SATURDAY 9/21/13 - Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional - True Happiness
Acts 20:35
35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
True Happiness
Years ago I had no idea how strongly God felt about giving to others. Before that, I lived a selfish, me-first life. I struggled and strived constantly to find happiness for myself, but I always found myself worn-down, stressed-out, and definitely unhappy.
However, God taught me a thing or two about true happiness. Once I figured out that happiness is a by-product of doing something good for other people, I began to adopt a lifestyle where I intentionally look for ways to help people, every day.
The Bible says in Acts 20:35, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' (NIV).
That's amazing. Giving brings more happiness than receiving? On the surface, that doesn't make much sense. We live in a world and a culture that's obsessed with receiving. So many times, we look at people who have a lot of stuff and think, 'They must be truly happy.'
But true happiness comes from a lifestyle of giving to others. Now, that doesn't mean you have to give away millions. All God asks is that you give what you have.
I don't ever want to be the kind of person who just says, "Well, I'm doing enough. I'm satisfied." In reality, that will never bring satisfaction. No, I want to help as many people as I possibly can.
Today, find someone you can give to. No matter how big or small your gift, whether it's money, time, or encouragement, just give what you have. Experience the true happiness that comes from giving.
Prayer Starter: God, I know that true happiness comes from giving, not receiving. I want to live the life of true happiness that comes from forgetting about my selfish desires and seeking to give to those around me.
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If you just started reading the Bible and have not yet asked Jesus into your heart to become your Lord and Savior, all you have to do is:
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
B - BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS GOD'S SON AND EXCEPT GOD'S GIFT OF FORGIVENESS FROM SIN
Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household"
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me
."
Ephesians 2:8-9 ....8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
C - CONFESS YOUR FAITH IN JESUS
CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD
Roman 10:9-10, 13
9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart the God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
If your are ready to ask Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior, you can pray a simple prayer like this to God.
Dear God,
I know I have sinned and my sin separates me from You. I am sorry for my sin. I believe Jesus died on the cross for me so my sin can be forgiven. I believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. God please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. I will obey You and live for You the rest of my life, Thank You in Jesus' name I Pray. Amen
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