Are You Seeking the Right Stuff?
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 don't have any because they're chasing after other things.
I used to think that if I had all kinds of worldly stuff, I'd 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's 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's 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.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
When Praying for Others Is Hard
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're to pray something like, "Oh, Lord, I pray that You'd just make them so happy!"
I still don't get that, but I'm willing to do it in obedience and say, "Lord, I don't know that I really want them to be happy, but I'll pray that in faith anyway, because You're 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 is in the wrong and doesn't 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's 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.
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're to pray something like, "Oh, Lord, I pray that You'd just make them so happy!"
I still don't get that, but I'm willing to do it in obedience and say, "Lord, I don't know that I really want them to be happy, but I'll pray that in faith anyway, because You're 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 is in the wrong and doesn't 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's 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.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Listen for the Still, Small Voice
To find peace in our lives, we simply need to obey the promptings God gives us each day. A prompting is 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 isn't a whack on the head with a hammer!
In 1 Kings, the Lord didn't 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 doesn't 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'll simply learn to listen to God and do what He says, we'll discover 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.
To find peace in our lives, we simply need to obey the promptings God gives us each day. A prompting is 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 isn't a whack on the head with a hammer!
In 1 Kings, the Lord didn't 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 doesn't 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'll simply learn to listen to God and do what He says, we'll discover 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.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Don't Give in to Fear
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's 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'd 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've 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'll 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.
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's 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'd 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've 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'll 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.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Happy Birthday Martin Luther King Jr
Happy Birthday to the King ... Forever thankful for all that he did to bring justice and peace. He taught us to always fight for what's right. There is still work to be done, but I must say we have come a mighty long way.
Thought Of The Day
This is not always true, but unfortunately I feel this way right now. Expectations can lead to disappointments. Especially in a case where you are use to something and then the unfamiliar happens. I tend to get upset easily when things aren't consistent and I don't like to be bothered with it. I pray that I overcome this feeling of disappointment and I can get back to a settled peace of mind. Have a good day everyone.
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Get Up and Clean Up!
In John 5, there's 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 hadn't 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 didn't 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 can't 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's giving you.
Prayer Starter: God, I don't 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.
In John 5, there's 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 hadn't 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 didn't 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 can't 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's giving you.
Prayer Starter: God, I don't 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.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Forgiveness: The Path to Real Peace and Joy
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 weren't 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're not going to do any of those things." He said, "No, you're going to do what you teach. You're going to go buy him a present, and you're going to tell him how much you appreciate the services that he's 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've hurt us with compassion, there's 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 Your 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.
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 weren't 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're not going to do any of those things." He said, "No, you're going to do what you teach. You're going to go buy him a present, and you're going to tell him how much you appreciate the services that he's 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've hurt us with compassion, there's 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 Your 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.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
God Causes Things to Happen at the Right Time
Are you waiting for the desires of your heart to begin to manifest? Are you praying for bondages 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 doesn't 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 won't give up until you cross the finish line and are living in the radical, outrageous blessings of God! The more you trust Jesus and keep your eyes focused on Him, the more life you'll 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.
Are you waiting for the desires of your heart to begin to manifest? Are you praying for bondages 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 doesn't 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 won't give up until you cross the finish line and are living in the radical, outrageous blessings of God! The more you trust Jesus and keep your eyes focused on Him, the more life you'll 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.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Pursuing the Right Kind of Knowledge
Many Christians suffer because they're 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 tought himself better than others and even sought to kill Christians. Thankfully, God had other plans for him and revealed Himself to Paul in a way that changed his life forever.
When Paul realized that seeking carnal knowledge didn't 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 don't 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 don't want to waste my time with carnal knowledge that doesn't matter. Like Paul, help me to only pursue the spiritual knowledge found in knowing You and knowing Your Word.
Many Christians suffer because they're 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 tought himself better than others and even sought to kill Christians. Thankfully, God had other plans for him and revealed Himself to Paul in a way that changed his life forever.
When Paul realized that seeking carnal knowledge didn't 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 don't 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 don't want to waste my time with carnal knowledge that doesn't matter. Like Paul, help me to only pursue the spiritual knowledge found in knowing You and knowing Your Word.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Enduring Like Jesus
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 hadn't endured, then we'd 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's going to do in our lives and get from one side of the cross to the other.
Whether we're hit by an unexpected circumstance, suffering for doing something wrong or for resisting temptation and sin by doing what's 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 trials. He knew the joy that was before Him and persevered until the end. He's 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.
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 hadn't endured, then we'd 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's going to do in our lives and get from one side of the cross to the other.
Whether we're hit by an unexpected circumstance, suffering for doing something wrong or for resisting temptation and sin by doing what's 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 trials. He knew the joy that was before Him and persevered until the end. He's 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.
Monday, January 14, 2013
You Deserve
Ever had a day go by so smooth and one little thing can immediately change the mood from positive to negative? The devil is always busy and never likes to see us be joyful and happy with the way our life is going. Out of the millions of things to be upset, sad, frustrated, or burned out about; let's choose happiness and calmness over it all. Take back your happiness from bitterness, an change all of the negative thoughts into positives. I'm sure you will have a million reasons to smile ;)
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
You Have a Relationship with Yourself
Did it ever occur to you that you have a relationship with yourself? You may have never given it much thought, but you spend more time with yourself than anyone else, and it's vital that you get along well with you because you are the one person you never get away from.
We should love ourselves, not in a selfish, self-centered way that produces a lifestyle of self-indulgence, but in a balanced, godly way that affirms God's creation as essentially good and right. We may be flawed by unfortunate experiences we've gone through, but that doesn't mean we're worthless and good-for-nothing.
We must have the kind of love for ourselves that says, "I know God loves me, so I can love what God chooses to love. I don't love everything I do, but I accept myself because God accepts me." We must develop the kind of mature love that says, "I believe God is changing me daily, but during this process, I will not reject what God accepts. I'll accept myself as I am right now, knowing that I will not always remain this way."
Prayer Starter: God, like Isaiah 43:25 says, You blot out my sins and accept me, which means that I don't have to reject myself. I am free to love myself in a healthy way because You love me!
Did it ever occur to you that you have a relationship with yourself? You may have never given it much thought, but you spend more time with yourself than anyone else, and it's vital that you get along well with you because you are the one person you never get away from.
We should love ourselves, not in a selfish, self-centered way that produces a lifestyle of self-indulgence, but in a balanced, godly way that affirms God's creation as essentially good and right. We may be flawed by unfortunate experiences we've gone through, but that doesn't mean we're worthless and good-for-nothing.
We must have the kind of love for ourselves that says, "I know God loves me, so I can love what God chooses to love. I don't love everything I do, but I accept myself because God accepts me." We must develop the kind of mature love that says, "I believe God is changing me daily, but during this process, I will not reject what God accepts. I'll accept myself as I am right now, knowing that I will not always remain this way."
Prayer Starter: God, like Isaiah 43:25 says, You blot out my sins and accept me, which means that I don't have to reject myself. I am free to love myself in a healthy way because You love me!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
A Need for Brokenness
The word brokenness may strike fear in some people, but it's really not a bad word. God doesn't desire to break our spirits, but He wants to break that outer shell, the flesh that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us. He wants to break off things like pride, rebellion, selfishness and independence. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point.
Sometimes people seem surprised that they must go through a time of trial or suffering. Perhaps they've been faithful to learn and obey the Word, and the trials still come. Sometimes trials come simply to test and purify our faith.
When these trials come your way, embrace them, because they lead to real, true brokenness. God wants us to live by the Spirit, not the flesh, and this is so much easier when we allow Him to break off our lives any sinful or selfish habit or trait that would keep us from Him.
Do you want to be close to God today? Then embrace brokenness, knowing that it will lead to greater things in your future.
Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I realize that sometimes I need brokenness. It may not be comfortable, but I invite You to break off and get rid of anything that's keeping me from You.
The word brokenness may strike fear in some people, but it's really not a bad word. God doesn't desire to break our spirits, but He wants to break that outer shell, the flesh that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us. He wants to break off things like pride, rebellion, selfishness and independence. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point.
Sometimes people seem surprised that they must go through a time of trial or suffering. Perhaps they've been faithful to learn and obey the Word, and the trials still come. Sometimes trials come simply to test and purify our faith.
When these trials come your way, embrace them, because they lead to real, true brokenness. God wants us to live by the Spirit, not the flesh, and this is so much easier when we allow Him to break off our lives any sinful or selfish habit or trait that would keep us from Him.
Do you want to be close to God today? Then embrace brokenness, knowing that it will lead to greater things in your future.
Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I realize that sometimes I need brokenness. It may not be comfortable, but I invite You to break off and get rid of anything that's keeping me from You.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Perseverance Pays
In the early years when we were building our ministry, Dave and I went through a lot of difficult tests. I needed to work on my attitude. We needed to work on our marriage and how we handled money.
For six years I bought my socks and underwear at garage sales. We were totally broke, and I was teaching prosperity!
Not only that, it just wasn't popular for women to preach back then. We lost friends and had family members who didn't want anything to do with us.
It was just hard and sometimes I wanted to quit. But today I am so glad that I stuck with God because there are people all over the world who have been helped because of our ministry.
Scripture tells us in Matthew 19 that we will have to leave 'important' things behind for the sake of following Him. We didn't have everything we thought we needed back then, but the trade-off ended up being more than worth it.
Persevere in your walk with God, even when it's hard. Stay focused on Him, and it will all pay off when you enter the victory He has for you.
Prayer Starter: God, sometimes it's hard to persevere in the Christian life, but I know that the perseverance will pay off. I will follow You alone, because You are all that matters.
In the early years when we were building our ministry, Dave and I went through a lot of difficult tests. I needed to work on my attitude. We needed to work on our marriage and how we handled money.
For six years I bought my socks and underwear at garage sales. We were totally broke, and I was teaching prosperity!
Not only that, it just wasn't popular for women to preach back then. We lost friends and had family members who didn't want anything to do with us.
It was just hard and sometimes I wanted to quit. But today I am so glad that I stuck with God because there are people all over the world who have been helped because of our ministry.
Scripture tells us in Matthew 19 that we will have to leave 'important' things behind for the sake of following Him. We didn't have everything we thought we needed back then, but the trade-off ended up being more than worth it.
Persevere in your walk with God, even when it's hard. Stay focused on Him, and it will all pay off when you enter the victory He has for you.
Prayer Starter: God, sometimes it's hard to persevere in the Christian life, but I know that the perseverance will pay off. I will follow You alone, because You are all that matters.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Prudence
A word we don't hear much about today is prudence. It means "careful management: economy."
In the Bible, prudence, or prudent, means "being good stewards or managers of the gifts God has given us to use." Those gifts include time, energy, strength and health, even material possessions. They include our bodies, as well as our minds and spirits.
Just as each one of us has been given a different set of gifts, each of us has been given different levels of ability to manage those gifts.
Too many people burn themselves out, constantly using their gifts and abilities in ways that God did not intend them to. Instead of pushing ourselves too hard to please others or reach our own personal goals, we need to listen to God and do what He's telling us is wise.
Trying to impress people and live up to their standards isn't prudence. Prudence means asking God how He wants you to use your gifts and then obeying. Learn God's prudence today and put it into practice so you can enjoy your life the way He intended.
Prayer Starter: God, I desire to be a good steward of all that You've given me. I decide now to only use my gifts and abilities for You. Show me how to use them with Your prudence and wisdom.
A word we don't hear much about today is prudence. It means "careful management: economy."
In the Bible, prudence, or prudent, means "being good stewards or managers of the gifts God has given us to use." Those gifts include time, energy, strength and health, even material possessions. They include our bodies, as well as our minds and spirits.
Just as each one of us has been given a different set of gifts, each of us has been given different levels of ability to manage those gifts.
Too many people burn themselves out, constantly using their gifts and abilities in ways that God did not intend them to. Instead of pushing ourselves too hard to please others or reach our own personal goals, we need to listen to God and do what He's telling us is wise.
Trying to impress people and live up to their standards isn't prudence. Prudence means asking God how He wants you to use your gifts and then obeying. Learn God's prudence today and put it into practice so you can enjoy your life the way He intended.
Prayer Starter: God, I desire to be a good steward of all that You've given me. I decide now to only use my gifts and abilities for You. Show me how to use them with Your prudence and wisdom.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Influenster (Palmolive Fresh Infusions)
So, have you ever received something in the mail that you were not expecting? Well woohoo, thanks to Influenster for selecting me to test the new Palmolive Fresh Infusions dish liquid. I received 3 detergents that I actually needed because I ran out of dish detergent yesterday ;). I will be putting one of the bottles to use tonight. I must say the design is nice and pretty, plus the scents are great. Included with the product, was 5 coupons with savings of 1.50 each. Peep the bottles below ... I would love to send one of my followers one, who wants to try it out? The first to comment can have it ;)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
A Great Trade
Did you know that God wants to make a trade with you? He has a standing offer every minute of every day, and it's amazing how few of us actually take Him up on it. He wants you to give Him all your cares, problems and failures. In return He'll give you His peace and joy.
God really does want to take care of us, but in order to let Him, we've got to stop trying to take care of ourselves and worrying about every little thing we can't control. Many people would like for God to take care of them, but they insist on worrying or trying to figure out an answer on their own, instead of waiting for God's direction.
God will give us peace, but we must first give Him our worries. What a great trade! We give God our worry, and He gives us His peace. We give Him all our cares and concerns, and He gives us His protection, stability and joy. That's the amazing blessing and privilege of being cared for by Him.
Prayer Starter: Lord, You have offered me an amazing trade. You are so much more capable than I am, so I give You all of my cares and receive all of the peace and joy that You offer me!
Did you know that God wants to make a trade with you? He has a standing offer every minute of every day, and it's amazing how few of us actually take Him up on it. He wants you to give Him all your cares, problems and failures. In return He'll give you His peace and joy.
God really does want to take care of us, but in order to let Him, we've got to stop trying to take care of ourselves and worrying about every little thing we can't control. Many people would like for God to take care of them, but they insist on worrying or trying to figure out an answer on their own, instead of waiting for God's direction.
God will give us peace, but we must first give Him our worries. What a great trade! We give God our worry, and He gives us His peace. We give Him all our cares and concerns, and He gives us His protection, stability and joy. That's the amazing blessing and privilege of being cared for by Him.
Prayer Starter: Lord, You have offered me an amazing trade. You are so much more capable than I am, so I give You all of my cares and receive all of the peace and joy that You offer me!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Take Your Doubts Captive
When we start the process of renewing our minds, it's OK when we mess up. God knows we're not perfect and He's always there to help us get back on track.
Unfortunately, the devil also knows we're not perfect, and he does his best to remind us every step of the way.
We can be going along, serving God, doing good, stepping out in faith and then all of a sudden, without there being any justification for it, we'll have a day or week when we have an attack on our mind. Satan will tell us that we're failures, that we're not good enough, that God doesn't love us, the list goes on and on.
Thankfully, God's Word tells us just what to do in a situation like this. Second Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive and into obedience to God. So when the devil tries to lie to you, go to the Word and find the truth that refutes that lie.
When those doubts come your way, don't get discouraged. Bring them in line with God's Word. It works every time!
Prayer Starter: God, I won't let the lies and doubts that the enemy sends my way get me off track. Instead, I'll believe what Your Word says and take those thoughts captive!
When we start the process of renewing our minds, it's OK when we mess up. God knows we're not perfect and He's always there to help us get back on track.
Unfortunately, the devil also knows we're not perfect, and he does his best to remind us every step of the way.
We can be going along, serving God, doing good, stepping out in faith and then all of a sudden, without there being any justification for it, we'll have a day or week when we have an attack on our mind. Satan will tell us that we're failures, that we're not good enough, that God doesn't love us, the list goes on and on.
Thankfully, God's Word tells us just what to do in a situation like this. Second Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive and into obedience to God. So when the devil tries to lie to you, go to the Word and find the truth that refutes that lie.
When those doubts come your way, don't get discouraged. Bring them in line with God's Word. It works every time!
Prayer Starter: God, I won't let the lies and doubts that the enemy sends my way get me off track. Instead, I'll believe what Your Word says and take those thoughts captive!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Praise God in Your Prison
Sometimes we find ourselves in such horrible messes that it's hard to imagine waiting one more second. But we need to keep waiting on God and trusting Him with a sweet and simple faith. Then, in a way we never could've figured out, God moves suddenly!
Paul and Silas knew about waiting, and they waited well. Acts 16 tells the story of how they were attacked by a crowd, beaten and thrown in jail. Verse 24 says the jailer put them into the inner prison (the dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Paul and Silas didn't seem to mind, they just decided to start singing and began to worship the Lord. They began to wait on God.
Suddenly, God sent an earthquake that opened the prison doors and loosed their chains. He set them free!
When people patiently and expectantly wait on God in the midst of horrible circumstances, suddenly God breaks through. So don't give up! Don't stop believing! Stay full of hope and expectation. God's power is limitless, and He'll break through for you.
Prayer Starter: God, no matter how bad my messes get, I choose to praise You in my prison. I know that You will suddenly free me and come through in Your perfect timing.
Sometimes we find ourselves in such horrible messes that it's hard to imagine waiting one more second. But we need to keep waiting on God and trusting Him with a sweet and simple faith. Then, in a way we never could've figured out, God moves suddenly!
Paul and Silas knew about waiting, and they waited well. Acts 16 tells the story of how they were attacked by a crowd, beaten and thrown in jail. Verse 24 says the jailer put them into the inner prison (the dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Paul and Silas didn't seem to mind, they just decided to start singing and began to worship the Lord. They began to wait on God.
Suddenly, God sent an earthquake that opened the prison doors and loosed their chains. He set them free!
When people patiently and expectantly wait on God in the midst of horrible circumstances, suddenly God breaks through. So don't give up! Don't stop believing! Stay full of hope and expectation. God's power is limitless, and He'll break through for you.
Prayer Starter: God, no matter how bad my messes get, I choose to praise You in my prison. I know that You will suddenly free me and come through in Your perfect timing.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Unbeatable Prices
I know you guys hear me rave about my love for shopping at Kohls. This store has the best sales and clearance hands down. I am never disappointed when I shop there. I can always find a great deal, I saved $255.85 on yesterday 😳 ... U can't say this isn't a good bang for your buck. ;)
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Keep the River Flowing
Deep inside each of us, there is a river of life. This river is a wonderful gift given to each of us by God. It flows with good health, a positive outlook on life, and a generous and forgiving attitude.
Many people, however, have allowed their river to become stopped-up. They are always discouraged, and no matter what they do, they can't seem to snap out of it. Years of neglect have turned a once-power-flowing river into a small stream. Do you know people like this? Does this sound like your life?
Until you're able to get your river cleared out and unclogged, everything will be difficult, disappointing and unfulfilling. You'll be unable to taste the water that satisfies like nothing else.
Get in the river by clearing what blocks its flow. Make a choice today to stop spending your life fighting, struggling and trudging through the mud with every step. Ask God to help you clear out the debris. He'll show you what's blocking the flow and how to get rid of it. Then, enjoy the satisfying flow of the river of life!
Prayer Starter: God, I want to keep Your river of living water flowing in me. Show me what the debris is that's blocking the way and then show me how to clear it out.
Deep inside each of us, there is a river of life. This river is a wonderful gift given to each of us by God. It flows with good health, a positive outlook on life, and a generous and forgiving attitude.
Many people, however, have allowed their river to become stopped-up. They are always discouraged, and no matter what they do, they can't seem to snap out of it. Years of neglect have turned a once-power-flowing river into a small stream. Do you know people like this? Does this sound like your life?
Until you're able to get your river cleared out and unclogged, everything will be difficult, disappointing and unfulfilling. You'll be unable to taste the water that satisfies like nothing else.
Get in the river by clearing what blocks its flow. Make a choice today to stop spending your life fighting, struggling and trudging through the mud with every step. Ask God to help you clear out the debris. He'll show you what's blocking the flow and how to get rid of it. Then, enjoy the satisfying flow of the river of life!
Prayer Starter: God, I want to keep Your river of living water flowing in me. Show me what the debris is that's blocking the way and then show me how to clear it out.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
I Decree ....
I did not write this, but someone shared it with me so I decided to share it with you. I Decree ;)
I DECREE…
I decree that Jesus is Lord over my life, my thoughts, my imagination, my desires, my house, my city, my state, my nation, and my world!
I decree that the failures of my past will no longer hinder the promises of my future. My latter days will be greater than my former!
I decree that the pressures and failures of my past are forming the treasures of my future!
I decree that I am no ...
longer WHO I used to be. I am a new creation in Christ with a glorious future.
I decree that the fruit of the Spirit are abundant and growing in my life.
I decree that my body is healthy and strong, my mind is alert and disciplined, and my spirit is perceptive and receptive to the things of God!
I decree that I am rapidly coming out of debt and changing the habits that put me there.
I decree that I am growing as a person and developing as a leader. I am a lifelong learner!
I decree that I am focused on my life assignment to serve God and humanity with all I am and all I have.
I decree that I am abounding in the love of God and that I am a vessel of God’s amazing grace! I am an encourager and mentor for others.
I decree that I have uncommon favor for uncommon results in my life! I am engineered for excellence, created to conquer and sent to succeed.
I decree that I am a bold witness for Jesus Christ and many shall come into faith with Christ as a result of my witness.
I decree that, because of the shed blood of Jesus for me, sin has no more power over my life!
I decree that I will fulfill my destiny and become everything that I shall have wished I had become when I stand before God!
I DECREE…
I decree that Jesus is Lord over my life, my thoughts, my imagination, my desires, my house, my city, my state, my nation, and my world!
I decree that the failures of my past will no longer hinder the promises of my future. My latter days will be greater than my former!
I decree that the pressures and failures of my past are forming the treasures of my future!
I decree that I am no ...
longer WHO I used to be. I am a new creation in Christ with a glorious future.
I decree that the fruit of the Spirit are abundant and growing in my life.
I decree that my body is healthy and strong, my mind is alert and disciplined, and my spirit is perceptive and receptive to the things of God!
I decree that I am rapidly coming out of debt and changing the habits that put me there.
I decree that I am growing as a person and developing as a leader. I am a lifelong learner!
I decree that I am focused on my life assignment to serve God and humanity with all I am and all I have.
I decree that I am abounding in the love of God and that I am a vessel of God’s amazing grace! I am an encourager and mentor for others.
I decree that I have uncommon favor for uncommon results in my life! I am engineered for excellence, created to conquer and sent to succeed.
I decree that I am a bold witness for Jesus Christ and many shall come into faith with Christ as a result of my witness.
I decree that, because of the shed blood of Jesus for me, sin has no more power over my life!
I decree that I will fulfill my destiny and become everything that I shall have wished I had become when I stand before God!
Happy New Year
What does 2013 have in store for you??? Many great things and possibilities are on the way for me. I know God has a plan for my future and it is very well my intention to execute whatever it is that he will have me to do. My prayer as always is to allow God to have his way in my life. Regardless of the stumbles, short comings, and misfortunes, I will stand humble in his words. I cannot promise to be perfect, but I can promise to make changes that will better me as a person over all. Blessings to each and every one of my followers. May God work miracles in your life ;)!
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Don't Let Yourself Snap
Let's say you're working around the house and break a rubber band while trying to stretch it around something. You can't find another rubber band, so you try to fix the broken one by tying the ends together.
Sometimes in our daily lives, we stretch ourselves beyond our capacity, and we snap like the rubber band. We think we've fixed the problem by simply tying the ends back together. But soon we fall into the same behavior that caused us to break down in the first place.
Over time with repeated exposure to stress, our lives begin to resemble that worn-out rubber band. It can completely deplete us.
Ignoring God's laws and His ordained limits for our lives will ultimately cause burnout. You simply can't continue to overwork your mind, emotions and body without eventually paying the price. But that's not how God wants you to live.
Adjust your perspective to match God's. Seek His peace and His pace for your life. Respect your body. Treat good health as a priceless gift. Don't waste the energy God has given you on stress. Save it for living and enjoying life!
Prayer Starter: God, I want to find my rest in You. Instead of constantly going and snapping under stress, show me how to follow Your pace for my life.
Let's say you're working around the house and break a rubber band while trying to stretch it around something. You can't find another rubber band, so you try to fix the broken one by tying the ends together.
Sometimes in our daily lives, we stretch ourselves beyond our capacity, and we snap like the rubber band. We think we've fixed the problem by simply tying the ends back together. But soon we fall into the same behavior that caused us to break down in the first place.
Over time with repeated exposure to stress, our lives begin to resemble that worn-out rubber band. It can completely deplete us.
Ignoring God's laws and His ordained limits for our lives will ultimately cause burnout. You simply can't continue to overwork your mind, emotions and body without eventually paying the price. But that's not how God wants you to live.
Adjust your perspective to match God's. Seek His peace and His pace for your life. Respect your body. Treat good health as a priceless gift. Don't waste the energy God has given you on stress. Save it for living and enjoying life!
Prayer Starter: God, I want to find my rest in You. Instead of constantly going and snapping under stress, show me how to follow Your pace for my life.
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