Bible study and stuff

06/02/2026

Love well, beautiful friends, and you will live well. Love is our agent of transformation. Our heavenly Father, who is fierce in his love for us, is adamant that we love one another likewise. There are so many people we call enemies who are actually just people who are hurting and desperate to be loved. As followers of Christ, we do not have the option of not loving them. Loving one another is a command rather than a suggestion.

In 1 Corinthians 13:3, Paul lists acts of unmitigated generosity, such as giving away all our possessions to the poor and the unthinkable act of submitting our bodies to the flames of agonizing martyrdom, and tells the church that if such acts are not motivated by love, they will add nothing to the giver. He is driving his point home:

Everything – Love = Nothing

Without love, we are nothing.

Without love, we add nothing.

Having received such a generous love from our Father, we are to love as we are loved:

Fearlessly, because there is no fear in love.

Selflessly, because love is not selfish.

Free of offense, because love is not easily offended.

Triumphantly, because love never fails.

Endlessly, because love is eternal.

God insists that love be the motive behind all we do. Jesus is to be our pattern of how to love.

I have made the mistake of loving others in response to the pattern of how they loved me. The truth is, I wish I would have followed this directive to love better sooner. As God’s daughters, we are positioned to love others well because we are so well-loved. Looking back over my life, I have no doubt that some of my situations and relationships would have landed differently if I had loved the people involved in the same way Jesus loves me.

While I can’t change the past, I am left with clear choices going forward. I can feel bad, and the sadness will stay with me, or I can flip my mistakes into lessons for my future and for others. Once we own our mistakes, they no longer own us. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes that I made. Love well and you will not live with regrets

“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.””
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

06/02/2026

Grace Makes All the Difference
He’s Just Waiting for You to Ask

Joyce Meyer
4 min read

Grace Makes All the Difference
If you’ve been a Christian for any amount of time, chances are you have struggled with frustrating habits or been disappointed by failures.

However, once you have a revelation of God’s grace in your life, it changes everything. What is grace?

First, think of a problem you’re having in your life right now—a bad habit, conflict in a relationship, a particularly long and difficult period of testing.

Now I want to ask you: Have you been trying to make things work out? If so, have they? Or are you discouraged, disappointed, or frustrated?

If you’re “spinning your wheels,” seemingly getting nowhere on your own, I’ve been there! And you are in the best place to realize just how amazing God’s grace really is.

It’s Not About “Trying”
You see, grace is the power to overcome bad habits, to make peace in a relationship, or to bring you victoriously through a time of testing—without all your trying.

That’s because grace is God’s power, not ours, that overcome all of these things.

All our trying does is cause frustration. We can never make ourselves better by trying…praying more or longer, studying more of the Word, performing good works, etc.

Don’t get me wrong…it’s not bad to do any of these things. In fact, it’s good. It’s just that doing them in God’s power is the only way those things will have any real and lasting effect in our lives.

The interesting thing about trying is that it’s not scriptural. Yes, the word is in the Bible. However, it’s never there to tell us we need to do better or be better.

If you look it up, you’ll see that when that word is used, it’s in reference to the “trying” of our faith, “trying” the spirits, or “trying” us to prove our character.

However, all of our trying is really just human effort that can never bring about the change in us that only God’s power—His grace—can.

It’s certainly not wrong to want to be a better person. God gave us that desire. But according to Galatians 3:10, ...anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure (MSG).

That’s why so much of the time we will find ourselves frustrated, disappointed and overwhelmed by the “stuff” in our lives. We try to work it out on our own.

He’s Just Waiting for You to Ask
God loves us and wants to help us—we are His children. But He will not force His help on us at any time.

He sees us when we struggle, and I believe it breaks His heart...because all we have to do is ask Him for help!

God taught me this truth in a way I’ll never forget...

My husband, Dave, is tall...and I’m not so tall. Several years back, we used to have a really high window over the kitchen sink in our house. When that window was open, there was no way for me to close it without going to extreme measures.

So, how do you think it would make Dave feel if I ran out of the house to go ask the man next door to come and close that window for me?

Or what if I tried to do it myself—straining, stretching, climbing up on the counter and knocking things over and getting all worn-out—while Dave was sitting right there? That would really be insulting to him.

In the same way, it grieves God to watch us struggle so needlessly, when all the while, He is right there waiting for us to simply exchange trying for trusting.

His grace is the power to live an abundant life. Our faith receives, not “buys,” the blessings of God. Striving, struggling, and trying can never do that.

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (NIV).

So, in the same way we received Christ, we also live in the Spirit—by God’s grace, through faith.

It’s really so simple that we usually miss it. We simply need to humble ourselves, ask for God’s help, then do what He says.

And as we are faithful to do what we can do, God will be faithful to pour out His grace and do what we can’t do. And that is simply amazing.

06/01/2026

“Be still, and know that I am God!” - Psalm 46:10, NLT

Stay at Peace
It’s easy to live frustrated because somebody is not doing what we want, discouraged because of a disappointment, upset because our dreams haven’t come to pass. But God doesn’t remove every frustration. He doesn’t change every person we don’t like or take away everything that’s bothering us. When He says, “Be still and know that I am God,” this implies that if we’re not still, if we’re upset, frustrated, and worried, we’re not going to know that He is God. Most of the time when we’re frustrated, we’re trying to change things that only God can change. We’re trying to be God and fix things over which we have no control. You can’t make people do what’s right or make yourself get well. If you’re trying to control everything, you’re going to be frustrated. Do what you can, then turn it over to God, and let Him take care of the rest. Stay at peace, knowing He’s in control.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that I can be still and know that You are God. Help me to stop trying to change what only You can change and stop trying to fix things over which I have no control. I declare that I’m going to stay in peace and know that You are in control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

05/30/2026

Love Your Life
Part 5 of 5
Be Spontaneous
Don’t Settle for the Daily Same Routine
2 min read
One of the biggest reasons people stop loving their lives is because life becomes stale, predictable and boring. Every day is the same: Get up, take the kids to school, run the same errands as last week, go to the exact same grocery store and buy food for the exact same meals, watch the same TV shows…I’m getting bored just thinking about it!

Jesus was anything but predictable—He stopped funeral processions, He showed up at a wedding and turned water into wine, He talked to the outcast, He dined with sinners…and He preached from a boat. Plain and simple: Jesus was spontaneous.

If you want to find a fun way to love your life, this is a wonderful example to follow. God didn’t create you to live a dull, boring, routine, predictable life. He created you to live life to the fullest. He wants you to get the most out of every day.

What are some things you could do today to break up the monotony of routine? What are some actions that could shake you out of the boredom trap? It doesn’t have to be a huge, grand event…joy can be found in the small things, too.

What if you decided to take a different way to work, eat something you have never eaten before, try a different hairstyle (even if just for a day or two), wear a color that is not conservative (if you normally play it safe), or stop being afraid of what people think and follow your heart?

Spontaneity is a fun way to make the most of the life God has given you. It doesn’t mean we should be irresponsible—we all have daily obligations and responsibilities that aren’t always the most exciting. However, just because we have to meet expectations at work or home that aren’t always thrilling, that doesn’t mean we have to lead boring lives. There is still plenty of margin in our days to do something fun and surprising.

Do you want to love your life? Then don’t settle for safe, routine, and boring. Look for ways to be spontaneous…and surprise yourself and others today.

Take Time to Try It: This week, be spontaneous and try something out of the ordinary—whether it’s sitting with someone else at lunch, wearing something you normally wouldn’t wear, or breaking your routine to do something fun.

Scripture
Read Hebrews 11:8 and Mark 4:1. How does being led by the Holy Spirit require us to sometimes adjust our plans or break our routine?

05/29/2026

Love Your Life
Part 4 of 5
Live in the Moment
Each Day Is a Brand-New Start
2 min read
Do you know that each day you are given 86,400 brand-new seconds to spend however you want? Isn’t that amazing to consider? But here’s the catch: None of that time carries over to the next day. It has to be lived in the present. Yesterday is over; tomorrow is not promised; you’ve got 86,400 seconds to spend today.


Each day is a new opportunity, and you should avoid focusing on the things you don’t like and perhaps even dread. It is possible to do something that maybe isn’t your favorite thing to do and still not hate it. You don’t have to live regretting the past or dreading the future—you can maximize the 86,400 seconds He has given you today.

This is more than just a good idea; it’s a biblical principle. Ephesians 5:16 (AMP) says, Making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], and Psalm 118:24 (AMP) says, This…is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

So many people have the mentality that they will be really happy at some time in the future—when the kids grow up, when they get a promotion, when their finances improve…when, when, when. However, God wants you to enjoy your life now, not at some point in the future.

One of the greatest gifts that God gives us is the ability by His grace to enjoy life even in the midst of trouble and difficulty. So, make a decision right now to enjoy the moment. If you have tendency to be too serious, choose to laugh a little.

If you want to love your life, it’s time to make a change. You have only one life on this side of eternity, and it would be a tragedy to waste it. Today could be the day you begin making the most of your time and maximizing every moment.

Take Time to Enjoy It: This week, focus on becoming a “now” person and make the most of your 86,400 seconds. Whenever you’re tempted to worry about something in the future, choose to stop and give it to God. Then make a decision to enjoy the present moment.

Scripture
Real joy comes with living “in the now.” Read Philippians 3:13 and Matthew 6:34. What do these scriptures tell us about living in the past or worrying about the future?

05/28/2026

Love Your Life
Part 3 of 5
One Simple Way to Increase Your Joy
How Acts of Kindness Bring Happiness
2 min read
The world is very “me-minded.” Our natural inclination is to think about what we want, how we feel, and what others can do for us. However, Acts 20:35 shares a powerful principle that will change our lives if we allow it. Jesus says, ...‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (NIV).


I’ll admit, I used to be a very selfish person. I can still remember lying in bed in the morning, thinking of ways to get my husband, Dave, to do what I wanted that day. Needless to say, I didn’t have much peace or joy in my life...and I wasn’t bringing joy to others!

Then I discovered this principle and realized the best way to have a great life is to get my mind off myself and do something for someone else.

Matthew 6:33 says it like this: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (NIV). God is saying when we make others our priority, we will bless their lives and show them what Jesus is really like. At the same time, He will cause everything in our lives to fall into place, and we will end up incredibly happy!

Would you like to make every day better? Would you like to find joy even in the midst of difficult times? If so, decide to reach out to someone else. Because when you give your life away, it will come back to you in the most marvelous ways.

Take Time to Do It: For the next week, do at least one thing each day to be a blessing to someone else.

Scripture
God’s ways are different than the world’s ways. Read Matthew 6:33. What is the command…and what is God’s promise?

05/27/2026

Access God’s Presence Through Jesus
https://joycemeyer.org/DailyDevo/2026/05/27-Access-God’s-Presence-Through-Jesus

05/27/2026

Love Your Life
Part 2 of 5

Be Free to Love Who You Are
Focus on What God Says About You
2 min read
There was time in my life when I really didn’t like myself. I suffered from sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse as a child and was constantly made to feel worthless. After a while, I began to believe it.

As a result, I became terribly insecure as a young woman, always trying to get people to like me. I also got caught up in comparing myself to others—I wasn’t good enough in my own eyes so I tried to be like everyone else.

Then God showed me something that made all of the difference: Before I could love myself, I had to receive His love for me.

Here’s the truth: God thinks you are wonderful, and it’s important for you to receive His love and learn to think about yourself the way He does. Life can get difficult when all we see is everything that is wrong with us and the things we can’t seem to do right.

I encourage you not to spend too much time thinking about your faults...and don’t compare yourself with other people, thinking you need to be like them. Begin focusing on what God says about you in His Word and you’ll be a much happier person!

We may not love everything we do, because we all sin and make mistakes, but we can love the person God has created us to be...the one we are always in the process of becoming through Christ.

Take Time to Speak It: This week, say the following statement aloud at least once a day: “God loves me unconditionally, and I love myself. I love who He created me to be.”

Scripture
You are special to God, and He wants you to know you are a beloved child of the King. Read Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1:5. Take time to ponder what God says about you.

05/26/2026

Keep Yourself Calm

Do you see discipline as a good thing?

05/26/2026

Love your life
Part 1 of 5

The Main Ingredient
Only God Can Give Us Lasting Joy and Fulfillment
2 min read
People search for happiness in a lot of places. They look to things like relationships, money, vacations, houses, clothes, and even open doors of opportunity. Yet, while these things can bring a degree of excitement for a period of time, only God can give us lasting joy and fulfillment.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t always love or even enjoy my life. I used to think I would be happy “when”—when my kids behaved, when my husband did what I wanted, when my ministry grew.

But thank God that He finally showed me there’s a way to experience true joy and contentment. There’s a way to truly love my life, regardless of what’s going on around me...and it’s all found in Him.

You see, developing an intimate relationship with God is a prerequisite for having a great life. When we spend time with God in prayer or by studying His Word, He fills our lives with His peace, joy, and strength. He gives us an inner satisfaction that goes far beyond what’s happening around us and helps us to love our lives even when our circumstances say we shouldn’t!

I’ve learned that I can do without a lot of things in life, but there’s One Thing I absolutely cannot do without—Almighty God. He is our one true Source for joy and fulfillment, and in Him we’ll find everything we need to live a great life.

Take Time to Live It: Take at least five minutes each morning to connect with the Lord, whether it’s reading a passage of Scripture or simply saying, “God, I love You, and I appreciate everything You do for me. I really need Your help with my day.”

Scripture
God is our one true Source for joy and fulfillment…and we have 24/7 access. Read Psalm 27:4, and reflect on God’s promise in Isaiah 40:31.