Choose better thoughts, reap a better life

**Joyce Meyer

This scripture clearly says that death and life are in the words we speak. It is so important that we learn to control our mouths, but we need to make sure we do it the right way.

I think some people try to control their mouths but do nothing about their thoughts. That is like pulling off the top of a weed, unless the root is dug up, the weed always comes back. You will never control your mouth unless you first learn to control your mind.

We are constantly tempted to think wrong thoughts, but we do not have to accept them. We have a choice! We can purposely choose right thinking so that we can then choose right speaking.

You can choose life-generating thoughts by hearing, reading, thinking and talking about God and His Truth. What is inside you will find its way outside, so when you fill your mind with good, positive, powerful, life-giving things from God, positive, powerful, life-giving words will naturally follow.

Prayer starter: Holy Spirit, I want to change my thoughts so that I can speak life-giving words. Help me fill my thoughts with Your Truth so that my words reflect You.

Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Do not meditate on the little disappintments

**Joyce Meyer

Deep hurt does not just come from huge disappointments, like when we fail to get the job or promotion we really wanted. Deep emotional hurt can come from a series of minor annoyances and frustrations. That is why we must know how to handle the small, daily disappointments and keep them in perspective.

When you focus on something continually, it is called meditation. The little frustrations that come up every day are annoying on their own, but when they pile up, it almost seems impossible to meditate on anything else.

But instead of concentrating on your problems and getting discouraged, focus on God and meditate on His promises for you. Life might get you down, but you do not have to stay down. God is ready, willing and able to pick you up.

When disappointment weighs on you, you can either let it press you down, or you can use it as a stepping-stone to better things. Choose to face disappointment at its onset by meditating on God's ways. He has better things for you, and He will help you defeat disappointment. 

Prayer starter: God, like Psalm 119:15 says, I will meditate on Your Word, not the little disappointments that try to press me down. Life can be discouraging, but Your Word is so encouraging, I know I can overcome the discouragement by looking to You!

Psalms 119:15

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

Becoming one means enjoying each other

**Joyce Meyer

You can have such fun in your marriage when you begin to enjoy each other. Do you know that God did not put you together to be miserable? He did not put you together to fight, pick on each other or try and change each other.

The Bible says specifically that a woman is to enjoy her husband, but I believe this scripture applies to both sides of a marriage. However, I rarely hear a woman says, "You know what? I really enjoy my husband," or hear a man says, "I am enjoying my wife."

But in marriage, God wants us to enjoy each other. He wants you and your spouse to laugh and have fun together. I realize it is not always easy. Marriage definitely has its challenges, but despite your differences, ask God to show you wonderful things about your spouse. Ask Him to help you see you spouse the way He does, because He loves them and died for them just like He did for you.

When you have God's perspective of each other, joy will just naturally fill your heart, and you will be able to enjoy your spouse.

Prayer starter: God, I want to enjoy my spouse. Even when marriage is difficult, help me to find joy and have fun with them by seeing them the way You do.

1 Peter 3:2

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.

Resist the devil and rejoice in the Lord

**Joyce Meyer

Depression is defined in part as "a hollow, being in a low state; a state of sadness; dejection." The real cause of depression is not where we are, but our attitude about where we find ourselves. That is why the devil wants to make you feel like you are worthless and rejected.

But if you do not let the devil impress you with what he does, then he cannot oppress you; and if he cannot oppress you, then he cannot depress you.

I think one of the best ways to resist the devil and achieve victory over depression is to let the Holy Spirit lead you into a time of rejoicing. The enemy wants you to look at the negative and have a pity party, but the Holy Spirit wants you to look at the positive and just have a party!

Philippians 4:4 says to "rejoice in the Lord always." When we are focused on God, rejoicing in Him, depression has no place in us. So the next time the enemy tries to make you feel low or sad, choose to rejoice in the Lord!

Prayer starter: God, You are wonderful and amazing, which is why I can rejoice in You always. Depression has no place in my life because I am filled with You!

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!

Find the power to overcome the temptations you face

**Joyce Meyer

Temptation, or giving in to temptation, has been a serious problem since the beginning of time and is still a very real part of our lives today. Like it or not, we all have to deal with it. In Luke 17:1, Jesus said, 'Temptations (snares, traps set to entice to sin) are sure to come.'

But why do we have to deal with temptation? Because it strengthens our faith, or our spiritual muscles. If we did not have to stand against temptation, we would never know our own spiritual strength. To develop spiritual strength, we must pass all kinds of tests of temptations both large and small.

In Luke 4, we find that Satan tempted Jesus, hoping to find an area of weakness to invade. But Jesus stood strong and defeated the enemy. I encourage you to do what Jesus did when He was tempted. He went straight to God's Word. I believe God knew ahead of time that Jesus would pass the test, and I believe He has confidence in us, knowing if we follow the example of Jesus, we will overcome temptation and pass many of our tests too.

Prayer starter: God, thank You for helping me understand how to develop the strength I need to resist the temptations of the enemy. When temptation comes, I will go straight to Your Word and resist it with Your truth.

Luke 17:1

Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.

Dealing with dread

**Joyce Meyer

It is impossible to reach your God-given destiny if you allow your thoughts to be overcome by dread. Dread is a close relative of fear, and allowing it to remain in your mind, sets you up for misery and robs you of joy.

Once, I experienced a feeling of dread as we were planning our trip to speak in India. I was excited about the wonderful opportunity there, but all I could focus on was the long flight and poor conditions that exist in that country. I am grateful that I knew how to dispel that dread by focusing on and dwelling on God's Word. If I had allowed myself to dwell on the negative aspects of the trip, it would have taken away the joy and excitement God wanted me to experience. 

Dread is a trap, and you must be determined not to fall into it. If not being sure of the future or facing new things causes you to feel dread or fear, turn to Psalm 27:1, praying and confessing out loud, 'The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear or dread?'

Prayer starter: Lord, I declare today that You are my Light and my Salvation. Because of You, I do not need to dread the future. I have victory in You.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?

Receiving and giving the Word

**Joyce Meyer

Sometimes we suffer attacks from the enemy simply because of our involvement with the Word of God. Mark 4:17 speaks of those who hear the Word and endure it for a while, "...then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away."

Satan knows the Word will strengthen us and he wants to stop it, before we can spread it to others. So it is imperative to guard the Word in your heart and resist the devil when he comes to steal it from you. When you do, the trials the enemy brings will actually help bring others to the Lord.

The apostle Paul said there were many things that God allowed him to go through simply as object lessons for other people. Even during Paul's imprisonment, his stability and ability to be used by God was evident.

If we are to minister to others, we too must face some adverse circumstances. But if we stand in faith and confidences, God will bring us through to victory, and we will be a great encouragement to others in the process.

Prayer starter: God, I want to abide in You and Your Word every day. When trials come my way, I pray that You would use them to make me stronger and spread Your Word to those around me.

Philippians 1:12-14

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.

As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Four steps for studying the Word

**Joyce Meyer

Many people have asked me how to study God's Word. Here are four helpful tips:

1. Purposely set aside time. I make an appointment with God in the mornings, but if that does not work for you, find a time that does, even if it is not every day. Just start somewhere and you will see the positive fruit that this time brings to your life!

2. Make preparation for your Bible study. Choose a place that you enjoy being, a room in your house where you can be alone.

3. Have all your materials available. You will want your Bible, of course, but also get a good Bible dictionary, concordance, pen and paper. That way, you do not have to stop every few minutes to reference something or write something down.

4. Prepare your heart. talk to God about things you may need to confess, and enter your study time peacefully and without anything that may block you from receiving revelation during your study.

Take the time to study the Word because there is power in it to change your life and become the person God wants you to be.

Prayer starter: Lord, I purpose in my heart to set aside time to really study Your Word. Teach me how to understand, consent and submit to Your truth in my life every day.

Proverbs 4:20

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.

Permission to lighten up

**Joyce Meyer

I used to be too intense. I was intense about how my children behaved and looked. I was intense about how my house looked, how I looked and what people thought of us. I was intense about trying to change my husband into what I thought he should be. I really cannot think of anything I was not intense about! What I really needed to do was give myself permission to lighten up!

I did not know how to trust God with daily life. I was out of balance in almost everything. I did not yet realize that celebration and enjoyment are necessary in our lives, we cannot be healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically without it! In fact, celebration is so necessary that God made sure He put it in the Bible. He literally commands us to celebrate. 

The best gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you, and you cannot be healthy without celebration being a regular part of your life. Today, change the entire atmosphere in your life with celebration. Give yourself permission to lighten up!

Prayer starter: Holy Spirit, do not let me be too intense. Help me remember to give myself permission to lighten up and celebrate Your goodness every day.

Psalms 138:5

May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great.

Your life would not change until your thinking changes

**Joyce Meyer

I spent a lot of years unhappy because the minute I woke up in the morning, I started thinking negative, sad, depressing things. Now I can truly say I am fully satisfies since the Holy Spirit has helped me operate with the mind of Christ that is within me. Maybe you have spent years thinking wrong thoughts, but that can change today.

If you struggle with negative thinking, it is important for you to come to grips with the fact that your life would not change until your thinking does. Renewed, God-like thinking is vital for change.

The Bible presents a lot of detailed instruction on what kinds of things we should think about. Philippians 4:8 alone tells us to think about things that builds us up, not tear us down.

I want to issue you a challenge. Instead of waking up in the morning and immediately thinking negative thoughts, I want you to pick a positive truth from scripture and focus on it everyday when you wake up. Let God's Word grow in you and transform your mind. Fix your mind on good things and enjoy the godly changes it brings.

Prayer starter: God, I am ready to change and live with the mind of Christ. Help me to only think about what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, kind, gracious, virtuous - whatever is of You.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

Waiting Expectantly

**Joyce Meyer

Have you been praying about a situation in your life and found yourself waiting for a breakthrough? Are you wondering why the answer has not come yet? Do you feel as though victory is passing you by?

Sometimes when we pray long and hard about a situation in our life without receiving any answers, we just learn to live with it. We go on about our business, wondering if or when God will send the answer. But God does hear those prayers, and He has working out the answers even though we may not know all the details. Our situation can change suddenly, quickly, without warning!

Until then we can either wait passively or expectantly. A passive person gives up, but the expectant person, on the other hand, is hopeful, believing the answer is just around the corner, due to arrive any minute. His belief is not a passive thing. His heart is full of hope, expecting his problem to be solved at any moment. He wakes up every morning expecting to find his answer. He may wait and wait, but he will keep asking until suddenly, God turns everything around.

Prayer starter: God, I want to wait expectantly, not passively. I will keep asking You for my breakthrough, knowing full well that You will bring it at the right time.

Matthew 7:7

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Honesty outweigh perfection

**Joyce Meyer

We can care too much about what people think of us to the point where it totally immobilizes us and we are petrified about looking wrong. But do you know what? I think if we are more truthful, we will actually get more respect than we do by trying to hide everything, pretending we are perfect.

I believe one of the main reasons people like to listen to me is that I tell all my junk. It helps them to relax, to relate to me, and offers them hope that if I can do some of the things I have done and make it, so can they.

We need to stop living in fear of making mistakes, because we will make mistakes, period. God is not asking  us to not make any mistakes. He is asking us to be honest and open about our flaws. When we get them out in the open, He can help us get rid of them and move on to bigger and better things.

Do not hide your mistakes. Get them out in the open so that you can learn form them. When you trust God with openness and honesty, He can help you overcome anything.

Prayer starter: Lord, I have weaknesses that I am ashamed of, but holding on to them would not do me any good. I choose to be open about my flaws so that You can help me overcome them.

2 Corinthians 4:2

Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Accept God's timing

**Joyce Meyer

God gives us hopes and dreams for certain things to happen in our lives, but He does not always allow us to see the exact timing of His plan. Although frustrating, not knowing the exact timing is often what keeps us in the program. When we accept God's timing, we can learn to live in hope and enjoy our lives while God is working on our problems.

Exodus 3:17-18 tells us that God led the Israelites the longer, harder way on their journey to the Promised Land because He knew they were not yet ready to go in. There had to be time for their training, and they had to go through some very trying situations. And in the process, God never failed to take care of them and show them what He wanted them to do.

The same is true in our lives, God's training period simply requires us to do what He tells us to do when He tells us to do it, without questioning or trying to figure everything out. No matter how long things take, we can always confidently know that it will be better when we accept God's timing.

Prayer starter: God, I accept Your timing. I may not always understand, but I know Your ways are perfect and I completely trust in You.

Exodus 3:17-18

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."

So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.

How to travel the smooth road

**Joyce Meyer

On the road of life there are spiritual signs along the way. In order to stay under God's protection, you must obey these signs that tell you to trust Him and not worry. Do not be afraid; have courage. If you will pay attention to these signs, you will find it is easy to stay on course. You will experience the protection, peace and joy that only God can provide.

However, if you fail to head the signs, you may notice that the road seems a little bumpier than usual, and you are not as confident in your ability as you once were. You may become anxious about the unknown things waiting around the corner, and even veer off the road.

You and I do not need to be anxious because God wants to guard our paths and preserve our way. Why waste time ignoring His signs and becoming anxious when it is not going to solve anything?

Have an attitude of obedience, and when you see His signs, follow them. When you follow His instructions, you will always arrive safely at your destination.

Prayer starter: Holy Spirit, help me to see the spiritual signs that You have placed for me on the road of life. When I see them, I will obey them and follow You safely through life.

Proverbs 2:7-9

He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path.

Are you seeking the right stuff?

**Joyce Meyer

Romans 14:17 defines the kingdom of God as a life of goodness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We are to seek His kingdom, but a lot of people spend their life seeking all kinds of other stuff. When it comes to righteousness, peace and joy, they do not have any because they are chasing after other things.

I used to think that if I had all kinds of worldly stuff, I would have no worries and my life would be peaceful, but no matter how much stuff I gained, it never really brought peace. True peace comes from being one with God.

It is important for us to understand this because I think a large majority of Christians spend their whole life searching for the wrong things, when our real treasure is in Jesus.

So what are you seeking today? What is your treasure? Worldly things will ultimately leave you unsatisfied, but if you seek God and His righteousness, peace and joy, you can experience the completely satisfying and fulfilling life God wants you to have. Go after Him today.

Prayer starter: God, I decide today to stop pursuing worldly things that will not satisfy. I want to be one with You, so I seek Your righteousness, peace and joy.

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

When praying for others is hard

**Joyce Meyer

How do you respond when someone hurts your feelings? Do you let it rob you of joy? Or maybe your emotions run wild? Luke 6:27-28 tells us what we should do when people hurt us: We must pray for them and bless them.

Can you believe that? We are to pray something like, "Oh, Lord, I pray that You would just make them so happy!"

I still do not get that, but I am willing to do it in obedience and say, "Lord, I do not know that I really want them to be happy, but I will pray that in faith anyway, because You are telling me to bless them with Your presence."

Choosing to pray for them is one of the most difficult things God asks us to do, especially if we believe that whoever hurt us in the wrong and does not deserve to be forgiven.

But God instructs us to practice forgiveness. And when we choose to follow the path of forgiveness, we will experience the peace and joy that come through obeying God's Word. When you obey God, He can help you overcome the pain and enjoy life more.

Prayer starter: God, it is hard, but I pray for those who have hurt me and ask You to bless them. Help me to release the hurt and forgive them.

Luke 6:28

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Listen for the still, small voice

**Joyce Meyer

To find peace in our lives, we simply need to obey the promptings God gives us each day. A prompting is a a "knowing" deep down on the inside, telling us what to do. First Kings 19:11-12 refers to this knowing as a still, small voice. A prompting is not a whack on the head with a hammer!

In 1 Kings, the Lord did not use the great and strong wind, the earthquake or fire to prompt Elijah. His voice came to Elijah as a sound of gentle stillness and a still, small voice. A prompting does not even have to be a voice at all. In fact, God often gives direction by speaking to your heart rather than to your ears.

If we will simply learn to listen to God that things will go well for us. No matter what the situation, we need to listen to God and obey His voice. You may not understand the reasons that God is asking you to do certain things, but as you listen to His voice and obey His direction, you can experience a peaceful calmness. So listen up!

Prayer starter: Holy Spirit, help me to listen closely to hear Your promptings every day. I want Your peace, so I will listen to You.

1 Kings 19:12

After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

God can use cracked pots

**Joyce Meyer

God does not require us to be perfect, He made us, and He knows we are human and will make mistakes. Our jobs is to get up every day and do our best to use the keys He has provided for us. And when we fail, we must get right with God, receive His forgiveness and go on.

Many people feel that God cannot use them because they are not perfect, but this is a lie. God (the Potter) uses cracked pots (that is us) to do His work. As Christians, we are containers that God wants to fill with His goodness and light. Then we are to carry that goodness and light to a dark world, sharing it with people everywhere we go.

Do not be afraid of your flaws; acknowledge them and allow God to use you anyway. Quit worrying about what you are not and give God what you are.

As a cracked pot, you can accomplish wonderful things. You can make somebody happy. You can encourage, edify and exhort those around you. You can use your gifts and talents to serve God.

Prayer starter: God, I may be a 'cracked pot,' but You are the Potter and You can use me for Your purposes despite my flaws. Fill me with Your goodness and light so that I can carry it into the world around me.

Isaiah 64:8

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

You can be alone without being lonely

**Joyce Meyer

Loneliness often manifests as an inner ache, a vacuum, or a craving for affection. Its side effects include feelings of emptiness, uselessness or purposelessness. There are many causes of loneliness, but many people do not realize that they do not have to live with it. They can confront it and deal with it.

It is important to realize that just because you are alone, it does not mean you must be lonely or lonesome. While it may not always be possible to avoid being alone, there are always answers to loneliness.

God's Word tells us to be strong and courageous, for God is always with us. In the natural, you may be alone, but that does not mean you have to be lonely, because spiritually, God is always there. He will never leave you or forsake you.

The next time a feeling of loneliness tries to manifest in our life, I urge you to remember Deuteronomy 31:6. Declare out loud that God is with you and begin to talk to Him. As you make room for Him, His presence will fill your life. You do not have to be lonely when God's presence is with you wherever you go.

Prayer starter: God, I am so glad that You are always with me. I know I never have to feel lonely with You by my side.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you."

Do not bow your knee to fear

**Joyce Meyer

Fear is not from God, but from Satan. Every time you feel fear in your life, it is a manifestation of the kingdom of darkness. I often say in my teachings that fear is the "master spirit." It is the spirit Satan uses to try to rule God's people and keep them from coming under the leadership of the true Master, Jesus Christ.

Multitudes of people never fulfill the call of God on their lives simply because every time they try to go forward, the devil uses fear to stop them. Is he using fear to stop you? Satan uses fear to keep people from enjoying life. Fear brings torment, and you surely cannot enjoy life and be tormented at the same time.

The devil brings fear, but you can choose not to bow your knee to it. David said, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in You. I believe it is safe to say that when you make an effort to pursue God wholeheartedly and follow Him, the enemy will attack with fear. However, if you put your confidence and trust in God, He can help you overcome your fear and move forward.

Prayer starter: God, I do not want to bow to fear. I put my confidence and trust in You. I know that I can rely on You to help me through my fear.

Psalms 56:3

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

The humble get the help

**Joyce Meyer

Since Jesus invites us to cast all of our care and worry on Him, why do so many of us refuse to let go? Apparently, we are not yet fed up with being miserable.

The only way to have victory in our lives is to play by God's rules, and He says we must quit worrying if we want to have peace. So when things come our way that cause us to be concerned, we need God's help. How do we get it? First Peter 5:6 says that we need to humble ourselves.

That seems pretty clear and simple, yet some continue struggling because they are too stubborn to ask for help. But the humble get the help. So if you way is not working, why not try God's way? All of us would be better off if we would learn to lean on God and ask for His help.

When we humble ourselves and ask for God's help, then He is able to release His power in our situations. It is only then that we can really enjoy life. So humble yourself today and let Him take care of your worries.

Prayer starter: God, I know that I cannot run my life on my own, so I humble myself today and ask You for help. I trust You and give You control in my life.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourself, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

SMILE!

**Joyce Meyer

Everyone knows how to smile. It is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. A smile makes people feel good, and people look so beautiful when they smile.When the joy in your life is obvious, it rubs off on others. But when you keep God's joy locked inside you and do not allow it to show on your face, you are depriving those around you of a pleasant and refreshing experience.

Most people really do not understand how expressing joy will change their circumstances and, perhaps, the lives of others. Living you life with the joy of the Lord will chase off negative, depressing circumstances.And when we have His joy deep down inside of us, we cannot help out put it in display by smiling!

I never would have thought that smiling was such a serious matter, but God has shown me how revolutionary a simple smile can be. Expressing joy through the calm delight of smiling brings good things into your own life and shares the joy and light of the Lord with others, so smile!

Prayer starter: Lord, remind me to smile daily! You have given me great joy, and I want to display it and brighten the lives of others!

Proverbs 15:13

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Identify the battlefield

**Joyce Meyer

Did you know that we are in a war every day? Looking around at all the suffering, we may think the battles are just taking place externally, but in reality, we are losing the advanced and more important conflict, the battle in our minds.

When we fail to identify the battlefield, we also fail to correctly identify our foe. We tend to believe people, money, religion, or "the system" are our problems. Unless we renew our mind, we risk continuing to believe those lies and making important decisions based on deception.

Each day our minds are bombarded with a constant stream of nagging thoughts, suspicious, doubts, and fears. While any one of these can cause defeat and devastation, grabbing on to God's truth can bring victory and joy.

You may have some major strongholds in your life that need to be torn down. Let me encourage you by saying, "God is on my side." There is a war going on, and your mind is the battlefield. But the good news is that God is fighting on your side!

Prayer starter: Holy Spirit, I do not want to be  deceived, ignoring the real battle that is happening in my mind. Keep me on guard so that I can fight the good fight. With You on my side, I cannot lose!

2 Corinthians 10:4

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Do not give in to fear

**Joyce Meyer

The Bible tells of a man named Abram who trusted God in spite of his own personal fear.

How would you feel if God told you to leave your home, your family and everything that is familiar and comfortable and head out to an unknown destination? Full of fear? That is precisely the challenge Abram faced, and it frightened him. But God's words to him were "fear not."

Many times we think we should wait to do something until we are no longer afraid, but if we did that, we would probably accomplish very little for God, for others, or even for ourselves. Abram had to step out in faith and obedience to God, despite his fear.

If Abram had bowed his knee to fear, he never would have fulfilled his destiny to become all God created him to be, the father of many nations.

Giving in to fear alters God's best plan for your life, so do what He wants you to do...even if you have to do it afraid! Like Abram, you will find that the rewards are great.

Prayer starter: God, You were faithful to Abram when he obeyed You in spite of fear, so I also decide to put my fear aside and do whatever You tell me to do.

Genesis 12:1

The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

Forgiveness: The path to real peace and joy

**Joyce Meyer

A few years ago someone told me about a person who was doing business with our ministry and making a good deal of money because of their relationship with us. My friend happened to be at the same restaurant, seated in the next booth, and overheard their conversation, which just happened to be about me - and they were not saying good things either.

At first I got mad and just wanted to tell him that he was never getting our business again. But in bed that night, the Holy Spirit said to me, "You are not going to do any of those things." He said, "No, you are going to do what you teach. You are going to go buy him a present, and you are going to tell him how much you appreciate the services that he has given you all these years."

Needless to say, I resisted at first. But eventually, I relented and bought him a gift.

What I remember most about the situation is that as soon as I started taking action to do something good for them, it just got so funny to me. I was laughing out loud in my house, all by myself.

When we can look at people who have hurt us with compassion, there is a party that goes on inside of us.

So who can you forgive and do something nice for today? Practice forgiveness and follow the path it leads to real peace and joy!

Prayer starter: God, I want to obey You Word, which tells me to be compassionate and good to those who have hurt me. I know that when I do, I will experience peace and joy on the inside.

Luke 6:35

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Get up and clean up!

**Joyce Meyer

In John 5, there is a story about a man who I believe represents a lot of people who refuse to change. 

During a Jewish feast in Jerusalem, Jesus visited the Bethesda pool where sick people gathered, hoping to get healed. One of the people waiting to get healed was a man who had been crippled for 38 years. When Jesus saw him, He asked if he wanted to be healed.

To me, the man's answer tells us why he had not been healed in 38 years. He said, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred." Bottom line, the man was avoiding responsibility.

His second problem was that he blamed others. The man said, "While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

How did Jesus respond? Jesus did not feel sorry for him. Instead, Jesus said, rather sternly, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." For change to occur in your life, you cannot be a prisoner of your circumstances. Know that God is willing to help you today. You just have to decide to trust Him, get up, and actively pursue the freedom He is giving you.

Prayer starter: God, I do not want to be a victim of my circumstances. I want to change. I receive Your strength and Your freedom today. I believe that real change can occur in my life as I walk with You.

John 5:8

Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."

Putting on the gift of God's righteousness

**Joyce Meyer

Here are two very important questions that you need to ask yourself:

'Do I know who I am in Christ?'

'Am I walking in righteousness?'

Too many people cannot properly answer these questions and it keeps them from living in the freedom and peace that God designed for them to walk in.

The moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Bible says God takes away our sin and gives us His righteousness. It is a gift, and we do not need to earn it. But we do need to put it on, and every time we do, we receive His peace.

When you know who you are in Christ, worldly obstacles would not matter anymore. When you know that He loves you and He dies for you, you will just get up every day and do your best to love God.

When that happens, when you know who you are in Christ, you can put on and walk in the righteousness that He purchased for you. As you experience His love for you, your natural response will be to live for Him with all that you have.

Prayer starter: Lord, I want to be constantly aware of who I am in You. Help me to remember all that You have done for me so that I can daily put on Your righteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

God causes things to happen at the right time

**Joyce Meyer

Are you waiting for the desires of your heart to begin to manifest? Are you praying for bondage to fall off of you so you can see your dreams come to pass? Are you waiting and praying for the salvation of friends and family? Are you trusting God for prosperity, favor, promotion, honor, and all the blessings found in His Word?

Are you tired of waiting for harvest time in your life? Are you frustrated, crying out, "When, God, when?" Then you need to understand that God's timing is often a mystery. He does not do things on our timetable. Yet His Word promises that He will not be late, not one single day.

God causes things to happen at exactly the right time! Your job is not to figure out when, but to make up your mind that you would not give up until you cross the finish line and are living in the radical, outrageous blessings of God! The more of you trust Jesus and keep your eyes focused on Him, the more life you will have. Trusting God brings life. Believing brings rest. So stop trying to figure everything out, and let God be God in your life.

Prayer starter: God, I know that Your timing is perfect, even when I grow tired of waiting. Help me to trust in You and rest in Your plan for me.

Habakkuk 2:3

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Pursuing the right kind of knowledge

**Joyce Meyer

Many Christians suffer because they are too busy seeking carnal knowledge instead of the Word of God. The Lord Himself said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6 AMP).

Paul was an educated man, with a wealth of carnal knowledge. He thought himself better than others and even sought to kill Christians. Thankfully, God had other plans for him and revealed Himself to Paul in a away that changed his life forever.

When Paul realized that seeking carnal knowledge did not compare to the importance of spiritual knowledge, he decided to only pursue that instead.

Like Paul, we need to realize the importance of learning spiritual things. Instead of seeking worldly things and filling our heads with things that do not matter, we need to dig in and fill our minds with God's Word.

I can tell you from experience that knowing God's Word will change your life. It turned Paul into one of the greatest Christians who ever lived, and it can transform you and lead you into your amazing destiny in Christ.

I encourage you today to seek out the spiritual knowledge found in God's Word. Let it fill you up and take you over!

Prayer starter: Lord, I do not want to waste my time with carnal knowledge that does not matter. Like Paul, help me to only pursue the spiritual knowledge found in knowing You and knowing Your Word. 

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Put yourself in the offering plate

**Joyce Meyer

In 2 Corinthians 8, when Paul was talking to the Corinthian believers about their giving, he gave them the example of the churches in Macedonia. He said in verse 5, "Nor [was this gift of theirs merely the contribution] that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having out themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God]."

That just amazes me, because they did not just give their money, but they gave themselves. 

I wonder how many of us are willing to write our name down and stick that in the offering plate. Romans 12:1 says we should offer all of ourselves as a sacrifice to God. 

This means living for God outside of church. It means being willing to give money, but it also means being ready to love anyone God brings across your path. It means being willing to use any resource you have for His kingdom.

So next time you are in church and the offering plate comes around, I encourage you to tell God that you are putting yourself all in for Him!

Prayer starter: God, I want to give all I have to You. I offer myself as a living sacrifice. Show me how you want me to use the resources You have given me for Your glory.

Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.

Enduring like Jesus

**Joyce Meyer

There are usually two sides to everything. The cross has two: a crucifixion side and a resurrection side. Jesus had to endure one side to get to the other. But if He had not endured, then we would all still be left without a Savior and no forgiveness of our sins.

Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus, for the joy of obtaining the prize on the other side of the cross, the resurrection, endured the pain. Like Jesus, we have to endure bad things. To endure means to outlast the devil; to be steadfast long enough to let the trial do whatever it is going to do in our lives and get from one side of the cross to the other.

Whether we are hit by an unexpected circumstance, suffering for doing something wrong or for resisting temptation and sin by doing what is right, we have to go through things. But waiting for you on the other side of the hard times is the joy of obtaining the prize, the good result.

Today, be encouraged by the way Jesus handled trails. He knew the joy that was before Him and persevered until the end. He has given you the power to do the same.

Prayer starter: God, I want to endure like Jesus. Help me to get a vision for the joy of obtaining the prize that awaits me so that I can endure whatever trial comes my way.

Hebrews 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.