Promises for Your Everyday Life

[Aeliana]

Conquering the Wilderness Mentality

The Lord our God said to us in Horeb, You have dwelt long enough on this mountain.
Deuteronomy 1:6


The Israelites wandered around in the wilderness for forty years to make what was actually an eleven-day journey. Why? Once, as I pondered this situation, the Lord said to me, "The Israelites couldn't move on because they had a wilderness mentality." The Israelites had no positive vision for their lives, no dreams. They needed to let go of that mentality and trust God. We really shouldn't view the Israelites with astonishment because most of us do the same things they did.

We keep going around the same mountains instead of making progress, and it takes us years to experience victory over something that could have been dealt with quickly. We need a new mindset. We need to start believing that God's Word is true. Matthew 19:26 tells us that with God all things are possible. All He needs is our faith in Him. He needs for us to believe, and He will do the rest. The Lord is saying the same thing to you and me today that He said to the children of Israel: "You have dwelt long enough on this mountain." It's time for us to move on!

Prayer Starter: God, I've spent enough time going around the same old mountains in my life. With You, I know I can move on, so I put my faith in You and let go of my wilderness mentality!


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

 

[Aeliana]

God Can Set You Free from the Prison of Your Past


The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],
Luke 4:18,18

I come from a background of abuse and was raised in a dysfunctional home. My childhood was filled with fear and torment. As a young adult trying to live for Christ and follow the Christian lifestyle, I believed that my future would always be marred by my past. I thought, "How can anyone who has the kind of past I do ever be really all right? It's impossible!" But Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me...He has sent Me to announce release to the captives...." Jesus came to open the prison doors and set the captives free.

I couldn't make any progress until I realized that God wanted to release me from the prison of my past. I had to believe that neither my past nor my present determined my future, unless I let it. I had to let God miraculously set me free. You may have had a miserable past that continues to affect your present in negative and depressing ways. But I say to you boldly, your future is not determined by your past or your present! Let God break off the chains of your past.

Prayer Starter: God, I believe that You are more powerful than my past. I receive the freedom You give me. My past will not determine my future.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Who Is Your Real Enemy?

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
Ephesians 6:12

Are you facing challenging circumstances? Are you in need of provision in some area and not sure where it's going to come from? Many Christians today are dealing with serious hardships. Some have lost their jobs and benefits. Others struggle with critical health problems and live with constant concern about how to cover the cost of medicine and doctor visits in addition to simple necessities such as shelter, food and clothing. There are many things in the world that threaten us. But our biggest enemy, fear, is not "out there."

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we are at war not with flesh and blood, but with the enemy of our souls. We must not be confused about the identity of the enemy in our battles. Thankfully, our unseen God is more than capable of dealing with our unseen enemy. When we come to a deep understanding of God's unconditional love for us, we realize He will always take care of everything that concerns us. You don't have to be afraid of your unseen enemy. Trust in God, the only One who can defeat the spiritual forces of darkness.


Prayer Starter: Lord, don't let me forget who my real enemy is, and don't let me forget that You are all-powerful. I know I can't handle everything the enemy throws my way, but You can.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Don't Worry...Worship!

O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear.
Psalm 34:9

I remember a morning when I sat down to pray and instead began to worry about whatever my current situation was and to consider what I was going to do about it. Suddenly I heard that still, small voice inside my spirit say, "Joyce, are you going to worship your problem or Me?" See, God was more than willing to handle my problem if I was willing to forget it and spend time worshipping Him.

When we worship the Lord, we release the emotional or mental burden that weighs us down. It is swallowed up in the awesomeness of God. When we keep our eyes on Him and worship, we will always see His plan for our lives work out all things for our good. The Bible says there is no lack for those who truly worship the Lord with godly fear. Do you want to be sure all your needs will be met? Then remember to worship, not worry. Regardless of the difficulties you face, just keep praising God and giving Him glory. Faith will rise in your heart, and you will overcome.

Prayer Starter: God, I will not worry. Instead, I choose to worship You. You are great and mighty, and I know that my needs are met because of Your goodness and love for me.



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

 

[Aeliana]

The Hidden Power of Confession

Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?
Jeremiah 23:29


What do you usually think of when you hear the word "confession"? Many people think first of the definition that has a negative connotation, being forced to admit you have done something wrong. But when we agree with God's Word by "confessing" it out loud, the result is always positive.

An acquaintance of mine says we cannot defeat Goliath with our mouths shut. When David was preparing to do battle with the giant Goliath, he ran toward him, confessing out loud what he believed the end result of the battle would be: "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand... "(1 Sam. 17:46 AMP).

This is a good example of how we should approach the enemies in our own lives. We must open our mouths and speak the Word of God. I strongly encourage you to confess the Word of God out loud daily. Each time a thought comes to your mind that does not agree with God's Word, confess the truth of His Word out loud, and you will find that the power of the Word will overcome the lie.


Prayer Starter: God, I know that Your Word is powerful...nothing can stand against it. Every time I find myself in a difficult situation, remind me to confess Your Word out loud.


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

 

[Aeliana]

The Flesh Is Weak,' But You Don't Have to Be

All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) andwatch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41

The night before Jesus was crucified, He gathered the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and made just one request: "All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).

All the disciples had to do was stay awake and pray, but they kept falling asleep. Jesus, on the other hand, did pray, and an angel strengthened Him in spirit, enabling Him to endure the cross. The disciples didn't pray, they slept, and proved that the flesh truly is weak. To me, this story proves the critical importance of prayer.

As Christians, we must realize that without daily prayer and interaction with God, we have nothing. We all struggle with living according to our 'weak flesh,' but when we make prayer a priority, God strengthens us in the spirit, allowing us to overcome the limitations of the flesh. What are you relying on for strength today? Your flesh? Or are you experiencing the power that God so graciously gives us when we come to Him?


Prayer Starter: God, I thank You for the strength You give me when I pray. I know that without You, I am weak, so I choose to continually come to You in prayer, knowing that Your strength is more than enough for me.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Facing the Cost of Self-Discipline

Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12

As Christians, many of us have the idea that everything in our lives should be perfect simply because we are Christians. But Jesus clearly warned us, "In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration!" (John 16:33 AMP). Jesus said we would have to deal with worldly troubles. These things are a part of life that we must all face when we lay down our selfish desires to follow Him. The apostle Paul wrote, "But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it!"(1 Corinthians 9:27).

Paul is speaking here about self-discipline. Being self-disciplined means laying down our sinful desires and doing the right thing by God's grace, no matter what the cost. It's not always easy. Dying to self will bring necessary suffering, but remember, even in the face of our suffering, there is hope, for Christ has overcome the world! And like Paul said, we can "rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer."

Prayer Starter: God, I decide in advance to please You, whether my flesh is willing or not. Even if I need to suffer to do Your will, I know that there is hope, for Your Spirit is in me, and You have overcome the world.


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

 

[Aeliana]

False Evidence Appearing Real

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7

There is a debilitating fear that Satan tries to put on us every day. I call fear False Evidence Appearing Real. It is intended to keep us from having the power, love and sound mind God wants us to have. Sometimes we think of fear as an emotion, but it is actually a spirit. In fact, fear is one of Satan's favorite tools, and he particularly loves to harass Christians with it. But Jesus said, "All things can be (are possible) to him who believes!" (Mark 9:23 AMP).

And an on-fire, Bible-believing Christian who is fearless is the enemy's worst fear! It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith, and that is true. We can't live in faith and fear at the same time. Fear paralyzes us and keeps us from receiving God's promises. It keeps us from stepping out and obeying what God has called us to do. Fear must be confronted head-on with the power of faith. We must proclaim the Word of God and command fear to leave. So the next time fear knocks on your door, send faith to answer!

Prayer Starter: Lord, alert me when I'm confronted by False Evidence Appearing Real. I know that with Your help, I can respond with the power of faith and send fear running every time.



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

 

[Aeliana]

Conviction Is Necessary

For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes.
Hebrews 12:6

I never want to be out of fellowship with the Lord. I must have Him to get through every single day of my life. That's why I'm so grateful for the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He lets me know if I'm doing something that grieves God or interferes with our fellowship. He convicts and convinces me of what is right. God loves us even more than we love our own children, and in His love, He disciplines us.

He tells us again and again when we're on the wrong path. He may tell us fifteen different ways, trying to get our attention. His message of convicting love is everywhere. He wants us to listen to Him because He loves us. But if we persist in our ways, He'll withhold privileges and blessing from us because He wants us to grow up. Remember, if you yield to conviction, it will lift you up and out of sin and lead you back to the heart of God. Let conviction lift you to a new level in God. Don't resist it; receive it!


Prayer Starter: Lord, convict me of sin. I realize that conviction is a blessing and vitally necessary to walk with You properly. Get me where I need to be so that I can fellowship with You.



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

 

[Aeliana]

Receive Forgiveness, Not Condemnation


If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].
1 John 1:9

Every single day of our lives we need forgiveness. The Holy Spirit sets off the alarm in our spirits to recognize sin, and He gives us the power of the blood of Jesus to continuously cleanse us from sin and keep us in right standing with Him. But if we are overcome with condemnation, we can be certain it is not from God. He sent Jesus to die for us, to pay the price for our sins.

Jesus bore our sin and condemnation on the cross (see Isaiah 53). When God breaks the yoke of sin from us, He removes the guilt too. He is faithful and just to forgive all our sins and to continually cleanse us from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). The devil knows that condemnation and shame keep us from approaching God in prayer so we can receive forgiveness and enjoy intimate fellowship with Him. Feeling bad about ourselves or believing that God is angry with us only separates us from His presence. He will never leave you, so don't withdraw from Him because of condemnation. Receive His forgiveness and walk with Him.

Prayer Starter: God, thank You for showing me that condemnation is not from You. Today, I receive Your forgiveness. You have cleansed me of sin so that I can live in right standing with You.



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

 

[Aeliana]

You Have Potential

Jesus glanced around at them and said, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.
Mark 10:27

It's amazing how many gifted people there are who just sit on the sidelines of life and do nothing. They never take a step forward to use the gifts God has given them because they don't believe they're gifted in the first place. Are you one of them? The truth is, God has given each one of us gifts, talents and abilities. He has a great plan for you and has equipped you to do great things for His Kingdom. But until you see yourself the way He sees you and trust Him to enable you to use your gifts, you won't live up to your God-given potential.

If you're struggling with low self-esteem, a poor self-image and lacking confidence, I want you to know that God created you with amazing potential. And when you trust God and believe you can do whatever He says you can do, you will fulfill His destiny for your life. Remember, "all things are possible with God." When you put your confidence in Him, you will be free to live up to your potential.


Prayer Starter: God, help me to see myself through Your eyes, with the gifts and talents You've given me. I believe that You made me with great potential because You are a great God. Today, I put my confidence in You and believe that all things are possible with You!


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

 

[Aeliana]

Develop Your Potential and Do Something Now

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,
Colossians 3:23

You may know that God's created you with great potential, but you can't stop there. You have to develop your potential. I believe that many people are unhappy because they aren't doing anything to develop their potential. If you want to see your potential developed to its fullest, don't wait until everything is perfect. Do something now.

Start laying your hand to whatever is in front of you. You must give your potential some form by doing something with it. You will never find what you are capable of doing if you never try anything. Don't be so afraid of failing that you never take a chance. Don't stay in the safety zone. You may feel safe, but you will never succeed at developing your full potential or being fulfilled in what you are doing.

Step out into what you feel God is leading you to do, and you will soon discover what you can and cannot do. You are full of God-given potential, and He wants to do more through your life than you could ever imagine, but it requires your cooperation. Step out and serve Him wholeheartedly today.

Prayer Starter: Lord, in everything I do, I want to serve You wholeheartedly. Thank You for encouraging me to step out and take action, developing the great potential You have given me.

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

 

[Aeliana]

The Trademark of a True Christian

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] andgive yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself orbe wise in your own conceits.
Romans 12:16


One of the most important facets of love is unselfishness, which is characterized in Romans 12:16 as the willingness to adapt and adjust to the needs and desires of others. People who have grasped the meaning of this Scripture and applied it in their lives have learned what it means to be reduced to love. They are not selfish. They have learned to be adaptable and to adjust to others. On the other hand, people who think more highly of themselves than they should find it difficult to adjust to others.

Their inflated opinion of themselves causes them to see others as "little" and "unimportant." They selfishly expect others to adjust to them, but they are often unable to accommodate others without becoming angry or upset. Which type of person are you? I used to be so selfish, but now, I can tell you from experience that living unselfishly is a much more satisfying way to live. The trademark of a true Christian is the ability to adapt to others. Will you unselfishly adapt to someone else today?

Prayer Starter: God, show me daily how to lovingly adapt to others. I don't want to be a selfish person, so I choose to be unselfish and adaptable, loving others as a true Christian.



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

 

[Aeliana]

Love Everyone Differently

I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.
Psalm 139:14

The Bible says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God spent time and exercised His creativity with each of us, so it would stand to reason that He didn't create us all exactly the same, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, we Christians sometimes try to love others as if they are all the same. You'll find that not all people need the same thing from you.

One of your children, for example, may need more of your personal time than another does. One friend may need more encouragement on a regular basis than another. Some people just need different forms of love. Respecting individual rights is also very important. Selfish people expect everyone to be like they are, but love respects the differences in people.

If God had wanted all of us to be alike, He would not have given each of us a different set of fingerprints. I believe that fact alone proves we are created equal but different. We all have different gifts and talents, different likes and dislikes, different goals in life and different motivations. A loving person respects and encourages the differences in others.

Prayer Starter: God, help me to appreciate the differences in others and then love them accordingly. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank You for the amazing creation of each individual You have placed in my life.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Make God Your Source of Approval

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Psalm 46:11

An epidemic of insecurity is stealing the joy of life from many people in our society today and causing major problems in their relationships. I know the effect insecurity can have on lives because I experienced it myself. I know what it does to a person. Those who are insecure, often seek the approval of others to try to overcome their feelings of rejection and low self-esteem. They are approval addicts. When we struggle with insecurity, only one thing will set us free, and that is God's truth.

The truth is that we don't need to struggle to get from man what God freely gives us: love, acceptance, approval, security, worth and value. He is our Refuge, our High Tower, our Strength, our Stronghold in times of trouble and our Hiding Place (see Psalm 9:9; 31:4; 32:7; 37:39; 46:11). Our worth, value, acceptance and approval come from Him. As long as we have those, we have the most valuable things in the world. As you look to Him, you will be lifted to new levels of freedom, becoming the confident, mature person you were created to be.


Prayer Starter: Lord, I look to You for security. I focus on the truth - You are my refuge and strength. You give me love and acceptance. In You alone I am completely confident.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Sickness Isn't Only Physical!

The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to announce liberation to the captives, to set the prisoners free,
Isaiah 61:1


The Bible teaches that Jesus came to heal our wounds, to bind up and heal our broken hearts, and to give us beauty instead of ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning (see Isaiah 61:1-3).

Many Christians read this scripture and know that God wants to heal us from physical and spiritual sickness, but there's more to it than that. The truth is that our emotions are part of our makeup and they can become sick like any other part of us. The world today is full of people who are suffering from emotional pain.

The cause is often abuse, rejection, abandonment, betrayal, disappointment, judgment, criticism or other negative behavior by others. This emotional pain can be more devastating than physical pain because people feel that they have to hide it and pretend it isn't real. If you have an emotional wound in your life, you need to know that Jesus wants to heal you. Don't make the mistake of thinking He is interested only in your spiritual and physical life. Take your wounds to Him. Jesus wants to heal you everywhere you hurt!

Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for caring about every part of me, including my emotions. Any emotional pains and wounds that I have, I bring to You. I know that You can heal and restore me.

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

 

[Aeliana]

God Isn't Glorified Through Our Suffering

Fix your mind on what's above, not what's here on earth.
Colossians 3:2

Many Christians live under the false idea that God wants them to suffer. This creates a nonstop victim mentality. Suffering is inevitable, but God is not glorified through our suffering. He is glorified when we have a good attitude during our suffering - and He wants us to be victorious! So why would we choose to remain bitter, angry and wounded or depressed?

There's one surefire way to overcome suffering with the right attitude: Set your mind, and keep it set, on things above, not on things of the earth. You must be armed with right thinking, or you will give up during hard times. Set your mind and be fully aware that moving from being a victim to being a victor will not be a quick process.

It will take time, but your experience will make you stronger and enable you to help others who are facing similar battles. Get excited about your future and realize that going through something with God means that you will come out on the other side with a victory that cannot be taken away from you.

Prayer Starter: God, I need Your help to overcome a victim mentality. I choose to set my mind on things above so that I can have the right attitude. With Your thoughts and truth inside me, I know I can overcome.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Understand Grace, Walk in Faith

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Ephesians 2:8

Most of us are aware that it is by grace that we are saved, but I wonder how many people truly understand the power of God's grace. Everything we receive from God must come by grace through faith. But all knowledge of faith must be built on a clear understanding of grace, because even faith comes to us by grace, as a gift. When you understand grace, you can walk in faith and receive God's blessings. God's grace isn't complicated or confusing. It is simple, and that's why many people miss it. There is nothing more powerful than grace.

Everything in the Bible, salvation, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, fellowship with God and all victory in our daily lives, is based on it. Without grace, we are nothing, we have nothing, we can do nothing. Today, don't just hear about grace, but understand that everything in our lives depends not on our merits or abilities or works, but on God's willingness to use His infinite power to meet our needs. This is grace. Focus on that truth today, and watch your faith grow.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't just want to hear about Your grace without grasping its real power. Help me to understand how wonderful Your grace is so that my faith in You can grow.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Getting What You Don't Deserve

For I'm experiencing so many problems—I can't even count them! My sins have piled up so high I can't see over them. They're more than the number of hairs on my head! I feel like giving up!
Psalms 40:12

The vast majority of people allow God to help them only when they think they deserve it. At one time in my life I was that way. For years I allowed God to help me only when I thought I had earned it, when I thought I had done enough good deeds to deserve His help. That kind of thinking doesn't produce an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving. If we think we deserve what we receive, then it is no longer a gift but a reward or "payment for services rendered."

The difference between receiving what we do not deserve and receiving what we do deserve is the difference between grace and works. I encourage you to open your heart and allow God's grace to come into your life to help you in your everyday walk. Always remember that when you feel frustrated, it is because you are living by your own effort and need to get back into God's grace by allowing Him to work through you. Learn to let God do you a favor. Give up trying to deserve God's help, and let Him supply your every need.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I realize the foolishness of only accepting Your help when I feel like I deserve it. I give up on my own works and receive Your grace. Thank You for helping me in every situation, even when I don't deserve it.



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

 

[Aeliana]

Managing Your Emotions

17The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

Dealing with emotions is a fact of life. As long as we live, we will experience a variety of emotional feelings and reactions, and we must not deny their existence or feel guilty because of them. However, we do need to learn to manage our emotions. This is easier when we understand that we cannot trust them. In fact, they can be our greatest enemy. Satan uses our emotions against us to keep us from walking in the Spirit. It is so important to know that the Lord our God who resides within each of us is mighty.

His might within us enables us to overcome our emotions and be led by His unchangeable Word and Spirit instead of our unstable feelings and emotions. Spiritual stability and emotional maturity don't come naturally. You must desire it with all your heart and be determined to get it. When you make emotional stability a priority, God is more than willing to help you manage your emotions. I encourage you to pursue that today. Enjoy emotional stability and a joyful, victorious life!

Prayer Starter: God, I choose to pursue emotional stability. I don't want to be controlled by my emotions, but I want to learn to manage them properly. Thank You for living in me and helping me with Your great strength.


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