He's smiling over you.

He loves you! You need to get that so deeply rooted within your heart that nothing can ever take it from you. When you're rooted in God's love, He's going to help you stand up in faith and start walking in obedience to Him. But you can't go ahead of Him trying to do good works on your own.

You have to know the Word so that you can know who you are in Christ. In Psalm 18:19, David said, "God is pleased with me."

David wasn't perfect, but he knew God delighted in him. God is pleased with you too. Get that truth down inside you. He is smiling over you and He loves you very much.

God approves of you!


Prayer Starter

God, thank You so much for loving me and for approving of me. Thank You for smiling over me. Your love has changed my life and I know that it will only continue to do so as I grow in You.God.

 

[Aeliana]

Day 44: Eating the "Solid Food" of God's Word

Hebrews 5:14 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

I remember feeding my babies and as long as I was giving them bananas and peaches, everything was great.

But when I'd slip in a spoonful of peas, they'd go "Phftt!" So I'd scrape the peas off their chin and shove it back in their mouth again. It took me awhile, but sooner or later, they were eating peas. It's the same with baby Christians. When we start consuming God's Word, we start growing up spiritually.

We stop walking in the flesh and start doing what He wants us to do. Proverbs 4:18 tells us the path of righteousness shines brighter and clearer every day as we continue in God's Word. The key word here is continue. We've got to love the Word, study the Word, and listen to the Word so it can transform us.

Have you ever run a yellow light? Maybe you're in a hurry and think, I can make it through this. If you do that over and over, you're bound to end up in a wreck. Well, it's the same with God's Word. If we go ahead and do what we know we shouldn't be doing and just try to sneak by, we can end up getting hurt.

God's Word is here to protect us. Hebrews 5:14 says, "Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong" (NLT). The "solid food" of the Word will convict you, and that's a positive thing.

It's the Holy Spirit letting you know in your heart that your attitude stinks or that you're on the wrong path. Getting in the Word is the key to living life in the right direction. So don't be a baby...take in the solid food of the Word!

Prayer Starter

God, I know that Your Word is the only path to maturity. Don't let me be a baby! Guide me and help me to grow as I take in the solid food of Your Word.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Aeliana]

Day 45: Free to Think Positive Thoughts

Proverbs 23:7 - for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

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This scripture shows us how important it is to think healthy, positive thoughts about ourselves.

You cannot love life if you're always thinking negative thoughts. If you struggle with this, I encourage you to make up your mind to work toward changing your way of thinking.

I've found the best way to become a positive thinker is to ask God for a lot of help, and to ask for it often. That's really the hardest part of being set free from negativism: admitting that it's a problem and asking God for help.

But once you do that, you can overcome it because according to the Bible, you're a new person in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Many people are afraid to hope because they've been hurt so much in life. Their philosophy is: "If I don't expect anything good to happen, I won't be disappointed if it doesn't." That's how I used to think.

I had encountered so much disappointment and I was afraid to be positive. When I began to study the Word and trust God to restore me, I realized my negative thoughts had to go.

We need to practice positive thoughts in every situation. If you're going through a difficult time, expect that God will work things out for your good.

As a Christian, it's time for you to fight for your thoughts, because your mind won't automatically come into agreement with God's plans. I encourage you to spend time examining His Word and comparing it to your thought life.

Give God time to help you put your thoughts in line with His. He showed me how to be a more positive person, and He'll show you how to be one too.

Prayer Starter

God, I admit that I struggle with negative thoughts and I need Your help. Line my thoughts up with Your Word. In every situation, remind me that You will work things out for my good.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

 

[Aeliana]

Day 46: Remembering Past Successes

"David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee." 1 Samuel 17:37

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To be honest, a lot of us are negative thinkers when we find ourselves in challenging situations.

But to move past trying times, you have to take your negative thoughts and turn them into positive thoughts. God wants to take you on a "truth journey" through studying His Word that produces amazing results.

It will help you purge your negative thoughts and give you the ability to see the positive in your situation. Being positive is powerful. And a big part of being positive is simply reminding yourself of your past successes.

When David faced the giant Goliath, he remembered the lion and the bear he'd already defeated, and it gave him courage in his current situation

. If you're going through a difficult time right now, let me remind you that this probably isn't the first challenge you've faced. You survived the last one (and probably learned some valuable lessons through it) and you will survive this one too.

Like David, remember your past successes. Then go to the Word and see what God says. Better days are on their way. God promises it!

Prayer Starter

God, sometimes the situation in front of me seems impossible, but You have brought me through difficult times in the past, and I know You can do it again. Help me to remember past successes and to think positively about my present situation.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional