Promises for Your Everyday Life

[Aeliana]

Take God Out of the "Emergency Only" Box!

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
1 Corinthians 3:16

I used to spend time with God once in awhile or when my life was in big trouble. Eventually I learned that if I ever wanted to stop living from one emergency to the next, I needed to seek God every day as if I were in desperate need of Him. It's true that God will always help us when we come to Him.

But if we want constant victory, we need to take God out of our "emergency only" box and invite Him into our everyday lives. God wants us to get personal with Him. He proves this by the fact that He lives within us. When Jesus died on the cross, He opened the way for us to get personal with almighty God.

If God had wanted an "emergency only" relationship, He might just visit on occasion, but He certainly would not have come to take up permanent residence within us. What an awesome thought! God is your personal friend! Will you remove Him from the "emergency only" box today?

Prayer Starter: Lord, I know that the Christian life is so much more than an "emergency only" back-up plan. Because You live within me, I want to know You as a personal friend. Rather than just calling on You when I'm in trouble, I want to seek You every single day.



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

 

[Aeliana]

Removing Distractions

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Matthew 6:33
https://www.bible.com/users/mccaffe...67/day/53/segment/MAT.6.33?__yvii=AAABXYbtVhk
One of Satan's more cunning weapons is distraction. He knows if we become sidetracked by the cares of the world that, more than likely, we will begin to neglect our time with God. To keep us faithful and in close fellowship and communion with Him, sometimes God wants us to remove distractions that are separating us from Him, even if it hurts.

For example, if our career or desire for money or social status are more important to us than pleasing God, we need to get our priorities straight. Or maybe a relationship is keeping you from spending time with God and you're looking for that person's attention and approval more than God's. The bottom line is, any situation or desire in our life that keeps us from being led by the Holy Spirit or living for God is an unhealthy distraction that's not good for us. God wants us to be moved by His Spirit, not by distractions.

So today, set aside all of the distractions of life and purposely focus on God. When you seek God first with your whole heart, you will find Him. He's always there waiting for you.


Prayer Starter: Lord, I ask You to help me remove all of the distractions in my life, even if it hurts. Help me to seek You above all else and be led by the Holy Spirit in my daily life. I want to live for You!


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

 

[Aeliana]

When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
Romans 8:28

The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good. Notice Paul doesn't say that all things are good, but that all things work together for good. Paul also tells us in Romans 12:16 to "readily adjust yourself to [people, things]." The idea is that we must learn to become the kind of person who plans things but who doesn't fall apart if that plan doesn't work out.

Let's say you get in your car and it won't start. There are two ways you can look at the situation. You can think, "I knew it! My plans always flop." Or you can tell yourself, "Well, I can't leave home right now, but that's ok. I believe this change in plans is going to work out for my good. God is in control."

Allow God to be the glory and lifter of your head (see Psalm 3:3). He wants to lift everything: your hopes, attitudes, moods, head, hands, heart, your entire life. Remember, even when life doesn't go according to plan, He is good.

Prayer Starter: Lord, because I know that you are in control and work all things for good, I can be flexible when life doesn't follow my plan. When my plans don't work out, help me to find the good and stay positive.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Making a Decision to Forgive

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.
Mark 11:25

When someone hurts us, we often react as though that individual has stolen from us. We feel that they owe us, yet God wants us to let it go. If we refuse to forgive, what hope do we have of receiving what we need? To receive from God what He has promised in His Word, we must obey Him, regardless of how difficult it may be. We must forgive. The greatest deception that Satan has perpetuated in the area of forgiveness is the idea that if our feelings have not changed, we have not truly forgiven. When you decide to forgive someone, don't let the devil convince you that because you still have the same feelings, you have not really forgiven the person. You can make the right decision to forgive and not "feel" any differently. That's when faith steps in. You have done your part, now wait on God. He will do His part and heal your emotions, make you whole, and change your feelings toward the person who hurt you.


Prayer Starter: Lord, I choose to forgive those who have hurt me. I release them from their debt, in Jesus' name. Heal my heart and make me whole.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Setting Your Enemies Free

Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.
Romans 12:14

When dealing with past hurts, we all know that it's right to forgive, even when it's difficult. However, few of us rarely take the next step that God wants us to take. A common misconception is that all we have to do is make the decision to forgive and our job is finished, but Jesus also said, "Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God's blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you]" (Luke 6:28 AMP).

In addition, Romans 12:14 says that we are to bless the people who persecute us and treat us cruelly. We are to actively bless our enemies. God calls us to extend mercy to people who do not deserve it. Why? When you forgive, it opens a door for God to heal you, but honestly, it doesn't do much for the person who offended you. But when you bless them, you ask God to bring truth to them so they can repent and experience the real freedom He provides. Forgiveness sets you free...blessing your enemies sets them free.

Prayer Starter: God, I thank You for helping me walk in forgiveness, but I don't want to stop there. I ask You to bless those who have hurt me. In the same way that You have brought healing to my life, bring healing to them so they can experience Your goodness and walk in Your love.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Passing Life's Tests

Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the [uncompromisingly] righteous [those upright and in harmony with You]; for You, Who try the hearts and emotions and thinking powers, are a righteous God.

Life is filled with challenges that test our determination and our faith in God. Whether we're faced with the impending threat of evil or with everyday hassles, the quality of our character is sure to be tested on a regular basis. It would be a great mistake to overlook the fact that God tests our hearts, our emotions and our minds.

What does it mean to test something? It means to put pressure on it to see if it will do what it says it will do. Will it hold up under stress? Can it perform at the level its maker says it can? Is it genuine when measured against a true standard of quality? God does the same with us. Are you being tested today?

The key is to keep trusting God, even if you don't understand. There is no such thing as trusting God without unanswered questions, but when you push ahead, despite your doubts, He will build you up and make you strong.

Prayer Starter: Lord, when tested, I want to be ready, holding up under pressure, following You no matter what. Show me daily how to put my trust in You, even when I struggle with unanswered questions.




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

 

[Aeliana]

Let God Be Your Tour Guide

For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide [even] until death.
Psalm 48:14

When He walked on this earth, Jesus always knew the right thing to do because He did only what He saw His Father do. As our Lord, we can trust Him to lead us down the right path every day. Psalm 48:14 says that God will be our guide even unto death! How wonderful to know that we have a guide to get us from one destination in life to the next.

When my husband, Dave, and I visit a new place, we often hire a guide. Once we decided to explore by ourselves, but we quickly discovered that this was a complete waste of time. We spent most of the day lost, desperately trying to find our way back. Sometimes I think we treat life the same way Dave and I treated that trip.

It's always easier to follow an experienced guide than to wander aimlessly on your own. Instead of going your own way, do what you see your Father do, and let Him guide you. God is committed to guiding us, so it's clearly important that we follow.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to live life like a tourist without a guide, aimlessly going my own way. Only You can show me what to do and how to live, so I choose to follow Your guidance every day.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Don't Get Burned Out on Too Much Activity

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden andoverburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. [Jer. 6:16.]
30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good–not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light andeasy to be borne.
Matthew 11:28

In the early days of my walk with the Lord, I was very enthusiastic and eager to serve Him, so I signed up for everything that seemed even remotely interesting to me. One result of it all was that I quickly discovered what I was anointed to do. Because of my busy life, I wasn't spending time with God on a regular basis. I was doing good things for God, but somehow ignoring Him in the process.

As a result, I often spent time feeling frustrated because I was doing works of the flesh. "Works of the flesh" are things we do without God's power flowing through us. They are difficult, they drain us, and they produce no joy or fulfillment. They are often good things, but not 'God things.' People can literally get burned out on religious activity as they struggle to serve God in their own strength.

But Jesus didn't die for us to have ceaseless activity...He died so that we could be one with God through Him, so we could have a deep personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Do you need to cut out some works of the flesh today to truly be with God?


Prayer Starter: Lord, I realize that doing good works is no replacement for truly knowing You. Help me to find my rest in You as I lay useless activity aside to spend more time with You.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Give Relationship...Not Religion

Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.
John 3:3

When you tell someone about your faith, do you give them religion...or relationship? The Bible says we must be born again (see John 3:1-8), it doesn't say we must be religious. Unfortunately, we as Christians often present the Gospel to people like it's a list of religious rules, not true relationship with God.

But following "Christian" rules and going to church won't make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage will make you a car. Religious rules and regulations can be harsh, hard and pressing, but that's not what Jesus wants for people. Jesus wants people to live in relationship with Him. If someone asks us, "What religion are you?" we should talk about our personal relationship with Jesus instead of what church we attend.

I like to answer that question by saying, "Thank you for asking. I don't have any religion, but I do have Jesus." We need to start asking people, "Do you know Jesus? Is He your friend? Do you have a personal relationship with Him?" Next time someone asks about your faith, give them relationship...not religion.

Prayer Starter: God, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that someone needs to follow a list of rules to really be a Christian, but that's not the kind of faith You want from people. Empower me to share Your Gospel with others in a way that leads them not into a religious system, but into a one-on-one, life-changing relationship with You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Are You a Consecrated Vessel?

So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
2 Timothy 2:21


The Bible refers to us as earthen, or frail, human vessels (see 2 Cor. 4:7). Like stoneware formed on the potter's wheel, we are made of clay (see Is. 64:8). God formed Adam out of "the dust of the ground," according to Genesis 2:7, and Psalm 103:14 says, "He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust" (AMP).

Though we are weak and imperfect, when we fill our vessels (ourselves) with the Word of God, we become containers of His blessing, ready to be poured out for His use. All of us are valuable to the Lord, God can use even cracked pots! But first we must be wholly consecrated to God.

Second Timothy 2:21 reminds us, "Whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work." Today, when you become a set apart vessel, God will do incredible things through your life.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I am Yours. I want to be a vessel fit for Your use. I dedicate myself to You. I want to be filled with Your Word, fit and ready for every good work You have for me.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Controlling Your Tongue

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
Psalm 34:13

A significant key to glorifying God is controlling our tongue. Psalm 50:23 says, "He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me...." What would happen if you gave your mouth to God each day so that only godly words came from your lips? And I'm not just talking about praising and thanking God in your quiet time, or speaking positive, encouraging words over yourself.

The health of your relationships depends on how you speak to, over and about others. Psalm 34:13 says, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit." Do you lie to others? Do you insult them or speak ill of them? Or do you speak encouraging, life-giving words that bring joy to everyone you meet?

Dedicate your mouth to God and use it only for what pleases Him, praise and worship, edification and exhortation, and giving thanks. Place your lips on the altar each morning. Give your mouth to God through praying His Word: "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise" (Psalm 51:15).

Prayer Starter: Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will praise and thank You. Help me use my words to bring joy and life to those around me and to praise and glorify You.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Giving Your All to God

Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income;
10 So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9

Many people want to receive from God, but they are not willing to give all of themselves to Him. But you can be different. Will you make a fresh commitment to be a giver and invest yourself, your time, and your money in the Lord's work? Don't let the devil talk you out of giving just because you have bills to pay and obligations that cause you to worry. Jesus urges us not to be worried or anxious about anything, for God knows our needs and promises to care for us (see Matthew 6:25-34).

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; so shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine." When you give God your all, He will be faithful to take care of you. Give yourself to God. Give Him everything you are, everything you hope to be, all your dreams, visions, hopes and desires. Make everything His, and He will demonstrate His power through your life.

Prayer Starter: God, today I give You my all: my hands, my mouth, my mind, my body, my money and my time. Everything I have is Yours. I want to do Your will today.



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

 

[Aeliana]

God Is the Only Lasting Source

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

As human beings we are created by God to be happy and to feel good about ourselves. As a matter of fact, we must feel good about ourselves, or eventually we will develop some sort of unhealthy, uncontrolled behavior to get the good feelings we crave. Think about it. A person who is addicted to drugs probably began using them because his pain was so intense he felt compelled to get rid of it, even if only temporarily. The same thing is true of drinking, or using food as a comfort.

If we do not get good feelings from the inside, then we attempt to create them through outside means. God created us that way and He's the only one who can satisfy us. When we go to something other than God to make us feel good about ourselves, we're really just replacing something real with a cheap substitute. Whatever your emotional needs are today, know that only God can meet them. He is the only lasting source of life. Go to Him today, He's the only One who can satisfy.


Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to waste my time chasing cheap substitutes. You are the only One who can satisfy. Show me how to daily find my true delight and satisfaction in You and only You.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Good Roots = Good Fruit!

Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:7

It is important to realize that our behavior comes from somewhere. Bad behavior is like the bad fruit of a bad tree with bad roots. You can spend your entire life dealing with outward symptoms, but the bad fruit will manifest somewhere else if the root is not eliminated. The principle never fails: rotten fruit comes from rotten roots, and good fruit comes from good roots.

To really deal with bad fruit, you must follow Paul's admonition to the Colossians to be "deeply planted" in God. You may need to carefully examine your own roots. If they were unpleasant, harmful or abusive, don't be discouraged; you can be uprooted from that bad soil and transplanted into the good soil of Christ Jesus, so that you become rooted and grounded in Him and in His love.

Remember, uprooting can be painful. Being replanted and becoming rooted and grounded is a process that requires time and effort, but it is by faith and patience that we inherit God's promises. My prayer for you is that you will be deeply planted and rooted in Christ, producing good fruit wherever you go!

Prayer Starter: Lord, help me to transplant my roots from bad soil and deeply plant them in Christ so that I can be a good tree with good roots, producing good fruit. I know it may be painful, but through faith and patience, I know You can help me make a change in my life.


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

 

[Aeliana]

God Can Set You Free from Your Shame

Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy shall be theirs.
Isaiah 61:7


Do you ever wonder what life was like for Adam and Eve before they sinned?

Genesis 2:25 tells us that though Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden of Eden, they were not ashamed. I believe that in addition to indicating they were without clothes, this Scripture also implies they were totally open and honest with each other, not hiding behind any masks, not playing any games. They were free to be themselves because they had no sense of shame. Once they had sinned, however, they hid themselves (see Genesis 3:6-8).

If not for the work Jesus did on the cross, all of us would have to live with the overwhelming shame of sin. But because of His sacrifice, mankind has the opportunity to enjoy perfect freedom with one another and with God. Unfortunately, most of us still live with the burden of shame, even though the Word of God promises us and assures us that we can be free of it (see Isaiah 61:7). God can deliver you from shame.

Pray and ask Him to set you free from the shame that tries to build up within you.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I receive the freedom from shame that You purchased for me on the cross. No more hiding, no more feeling worthless. You have erased my sin and now I want to live free and open before You.


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

 

[Aeliana]

The Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Shame

O keep me, Lord, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed or disappointed, for my trust and my refuge are in You.
Psalm 25:20

Every day we encounter two different kinds of shame and it's critical that we know the difference. There is a type of shame that is normal and healthy. For example, if I lose or break something that belongs to someone else, I feel disappointed about my mistake. I wish I had not been so careless or negligent. I am sorry, but I can ask for forgiveness, receive it and go on with my life.

Healthy shame reminds us that we are imperfect human beings with weaknesses and limitations. It reminds us that we need God. Unfortunately, when the healthy shame doesn't stop there, it becomes unhealthy and poisonous. When a person doesn't ask for or receive forgiveness, they can punish themselves and start to hate who they are. Don't spend your life in this position. Remember your rightful position as an heir and child of God (see Romans 8:17). Unhealthy shame will make you forget who you are in Christ, but healthy shame will remind you that you're nothing without Him. Today, ask God to help you discern the difference.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I don't want to live under the weight of unhealthy shame. Help me to remember how much You love me. Because You have forgiven me, I don't need to punish myself.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Desiring God More Than His Blessings

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
Hebrews 13:5


How many of us can actually say, 'I am not jealous of anyone else or envious of what others have. If God gave it to them, then I want them to enjoy it"?

The Word says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have" (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). I believe God tests us to see if we will live by this verse. There are times when He will put somebody in front of us who has exactly what we want, just to see how we will respond.

Until we can pass His "I am happy for you because you are blessed" test, we are never going to have any more than what we have right now. If you have asked God for something and He hasn't given it to you yet, rest assured that He is not holding out on you. He simply wants to make sure that you rid yourself of jealousy and make Him your top priority.

God wants us to prosper in every way. He wants people to see His goodness and how well He takes care of us. But we must desire God more than we desire His blessings.


Prayer Starter: God, I want You to show me the areas of my life where I've given in to jealousy and covetousness, and help me rearrange my priorities. I want to desire You more than Your blessings.



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