Promises for Your Everyday Life

[Aeliana]

You Are Never Alone

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

Grief and loneliness are major problems facing people today. The two often go together because many Christians and unbelievers grieve over being lonely. In my ministry, an increasing number of people request prayer for loneliness. God's Word tells us plainly that we are not alone. He wants to deliver, comfort and heal us.

But when you encounter painful losses in your life, you can lose sight of this simple truth. Satan wants you to believe you are alone. He wants you to believe that no one understands how you feel, but his claims are false. In addition to God being with you, many believers understand what you are experiencing mentally and emotionally. You are not alone now nor will you ever be, no matter what confronts you.

You may not understand much when you are hurting and the pain of loss is ripping through your soul, but know and hold on to this one truth: God loves you, and He has a future for you. Hope in Him and trust Him to turn your mourning into joy (see Isaiah 61:1-3).

Prayer Starter: God, I can't always see through my grief and loneliness, but I know that You never leave me. Help me to remember that You are near, and guide me to other believers who I can join with to fight off the enemy's attacks.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Dealing with Disappointment

So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you.
James 4:7

Many Christians are lying along the roadside of life devastated because they have not learned how to deal with disappointment, but it's not God's will for you to live a disappointed, devastated or oppressed life today, or any day. Part of Jesus' earthly ministry was to go about in the anointing of the Holy Spirit and deliver all those who were oppressed by the devil. Disappointed people everywhere found new hope when they encountered the power of Jesus.

This same power is available to us today. Use that power to defend yourself against disappointment by focusing on God, meditating on His promises, confessing His Word, and submitting yourself and your situation to Him in prayer. Through Jesus, you can fight the enemy's attempts to weigh you down, rebuking him so that he can't destroy you. When the devil makes one move toward you, keep yourself so spiritually tuned in that you can discern what he is trying to do and then back him down. With the power Jesus made available to you, he has no choice but to run.


Prayer Starter: God, setbacks and discouraging things will come my way, but I will not remain disappointed. As I stay tuned in to You, I will fight off the devil and send him running every time.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Good Enough

1After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
Isaiah 53:11

For many of us, our biggest problem is that we don't like ourselves, and our skewed outlook makes it difficult for us to believe that God could possibly love us. For years I struggled with this problem. I spent at least 75 percent of my time trying to change myself, but all I really did was stress myself out while the devil constantly made me feel guilty. I never felt good enough.

Isaiah 53 tells us that when Jesus died for our sins, He also bore the guilt. He loved us so much that He paid the price so we wouldn't have to suffer with the terrible feelings of condemnation. If we go to God and sincerely ask Him to forgive us, He does, and there is no reason to live with condemnation. God loves you, and He wants you to believe it and receive it all the time. He also wants you to be free from condemnation. But it takes faith and boldness to be free. God says you are good enough. Accept that today and live a life of victory.

Prayer Starter: God, Your Son has taken my guilt and punishment and made me good enough. I believe that today, and I refuse to live with the burden of condemnation. I ask for and receive Your forgiveness for my sins.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Increase Your Self-Acceptance

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.
Philemon 1:6


You may not think highly of yourself, but God wants you to like who you are. Here are 5 practical tips to help increase your self-acceptance and improve your opinion of yourself:

1. Never speak negatively about yourself. The communication of your faith is made effectual by acknowledging every good thing in you through Christ Jesus, not by focusing on the wrong.

2. Avoid comparing yourself to others. Peter encountered this obstacle when he compared himself to another disciple. He said, "Lord, what about this man? Jesus replied, If I want him to stay (survive, live) until I come, what is that to you?..." (John 21:21-22 AMP). We are not called to compare, only to comply.

3. Let God determine your worth. Remember that you have already been accepted by God.

4. Keep your flaws in perspective. It's ok to see where you want to improve, but make sure you appreciate your progress.

5. Discover the true source of confidence. If you place your confidence in God, you can't help but have a healthy attitude. Do your best, and leave the results to Him.

Prayer Starter: God, thank You for accepting me even when I have trouble accepting myself. Help me to acknowledge the good qualities You've given me and keep my flaws in perspective as I find my confidence in You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Accept the Right Thoughts

casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:5

As Christians, we can't accept every thought that comes into our heads. Instead, we need to measure each thought against the standard of Scripture, like the verse above tells us to do. Here's a practical example: If someone hurts your feelings, you shouldn't remain upset with them for days on end. That only gives Satan the opportunity to plant seeds of bitterness.

Instead, you need to reject negative thinking and refuse to let it drain you of your peace and joy. You must turn to God and say,

"Father, I need Your strength. By faith I choose to receive Your grace so that I may forgive those who mistreated or wronged me. I ask You to bless them and help me go on with my life. In Jesus' name, amen."

As our minds are renewed with God's Word, our thinking will change and line up with Scripture. Then, day by day, godly boundaries around our thoughts will be established and reinforced. These limits will not only keep out the deceptions of the enemy, but help you live a more enjoyable, godly life.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I only want to accept the right thoughts. Alert me when the enemy brings a bad thought my way so that I can take it captive into obedience to You.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Know the Word for Yourself

I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has existed from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the word of God remains [always] in you, and you have been victorious over the evil one [by accepting Jesus as Savior].
1 John 2:14

If you have been wondering why it always seems that you are under something, facing one problem or another, and don't have victory in your life, perhaps you need to spend more time abiding in the Word. Many believers go to church every week to listen to someone else preach the Word to them, but they never know the Word for themselves. If you want to live in victory, you must give God's Word a place of priority in your everyday life.

Practically speaking, this could mean that you confess the Word while you get ready in the morning. Maybe you could listen to teaching or worship music on the way to work. You may want to use your lunch hour to read the Word or walk outside and pray. These are just a few ideas for integrating God's Word into your life. Just make sure you pursue His truth on a regular, ongoing basis. Giving His Word a place of top priority will change your life.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I want to fully integrate Your Word into my life. I don't just want to hear someone tell me the Word once a week, I want to know it for myself. Lead me and give me ideas to pursue Your Word consistently.


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

 

[Aeliana]

God Has a Great Plan Just for You!

But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior], and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another.
Galatians 6:4


We need to refrain from comparing ourselves to anyone else because God doesn't want us to be frustrated and feel unworthy of the blessings He desires to give us. Comparing our lives with other people's lives is unfair, to them and to us. It's unfair to them because if we become jealous of what they have, what they know, how they look, etc., we start to resent them.

Then we can no longer appreciate them as the wonderful person God made them to be. It's unfair to us because it limits God's plan for our lives. Comparison says to God, 'I want to limit Your work in my life to this and nothing else. I just want to be like this other person.'

But God has an individual plan for each of us. His plan for you is greater than you could possibly imagine. Stop looking at His plans for others so you can walk in the plans He has for you and receive the blessings they bring.


Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, help me to examine my heart honestly and expose any jealousy, resentment or frustration in me that has developed from comparing myself to others. I want to be all that You want me to be and live the life You have for me.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Give a Love That Liberates

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17

Love is liberating. It provides a sense of belonging and a sense of freedom. Love does not try to control or manipulate others or reach fulfillment through the destiny of others. Jesus said that He was sent by God to proclaim liberty.

As believers, that is what we are meant to do also, to free people to fulfill God's will for their lives, not to bring them under our control. I have discovered that trying to make people do what I want them to do closes the door for God to speak to their hearts. We need to release the people in our lives to be all they can be for God's glory, not our own.

Set people free and they will love you for it. Don't be manipulative. Instead, learn to let God be in control of their lives. A person who has great love is one who is able to release people and things. Today, don't be a person who controls, but one who freely gives the liberating love that only comes from God.

Prayer Starter: God, I want the love I give others to be the same liberating love that You give. I give up my desire to control and manipulate. I will simply love those You put in my life and entrust them to You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Real Love - the Energy of Life!

For in Him we live and move and exist [that is, in Him we actually have our being], as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’
Acts 17:28

Love is the energy of life. It's what motivates people to get up each day and keep going. It gives life purpose and meaning. People often have times in their lives when they believe they are unloved or have no one to love. They develop this mindset because they are looking for fulfillment in ways that seem good at first but often leave them feeling frustrated, disappointed and empty inside. Does this ever happen to you?

Do you ever look for love and end up feeling unfulfilled? Let me ask you this: What kind of love are you pursuing? You may be looking for love, but really, you're looking for God, because He is love. Any love you gain that is disconnected from God is not really love and will leave you feeling unfulfilled.

The Bible says that in Him we live, move, and have our being. That tells me that without Him, life is not complete. Everyone is looking for love, but are you looking for God's love? It's the only love that matters, the only love that lasts, and the only love that fulfills.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I don't want to spend my life unfulfilled, pursuing love that's not from You. If it's not found in You, it's not real love, because You are love. Today, I find my love in You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Living with God's Thoughts, Will and Emotions

Do not go on offering members of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness. But offer yourselves to God [in a decisive act] as those alive [raised] from the dead [to a new life], and your members [all of your abilities—sanctified, set apart] as instruments of righteousness [yielded] to God.
Romans 6:13

As believers, we need to learn how to understand the soul, which is made up of the intellect, will and emotions. Since it is full of "self" and does not want to submit to the Holy Spirit, it must be purified. Because we are free moral agents, our own minds tell us what we think, but our thoughts are not necessarily God's thoughts.

Our wills dictate what we want, even if it conflicts with what He wants for us. Our emotions govern our feelings, when in reality our hearts should only be subject to God and His Word. God wants us to replace our thoughts, desires, and feelings with His. And we cannot live in victory until we do.

Start by telling God you want to live His way. In Romans 6, Paul urges us to "offer" ourselves to Him. Make a choice today, not to use your soul for yourself, but to instead offer it all to God. As the soul is purified it is trained to carry God's thoughts, desires and feelings, and then you will become a powerful outlet for His glory.

Prayer Starter: Lord, my thoughts are sinful, I don't always want what You want, and my feelings try to rebel against Your Word, but I don't want to live that way any longer. Father, I offer my soul to You, knowing that when I do, You can purify me and use me to accomplish Your will.

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

 

[Aeliana]

How to Develop Your Gifts

All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.
1 Corinthians 12:11

People ask me all the time how to discover and develop the gifts God has given them. Here are a few helpful steps that I've discovered:

1. Focus on the strengths God gave you. Concentrating on your strengths will help you fulfill the calling God has put on your life.

2. Exercise your gift. Find something you like to do and that you do well, and do it over and over again. Want to know what will happen? You will feel better about yourself because you won't be constantly failing.

3. Have the courage to be different. Unhappiness comes when you try to be like everyone else rather than embracing the unique person that you are.

4. Learn to cope with criticism. Have enough confidence in who you are in Christ that you can listen to others and be open to change without feeling you have to agree with their viewpoint or attain their approval.

God has planted greatness in you. Let today be the beginning of a great adventure as you step into the gifts He's given you.

Prayer Starter: God, I want to cultivate and develop the gifts You've given me. Give me the courage to follow You and develop the gifts and abilities You've put inside me.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Speak God's Word to the Mountain

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and does not doubt in his heart [in God’s unlimited power], but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him [in accordance with God’s will]. [Matt 17:20; Luke 17:6; 1 John 5:14]
Mark 11:23

When Jesus said that we are to speak to the mountain, commanding it to be lifted up and thrown into the sea, He was making a radical statement. See, we usually talk about the "mountains," or challenges, in our lives, but God's Word instructs us to talk to them. And when we do, we must respond to them with the Word of God.

In Luke 4, when Satan was trying to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, the Lord responded to every trial by speaking Scripture. He repeatedly quoted verses that met the lies and deceptions of the devil head-on. We have a tendency to try this for awhile, but when we do not see quick results, we stop speaking the Word to our problems and begin once again to speak our feelings.

Persistence is a vital link to obtaining victory. Constantly speaking the Word is powerful and absolutely necessary in overcoming any problem or negative situation. Know what you believe and be determined to stick with it to the end.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, remind me daily to speak the Word to the mountains in my life. Every time I give in to complaining or despair, fill me with Your peace and boldness and prompt me to speak Your will and move mountains!

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

 

[Aeliana]

Take Off the Mask

8And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV


So many times we act one way on the outside, but we're actually different on the inside. Because we have weaknesses, faults and fears, things that we think make us less likable or desirable, we'd rather hide them from other people. So we wear masks. The danger of wearing a mask is that it misrepresents us.

What other people see is a lie. It's not who we are or who we were born to be. We can change the outside, but we can't change who we really are deep down inside. We need to realize that God loves us just the way we are right now, and His love for us will never diminish. And there's more good news.

Second Corinthians 3:18 says that God is changing us and making us more like Himself and fixing the flaws we want to cover up. Trust Him enough to take off your mask. You will find, as I have, that you are being changed, little by little, into the very image of your Lord.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I realize that I often try to wear a mask in order to fit in and find acceptance. Today, I make a decision to find my acceptance in You. As You overwhelm me with Your love, continue to change me into Your great image.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Receiving the Power of God Through Prayer

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Hebrews 5:7

Prayer is so powerful because it joins the hearts of people on earth with the heart of God in heaven. When we pray, we connect with God, and He affects our daily lives beyond our comprehension. I believe prayer is one of the greatest powers available in the entire universe. That may seem like a bold statement, but it's true!

Prayer opens the door for God to work. It is the activity that you and I can engage in on earth when we need the power of heaven to come into our lives and bring wisdom, direction, encouragement or a miraculous breakthrough. Prayer connects us to the power of God, and that is why it is a greater force than anything else we can ever imagine.

Even Jesus needed to pray and receive this power when He was on earth. Only God's power can bring peace, instill joy, grant wisdom, impart a sense of value and purpose to a person who doesn't know what to do in life, and work every kind of miracle. Do you want to see that power work in your life? Then make prayer a priority.

Prayer Starter: Lord, the power of prayer is absolutely astounding. I want to connect with You and see You work in my life, so I make a commitment now to remain in a constant state of prayer with You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Change Your Definition of Prayer

pray continually,
1 Thessalonians 5:17


Have you ever heard the biblical phrase "pray without ceasing"? To many, that sounds daunting and impossible. How could anyone bow their head, kneel, and pray 24 hours a day? If that's what you think, it might be time to change your definition of prayer.

Too often we view prayer as a very specific process that can only happen once we've gone to a private place and shut the entire world out. But do you realize that even directing a thought toward God qualifies as silent prayer?

It's true! Prayer is communicating with God, so when the Bible says to "pray without ceasing" it means to always be open to communication with God. That could mean a two-hour prayer session, or it could be something as simple as being aware of His presence as you go throughout your day.

God has not made prayer complicated. He intends for prayer to be an integral part of our everyday lives. Today, change your definition of prayer, and you can experience the joy that comes from constant communication with the God who loves you.

Prayer Starter: God, help me change my definition of prayer and show me ways to communicate with You day in and day out. Thank You for Your constant presence in my life.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Follow God's Wisdom, Not Your Own Feelings

For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6

Life is no fun when we let our feelings run the show. Feelings change from day to day, hour to hour, even moment to moment. They often lie to us. In short, we cannot trust our feelings. But we can choose, as Christ followers, to ignore false emotions and live by truth and wisdom.

Let me give you some examples. Perhaps you have found yourself in a crowd of people and felt as though everyone was talking about you. That doesn't mean they were. Maybe you feel that nobody understands you, but that doesn't mean they don't. You may feel misunderstood, unappreciated or even mistreated, but that doesn't mean you are. These are only feelings.

We need to be mature, disciplined, Holy Spirit-controlled people, determined to walk in the Spirit. It takes a constant act of the will to choose to do things God's way rather than our way. Even though we may feel occasionally bombarded by negative emotions, we cannot allow those feelings to control and spoil life. Instead, we can choose to follow the truth-godly wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Prayer Starter: God, my feelings often go against Your wisdom and try to deceive me, but I won't let them run my life. Guide me with Your truth so that I can stay connected to You, and not be run by my constantly changing emotions.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Abiding In the Word

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 15:7

Most Christians know the importance of reading the Bible, but many do not understand the importance of abiding in the Word and allowing the Word to abide in them. When we are diligent to study the Word and hide Scripture verses in our hearts, we have instant access to them whenever we need them, and Jesus promised that we can ask for whatever we need in prayer and receive it. Abiding in the Word and allowing the Word to abide in us makes us true disciples of Jesus (see John 8:31).

It gives us more power in our prayer lives, and having power in prayer gives us power over the enemy. Can you honestly say that you have spent your years as a Christian abiding in God's Word, and allowing it to abide in you? If the answer is no, I encourage you to take action. Make reading and studying the Word a priority. Start memorizing Scriptures and hiding them in your heart. Then, when you face the battles of life, you will be fully armed and prepared to win the war.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I want to be a true disciple and walk in the power that comes from abiding in Your Word. Lead me as I diligently study Scripture and hide Your truth down in my heart.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Does God Love You When You Make Mistakes?

Romans 5:8-9​

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him

Have you ever wondered if you are good enough for God to love you? Unfortunately, many people believe God loves them only as long as they don't make mistakes. Perhaps it was this outlook that caused the psalmist to ask, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4 AMP). Yet the Bible tells us that we are God's creation, the work of His hands-and that He loves each one of us unconditionally.

Let's face it: Jesus didn't die for you because you were great and wonderful; He died for you because He loves you. Romans 5:8-9 confirms this truth by telling us that He died for us while we were still sinners. God loved you enough to give His only begotten Son, not only to die for your sins, but also to cover your daily mistakes. He loves you enough to get you through each day in power and victory. God loves you, and He wants you to believe it and receive it all the time...even when you make mistakes.

Prayer Starter: Lord, Your love is incredible. You love me even when it doesn't make sense to me. When I make mistakes, You are still with me. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, my mistakes are covered. I receive Your love today.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Walk with Boldness

The wicked flee though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

Some people exude boldness, while others struggle with living boldly as a loved child of God. I had that problem until God showed me some important keys that helped me live boldly, and I want to share them with you.

1. Refuse to live in fear. Fear is an epidemic in our society. The Bible instructs us in Hebrews 10:38 to live by faith and not draw back in fear.

2. Put setbacks behind you. You are not a failure because you try new things and they don't work out. You fail only when you stop trying. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and if you do, recover quickly and press on.

3. Don't draw comparisons. Boldness will be impossible as long as you compare yourself to others. Boldness comes from accepting who you are and being the best you can be.

4. Be willing to take action. Search your heart and ask yourself what you believe God wants you to do, and then do it. Pray over these four keys, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live them out. Hold up your head and be filled with boldness.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I want boldness to be one of my defining traits. Help me to live out these four keys by Your strength.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Stillness Before God

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalms 46:10

One of the most important things we can learn in this day and hour is how to be still. I believe that one of the significant reasons so many of us are burned out and stressed out is that we don't know how to be still. We don't really know God and do not acknowledge Him. And it's only by spending time getting to know Him that we learn to hear His still, small voice so that He can direct our paths. We need to learn to be quiet on the inside and stay in that peaceful state so that we are always ready to hear the Lord's voice.

Many people today run from one thing to the next. Because their minds don't know how to be still, they don't know how to be still in their heart. If we'll just slow down and quiet our minds enough to hear His promptings, we can live in a place of peace, ready to respond obediently. It is easy to see that leading a peaceful, happy life, free from exhaustion and burnout, is not all that complicated, as long as we remain still before God.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I recognize that You alone are God. I know that stillness before You is important, so show me how to remain settled and peaceful inside, always ready to hear Your voice.


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