Promises for Your Everyday Life

[Aeliana]

Don't Be Busy. Be Fruitful.

3For the dream comes through much effort, and the voice of the fool through many words.
Ecclesiastes 5:3

Are you doing 'stuff' that isn't bearing fruit? Is busyness stealing your peace? I once heard of a guard who watched over a certain plot of ground at Buckingham Palace in England. For 100 years, 24 hours a day, that plot of land had been guarded. Finally, someone asked, 'What are you guarding?' He didn't know and simply said it had been under guard for 100 years.

It turned out that 100 years ago, the queen had planted some rose bushes there and wanted to make sure they grew. Now, a century later, a guard stood where a rose bush once stood, guarding nothing. Are there things you're doing but you don't know why you're doing them anymore? God never called us to be busy.

He called us to be fruitful. Too much pointless activity doesn't bear fruit and only stresses us out. I encourage you to take an inventory of what you do throughout the day. You might be doing something God's not asking you to do, or something He was asking you to do but isn't anymore. Let the Holy Spirit show you how to get rid of busyness and bear more fruit.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, help me take an inventory of my life and cut out pointless activity. I don't want to be too busy. Show me how to live a more fruitful life.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Walk in the Same Favor as Jesus

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.
Luke 2:52

From childhood, Jesus walked in the supernatural favor of God and men. In fact, He was so popular He could hardly find time alone to pray and fellowship with His heavenly Father. Even those who did not believe in Him recognized that He walked in the favor of God.

The guards sent by the Pharisees to arrest Jesus returned saying, "Never has a man talked as this Man talks!" (John 7:46 AMP). And right up to the end of His life, even while He was on the cross, the people recognized that God was with Him (see Luke 23:47-48). This same favor is available to us. We must never forget that no matter what happens, we can have favor with God and with other people (see Luke 2:52).

But like so many good things in life, we must activate our faith to receive it. So today, live by faith, confidently knowing that God will give you the favor Jesus had. Regardless of the circumstances that come into your life, believe God for supernatural favor.

Prayer Starter: God, I know that the same favor that Jesus walked in is available to me. Help me to walk by faith and receive it today.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Godly Motives

Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts;
Psalms 139:23

Years ago when we were struggling financially, I grew tired of believing for a breakthrough and broke down before the Lord. I cried about it for a while and then, by the grace of God, I made a decision and declared: 'God, I am going to tithe and give offerings until the day I die, whether I ever see anything come from it or not!' I believe with all my heart this was a test for me to see why I was really giving.

The Lord wanted to reveal whether I had the right, godly motives. If I had been sure of reward, I may have only selfishly given to get something out of God. There's been a lot of teaching and preaching that says, 'Do this and you'll get that.' But what about having a pure heart that says, 'I want to do the right thing just because it's right and it glorifies God'? I urge you to test your motives today and make sure they're not self-centered. Make a wholehearted commitment to serve God for the right reasons.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, search my heart and expose my true motives and intentions today. If they are not godly in any area, point them out to me and help me to change.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Pursue the Excellence of Daniel

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.
Daniel 6:3

Daniel is a man in the Bible who is described as having an 'excellent spirit.' He lived to glorify God with his life, no matter what it cost him. Daniel loved God and was unwavering in his commitment to serve Him. As a result, God gave him favor with the king, which led to his promotion over the other leaders in the land.

But his commitment to God was tested.The leaders didn't like that the king favored Daniel. So they manipulated the king to sign a decree that prohibited anyone from praying to any god other than the king for 30 days. Violating the decree meant being thrown into a den of lions.Daniel didn't cave in to this decree, he was more concerned about keeping his commitment to God.

If you know the story, you know God protected him and was glorified in the end.I want to encourage you to live with that same excellent spirit. Be determined to really live for God. As you do, you'll fulfill your true purpose and glorify God in everything you do, just like Daniel.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I commit myself to a life of excellence, just like Daniel. Instill an 'excellent spirit' in me, so that I may serve You unwavering in all that I do.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Take Challenges One Day at a Time

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

I strongly urge you to face your challenges one day at a time. Looking too far down the road only tends to overwhelm us. Trusting God requires that we believe He gives us our 'daily bread'; that is, we receive what we need as we need it and usually not before. Sometimes challenges can seem impossible and overwhelming, but God is always with us.

We just need to be courageous and receive the strength He gives us. Without thinking too far in advance, we can set our minds to quickly and efficiently do the task before us today. This principle applies to many other areas of life, getting out of debt, cleaning and organizing your house, solving marriage problems, disciplining your children, being on time for work or completing a project. Whatever you need to do in life, you can do it.

Remember, Philippians 4:13 says you are ready for anything and equal to anything because God gives you strength. Nothing is too much for you when He is on your side.

Prayer Starter: God, even when the challenges before me seem impossible, I know that I can tackle them one day at a time because You are with me. I receive Your strength today.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Keep God's Temple in Good Shape

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? I Corinthians 6:19

Until I turned 64, I'd never exercised in a serious way. I had walked and done a few things to stay in decent shape, but I was not dedicated to exercise. I had reached into my excuse bag many times over the years and come up with all kinds of 'reasons' I could not exercise.

But the Lord spoke to me and encouraged me to begin a serious workout program so I could be strong for the last third of my journey through life. I already had good eating habits, and when I obeyed the Lord and started going to the gym several times a week, I stepped into a new season of life.

I looked better, I felt better, and most importantly, I was honoring God by taking good care of the body He gave me.I urge you to trust God and start finding ways to pursue health daily. The Word says that our bodies are temples of God. I don't know about you, but I want to make sure that God likes His temple! Today, make the choice to keep your temple in excellent shape for God.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I commit to a lifestyle of good physical health. Help me to make good choices that will continually improve my health. My body is Your temple, and I want to keep it in excellent shape for You!


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

 

[Aeliana]

God Opens and Shuts Doors


“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one Revelation 3:7

There are critical times in our lives when we especially need to know we are hearing clearly from God. It isn't always easy to know His voice from that of our own emotional reasoning. But I know from experience that God can open doors of opportunity that no one can close, and He can also close doors that we cannot open.I spent many years trying to organize things I wanted to do in life. The result was frustration and disappointment.

But I found that if we depend on God, He will give us favor and make things easy for us when we seek Him and His perfect timing. He leads one step at a time. If you take one step forward in the wrong direction, He will let you know before you go too far.Be aware that His thoughts are above your thoughts. He sees the end from the beginning.

All His ways are right and sure. He knows what makes sense for your life and He can make it happen. Hear from Him and you will not be deceived.

Prayer Starter: God, I trust You to open the right doors in my life and shut the wrong ones. Even when I don't know what to do, I have faith that I can hear from You and follow Your will.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Dying to Self Daily

I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
I Corinthians 15:31

Selfishness is not learned behavior, we are born with it. But when we accept Jesus as our Savior, He comes to live in our spirit, and if we allow that renewed part of us to rule our decisions, then we can overcome the selfishness. It doesn't go away, but the Greater One who lives in us helps us overcome it daily (see Galatians 5:16).

Now, I haven't overcome selfishness entirely, and I doubt anyone else has either. Even the apostle Paul, one of the greatest Christians who ever lived, had trouble overcoming selfishness. Learning to live unselfishly was a journey for him, just like everybody else. He said that he had to "die to self" every single day.We are called to the same life.

It may be hard, but we cannot live selfish lives and expect to make a difference. We must die to self every single day. That may sound difficult, but when you live with the life of Jesus inside you, He can renew you and help you live the unselfish life.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I'm not perfect, but I know that like Paul, I can die to self every day. With Your life inside of me, I know that I can overcome selfishness.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Reaching Out to Others

If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
Isaiah 58:10

I have been amazed by the countless calls our ministry has received during the years to help churches become more outreach-oriented. Then, when help is offered, people exert a minimal amount of effort to continue what God places as a top priority. Reaching out to others isn't something we should pay lip service to.

It should be a top priority of living the Christian life.It takes determination and commitment to stretch ourselves to help others, but that's how God wants us to live. God says that when you truly give and pour yourself out for others, He will use you. "Your light shall dawn in the darkness and your darkness shall be as the noonday" (Isaiah 58:10 NKJV).

If you reach beyond your own situation and bring Christ's love to others, the circumstances you face will fade away and disappear. And you'll experience the wondrous joy of making a difference where it counts.What if you decide to change, to make this the time in your life when you make a difference? Rearrange your priorities today and reach out to others.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I want to readjust my priorities and reach out to others the way You want me to. Help me as I step out with determination to make a difference for You.


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

 

[Aeliana]

Forgetting About Ourselves

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

Paul said that he had been "crucified with Christ." In other words, he had to stop thinking about himself in order to live for God. And we are encouraged to do the same.At this point you may be thinking, "What about me? Who is going to take care of me?" This is usually what prevents us from living the way God wants us to live.

It always comes back to me.We are so accustomed to seeing our desires satisfied that the very thought of forgetting about ourselves even for one day can be frightening. But if we can muster up the courage to try it, we will be amazed at the freedom and joy we experience.The secret to having joy is giving your life away rather than trying to keep it.

When you get the focus off of you and onto God, God can show you how to live a truly meaningful life.I encourage you to start your days by dedicating yourself to God. When you do, He will faithfully help you live a godly life.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I offer You my eyes, ears, mouth, hands, feet, heart, finances, gifts, talents, abilities, time, energy, all of me! It's not about me. It's all about You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Step Out and Find Out

A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

People often ask me how to find their place in ministry. Some spend many years waiting to hear a voice or to receive supernatural direction. I tell them to step out and find out.Early in my journey with God, I wanted to serve Him. I felt He had placed a call on my life but I didn't know exactly what to do, so I tried different opportunities that were available.

A lot of them didn't work out for me, but I kept trying different ones until I found an area that fit me. I finally came alive inside when I had an opportunity to share the Word with people. I found joy in teaching, and it was obvious I was good at it. I knew then that I had found my place in ministry.Sometimes the only way to discover God's will is to practice what I call "stepping out and finding out."

If you have prayed about a situation and don't seem to know what you should do, take a step of faith. Don't be afraid of making a mistake. Step out and God will guide you.

Prayer Starter: God, I trust You, and I know that You will direct my steps, so I'm not afraid to step out and find out what You have for me.


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

 

[Aeliana]

What If? What if...?

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
Philippians 3:13

The longer a person lives, the greater the possibility becomes that they will be haunted by those words. The good news is that for any follower of Jesus, "what if?" doesn't have to be a regret over the past but an exciting challenge to see the future God has for them.I know of a congregation that was challenged by their pastor to do four simple things (for only a month) to consecrate themselves for the coming year.

He asked them to pray every day, fast one day a week, tithe and bring one unsaved person a week to church.The result was an unprecedented breakthrough in the life of this church. God's presence marked the services in an increased way. Financial breakthroughs came for ministry projects and proposed buildings. In addition, church members entered a phenomenal season of bringing lost souls into God's kingdom.

I want to challenge you: What if you pursued God today, just like that church? What if you dedicated your life entirely to Him? What if you pushed forward, ready to see what God can do? What might happen?

Prayer Starter: Lord, I don't want to spend my life asking 'what if?' and never seeing any breakthroughs in my life. I make a fresh commitment to pursue You today, excited to see the amazing things You will do in my life.


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

 

[Aeliana]

God Can Clean Up Any Mess

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6

I was seriously abused throughout my childhood. My life was horrible! I don't remember ever being really happy until I was in my twenties. My mind was a mess, my emotions were a mess...everything was a mess!But it didn't stay that way. God has dealt with me, changed me and brought me through it all.

Now I have a great relationship with God, real peace and joy, good relationships with family and friends, and I'm doing what God has called me to do.Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. I've discovered that anything I sacrificed to get closer to God and obey Him, I received back from Him many times over what I gave. And what He gave me was always much better.

You may be thinking, "But Joyce, you don't know what I'm dealing with. It's so hard!" I understand, I've been through some really hard stuff. But God will reward those who seek Him. Be determined to seek Him in the midst of your hardship. He is more than able to clean up your messes!

Prayer Starter: God, I believe that You can clean up my messes. Instead of staying stuck in my troubles, I earnestly seek You today.


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

 

[Aeliana]

The Enemy Has a Plan Too

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8

God has a plan for your life, but the devil has a plan for you too. As a result, the Bible says we need to "be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times." Temperate means 'disciplined,' sober of mind means 'serious,' vigilant means 'determined' and cautious means 'careful.' We are to live like this 'at all times.'

That's serious. But we need to get serious to fight off the enemy. Whenever God shows you an area in your life where the enemy is attacking you, that's not the time to sit back and do nothing. It's time to get serious and fight back against Satan. God's plan is for us to be more than conquerors in Christ. We don't have to live enslaved to the enemy's plan.

You can decide right now to do what you need to do. Get serious with God, follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and stay on guard against the enemy. Choose today to follow God's plan for your life, not Satan's, and you will defeat the enemy at every turn.

Prayer Starter: God, I choose Your plan, not the enemy's. Show me the areas where he is attacking me and guide me in defeating him.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Let God Do the Heavy Lifting

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

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

We may try to be self-sufficient, but we need to let God supply the grace and ability to do what we need to do. Willpower and determination can get us started, but they've been known to quit in the middle and leave us stranded. We can learn to enjoy the life Jesus died to give us by inviting God to become involved in every aspect of it. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew11:28).

We are not made to function without God. And with Him, we can break any bad habit or addiction, like overeating, substance abuse, poor time management, anger issues, you name it. Jesus is bigger than any problem you have.

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



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