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The Devil’s Lies
by Joyce Meyer – posted November 08, 2012
You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false. —John 8:44
The devil lies. In fact, the devil doesn’t know how to speak the truth.
Most Christians know that—and yet they still listen to his evil words. Sometimes the lies seem to just pop into our minds for no apparent reason; sometimes Satan even speaks to us through other people. He puts something critical or hurtful into their minds about us, and they speak it out for us to hear. If we listen and accept what we hear, our enemy rejoices. If we listen long enough to the deceptive information we have taken in, we will find ourselves facing serious problems. Instead of listening and absorbing the untruths and satanic deceptions, you can look at what Jesus did and follow His example.
After fasting for forty days in the wilderness, Satan tempted Him three times. Each time He defeated the devil by declaring, “It is written,” and quoting the Word of God. No wonder the devil fled from Him (see Matthew 4:1–11). Learn the truth of God’s Word, and every time Satan lies to you, quote a scripture back to him. Learn to talk back to the devil!
Too many people don’t know how to use the Word to defeat Satan’s lies. Many people—even Christians—don’t seem to realize that they can refuse to listen to that voice. Too many people don’t realize that the devil attacks their minds with negative or wrong thoughts. It’s his nature to lie; he is out to enslave everyone.
I encourage people to realize that they are not alone in their spiritual battles—their minds are not the only ones under attack. Satan comes against everyone. His entire goal is to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came that we might have and enjoy our lives abundantly (see John 10:10). By becoming more conscious of the spiritual weapons the Lord has made available to us and learning how to use them, we can gain victory. We can break the strongholds the devil has built in our minds. The Bible tells us that when we know the truth, that truth will free us from Satan’s strongholds (see John 8:32).
In the illustration of Mary, I mentioned that the devil had whispered to her for years that all men were alike and wanted to hurt women and take advantage of them. As Mary read the Bible and prayed more effectively, she learned that it was the devil who had pushed her around. Now she knows she can be free.
As Mary develops in her relationship with God, she is equipping herself to win the battle for her mind. She’s learning more about God and more about how to pray effectively.
“Jesus has become my friend,” Mary said. She had known Him as her Savior and worshiped Him as God, but this was a new revelation to her. One day she read Hebrews 2:18 in a totally new light. It says of Jesus, “Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able . . . to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted.”
That passage came alive to Mary because she saw Jesus not only as God, but as her friend—one who knows what it’s like to be tempted and who knows what it is like to suffer. “I knew He died on the cross, but I had not thought of all the pain He went through for me. To realize that He understands my pain and problems was a new thought to me.”
Mary also says that when negative, mean, or ugly thoughts come into her head, she is learning to stop those thoughts. “Jesus wouldn’t talk that way. Jesus wouldn’t be critical and judgmental, so that’s the devil fighting for my mind.”
Mary hasn’t won all the battles, but she has learned to fight the great deceiver. Every time she wins one battle, the next one becomes easier.
God of all power, thank You for giving me the weapons to defeat the lies of the devil. Help me to always make good use of them. Thank You, Jesus, for being my friend and for being with me in my difficulties and struggles. Amen.
From the book Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
Our Daily Bread – The Romance
Read: Ruth 3:1-11
Widows in biblical times often faced a life of poverty. That’s the situation Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were in after each woman lost her husband. But God had a plan to provide security for them while involving Ruth as an integral part of a much bigger plan.
Boaz, a wealthy landowner, knew of and admired Ruth (Ruth 2:5-12), but he was surprised when he awoke one night to see her lying at his feet (3:8). She asked him to “spread the corner” of his garment over her to indicate that as a close relative he was willing to be her “kinsman-redeemer” (v.9 NIV). This was more than a request for protection; she was requesting marriage. Boaz agreed to marry her (vv.11-13; 4:13).
Not exactly your typical romantic tale. But Ruth’s choice to follow Naomi’s instructions (3:3-6) set up a series of events that placed her in God’s plan of redemption! From Ruth’s marriage to Boaz came a son (Obed), the eventual grandfather of King David (4:17). Generations later, Joseph was born to the family, and he became the “legal father” of Mary’s child (Matt. 1:16-17; Luke 2:4-5)—ourKinsman-Redeemer, Jesus.
Ruth trusted God and followed Naomi’s instructions even though the ending was uncertain. We too can count on God to provide for us when life is unsure.
to advice from loved ones who know You well.
Show us the right thing to do in our uncertain
times and to trust You for the results. Amen.
Opinions and the Pit
Posted by Joel Osteen on 11/2/2012
There’s a story about a man who fell into a pit. Different people came along to voice their opinions. The Pharisee said, “You deserve to be in the pit.” The Catholic said, “You need to suffer while you’re in the pit.” The Baptist said, “If you’d get saved, you wouldn’t have fallen into the pit.” The Charismatic said, “Just confess, ‘I’m not in the pit.'” The mathematician said, “Let me calculate how you fell into the pit.” The IRS agent said, “Have you paid taxes on that pit?” The optimist said, “Things could be worse.” The pessimist said, “Things will get worse.”
Everyone has an opinion. If you try to please every person, the one person that will not be happy is you. And it’s funny; sometimes the people who are trying to run your life can’t even run their own. It’s good to get advice. It’s good to listen to opinions, but you’ve got to be confident enough in who God made you to be that when something doesn’t bear witness with your spirit, you have a boldness to say, “Thanks, but no thanks. I love you. I appreciate your advice, but this time, it’s not for me.”
I have a friend who’s on staff here with us. Several years ago, a man came up to him and said, “I feel very strongly that you’re supposed to go out and start your own church. You’re a great minister. You’re anointed. I know it would be a success.”
And while my friend appreciated his encouragement, that didn’t bear witness with him at all. He knows he is called to be here. This is exactly where God wants him to be. Month after month, this man kept coming up to him saying, “When are you going to start your church? When are you going to take that step of faith?” It went from being encouraging to pressuring him, trying to squeeze him into a mold.
My friend finally said to him, “Let me ask you, will you rent me an auditorium? Will you buy me a sound system? Will you pay my staff? Will you pay the utilities? Will you pay all the advertising costs?”
That man looked at him like he had lost his mind. He said, “No, I can’t do that. I can’t afford it.”
My friend said, “Well, if God calls me, He will take care of me. He will pay my bills. He will bring the right people. He will line up the auditorium. But if I do it because you called me, I’m going to have to rely on you, and I can tell I’d be very disappointed.”
Proverbs 29 tells us that “the fear of man brings a snare.” In other words, when you rely on the opinions of others, instead of leading you out of the pit, it will lead you into the pit! Today, learn to separate yourself from the opinions of others and consecrate yourself to God. After all, His opinion is the only one that matters, and He will lead you into life, freedom and victory all the days
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Pray All Day
by Joyce Meyer – posted November 06, 2012
God wants to be the center of your life: the center of your conversation, the center of your entertainment, and the center of your relationships. Prayer keeps Him in the center of all you do.
Years ago I could have told you that I prayed an hour every day. But now, I couldn’t even determine how long I pray, because I just pray every time I see or feel a need. I pray while driving. I pray while working, and while relaxing. Sometimes I just stop what I am doing and praise God, and that is prayer too. I cast my cares on Him and say, “Lord, I am not going to worry about anything today; I am giving it to You.”
Prayer should be like breathing, natural to do anywhere you are.
From the book Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2003 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
Our Daily Bread – Wake-Up Call
Read: 1 Peter 5:1-9
One early autumn morning as I drove to work in the dark, I was startled by a flash of brown in my headlights followed by the sound of something hitting the front of my car. I had clipped a deer at 70 miles per hour! It was only a glancing blow, and no damage was done to my car (or the deer, as far as I could tell), but it really shook me up. I had been in my usual “autopilot mode” for the familiar drive to the office, but the shock of the incident certainly got my attention. I was now fully alert and trying to calm a racing heartbeat. It was a most unpleasant wake-up call.
The apostle Peter offers us a different kind of wake-up call—one that while unpleasant is necessary. He alerts us to a spiritual battle we are engaged in with a powerful enemy. Peter warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This is a call to wake up, see the danger, and be ready for his attack!
Only when we are aware of the danger that faces us every day will we consciously seek the help we need. And only if we are on the alert will we lean on the strength of our Lord, who is greater than our spiritual enemy.
We need not fear defeat;
For when God fights the battle,
Our enemies retreat. —Sper
Drive Fear Away
Posted by Victoria Osteen on 10/30/2012
Oftentimes, people stay right where they are in life for one reason—fear. Fear can be paralyzing. It tries to keep us from God’s best. It prevents us from growing and stretching the way God intends. Like a disease, fear in one area can spread and affect every other area of life.
The good news is that we don’t have to live in fear. We don’t have to let it weigh us down or hold us back. As believers in Jesus, we have victory over fear! Scripture tells us that fear isn’t from God. In fact, He makes it very clear in 2 Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but He has given us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. The spirit of fear is what the enemy uses to distort reality and try to keep us from moving forward. That’s why we have to pull back the curtain of fear and see it for what it really is—a lie from the enemy designed to hold us back.
You may have heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. If we can recognize the root of fear as a lie, then we can reject it and embrace the truth of God’s Word which sets us free from fear. (John 8:32)
For example, if you avoid trying something new because of a fear of failure, reject that lie and embrace the truth that says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) If fear of the future keeps you anxious and worried, know that it’s a lie. Reject the lie and embrace His truth by declaring, “God has a good plan for my future, a plan to prosper me and give me hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Find what God says about your situation in the Word of God, read it, meditate on it, declare it, and let it sink down into your heart. The truth of God’s Word will set you free and empower you to move forward past the lie of fear.
Remember, ultimately, scripture tells us that God’s perfect love drives fear out of our lives. When you embrace the truth of God’s love for you, nothing can hold you back! Today, receive His love and let it empower you. Let His love give you confidence. Find safety, peace and joy in His love because when you do, you drive fear away!
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18, NKJV)
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
You Can Do What God Has Called You to Do
by Joyce Meyer – posted November 02, 2012
Recently I saw a sign on a church that said, “Trust in God, believe in yourself, and you can do anything.” That is not correct.
There was a time in my life when I would have seen that sign and said, “Amen!” But not anymore. You and I really cannot do anything we want to do. We cannot do anything or everything that everyone else is doing. But we can do everything God has called us to do. And we can be anything God says we can be.
We must get balance in this area. We can go to motivational seminars and be told with a lot of emotional hype, “You can do anything. Think you can do it; believe you can do it; say you can do it—and you can do it!” That is true only to a degree. Carried too far, it gets off into humanism. We need to speak about ourselves what the Word says about us.
We can do what we are called to do, what we are gifted to do. There are ways we can learn to recognize the grace gifts that are on our lives.
I have learned this regarding myself: when I start getting frustrated, I know it is a sign that either I have gotten off into my own works and am no longer receiving God’s grace, or I am trying to do something for which there was no grace to begin with.
From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by InProv. All rights reserved.
Our Daily Bread – Forsaken?
Read: Psalm 22:1-8,19-26
Do you know which psalm is quoted most often in the New Testament? You may have guessed the familiar and beloved 23rd Psalm, but actually it is Psalm 22. This psalm begins with David’s poignant, heart- breaking words that were quoted by Jesus on the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34).
Imagine the situation David must have found himself in that caused him to cry out to God in this way. Notice that he felt forsaken and abandoned: “Why are You so far from helping me?” (Ps. 22:1). He also felt ignored: “O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear” (v.2).
Ever been there? Have you ever looked up into the heavens and wondered why it seemed that God had abandoned you, or was ignoring you? Welcome to David’s world. But for every plaintive cry David expresses, there is a characteristic of God mentioned that rescues him from despondency. Through it all, David discovers that God is holy (v.3), trustworthy (vv.4-5), a deliverer and rescuer (vv.8,20-21), and his strength (v.19).
Do you feel forsaken? Seek the Lord. Rehearse His character. And “let your heart rejoice with everlasting joy” (v.26 nlt).
my life. When those times come, please remind me
of Your character as You did David. Help me to
lean on You again and know that You are there.
His loving care is all around us.
Don’t Get Squeezed Into A Mold
Posted by Joel Osteen on 10/26/2012
When my father went to be with the Lord, I had to accept the fact that God’s purpose for my life was not the same purpose as my father’s. His calling was to help bring down the denominational walls and let people know about the fullness of the Spirit. When I took over, I felt pressured to be like my father, to fit into that mold. I thought I had to minister like him, run the church like him, and go down that same path. But when I searched my heart, I knew my calling was to plant a seed of hope, to encourage people, to let them know about the goodness of God. At first, it was difficult because some people had been in the church for 40 years. I thought, “I can’t be anything different. What would they think? They may not like me. They may not accept me.”
One day I read a scripture talking about David. It said, “David fulfilled his purpose for his generation.” I heard God say right down in here, “Joel, your father fulfilled his purpose. Now quit trying to be like him and go out and fulfill your purpose.” When I heard that, it was like a light turned on inside of me. I realized I don’t have to try to be like my father. I don’t have to fit into a certain mold. It’s okay to run my race. I am free to be me. After all, God doesn’t want us to be an imitation of somebody else; be the original God created you to be.
Friend, there is an anointing on your life, and it’s not so you can be like someone else. You are anointed to be you! But if you let people squeeze you into their mold and bow down to that pressure and change with every criticism, that’s not only going to take away your uniqueness, but it’s going to lessen God’s favor. It’s going to reduce His anointing on your life.
As the church started to grow and more people were watching on television, the critics came out of the woodwork saying, “He’s not like his father. He’s too young. He doesn’t have the experience.” Even now, “Joel is too much of this, not enough of that.” If you change with every criticism, you won’t have a chance. I believe one reason that God has promoted me is because I have tuned out the negative voices and done my best to stay true to who God has called me to be. I don’t try to compete with somebody else. I don’t let people control me and feel guilty if I don’t fit into their box. I don’t get upset because somebody said something negative. I look straight ahead. Like the apostle Paul, I do my best to run with purpose in every step.
I learned early on that in order to please God, you may have to disappoint a few people. The scripture talks about how some people loved the praise of people more than they loved the praise of God. One of the tests that we all have to face is when someone in our life that we love or look up to—a friend, a boss, a family member— wants us to go a certain direction when we know in our heart that God wants us to go another direction. We don’t want to lose their friendship. We don’t want to disappoint them. We want their approval. But if you’re going to fulfill your destiny, you’ve got to be strong. You have to have this attitude, “I want the praise of God more than I want the praise of people. I have an assignment. I have a purpose. I have a destiny. I’m going to become who God has created me to be!”
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Truth In The Inner Being
by Joyce Meyer – posted November 01, 2012
The heading under this psalm reads: “A Psalm of David; when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had sinned with Bathsheba.” David cried out for mercy because he had sinned with Bathsheba, and when he learned she was pregnant, he had had her husband murdered in battle.
After David confessed his sin, Nathan said to him, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord and given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child that is born to you shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:13–14).
That’s the first lesson I want you to grasp from this incident. When you fail God, you harm yourself, but you also bring dishonor to His name. Whenever you take a false step, there are those who watch and gleefully point their fingers. The two always go together. Not only do you bring disgrace on the name of the Lord, but you fail yourself. You knew the right but chose the wrong.
As if that were not enough, the evil one also whispers, “See how bad you are. God won’t forgive you. It’s too awful.” Of course, he’s lying, because that’s what he does best. Don’t listen to those words, because there is no sin you’ve committed that God won’t forgive. You may have to carry scars or pay the penalty, but God wipes away the sin.
There’s something else to learn from this: You need to face reality. You sinned. You disobeyed God. What will you do about your sin? You can plead excuses (and most of us are good at that), or you can follow David’s example. When the prophet said, “You are the man…” (2 Samuel 12:7), the king did not deny his wrongdoing or try to justify his actions. David admitted he had sinned and confessed.
He wrote in the psalm quoted earlier: “For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgment” (vs. 3–4).
If you follow Jesus Christ, not only are you declaring to yourself, to your family, and to the world your trust in the Savior, but you are also declaring your stand for truth. It’s easy for us to deceive ourselves, but God has called us to be totally, completely, and scrupulously honest in our inner being. Don’t look at what others may get away with or how they justify their behavior. We can’t blame others, the devil, or circumstances.
When you fail, remind yourself that the greatest king of Israel cried out to God and said, “My sin is ever before me” (v. 3). Those sins, failures, or shortcomings (or whatever you may choose to call them) will always be there until you admit them and confess them to the Lord; only then can you know the joy of living with integrity and in truth.
This is the message for you from this final meditation; this is the message of the entire book: Strive to live with truth in your inner being. You—you and God—are the only ones who know what’s in your heart. Live in honesty and truth.
Holy God, David prayed, “You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.” Through Jesus Christ, I plead with You to help me desire truth in my inner being, to live in such a way that I’m as honest and as open with You as I can become. I know that the life You honor is the life You bless. Amen.
From the book Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
I Am Lady Fab 