Blog Archives
Mood Control
There’s a time to pray and a time to act. And even though it’s not easy, confrontation is often necessary. If you need to confront someone or something in your life, make sure you do it. If someone has treated you badly, you don’t have to let them continue to disrespect you, de-value you or mistreat you. Obviously it won’t help you, and it won’t help that person either. Confront them about it.
Maybe what you need to confront isn’t a person. Maybe it’s something you’ve let creep into your life uninvited, like negative thoughts, a bad attitude or habitual sin. The good news is that you don’t have to let it control you either—if you’ll confront it.
Confront Your Bad Mood
Many people let unstable moods and out-of-control emotions control their lives. They think that nothing good can happen in their life. If this is you, then begin new today and start saying every day: “I’m going to do something great with my life!” Get rid of small thinking and begin thinking according to what God’s Word says.
When Your Mood Sinks—Resist
When you first feel your mood sinking, that’s when you need to get a hold of yourself. As the Bible says, “Resist the devil at his onset. (See James 4:7). Even if someone’s done you wrong, forgive them in the first 5-10 minutes or you’ll sink deeper into that bad mood, and it will be harder to deal with and let go of. You don’t have to feel like doing the right thing to do it. Just make the choice to do it.
Stability Releases Ability
Stability is defined as the ability to quickly return to a calm, stable state when disturbed, disappointed or upset; the strength to stand or endure any situation and remain calm. One of the most wonderful gifts we can give others or ourselves is stability, or dependability. It’s a sign of choosing to trust God. Once we’re stable, we will have the ability to do what we’re called to do.
Rely on Him
Trusting in God is the key to moving forward into the things God has for us. The reason some of you aren’t getting anywhere with the call on your life is because you haven’t gotten some things straight in your personal life. You never know what’s going to happen when you get up in the morning for that day, but God wants us to rely on Him and look to Him.
A dozen opportunities may arise to get you offended or to say stupid and negative things, but no matter what you feel like inside—even if you feel like you’re going to blow up—you have a choice. Are you going to throw a fit, or are you going to go to God and ask Him to help you to change your mood?
When you immediately go to Him, suddenly something will change inside you. Once you get into the habit of this, you will start to see those moods and bad attitudes leave a little sooner. That “uninvited guest” may try to come back, but you will have already decided to not let him in!
This article is taken from the 2010 Love Life Women’s Convention five-part series.
Celebrate What’s In You
Posted by Victoria Osteen on 10/23/2012
One morning in my prayer time, I was reading in Corinthians about the gifts that God has deposited inside each one of us. As I thought about the scriptures I was reading, I began to wonder what may be inside of me that God is still developing, things I wasn’t yet aware of. At the same time, I thought about how easy it is for people to focus on what others have and what others are doing that we completely overlook the potential in our own lives.
God has given each of us special gifts. Everyone carries tremendous value in this life. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others or think, “I don’t have the talent like that person does, so I’m not as important.” Or, “My gift isn’t public like that person, so it doesn’t count as much.” The truth is, we are all important; we all have a part to play in building His kingdom, and we have to learn to love who we are. We have to celebrate what God has placed within us and celebrate God growing in us.
We are all growing and changing every single day. Think about what you were like five years ago or even last year. You probably aren’t the same person, and of course, you will continue to grow and evolve as time goes on. But have you ever accomplished something in particular that made you stop and think, “Wow, I can’t believe I did that!” Maybe you overcame a major challenge or tackled a big project. Maybe you learned to let go of things that used to hold you back. Did you take time to celebrate that milestone? Does it serve as a reminder to you that you are still moving forward?
Remember, you are multifaceted. There are gifts inside of you that are still waiting to be developed. You are constantly growing and changing. Get excited about seeing your life unfold! Celebrate who you are today and who you are becoming in your future. Let your prayer be, “Father in heaven, thank You for what You are doing in my life. Help me to see the gifts You’ve given me. Help me be all that You have created me to be.”
“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:8, NKJV)
Our Daily Bread – Eloquent, Yet Humble
Read: Acts 18:24-28
I admire people who can articulate their beliefs and persuade others with their rhetoric. Some call it “the gift of gab” or “having a way with words.” Others call it “eloquence.”
Apollos had that gift. We are told that he was “an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). But although he taught accurately about Christ, he preached only of the baptism of John which was a baptism of repentance from sin (v.25; 19:4).
Apollos knew about Jesus’ teachings but may not have known about His death and resurrection and that the Spirit had now come (Acts 2). His teaching was incomplete because he didn’t know about being filled with the Spirit for daily empowerment.
So Priscilla and Aquila, a wife and husband who were friends of Paul, invited Apollos into their home to correct his teaching. Although he was highly educated and knew the Scriptures well, Apollos humbly accepted their instruction. As a result, Apollos was able to continue his ministry, but with newfound understanding.
Psalm 25:9 reminds us that God “guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way” (NIV). If we have a spirit of humility, we can be taught by God and be used to touch the lives of others.
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel
Crowned With Favor
by Joyce Meyer – posted October 24, 2012
In this Scripture, honor and favor have the same meaning. According to this promise you can have favor with God and with other people. But just because something is available to you does not mean you will partake of it. The Lord offers many gifts that you never receive and enjoy because you don’t activate your faith in that area.
For example, if you go to a job interview confessing fear and failure, you will be almost certain not to get the job. On the other hand, even if you apply for a job you aren’t fully qualified for, you can still go in confidence, knowing God will give you favor in every situation that is His will.
From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2004 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
The Double Portion
Posted by Joel Osteen on 10/19/2012
In scripture we see that for many years Elisha served the prophet Elijah. He was his protégé. Elijah had seen God’s favor in incredible ways. He is the one who called down fire from heaven and 400 false prophets were destroyed. One time, Elijah prayed that it wouldn’t rain. For three and a half years, there was no rain. He was one of the most powerful, anointed people that ever lived. When he was getting very old and about to be taken to heaven, he said to Elisha, “What do you want me to do for you for serving me faithfully all these years?”
Elisha could have asked for something simple. He could have said, “How about a couple weeks off?” or, “How about that new iPad? I’d really like that.” He could have said, “My request is that I’d be able to carry on your ministry.” But, Elisha was bold. He looked at Elijah and said, “What I really want is a double portion of your spirit.” He was saying, “I want to do twice what you’ve done. I want to do twice the miracles, have twice the anointing, twice the favor, twice the influence.”
Elijah could have looked at him and said, “Boy, who do you think you are? You sure are greedy. You need to be a little more humble.” No, Elijah basically told him, “You just keep serving me faithfully and what you have asked will come to pass.”
Do you know the scripture records that Elisha did exactly twice as many miracles as Elijah? But if Elisha would have been timid and thought, “I can’t ask that. That wouldn’t be right,” we wouldn’t be talking about him today.
Remember, God has placed seeds of greatness on the inside of you. He wants you to leave your mark on this generation. You’re not supposed to live and die and nobody miss you. Break out of your box and start asking God for the hidden dreams He has placed on the inside. Ask Him for the double portion. Be bold and step out in faith. Keep believing, keep hoping, keep dreaming and keep following His plan because His ways always lead to the double portion!
Our Daily Bread – Love We Can Trust
Read: Lamentations 3:13-26
Perhaps the most painful statement a person can hear is, “I don’t love you anymore.” Those words end relationships, break hearts, and shatter dreams. Often, people who have been betrayed guard themselves against future pain by deciding not to trust anyone’s love again. That settled conviction may even include the love of God.
The remarkable thing about God’s love for us is His promise that it will never end. The prophet Jeremiah experienced devastating circumstances that left him emotionally depleted (Lam. 3:13-20). His own people rejected his repeated calls to respond to God’s love and follow Him. At a low point, Jeremiah said, “My strength and my hope have perished from the Lord” (v.18).
Yet, in his darkest hour Jeremiah considered God’s unfailing love and wrote, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I hope in Him!’” (Lam. 3:22-24). A person may vow to love us forever yet fail to keep that promise, but God’s love remains steadfast and sure. “He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). That’s a love we can trust.
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be. —Matheson
Get Over It
by Joyce Meyer – posted October 23, 2012
Hiding your true feelings, like resentment or unforgiveness, keeps you in bondage to them. It is impossible to get your day started right if you keep waking up with pain from yesterday’s wounds. If you carry around this kind of “emotional baggage,” it will poison your day.
Sometimes you have to confront things to make them better. But use wisdom. While it is good to talk about things, don’t dump all your thoughts and emotions on every person who comes along today.
Talk to God about your situation before you meet anyone. He may lead you to speak with someone you trust. But if He doesn’t, learn to trust it completely to Him, and let it go.
From the book Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2003 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
He Searches For You
Posted by Victoria Osteen on 10/16/2012
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (2 Chronicles 16:9, KJV)
Do you realize that God’s eyes are constantly scanning the earth? He longs to show Himself strong on your behalf. He’s looking for hearts that are perfect toward Him. Now you may be thinking, “But what if I make some mistakes? Does that mean God’s eyes are going to pass by me?” No. In this verse, that word “perfect” means “devoted, consecrated and dedicated.” He’s looking for hearts that are faithful to Him and desire to please Him in everything. Having a perfect heart means that He is first place in your life, and you are looking for ways to show His love and be a blessing to others.
In the Bible, David was a man after God’s own heart. David didn’t do everything perfectly. In fact, he made a lot of mistakes, but He always repented and sought to do things God’s way. When David made a mistake, he didn’t run from God; he ran to God. He chose forgiveness, and he chose to show kindness to those who had wronged him. He said in the Psalms, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
David put the Word of God first and let it shape his character, and he had the perfect heart that God was searching for.
Today, I believe God is searching for you and longs to show Himself strong on your behalf. He has good plans for you—plans to prosper you, plans to bless you and give you hope for your future. Keep your heart open, keep being faithful, and keep your eyes set on Him. When you search for Him with all your heart, you will find Him and experience His life, peace and blessing now and forevermore!
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
The Road of Relationship
by Joyce Meyer – posted October 17, 2012
Sometimes it seems that religion is killing people. There are many who are seeking a relationship with God, but the religious community tells them what they need to “do” in order to be acceptable to Him. This religious spirit was alive in Jesus’ day, and even though He died to put an end to it and bring people into close personal relationship with Himself, the Holy Spirit, and the Father, that same spirit still torments people to this day—if they don’t know the truth.
Religion says, “You must find a way, no matter how impossible it may seem. You had better follow the rules or suffer punishment.” But relationship says, “Do your best because you love Me. I know your heart. Admit your faults, repent of your mistakes, and just keep loving Me.”
From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2004 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
I Am Lady Fab 