Promises for Your Everyday Life

[Aeliana]

Let God Do the Heavy Lifting

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

One of the most important things I have learned is to let God do the heavy lifting. Too many times we see what's wrong with ourselves and try to fix it through our own strength, but this will never be good enough. Jesus said in John 15:5, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (NIV).

We may try to be self-sufficient, but we need to let God supply the grace and ability to do what we need to do. Willpower and determination can get us started, but they've been known to quit in the middle and leave us stranded. We can learn to enjoy the life Jesus died to give us by inviting God to become involved in every aspect of it.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew11:28 NIV). We are not made to function without God. And with Him, we can break any bad habit or addiction, like overeating, substance abuse, poor time management, anger issues, you name it. Jesus is bigger than any problem you have.


Prayer Starter: God, I know that I'm nothing without You, so I invite You into every area of my life. I'll let You do the heavy lifting, following and trusting You every day.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 229

 

[Aeliana]

Taking Care of Your Body

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Some of us haven't learned to love our bodies enough to properly care for them. To change that, we must confront the three biggest obstacles to healthy living. We don't know how to care for our bodies. Bad diets, misinformation, and fast foods have confused people about what a wholesome diet is and how to eat the right foods in proper amounts.

Our view of body image is skewed by media and advertising. We're bombarded with unattainable ideals of beauty, while obesity is so prevalent that it's almost considered normal. We need to rediscover what a healthy person looks like. Exercise is nearly obsolete.

We've invented enough conveniences that we often live completely void of exercise. We don't even walk anywhere if we don't have to! But the truth is, a good deal of our well-being is dependent on exercising our bodies. If you struggle with these obstacles, make a decision today that you will not be defeated.

God tells us to treat our bodies well, and He will always help us do the things He tells us to do. So make a decision to rely on God's strength and live a healthier lifestyle.

Prayer Starter: God, I want to honor You by taking care of my body and living a healthy life. I believe that I can make changes through Your power that is at work in me.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 230

 

[Aeliana]

God Is Our Source, Not the World

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness 2 Corinthians 9:10

God's financial system is not like the world's system. And no matter what happens around us, we don't have to be fearful because God loves us. While the world's financial systems are often unstable, the love of God never changes and remains our solid foundation in life. We can have confidence that whatever is happening, God wants to help us and will go out of His way to meet even our simple day-to-day needs. Second Corinthians 9:10 emphasizes that God will provide for our needs and give us "bread for eating."

God is the One who supplies our needs. Our jobs are not our source, God is. So when jobs and investments disappear, we don't have to feel hopeless because God is not limited. He can provide for us through other means, in ways we may not have imagined or are able to figure out ahead of time. Matthew 6:26 reassures us that if God takes care of the birds, we can believe He is going to provide for us, too. Do you believe that God can take care of you?

Prayer Starter: God, thank You for being a faithful, trustworthy source and providing all I need. No matter what happens, I rely on You and only You to meet my needs.



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 231

 

[Aeliana]

Take Responsibility for Your Happiness

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. Ecclesiastes 3:10

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that I cannot count on someone else to make me happy. God has given us the ability to take responsibility for our own happiness. A lot of people aren't happy unless a certain person behaves a certain way, or unless a certain situation works out just the way they want it to. Every day we let our happiness depend on other people and situations, when in reality, God wants us to find our happiness in Him.

There was a time when I would feel sorry for myself if Dave went to play golf the day after one of our big conferences. I wanted him to go shopping or watch a movie with me. But God showed me that we have different ways of relaxing and unwinding. That's just one example, but there are so many ways that we put unrealistic expectations on people and rely on them to keep us happy. God wants us to look to Him first and rely on Him for our happiness.

Prayer Starter: God, my happiness should only rely on You, not other people and situations. Today, I get rid of my unrealistic expectations and take responsibility for my own happiness.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 232

 

[Aeliana]

The Best Way to Start the Day

I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried:
I hoped in thy word.
Psalms 119:147

How do you start your day? Do you hurriedly get out of bed and barely make it out the door on time? Do you turn on the TV? Do you go exercise? Whatever your morning routine may be, the most important question you need to ask yourself is, "What role does God play when I start my day?"

It took me a lot of years to figure this out, but I now know that the very best way to start my day is by giving thanks to God for what He's done for me and asking Him how I can be a blessing to other people.

I encourage you to spend time each morning focusing on the good things God has done in your life. Think about the dangers and difficulties He's brought you through, the ways He's healed you and changed you, and how good it is to know He cares for you and hears your prayers. When you learn to set your mind on God each morning, He'll give you all the peace and joy you need to live for Him as you go about the rest of your day.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I make a decision today to pursue You first thing when I get up every morning. Nothing is more important than seeking You and receiving Your peace and joy.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 233

 

[Aeliana]

Let the Holy Spirit Take You from 'Doing' to 'Being'

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

I remember when I was a born-again Christian who was actively involved in church life, but I was not getting victory over my problems. I thought that if I acted like a Christian and looked like I had my act together, I would be happy. But doing the right thing wasn't enough. I needed a change on the inside. Acts 1:8 speaks of receiving God's power to be His witnesses.

Notice it does not say to do witnessing but to be witnesses. Doing is a different thing than being. I had my outside polished up, but my inner life was a wreck. Quite often the inner turmoil exploded, and then everybody could see I wasn't quite what I appeared to be. Thankfully, I came to the point where I was desperate for a move of God in my life and knew there had to be more than what I had experienced in my relationship with Him.

As I cried out to Him in prayer for help, He touched my life in a powerful way, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave me a real love for God and His Word and like never before. Now I was no longer faking it. I encourage you to receive this same Holy Spirit power. Let Him take you from 'doing' to 'being.'.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, give me Your power so that I can go from 'doing' to 'being.'. I want to love and follow You from the core of who I am.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 234

 

[Aeliana]

God's Love Is More Powerful Than Abuse


For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, '
Romans 8:38

Abuse means "to misuse, to use improperly, to use up or to injure by maltreatment." The effects of abuse can be devastating and long-lasting. Many people never recover from it. There are different kinds of abuse: sexual, emotional, verbal, physical.

No matter the form, the results are always terrible. It will keep you from functioning properly and prevent you from receiving and experiencing the righteousness, peace, and joy of God's kingdom. I understand this firsthand because I was abused throughout my childhood. Thankfully, I don't just know the power of abuse, but I know the great power of God's love.

Because of the love of God, my past doesn't have to affect my future anymore. If you've been abused in the past, understand today that God loves you. Nothing can separate you from His love. He has made a way for you to be free from your past and to enter true Kingdom living. With Jesus, there is hope for newness of life. Will you receive His love today?

Prayer Starter: God, I've been abused and misused, but I won't let my past affect my future. Overwhelm me with Your love today so that I can experience Your freedom from abuse.

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 235

 

[Aeliana]

Worry About the Camels, Not the Gnats

Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Matthew 23:24

It's hard to believe how many denominations and independent churches there are today, yet there's only one Bible, one message. It's evident that God has one thing to say to all people, a single plan for our conduct and relationship with Him. But over the years, because of our pride and narrow-mindedness, we've felt the need to develop a myriad of churches and church groups, even different versions of the Bible, to suit our own strict interpretations of what we believe the Bible says.

I've come to realize that none of us are 100 percent correct. Most of the things we fight over are petty. In Matthew 23:24, Jesus told the Pharisees that they strained out a gnat but swallowed a camel. They had gotten so picky about the little things, it prevented them from dealing with the things that were truly important.

As long as we allow prejudice, hatred and division to continue to have a place in our lives, we'll be powerless to stop it. Only agreement and unity in the love of Christ will bring the power to defeat prejudice. We can defeat hatred by allowing love to overcome our critical, divisive attitudes toward others.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, help me to not waste my time worrying about gnats. I realize that I must defeat hatred and prejudice with Your love and be unified with others in the body of Christ.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 236

 

[Aeliana]

Sacrifice in Marriage

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1


Early in our marriage, God had to teach me that truly loving Dave meant that sometimes I would have to make sacrifices. Up until that point, I only wanted my way and was very much like the noisy gong mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is the highest form of maturity. It often requires a sacrificial gift. If love doesn't require some sort of sacrifice on our part, we probably don't really love the other person at all.

If there is no sacrifice in our actions, we are most likely reacting to something nice they did for us, or simply pretending to be kind to gain some control over them. It is important to understand that true love gives of itself. So our decisions should always have our spouse's interests at heart. When you do, you're giving of yourself. God's desire is for husbands and wives to love each other sacrificially and unconditionally.

This means you don't get your way all of the time. But the good news is, when a husband and wife sacrifice their selfish desires, they will have a triumphant marriage!

Prayer Starter: God, I want to walk in true love in my marriage. I make a decision today to not always push for my own way, but to be willing to sacrifice for my spouse.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 237

 

[Aeliana]

Why Does a Good God Let Bad Things Happen?

17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17


When we experience terrible tragedy, being angry with God is quite common. People frequently ask, "If God is good, all-powerful, and full of love for us, why didn't He stop the thing that caused the pain?" This is where Satan seeks to build a wall between God and the hurting person. He seizes the opportunity to say, "God isn't good, and He can't be trusted."

However, we know according to the Word of God, the truth is not in Satan, he is a liar and the father of lies. Read James 1:17. Everything good comes from God. God is good, and He cannot be anything else. Furthermore, He isn't one way one time and another way another time. He doesn't change.

He is good, and that's the way He is. It's obvious that God doesn't always stop tragedy, and we honestly don't always know why bad things happen. First Corinthians 13:12 says, "...Now I know in part (imperfectly)...." We have to remember that faith will always require us to accept unanswered questions, and we must come to the place where we're satisfied to know the One who knows and place our trust in Him.

Prayer Starter: God, I may not always understand why bad things happen, but I know that You are good. When I don't understand why, I will find my comfort in You.



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 238

 

[Aeliana]

Why You Need to Read the Bible

Let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them,
And health to all their flesh.

Proverbs 4:21-22​

The Bible is no ordinary book. The words within its pages are like medicine to your soul. It has the power to change your life because there is life in the Word! When you discover the power and truth of God's Word, you will begin to see changes in your life that only this truth can bring. You will also learn how to recognize the lies that the enemy tries to bring against you.

If you are just starting to study the Bible or feel intimidated by it, don't think you have to read it all at once or understand everything right away. Be patient with yourself. The important thing is that you start somewhere and stay determined to stick with it. Because every time you study the Bible and pay attention to what you're reading, you're learning something.

Proverbs 4:20 says, "My son attend to my words., " This is important to understand because attending is more than just reading - it means to meditate on the Scripture or roll it around over and over in your mind. As we spend time reading and meditating on the Word of God and learn to agree with it above all else, we will be filled with the life and healing power of God.

Prayer Starter: God, thank You so much for the life-giving power of Your Word! As I read and study it, teach me what You want me to know and bring Your healing power into my life.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 239

 

[Aeliana]

It's OK to Enjoy Your Life

There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24

Enjoyment is the fuel we need to reach the finish line of an endeavor with a good attitude. We may drive ourselves to finish, but somewhere along the way we will probably become bitter and get a chip on our shoulder if we don't lighten up and take time to celebrate the journey. Too many people work constantly and stress themselves out, feeling guilty about enjoying and celebrating life when God has clearly ordained and commanded both labor and enjoyment.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 says that it's good for us to relax and enjoy ourselves in the midst of hard work. Our thinking has been warped in this area. Satan has managed to deceive us, and by doing so he succeeds in keeping people weary and worn-out, feeling resentful and taken advantage of because of excessive work and responsibility. We need times of refreshment and recreation as well as work and accomplishment. You should be diligent in whatever task God has placed in front of you, but make sure that you find a balance by learning to reward yourself and enjoy life. God thinks you are worth it!


Prayer Starter: God, I realize now that You want me to enjoy my life and reward myself. Instead of feeling guilty and never stopping for a break, I choose today to experience the joy that You planned for me.



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 240

 

[Aeliana]

Stop Keeping Score


doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 1 Corinthians 13:5

If someone has hurt you, don't spend the next ten years of your life hurting yourself by hanging on to that offense. Most likely, the other person isn't even thinking about you, while you dwell on the incident for years. That only hurts one person, you. When we walk in unforgiveness, we try to "keep score," viewing ourselves as better than the other person.

Back in the early days of our marriage, when Dave and I were fussing and fuming at each other, I would bring up stuff that happened years before and Dave would say, "Where do you keep all that stuff?" Well, I had a place, and it was all in there eating at me. And every new thing Dave did wrong would get added to this list, and it kept growing until it became a bitter giant in my heart. When we walk in God's love, we find freedom by keeping "no account" of wrongs done to us. If you're hurting from the pain of unforgiveness today, ask God to help you stop keeping score. You can let go of your bitterness today.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to keep score anymore and let my unforgiveness hurt me. I release it to You and ask You to help me walk in Your love, which keeps "no account of the evil done to it."



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 241

 

[Aeliana]

Think About What You're Thinking About

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. Mark 4:24

If you're a believer, you probably think some Scripture-based thoughts throughout each day, but think about this: Are you mixing them with negative thoughts or just any random thoughts that come into your mind? For most of my life, I simply thought whatever fell into my head. Much of what was in my head was either lies Satan was telling me or just plain nonsense. Read Mark 4:24.

It tells us the more time we spend thinking about the Word, the more power and ability we will have to walk in it. It also says the more we read and listen to the Word, the more revelation we will receive to understand it. In the flesh we are lazy and want to receive from God without any effort on our own part, but that's not the way it works. You will only get out of the Word what you are willing to put into it. I encourage you to make a decision to meditate on God's Word every day because every moment you spend absorbing it, the more virtue and knowledge you will receive from God.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I make a decision to spend more time in Your Word every day. I know that when I do, I will get more out of it and receive more powerful revelation from You.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 242

 

[Aeliana]

The Greatest Gift You Can Give

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36


It's the most outrageous thing. The more I think about it, the more amazed I am. It gives blessings that are undeserved and withholds punishment when it is deserved. It's absolutely the greatest gift you can give someone. This gift is called mercy. See, Jesus came to earth and gave us mercy, so we need to learn to give mercy to others. By Christ's example, we're taught to love and pray for our enemies.

We're taught to be friendly to those who do not treat us as we would like to be treated. We are told to give to and care for the poor and helpless who will never be able to pay us back. We can give to people who will give us gifts in return. But we're more blessed when we choose to give to those who cannot pay us back, that's giving mercy. The greatest gift you can give God is to become more like Jesus. You can do that by treating others the way He treated you. Give those around you the greatest gift they could ever receive from you: mercy.

Prayer Starter: God, I thank You for the mercy that You selflessly give me every day. I choose now to give that mercy to others. Every chance I get, I will show them the mercy that You have shown me.



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 243

 

[Aeliana]

Say What God Says

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8

God tells us that the more time we spend meditating on and speaking His Word, the more we will see the benefits in our everyday lives and even have a closer relationship with Him. He even promises we'll be prosperous and successful! (See Joshua 1:8). I can testify to this because I have made it through many trials and even devastating times by believing and confessing the Word of God over my life.

There's something powerful that happens when we speak His Word out loud. It's the way we learn to purposely think right thoughts, especially when we make the Scriptures personal confessions of faith. It's great to read the Word and receive it in your heart, but when you confess it out loud, you actively interact with what God says and release its power into your life.

I encourage you to spend time reading and meditating on God's Word, lining your thoughts up with it. But I also urge you to speak the Word. You can make up your mind to work toward changing your life by saying what God says. Read His Word and speak it over your circumstances today.

Prayer Starter: God, I want to release the full power of Your Word into my life. Along with reading and thinking about Your Word, I choose today to speak it over my life.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 244

 

[Aeliana]

God Is Untying Your Knots One at a Time

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Second Thessalonians 3:5

Picture your life as a jumble of shoestrings all tied up in knots, each shoestring a different color. Each knot represents a problem, and the process of untangling those knots and straightening out those problems is going to take a bit of time and effort. It took a long time to tie all those knots, and it will take some time to straighten them all out. In our modern, instantaneous society, we tend to jump from one thing to another, but God never gets in a hurry.

He never quits or runs out of patience. He will deal with us about one particular thing, and then He will let us rest for a while, but not too long. Soon He will come back and begin to work on something else. He will continue until, one by one, our knots are all untied. If it sometimes seems that you're not making any progress, it's because the Lord is untying your knots one at a time.

Let His patience develop in you, and sooner or later, you will see victory in your life and experience the freedom you have wanted for so long.

Prayer Starter: God, I'm so glad that You can work out all of my knots and get my life straightened out. Help me to develop steadfastness and patience as You work continually in my life.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 245

 

[Aeliana]

How Forgiveness and Patience Can Help Your Marriage

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 1 Timothy 1:16

Marriages are not as good as they could be when someone holds on to offenses and hurts that their spouse has caused. I know it's difficult to completely open yourself up after being hurt, but nobody can promise that loving someone won't hurt. In fact, you can't love without being willing to be hurt. It's not possible.

You can't have real love unless you're willing to forgive. Love keeps giving the other person another chance. Love keeps trusting them over and over again, expecting them to do the right thing the next time, believing the best of them. I realize there might be big hurts in your marriage, along with little things you deal with daily.

Still, you need to decide to let go of its irritating hold on you. If you're struggling with unforgiveness in your marriage, ask the Lord to reveal what has caused you to feel bitterness or resentment. You may be surprised at what He reveals to you, but when you see the truth, decide to let go of that grief.

Decide to forgive your spouse and walk in patience as you treat them with God's amazing, unconditional love. Prayer Starter: God, I want my marriage to be the best it can be. Help me let go of any areas of unforgiveness and to patiently love my spouse the way You want me to.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 246

 

[Aeliana]

Find the Answers and Power You Need in the Word

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

When people ask me where to start reading the Bible, I tell them there's really no wrong place to start. You can study anything that's going to help you. When I first started studying the Word, I didn't have very good relationships because I didn't really understand what love was. So that's what I studied. As I studied the subject of love, I learned that it's more than a gooey feeling.

It's a decision you make about how you're going to treat people. By studying what the Bible says about love, I learned how to love. Then my life began to change. Whatever you're dealing with, you can find scriptures about it by using a concordance. For example, if you're dealing with anger or fear, flip to the concordance in the back of your Bible and locate those words to see which scriptures talk about those issues.

If you can't think of anything right away, thumb through the concordance and pick a subject that grabs your attention. Begin looking at all scriptures referenced with this word and read them. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and reveal truth to you. No matter where you start, remember that the Word is alive and has something for you today!

Prayer Starter: Lord, I know that Your Word has something for me today. No matter what I'm dealing with, I'm going to find out what Your Word says about it.



Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 247

 

[Aeliana]

Dealing with Emotions While Grieving

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
And why art thou disquieted in me?
Hope thou in God:
For I shall yet praise him For the help of his countenance.
Psalm 42:5

People experiencing tragedy often go through stages of emotional expressions of sobbing and hysteria. These may come and go when least expected. Confusion, disorientation and fear are also common. Depression and waves of overwhelming feelings are experienced by many. In times like these, I believe it's wise to look at King David.

The Bible talks of how King David was feeling depressed but he resisted it. He didn't sink into it or get into the pit of despair. He described how he felt, but he made a decision not to live by his feelings. He praised and trusted in God. Most of us go through emotionally difficult times when tragic loss occurs.

Those who are walking in faith come out of it, and they come out of it better than when they went in. If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, I want to tell you that a new beginning is in front of you. Trust and praise God like David did. What Satan intends for your harm, God can turn around for your good!

Prayer Starter: Lord, even when I'm grieving and depressed, I will choose to praise and trust in You. I believe that You can and will make everything work out for my good.


Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional Day 248