Promises for Your Everyday Life

[Aeliana]

You're No Surprise to God

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5

Do you ever feel like God is disappointed with you? I used to feel this way until one day He said, "You know, Joyce, you're no surprise to Me. I knew what I was getting when I got you." Think about it! God knows the end from the beginning, and all the days of our life are written in His book. Every decision we're ever going to make, good or bad, God already knew them before we ever showed up on planet earth.

He already knows today every word in our mouth that is still unuttered, even what we're going to say a year from now. Sometimes we go around thinking that God is so disappointed with us all the time. It's true that we make mistakes. And we're not supposed to be lighthearted about them, we need to take them seriously. But in spite of our mistakes, God has hope for us and knows that He can change us if we'll stay close to Him.

God's not disappointed. He's full of hope where we're concerned! He believes in us more than we do ourselves.

Prayer Starter: Lord, Your hope for me is so encouraging and inspiring. Even when I don't believe in myself, I know that You do, and that gives me the strength to overcome my mistakes and follow You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

You Must Develop Patience

And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.
James 1:4

When you and I say to God, "Change me," we better know what we're saying because we are not just going to wake up different the next morning. Instead, what God is going to do is give us an opportunity, through opposition, to grow as we change. James 1 tells us how important it is to have patience when we're changing and facing opposition.

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that only develops and grows under trial, and it's something we need. Scripture tells us that when we have it, we're perfect and entire, lacking nothing. However, there's just no way to get it without going through something to receive it.

If we really want to be victorious Christians who serve God and make a difference in the world, then we are going to have to go through some challenging things. The devil will try to scare you off, but God can see you through any challenge. So today, choose to let God work through you, even in the face of opposition. As your patience grows and develops, you will step into a life of great victory.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I want You to change me, and I know that means I'll have to go through challenges. Give me Your strength to endure and be steadfast when I'm going through trials so I can have patience and be fully developed in Christ.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Be a True Worshiper

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
John 4:23

Worship is so much more than just singing songs. It is a condition of the heart and a state of mind. We can even worship God passionately without singing a single note. Our worship for God is born in our hearts, it fills our thoughts, and it is expressed through our mouths and through our bodies.

The world often thinks of worship as "religion," which could not be further from the biblical concept of worship. It's about a personal relationship, spiritual intimacy and passionate expressions of devotion from people who love God with all their hearts. This is true worship.

The Bible says that God is seeking those who worship Him 'in spirit and in truth." I find it interesting that He does not want just anybody to worship Him. He wants true and genuine people. He does not want to be worshiped out of fear, obligation or religion. True worship is a result of intimacy with God. Worship God today with your whole heart, and be a worshiper in spirit and in truth!

Prayer Starter: Lord, I don't just want to offer You lip service. Instead, I give my life to You as a true worshiper, intimately connected with You. You are so good to me and I want to worship You 'in spirit and in truth."

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

 

[Aeliana]

The True Test of Spiritual Maturity

'For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. '
Galatians 5:6

We are to have genuine, pure, fervent love for others above everything else we do. If we can manage only one thing in our lives, it should be to love other people. Many people think great faith is the number one sign of spiritual maturity. But I believe that walking in love is the true test of spiritual maturity, and I know that it energizes our faith walk. The Bible teaches that faith works through love. Galatians 5:6 says that what really counts is "faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love." Love is not talk or theory; it's action.

Trying to walk in faith without love is like having a flashlight with no battery. We must keep our love battery charged at all times, otherwise our faith will not work! I believe Christians can run into problems when we do not diligently pursue walking in love as a vital part of our faith and relationship with God. So pursue a life of love, and watch your faith strengthen and grow. When God's love comes first, everything else follows.

Prayer Starter: God, I know my faith is useless without love. Help me live a life overflowing with Your love. Guide me as I receive Your love and give Your love to others.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Stir Yourself Up!

That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].
2 Timothy 1:6

God's love is unconditional and everlasting. I remember how amazed and excited I was when He revealed His love to me. I felt like I was going to burst! But after awhile, I got used to the fact that God loves me, and I didn't feel the same passion. Are you experiencing the same thing?

If so, I believe there is something you can do about it. Paul told Timothy to stir himself up, to fan the flame and rekindle the embers of the fire he once had. Paul's message to Timothy is God's message to you today: Stir yourself up! Stop living life being tired of the "same old, same old."

We need to remember this: Passion is a decision about how we will approach life before it becomes a feeling. So make a decision today to wake up every morning excited about the relationship you have with your Creator. Stir yourself up and live amazed by Him!

Prayer Starter: God, I want to always be amazed by You! I will not live without passion. Knowing You is amazing, and I choose now to life with passionate about my relationship with You.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Your Three Best Weapons
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
2 Corinthians 10:3

Through careful strategy and cunning deceit, Satan attempts to wage war against you and keep you in a mindset of defeat. But God has given you spiritual weapons to use against him.

Here are the main three spiritual weapons you can use to fight off the enemy:

1. God's Word: Receive it through preaching, teaching, reading and private Bible study. Continue in the Word until it becomes revelation given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

2. Praise: This defeats the devil faster and more efficiently than any other battle plan, but it must be genuine heart-praise, not just lip service or a religious ritual.

3. Prayer: Prayer is relationship with the Godhead. It is communication with God, asking Him for help or talking with Him about whatever is on your heart. To have an effective prayer life, we must develop an intimate, personal relationship with the Father. Know that He loves you and that He wants to help you. There is a war going on, but God is fighting on your side and has given you the weapons you need. Use them to send Satan running!

Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You so much for giving me the spiritual weapons I need to fight my enemy. With Your help, I know that I can win the battle today!


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

 

[Aeliana]

Thankful in the Midst of Suffering

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians

The Bible encourages us to always be thankful. That's easy when God answers prayer and delivers us from problems. But it isn't always easy when things go wrong. So how can we remain thankful in the midst of suffering? We have two choices to make.

The first is to praise God in spite of what's going on in our lives. Or another way to say that is, in the midst of our troubles and hardships, we can rejoice over the things that are not wrong in our lives.

The second choice is to ask, "God, what can I learn from this? What do You want to teach me through this so that I may be closer to You and rejoice more fully in Your goodness?" Those are not easy questions, and the answers are often hard to hear.

Sometimes we can only grasp the important lessons in our lives when we go through difficult times. Thank God that the hard times will lead you to better things. In the midst of suffering, give thanks to God and trust Him to lead you to bigger and better things.

Prayer Starter: God, I'm thankful for Your love and Your presence. Forgive me for grumbling when things go wrong, and remind me of how many things go right in my life. I want to rejoice in You always.


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

 

[Aeliana]

What Is Faith?

Look at the proud one,
His soul is not right within him,
But the righteous will live by his faith [in the true God].
Habakkuk 2:4


Faith is a word that we use a lot, but sometimes we can make it too complicated. Faith simply means 'belief or absolute trust'; the word also implies loyalty and commitment. Faith isn't a huge, complicated concept that we have to stress over. Genuine faith in God simply acknowledges that the message of Jesus' death and resurrection is absolutely true.

It happens when we say, "Not only does it make sense to me, but I'm willing to stake my life on it." The Bible says that the uncompromisingly righteous shall live by faith and faithfulness. One way to think of the uncompromisingly righteous is to think of those who are made right by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Through faith we are made right, and God treats us as His own beloved children. Today, I encourage you to get back to the basics of faith. Know that when you put your faith in Him, you are made right. Live by your trust in the God who reaches out to you with loving and open arms, ready to receive you and love you just as you are. Prayer Starter: Lord, I am so thankful that I can put my faith in You and become 'uncompromisingly righteous.' Today, I live by faith in You.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Filled with All Peace and Joy

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

I went through a particularly difficult time several years ago when there was absolutely no joy or peace in my life. Every time I made a mistake, I was quick to condemn myself, angry that I couldn't be the "perfect Christian."

Then one day, I came across Romans 15:13: May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing... That was it. I got it! I realized that I had plunged into doubt and unbelief, allowing the devil to torment me with negativity, anger, and impatience. In the process, I had forgotten that believing in God and trusting His Word brings peace and hope and overcomes my weakness.

God's Word gave me the answer. Jesus loved me so much that He not only forgave all my sins from the past but also looked ahead and forgave me for those moments of weakness when I'd fail in the future. I don't have to allow Satan to sneak in with questions or unbelief, and you don't either. Know today that peace, hope and joy are right in front of you.

Go to His Word and let it stir up your faith.

Prayer Starter: Lord, every time I start to believe the enemy's lies, remind me of the truth in Your Word. By believing in You, I receive peace and joy today.

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

 

[Aeliana]

You're Only Accountable to God

So each of us will have to explain to God about the things we do.
Romans 14:12

Too many people never get around to fulfilling God's purpose for their life because they're so busy keeping everyone else happy. The world is filled with people who think they know what you should be doing with your life. But the Bible says you will give an account to God, not anyone else, of how you've lived.

So if you're not already doing so, you need to start living in a way that will enable you to stand before Him without shame. Are you daring enough to follow your heart rather than the crowd? Are you focused even when many voices try to draw you away from your purpose?There are two kinds of people in the world: those who wait for something to happen and those who make things happen.

God has called you to do great things for His Kingdom, don't shy away from it.You need to be intentional. You need to live life on purpose. Don't just wait around to see what everyone else is going to do and then follow the crowd. Stir yourself up, make a decision, and get going!Prayer Starter: Lord, I only want to live my life to please You, not others. I boldly step into the purpose You have for me. I will not sit back, but I will purposefully live my life for You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Living Life Free of Strife

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Proverbs 17:14


Strife is one of the main weapons the enemy uses against Christians. I believe there are three things that open us up to a spirit of strife.

1. Our lips: Wrong words spoken at the wrong time can certainly start a firestorm. The more wrong words we pour on the fire, the bigger it gets. One way to stop a fire is to remove the fuel.

2. Our pride: Although wrong words may open us up to strife, it is a proud heart that refuses to be quiet in order to have peace. Pride demands that we have the last word, but the Word says it will lead to destruction (see Proverbs 16:18).

3. Our opinions: We can often get into strife by trying to convince others of our own opinions. When we realize we have much to learn and stop passing out our opinions, we will begin to gain the knowledge we need.

These are the three biggest areas that Satan uses to infiltrate our lives with strife. Make a decision to honor God and others by resisting strife and instead pursuing unity and understanding.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, help me to stay on guard against strife. I give You my words and my opinions. I desire to walk strife-free in my relationships with others.

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

 

[Aeliana]

God's Supernatural Favor

7The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
1 Samuel 2:7

There is a distinction between natural favor and supernatural favor. Natural favor must be earned, but supernatural favor is a gracious gift from God. First Samuel 2:7 says, "The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He lifts up." A perfect example of this is found in the life of Esther. God raised her up out of obscurity to become the queen of the entire land.

He gave her favor with everyone she met, including the king. Esther drew upon that favor to save herself and her people from being murdered by the evil Haman. She may have been afraid to go to the king and ask him to intervene, but Esther knew she had favor with God and pressed on with complete confidence in Him.

Like Esther, we should live with the freedom and liberty that comes from living in God's favor. Regardless of the circumstances that come into your life, believe God for supernatural favor. Despite how hopeless things may seem, God can lift you up. If your life is in His hands, the light of the Lord shines upon you.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't rely on natural favor. Instead, I want to live in Your supernatural favor. With my life in Your hands, I know You can lift me up.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Choose God's Standards, Not the World's

Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example],
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).
Psalms 1:1

Living above society's moral decline involves the choices we make regarding our conversations, the way we dress, what we read, and the TV shows and movies we watch. It also has to do with the level of integrity with which we live our personal lives, interact with other people and conduct ourselves in our businesses or professions. As Christians, we need to encourage one another to live by godly standards and resist the pull of the world.

A well-known quote offers some good advice: 'Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.' One of God's great gifts to mankind is the power of choice.

If we want to enjoy the blessings He has for us, we need to make lifestyle choices that align with His Word and are consistent with the values of His Word, not choices reflecting the constantly eroding values of the world. I urge you to make a decision to serve God wholly, putting Him first in everything you do.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to live by the world's standards. I put You first in my life, because I know that Your ways are the best.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Move Past Regret and Make New Choices

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
2 Corinthians 5:17


Wrong choices cause regret, and when we experience regret we need to deal with it and let it teach us how to make better choices in the future. I understand firsthand that wrong choices lead to regret. I remember a time several years ago when I looked at myself and saw a noticeable difference between my husband, Dave, and me, because he has exercised all his life and is healthy, strong and in good physical shape. Initially, I merely regretted that I wasn't as strong as Dave, but then I realized I could do something about it. I now exercise regularly and have been amazed by the positive difference.

The Bible says that with God, you are a "new creation." You don't have to live in your old ways, but you can now make new, better choices empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself regretting some of the unwise choices you have made in the past, don't be deceived into thinking it is too late to do anything about it. Just start doing what's right and then stick with it. As you start making better choices, you will come to experience a life in which you enjoy God's blessings every day.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I know that I have been made a new creation. I don't want to live in regret about the past. Help me to make good choices so I can enjoy the future You have for me.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Follow the Little Promptings

Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30:21

The Holy Spirit always wants to lead us through life, but sometimes we get so focused on seemingly "big" issues that we don't realize how much He speaks in small promptings every day. I was on my way home one day and intended to stop and get a cup of coffee, when I had a strong impression that I should call my secretary and ask if she wanted a cup too. When I called, she said, 'I was just standing here thinking, I would love a good cup of coffee right now.'

You see, God wanted to give her the desire of her heart, and He wanted to work through me. I did not hear a loud voice or see an angel or have a vision. I simply had an inner sensing that I should offer her a cup of coffee. In the same way, God wants to bless the people in your life. I encourage you today to keep your heart sensitive to God's voice. Follow the little promptings. He will speak to your heart and lead you in the way you should go. Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I choose today to quiet myself so that I can hear Your little promptings. Show me ways that I can bless others.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Trust Him Through the Process

Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave,
I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me.
Your rod and staff comfort me.
Psalms 23:4

We often think of trusting God for things we need or want, but a true relationship of trust in God extends beyond trusting Him just to get something. We need to learn to trust Him through the process of attaining those things we desire.There was a time in my life when I focused intensely on trusting God for things, saying, 'I want this, God,' and 'I need such-and-such, God.'

He began to show me that getting all those things was not the most important issue in my life.He wanted to teach me how to trust Him enough to walk through situations with stability and with a good attitude on a consistent basis. He needed me to learn that He may not always rescue us when we want to get out of circumstances, but He is always with us as we walk through them.God does not always deliver us from everything when we think He should, but He is always with us.

Today, instead of focusing on just the end result, realize that God is with you now. He is near to you, so trust Him to walk with you through the process.

Prayer Starter: God, I am so glad that You are with me now. I don't just trust You to give me things, but I trust You through the process of life.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Give Him Your Ashes

as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalms 103:12

When we let God take our messes and turn them into miracles, the Father has the ability to use our mistakes for our good if we will only trust Him. Isaiah 61:3 says He will give us "beauty instead of ashes," but I find that many people want to hold on to their ashes, the cinders of the past, as reminders of their shortcomings and failures.

I encourage you to let go of your ashes and reach for something new. Too many people live in the past, feeling like they'll never have another chance. Do you need a second chance? Ask God for a second chance or a third, fourth or fifth, whatever you need. God is full of mercy and long-suffering. His loving-kindness never fails or comes to an end.

The Bible says that He has removed your transgressions from you, so you don't have to hang on to them anymore. Jesus came to lift burdens, but you must be willing to let them go and believe He is greater than your mistakes. Give Him your ashes today. Prayer Starter: God, I know it doesn't do me any good to hang on to the past when You lovingly stand before me with a fresh chance, so I let go of my ashes. I give them to You, excited to see the beauty that You will bring from them.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Experience a New Beginning

to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
Ephesians 4:23

The Bible is filled with stories about people who experienced new beginnings. Moses became a leader after being a shepherd for 40 years. Paul hated Christ until God renewed him and made him the greatest apostle of all time. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, it is the ultimate new beginning. We become new creatures with an opportunity to learn a new way of living. But the first step to experiencing that new life is believing that it's available to you.

Ephesians 4:23 says we must be constantly renewed in our minds and attitudes. It's easy to read about great people in the Bible and think that you are nothing like them, but when you start to think that, you need to renew your mind right away. Choose to think according to God's Word, not how you feel. Receive His love and experience a new beginning. Life will become so much sweeter if you live with an attitude that says "God is completely changing me from the inside out. He's giving me a new beginning and there are greater things ahead."

Prayer Starter: Lord, I renew my mind in You. I know that You have a new beginning and a calling for me just like you did for Moses and Paul. I receive it today, believing that You can bring it to pass.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Learn to Trust God's Plan for You

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
Psalms 37:5

You can simplify your life by learning to develop trust in God. Far too often, we don't allow ourselves to trust. Maybe your trust has been betrayed too many times in the past, or maybe you're just a very independent person. Even so, it's so critical to learn to trust God.

It's easy to get stressed out and run-down trying to make your life work on your own, but that never works. And God's plan is always better than your own. The person who trusts God knows that His way is best. Now trust won't just magically happen. Trust grows as we take steps of faith and experience God's faithfulness. You have to tell your doubt, your fear, your insecurity, or maybe even your fierce independence to make way for a life of trusting in God.

When you do that, you won't have to struggle so much to make your life work. Trusting God brings a supernatural rest to our souls, allowing us to live simply and freely, the way He wants us to live. So even when it doesn't make sense, trust Him, and experience His freedom and rest.

Prayer Starter: God, Your ways are better than mine and I know that trusting in my own strength will get me nowhere. I place my trust in You. Even when it doesn't make sense to me, I choose to trust You, knowing You will make Your plans come to pass.

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

 

[Aeliana]

A Life of Discipline Will Bring God's Peace

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11

Too many things compete for our limited resources of attention, energy and time. I used to complain to God about my schedule being absolutely insane. I'd cry, "God, how could anyone be expected to do all that I have to do?" Then it hit me: I was the one who made my schedule and nobody could change it but me! I could no longer spend time wishing things were different because wishing wouldn't change anything. God showed me that I had to discipline myself in order to simplify my life.

You'll have to do that too if you want life to slow down. Ask the Holy Spirit for help. He can guide you, showing you what commitments to make and which ones to turn down. It may be tough at first, especially if you haven't been disciplined in the past, but the rewards of order and restraint are worth the effort. The Bible says that discipline brings peaceable fruit. Begin disciplining yourself today, and you can begin to enjoy the peaceful life that God has waiting for you. Prayer Starter: Lord, I want to experience the peaceful fruit of a well-disciplined life. When I'm tempted to over-commit and stretch myself too far, help me to slow down and only do the things You want me to do.


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