Promises for Your Everyday Life

[Aeliana]

Be Filled with the Holy Spirit and Give in to God's Temptations

'Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, '
Ephesians 5:18

We all know that Satan tempts us to sin, and in a way, you could say God also 'tempts' us. God tempts, or prompts, us to do good. And when He does, Satan often attacks our mind, causing us to reason our way out of doing it. When we fall for that, he steals from us the opportunity to do good and be blessed.

It seems that we're better at resisting the temptation to do right than we are at resisting the temptation to do wrong. But it doesn't have to be this way. James 4:7 (AMP) says, "Be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you."

It's a twofold thing. You can't resist the devil without submitting to God. And you can't submit to God without resisting the devil. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to "ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit." When you're full of the Spirit, you are submitted to God and you can resist the devil and win the battle.

Prayer Starter: God, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I submit myself to You and want to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit to do good and bless people today.

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

 

[Aeliana]

As You Have Believed

'Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour. '
Matthew 8:13

Many years ago I was extremely negative because of the devastating abuse that had taken place in my past. The result was that I expected people to hurt me, and they did. I expected people to be dishonest, and they were. I was afraid to believe that anything good might happen. I thought I was protecting myself from being hurt by not expecting anything good to happen.

But when I really began to study the Word and trust God to restore me, I began to realize that all of my negativism had to go. In Matthew 8:13, Jesus says that it will be done for us as we have believed. I believed everything was negative, so naturally many negative things happened to me. I decided I wanted positive things to happen to me, so I started believing positive things, and over time, received positive results!

Are you constantly experiencing negative things and wondering why? It could be time for you to start believing different things. Start trusting God and believing for the best. Then watch as He works things out for you according to your faith.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I want to get rid of all negativism and start believing for better things. Help me to stir up my faith, believing that You can do great things in my life.

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

 

[Aeliana]

The Key to Uprooting the Devil's Plan

'whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. '
1 Peter 5:9

If you want the great and mighty things God has for you, then you must get to the root of your negative mindsets and deal with them. Because until the roots are removed, they'll continue to produce one bad fruit after another. Too often we spend our lives dealing with the bad fruit of our behavior, but we never dig deep enough to get to the root of the problem.

Digging deep to take care of the bad root is painful, but it's the only lasting way to take care of the problem. We can either suffer positively, doing what's right, or we can go with the devil's plan. His goal is to keep you stuck in your old habits forever. Peter tells us to be well-balanced and temperate, withstanding the devil at his onset (see 1 Peter 5:8-9).

You must decide if you want the pain that will take you into a new realm of glory or to keep your same old pain and try to hide it while it's rotting inside you. Withstand the devil today and follow the Holy Spirit to the plan God has for you.

Prayer Starter: God, I need Your help to withstand the devil's plan. I know digging out bad roots is painful, but if it brings me closer to Your plan for me, I want to do it. Strengthen me as I resist the devil and submit myself to follow You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Let Peace Rule Your Life

'And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. '
Colossians 3:15


We all have emotions, and they're here to stay. I believe one of the main goals of every believer should be emotional stability. We should seek God to learn how to manage our emotions and not allow them to manage us. Think about this: You're out shopping for a specific item you're in need of.

You've made a commitment to the Lord to get out of debt. You've agreed to really watch your spending and not purchase things you don't need. But while shopping, you discover that the stores are having a big sale of 50 percent off the already marked down merchandise. What do you do? Do you follow your emotions and give in, or do you wait until your emotions settle before making a decision?

God wants you to make decisions ruled by peace. Letting His peace rule you often means waiting a little while until the emotions settle down, then checking to see if you really believe it's the right thing to do. Don't let your emotions make your decisions. Always go with peace.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I choose to let Your peace rule in my heart. I don't want to make decisions based on my emotions, but I want to calmly and peacefully choose the paths that You want me to take.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Making 'Common' Things Holy

'One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike . Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Romans 14:5

Often we feel divided within ourselves, struggling to get finished with common life and everyday business so we can return to holy things because we feel that we are holier, or more right with God, when we are doing what we believe to be holy things. We must have understanding how, in reality, there's no difference between what's common and holy, except in our minds.

Everything we do is to be offered to the Lord; and if done so with a pure heart of love, it becomes holy. You can do common tasks, like go to the grocery store, and it'll be just as holy as prayer, as long as you do it all to the glory and honor of God. Romans 14 is an excellent chapter in the Bible to bring liberty in this area.

My personal translation of verses 5-6 is that one man sees prayer and Bible study as holier than ordinary tasks, while a person who's really free in the Lord sees them all alike (all holy), because whatever he does, he does in honor of the Lord. Instead of only giving part of your life to God, make a choice today to make everything you do holy by offering it to Him.


Prayer Starter: God, I want my entire life to be holy, not just one section of it. I offer all of my everyday activities to You. I live my life to honor You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Do You Ever Feel Too Needed?

'Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. '
Philippians 2:3


Philippians 2:3 says to regard others more than yourself. The Holy Spirit wants to develop in us a desire to prefer others and meet their needs. However, living this way can sometimes be tiring. Let's face it - we all have days when we don't want to go out of our way to help someone else.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed trying to help others the way I think I should. At times it seems all of my family members need me, my employees need me, my friends need me, and they all need me in different ways. Do I ever feel too needed? Yes! And it's OK if you do too. We all feel overwhelmed from time to time. But we must remember that God gives us grace to do whatever He's asking us to do.

When you feel weary trying to meet the needs of others, go back to Philippians 2:3 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Humble yourself before God and He will strengthen you to be there for the people in your life that He's asking you to help.

Prayer Starter: God, I want to obey Your Word and regard others more than myself. When I'm struggling, lacking a desire to help others and feel overwhelmed, give me Your grace and strength to love and help the people You've placed in my life.

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

 

[Aeliana]

God's Word Is Good Medicine

'He sent his word, and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. '
Psalm 107:20

Many make the mistake of substituting belief in healing for the actual taking of God's medicine - His Word. They say, 'I believe in healing' without actually taking the medicine. How much good can medicine do for us if we don't take it? God's Word is His medicine - it's a healing agent, just as natural medicine is a healing agent or catalyst.

In other words, the medicine itself contains the capacity to produce healing. Inherent within God's Word is the capacity, the energy, the ability, and the nature to effect healing in your body. So how do we take it? It is only as God's Word gets in the midst of your heart and stays there that it produces healing in your body. Head knowledge alone won't do.

The Scriptures have to penetrate to your spirit through meditation - attending, hearing, looking, muttering, musing, pondering - to produce healing in your body. But once the Word really penetrates your heart, it will surely bring health to all your flesh. Let the Word of God penetrate deep within your heart today.

Prayer Starter: God, I choose today to meditate on Your healing Word. With Your Word deep in my heart, I know that Your healing will fill my body.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Forgiveness: The Key to Keeping the Devil Out of Your Life

'To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it , for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. '
2 Corinthians 2:10-11

Forgiveness helps us because it releases God to do His work in us. I'm happier and feel better physically when I'm not filled with the poison of unforgiveness. Serious diseases can develop as a result of the stress and pressure that bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness put on a person.

The Father can't forgive our sins if we don't forgive other people. We reap what we sow. Sow mercy, and you'll reap mercy; sow judgment, and you'll reap judgment. You need to forgive, by the grace of God in your life, to leave the door of your heart open to the Lord. Unforgiveness gives the devil a foothold, which he needs to create a stronghold. When he has a stronghold, he can block the influence of the Holy Spirit.

But whether or not he has the power to do that in your life is entirely up to you. When you forgive, it keeps the enemy from getting an advantage over you and keeps your fellowship with God flowing freely. So do yourself a favor, and be quick to forgive.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to give Satan a foothold or a stronghold in my life. I don't want anything to hinder or get in the way of my fellowship with You. I release my unforgiveness so that I can fellowship freely with You.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Receive the Holy Spirit and the Power to Forgive

'And when he had said this, he breathed on them , and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: '
John 20:22

God wants us to live lives of forgiveness. We all must willingly choose to obey God and forgive any offense, from the smallest to the largest, no matter how much the devil tries to poison our thoughts with bitterness. This is often easier said than done, but God doesn't expect you to do it on your own.

You cannot forgive without the power of the Holy Spirit. It's too hard to do on your own, but if you are truly willing, He will send the Spirit to help and enable you. You just need to be willing and humble and cry out to Him for help. In John 20:22, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit!"

His next instruction was about forgiving people. He's saying the same thing to you. He wants to fill you with the Holy Spirit and enable you to forgive, but you have to ask and receive Him. If you are willing, God can give you the power to get rid of any bitterness and unforgiveness in your heart. Ask God to breathe the Holy Spirit on you so that you can forgive those who have hurt you.

Prayer Starter: God, I am willing. Breathe on me and fill me with Your Spirit. I choose to receive the enabling power of the Holy Spirit and forgive.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Vengeance Is God's

'Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. '
Romans 12:19


When someone makes us angry, Satan likes to attack us and keep us upset. Responding in a positive way is the direct opposite of what the enemy wants you to do, defeating his plan to keep you upset. It doesn't come naturally, and it isn't always easy, but when we do what we can do, God will do what we can't do.

When someone angers and offends you, a natural response for many of us is to try and pay them back. But if you really pay them back, what will you gain? You'll only make them angrier and then they might try and pay you back again. The cycle never ends! If we hang on to anger, we're just being foolish.

We must turn the anger and the people who caused it over to God and let Him take care of it. ..Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. . Trust God and He will take care of you and protect you. You can't change what happened, but when you give it to God, He'll use it to bring you a better future.

Prayer Starter: God, I believe that vengeance is Yours and that paying people back in anger is not something You want me to do. I give my anger to You and trust that You will take care of me.

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

 

[Aeliana]

The Lifter of Our Heads

'But thou, O LORD , art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head. '
Psalm 3:3

God has good plans for you and He wants you to enjoy your life. He doesn't want you to live with a spirit of heaviness, despair, depression or discouragement. The good news is, your attitude and outlook can change when you look to God and let Him lift you up. The psalmist said that God "is a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head."

Think about that phrase 'the lifter of my head.' When someone walks around with their head hanging down, we assume that they're sad or depressed. If that's the way you feel, know today that God can lift your head and your spirits. Remember, God has a good plan with a future and a hope for each of us.

Because He is with us, we can think and speak in agreement with His will. We can practice being positive in every situation that arises. And when our circumstances are challenging and difficult, we can expect God to bring good out of them as He has promised in His Word.

Prayer Starter: God, You are my glory and the lifter of my head. I choose to look to You. Help me to keep my focus on You and trust You to bring Your good plans to pass in my life today.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Be a God-Pleaser, Not a Man-Pleaser

'For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. '
Galatians 1:10

Are you the person God created you to be or are you living 'to please men'? According to this scripture, God's will is for us to please Him and be what He wants us to be. When we choose to be the person God created us to be - unique and different than everybody else - we have to expect some criticism.

But you won't like yourself very much if you go against your own convictions. See, going along with the crowd, when you know in your heart that God's leading you a different way, is one reason people don't succeed at being themselves. I want to encourage you to step out and be the person God made you to be.

Don't let the way another person treats you or responds to you determine your worth. Have the courage to be different and deal with criticism. Remember that God accepts you and loves you. He made you the way you are for a reason, and you have something special to offer.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to live trying to please men. I dare to be different. I want to win Your favor and be the person You made me to be.

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

 

[Aeliana]

The Wrong Kind of 'Martyr'

But when you give your alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
Matthew 6:3


We all know what a martyr is. We've all heard heartrending stories of heroic men and women who have died for Christ. But there's another kind of martyr who isn't courageous and noble, a great and constant sufferer who's always willing to share their pain with anyone who will listen. This martyr wants everyone around to know what sacrifices they're making in their life. The "martyr trap" is such an easy one to fall into. We start out serving our families and friends and loving it.

But after awhile, our hearts begin to change and we begin to expect something in return. Eventually, we no longer have the heart of a servant. Our attitude sours, and we soon find out we've become mired in self-pity. We've become a martyr. The Bible says to give without letting "your left hand know what your right hand is doing."

In other words, God wants us to serve and give without caring if people notice or recognize us. Have you fallen into the 'martyr trap'? If so, ask God to give you His heart so that you can give selflessly without a concern for recognition.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, show me if I've fallen into the martyr trap. I want to have Your heart for service so that I can give to others the way You want me to, selflessly and with Your joy.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Are You Exhausted, Or Is Jesus Exalted?


But now we have been released from the law because we have died to that in which we were held so that we might serve in newness of the spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Romans 7:6


I believe one of the major reasons why many people are stressed and burned out is because they're going their own way instead of following God's plan. We need to follow the leading of the Spirit as to what we're to be involved in and where we're to expend our energy. We must learn to say yes when He says yes and no when He says no.

When we're obedient to God's leading, we'll be able to accomplish what He gives us to do and walk in peace. Romans 7:6 says we are to be led by the "prompting" of the Spirit. I can remember numerous times when I was tired and the Holy Spirit prompted me to rest, but I continued to push myself to go out or to have company.

Then I'd end up exhausted, instead of just being tired. As you know, exhausted people usually get grouchy and impatient. But when we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is exalted.

So let me ask you this: Are you exhausted...or is Jesus exalted? Follow the Spirit and exalt Him in your life.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to be too exhausted to obey Your promptings. I choose to follow Your plans and exalt You in my life.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Tempted' to Do Good

Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall. I Corinthians 10:12


One thing that draws us into temptation is thinking too highly of ourselves and trusting ourselves too much. This is an attitude planted by the enemy. We get prideful and think we're just fine, but then Satan tempts us and we fall into sin. Now, this next statement might shock you: You need to know that there's also a good kind of temptation.

We need to realize that Satan tempts us to do evil, but in a way, God tempts us to do good. Every time the enemy sets a bad option in front of you, God always has a good one ready. When the temptation to sin feels overwhelming, remember that the Holy Spirit, who is much more powerful than the enemy, also wants to overwhelm you, but in a good way.

He wants to influence you to do great things if you will let Him. God is trying to save our lives. He wants to strengthen us so that no matter what happens, we'll be preserved and protected under His covering. When God tempts you to do good, simply obey.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I want to listen and obey Your good 'temptations.' When the enemy tries to make me stumble, show me Your perfect plan that I can follow instead.

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

 

[Aeliana]

God Gives Grace to the Humble

In the same manner, you younger men be subject to the older men; and all of you be subject to one another, being clothed with humility because God sets Himself against the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
I Peter 5:5


First Peter 5:5 tells us that God "sets Himself against the proud, but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble." And anyone who thinks they're a self-made man or woman has a rude awakening coming because Jesus said, "...Apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing" (John 15:5 AMP).

When we live in pride, trying to succeed without God's help, we're left open to so many attacks of the enemy. But humility is a covering that draws the help of God into our lives to protect us. When we humble ourselves by saying, "God, I don't know what to do, and I'm trusting You," God will help us. God won't allow us to succeed at anything unless we're leaning and relying on Him.

But when we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, in due time, He will exalt us (see 1 Peter 5:6). "Due time" is God's time, when God knows we're ready, not when we think we're ready. The sooner we understand and accept that, the sooner God can work out His plan in our lives.

Prayer Starter: God, I humble myself before You, knowing that You will exalt me in due time. I can't succeed on my own. I need Your help.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Developing an Attitude of Prayer in the Midst of Worry

Do not be anxious about anything; but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God in everything; Philippians 4:6

When you're under pressure, it's always best to pray about it instead of talk about it. Prayer is the blueprint for a successful life. During His time on earth, Jesus prayed. He entrusted everything to God through prayer, even His reputation and life. We can do the same. We don't have to explain all the problems to Him; we can just give them to Him and ask Him to take care of everything. You don't have to complicate prayer. I think a lot of times people wait until they get to their quiet time or church before they really pray, without realizing that they can pray at any time. Just have confidence in simple, believing prayer.

Look at Paul's instructions in Philippians 4:6-7. Instead of worrying, simply pray and ask God for help when you find yourself in a difficult situation. The Bible tells us that God is faithful, that's one of His major characteristics. He can be counted on to come through for us when we pray to Him for help, so we should trust Him totally and completely. When we do, we'll be ready for anything that may come our way.

Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to live my life worrying. Instead, I decide today to get in the habit of praying to You at all times.

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

 

[Aeliana]

Processing Your Anger

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:9

All anger, regardless of its cause, has the same effect on our lives. It upsets us, causing us to feel pressure. Keeping anger locked inside and pretending it doesn't exist can even be dangerous to our health. Most of the time we're only hurting ourselves, and the person who angered us isn't even aware of it. I struggled with terrible anger until God grabbed my attention.

I eventually had to find a positive way to process my anger. That was a place of new beginnings for me. When you face your anger and decide to deal with it God's way, you can overcome it. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to be stable and walk in the fruit of the Spirit. We have the power to forgive those who do injustices in our lives and to love the unlovely.

So we must take responsibility for our anger and learn to deal with it. Instead of keeping it all bottled up inside, seek the Lord and ask Him to help you release it. Process it and bring closure to it, and that will relieve the pressure.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I don't want to keep my anger inside of me because that will only damage me and it's not pleasing to You. I ask for Your help. Help me to relieve the pressure of anger in my life.

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