SEPT/OCT 11 Foreign FC

Follow a woman's journey—one of many—to receive food for her family. See page 20.

HERE

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN PRINT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

Good Reason to CelebrateAndy Stanley

24Life Without StrifeJoyce Meyer

22Helping Us Reach Even MoreDaniel Meyer

6 God's Word vs. Your FeelingsJoyce Meyer

13

Mag

enta

Yel

low

CY

AN

BLA

CK

EEL 0911 RH.indd 1 8/10/11 9:09 AM

SEPT/ OCT 11 Page 2

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 02-03 RH.indd 2 8/9/11 4:20 PM

DEAR FRIENDS, I know we talk about it a lot...but we’re very passionate about helping others. I’ve often said that I want to help relieve the suffering of as many people as I can. My passion is fueled by the way God’s love and grace has worked in my own struggles. Because of what He did in my life, I want to be a part of the way He works in other lives as well.

But we’re realistic... We know we can’t do it all alone. We know we need our friends and partners. We need YOU! That’s why we appreciate you so much.

It’s because of our partners that we can do what we do—like publish this very magazine for the last twenty-� ve years. Your prayer and encouragement as well as � nancial and vol-unteer support enable us to touch many lives, in many ways, with the practical love of Jesus. And when we meet the physical needs of others, so many times their hearts are opened to the Gospel...and whole lives are changed. How wonderful it is to be a part of that!

That’s the reason we say YOU ARE HERE when we feed a hungry child in Cambodia...or rescue a young girl from sex traf� cking in Mumbai...or administer medical or dental care to a grandmother in Zimbabwe...or help rebuild a family’s life after a natural disas-ter—wherever it happens. And that’s not even nearly all we do! So, you see why we need YOU! Partners mean so much more to us than we will possibly ever be able to express.

So, we have to simply say THANK YOU from the bottom of all our hearts here at Joyce Meyer Ministries.

We love, appreciate—and pray for you,

P.S. If you don’t already partner with us, I hope you’re inspired to prayerfully consider becoming an integral part of what God is doing through Joyce Meyer Ministries. You’ll experience the deep joy of making a differ-ence in other lives, while your own life is touched and changed in the process!

BECOME A PARTNER TODAY!

SEPT /OCT 11 Page 3

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 02-03 RH.indd 3 8/9/11 4:23 PM

CreditsPublisherJoyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.

Executive EditorsDaniel MeyerGinger Stache

Creative DirectorSteve DeShetler

Art DirectorJon Richert

Staff WritersKacie CampbellMatthew LoomisAnne Williams

Graphic DesignersMegan RiordanAnna MonetteAmy RoffJessica DavisDanny Mehl

Production SupervisorGeorge Dill

Production ArtistsJeri Icenesse Jeff DouglasStacy WilliamsRobert Houston

Editorial ProofreadersCarolyn ColeyDar WoodSusan Hutchison

Production CoordinatorsBill SchlickMonica JohnsonJessica Turnbeaugh

PhotographersChad Spickler David DobsonKacie Campbell

All Bible references are from The Amplifi ed Bible unless otherwise noted.

Enjoying Everyday Life® is published by Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.®, a nonpro� t corp oration, Fenton, MO USA © 2011 Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. Publications Agreement No. 40030597. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Enjoying Everyday Life has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. Because all Enjoying Everyday Life issues are preplanned, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. For more information or to order, call (636) 349-0303. Internet address: www.joycemeyer.org

Enjoying Everyday Life is a registered trade mark of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. [J] is also a registered trademark of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.

I don’t know how to make any sense of the

abuse I experienced growing up, but I know God

took what Satan meant for harm and worked it

out for good. I know God better, I’m stronger,

and the pain I experienced helps me understand

your pain. I hope my story reaches others who

are hurting. Are you? With all my heart know this:

God is alive! He loves you and has a plan for your

life. Don’t ever doubt that. Because my story

proves that you can recover from abuse.

CAN YOU RECOVER FROM A LIFE SCARRED BY ABUSE?

You’re looking at somebody who did.

JOYCEMEYER.ORG

ONE LIFEThe Personal Story of Joyce Meyer

62-MIN DVD by Joyce Meyer

$20 $15 U.S. Funds

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 4

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 04-05 P1.indd 4 8/8/11 1:52 PM

ENJOY ING EVERYDAY L I F EVolume 25 | Number 6 | SEP/OCT 2011

Need a little extra help getting through today or need some extra advice? Everyday Answers provides wisdom from God’s Word to help you deal with life’s diffi cult issues.Watch a video from Joyce, read related articles, send a prayer request, and more.

EVERYDAY ANSWERS

MAIN FEATURE page 13

CONTENTS

F E A T U R E S

6 HELPING US REACH EVEN MOREBY DANIEL MEYER

Daniel Meyer shares his thoughts about “growing up” with the ministry and his appreciation for the amazing things God is doing with the help of our partners.

13 GOD’S WORD VS. YOUR FEELINGSBY JOYCE MEYER

Things change. The question is, what is your response when they do?

22 LIFE WITHOUT STRIFEBY JOYCE MEYER

Learn how to avoid the trap of strife in your marriage, your business, your church—your life!

24 GOOD REASON TO CELEBRATEBY ANDY STANLEY

Need a reason to celebrate an enemy’s success? What if you knew it could free you from bondage?

D E P A R T M E N T S

10 Leader’s Edge

26 A Closer Look

27 Love Walk

30 Conference Tour

31 TV Broadcast Schedule

joycemeyer.org/everydayanswers

CreditsPublisherJoyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.

Executive EditorsDaniel MeyerGinger Stache

Creative DirectorSteve DeShetler

Art DirectorJon Richert

Staff WritersKacie CampbellMatthew LoomisAnne Williams

Graphic DesignersMegan RiordanAnna MonetteAmy RoffJessica DavisDanny Mehl

Production SupervisorGeorge Dill

Production ArtistsJeri Icenesse Jeff DouglasStacy WilliamsRobert Houston

Editorial ProofreadersCarolyn ColeyDar WoodSusan Hutchison

Production CoordinatorsBill SchlickMonica JohnsonJessica Turnbeaugh

PhotographersChad Spickler David DobsonKacie Campbell

All Bible references are from The Amplifi ed Bible unless otherwise noted.

Enjoying Everyday Life® is published by Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.®, a nonpro� t corp oration, Fenton, MO USA © 2011 Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. Publications Agreement No. 40030597. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Enjoying Everyday Life has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. Because all Enjoying Everyday Life issues are preplanned, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. For more information or to order, call (636) 349-0303. Internet address: www.joycemeyer.org

Enjoying Everyday Life is a registered trade mark of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. [J] is also a registered trademark of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.

ONE LIFEThe Personal Story of Joyce Meyer

62-MIN DVD by Joyce Meyer

$20 $15 U.S. Funds

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 5

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 04-05 P1.indd 5 8/10/11 10:33 AM

HELPING US REACH EVEN MOREHOW GOD IS WORKING THROUGH YOUR PARTNERSHIP

As long as I can remember, my mom’s passion has been to tell as many people as possible about Christ. She tells me that when she fi rst began teaching Bible studies at home, she was eager to share the freedom and joy she discovered in God’s Word, and spending time with these women was a great way to do it.

REACHING PEOPLE THROUGH DIFFERENT MEDIUMSThen in 1982, the opportunity opened for Mom to share on radio. Admittedly, I was only one year old, but I’m told it was a very exciting time. One city at a time, God began bringing new stations and brand-new audiences. And Mom and Dad were honored and humbled by all He was doing. The letters began to pour in, and it was evident that the growing ministry was helping many people.

B Y D A N I E L M E Y E R

Joyce is called into ministry

6 | ENJOY ING EVERYDAY L I F E | joycemeyer.org

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 6

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 06-07 RH.indd 6 8/9/11 9:28 AM

want us to be satis� ed with simply receiving His help. He wants us to build on the change He has brought into our lives by providing that life-transforming knowledge for others. That’s what my parents were doing when they started this ministry, and now that’s what our family, staff and partners are doing together.

SEEING LIVES CHANGEDThere are thousands upon thousands of people who have come to Christ or seen God do amazing things in their lives through this ministry. Now, they are partners because they want to share God’s truth with others. Our ministry is only possible because of God’s grace and the commitment of our faithful friends and partners.

Our partners make it possible to provide food, medical care, disaster relief and so much more around the world. They also provide the means to continue sharing the Gospel through television, books and the Internet—insuring that others have access to the same message that is impacting their lives so profoundly.

Well, those opportunities are still growing, and I am constantly amazed at the new doors opening wide. My brother, David, is continually � nding ways to reach more people groups

Eventually came what was then seen as the � nal frontier where media was concerned: the open door and right timing to take Mom’s teaching to television. The year was 1993 and as more TV stations and networks began airing her program, it was a clear answer to my mom and dad’s prayers, Lord, allow us to reach more people.

I grew up with the ministry. I remem-ber seeing the ministry newsletter, which started twenty-� ve years ago, evolve into today’s magazine and watching as Mom labored over each book—now she has written nearly ninety. I could never forget one of our � rst designs for joycemeyer.org—with virtual purple curtains and all. We have come a long way.

THE HEART BEHIND THE MINISTRY And while growth is wonderful, growth itself is neither the goal nor the reward. The singular purpose for growth in Joyce Meyer Ministries is to help more people. Let me say that again. The reason we are excited for these growth opportunities is not to grow a larger ministry, but to make an impact on more people for God’s kingdom. There is no greater reward.

I am always impressed with our partners because they really get it. They get the truth that God doesn’t

in more languages through Hand of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions. And new media is popping up faster than anyone can keep up with—Internet streaming, podcasts, live webcasts, mobile devices, social media and so forth. These are only the beginning of more interactive platforms reaching yet another audi-ence in a powerful way. There are always new frontiers, and only God knows what could be available to us around the corner.

Joyce Meyer Ministries has come a long way since those small Bible studies at our house. But let me tell you something about my mom: I have seen her preach to massive crowds of hundreds of thousands and to small groups in remote villages, yet, she always teaches with the same passion and enthusiasm. My mom and dad’s prayer hasn’t changed, Lord, help us reach more people.

That is exactly what He is doing…and you are helping.

When you partner with Joyce Meyer Ministries, you’re helping reach millions of people through media broadcasting and Hand of Hope outreaches worldwide. Thank you for helping us reach the lives of so many.

D A N I E L M E Y E Ris CEO of U.S. Operations for Joyce Meyer Ministries. Like his parents, he is driven by his passion to see lives changed, to help the hurting, and to communicate to ministry partners their irreplaceable role in making lifesaving outreaches possible. He is committed to positioning the ministry for the next generation. Daniel, his wife Nicol, and their children reside in St. Louis, Missouri.

1982 1985 1987 1993 19981976

Joyce is called into ministry

First radio broadcast airs

Life In The Word (Joyce Meyer

Ministries) becomes an

of� cial ministry

First issue of newsletter/magazine is published

Joyce goes on TV

joycemeyer.org is established

joycemeyer.org | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 | 7

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 7

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 06-07 RH.indd 7 8/9/11 9:29 AM

He’s gone crocodile hunting in the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea and preached the Gospel to the masses in Nicaragua. But nothing has impressed him more than watching the God of the universe use him as His personal aide to heal and transform hundreds of people around the world. During the past five years, Dr. Raj Patel, DDS, has had his share of divine appointments.

He gave his life to Christ while attending college in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and since then has served on the mission field with Hand of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions five times—pulling teeth and praying with patients in Cambodia, Nicaragua, India, Haiti and Papua New Guinea. The thought of each outreach, he says, brings forth indescribable memories.

“You can spend a lot of time on your knees praying, but a missions trip will totally change you,” says Dr. Raj. “Every patient and every day is a testimony itself.”

In Kolkata, India, Dr. Raj walked into his hotel elevator and into a divine appointment.

“There was a guy inside who was well dressed, but I noticed that his teeth were very black. And the Lord said to me, ‘Fix his smile.’

B Y A N N E W I L L I A M S

One Dentist’s Memories of the Mission Field

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 8

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 08-09 RH.indd 8 8/8/11 3:52 PM

“My � rst thought was to tell him to come to the medical/dental clinic where we were working, but God told me, ‘No. I want you to � x his smile right here.’ So I introduced myself and told him, ‘I’ll � x your smile for free.’ He laughed, probably thinking I wouldn’t follow through. But he agreed to meet me in the conference room near the hotel lobby that evening. And when we were done, he told me, ‘I want to serve the God you serve.’” The man turned out to be the hotel manager.

“It might be out of the ordinary for that kind of thing to happen in Tulsa,” says Dr. Raj. “But everywhere we go on these outreaches, we’re sharing the Gospel with people. We’ve led airport security guards to the Lord and people just standing around waiting in lines.”

On the rare breaks he takes from treating patients, Dr. Raj enjoys visiting the area where Hand of Hope ministry staff and volunteers spend time praying with the local people. “There’s something so refreshing about it. These trips are like my getaway time with Jesus.”

It’s not just about providing good medical and dental care, says Dr. Raj. “We’re giving them food; helping them in every way you can think of—and then we’re sharing the Gospel of Christ.”

The main hurdle for many of our medical/dental patients is the fear they have of being treated.

“They’ve never been to a dentist, and they’ve never had a � lling. They’re unsure about what’s going to happen. But through a little act of gently numbing and then removing their pain, they can see and feel God’s love for them.

“What you begin to understand is that it’s not by human effort they’re being helped,” says Dr. Raj. “It’s by divine intervention.”

To learn how you can participate in Joyce Meyer Ministries missions trips, contact us at joycemeyer.org/medicalmissions.

Be part of a life-changing experience. Volunteer for upcoming trips at

joycemeyer.org/medicalmissions

Remaining 2011 Medical/DentalMissions Trips• Panama - October• Ethiopia - November• Guatemala - December

DEAR PARTNERSBecause of your faithful prayers and � nancial generosity, you are—through Christ—arrang-ing divine appointments every day. THANK YOU!

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 9

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 08-09 P1.indd 9 8/9/11 4:14 PM

HHave you ever been frustrated because you’ve been working so hard and it feels like you’re about to break, but you’re not really seeing the bene� ts? I think at one point or another, everyone goes through that.

At one time I was teaching a tiny little Bible study, wanting so much for it to grow into a worldwide ministry. Well, it was a time of real dis-couragement for me, and every time I turned around God was giving me the same scripture: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9 KJV).

I mean, it came to me on greeting cards. It was on my calendar. My preacher delivered a whole sermon about it. Every time I turned around, I was either hearing or seeing it!

LEADER’S EDGE

When Your Hope Is Waning, God’s Word Remains True

J O Y C E M E Y E R

DON’T EVER QUIT

A prophet actually came to my church and during his presentation, he picked me out of the audience and said, “The Lord says to you, ‘Be not weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint not.’”

I got so mad. I thought, I do not want to hear that scripture one more time. I already am weary, and I don’t want to reap something later on; I want to reap it now!

I was kicking rocks through the parking lot after-ward, when I � nally decided to ask God, “What are you telling me?” And I could sense what He was saying to my heart: Joyce, just keep on keeping on, and you’ll get there.

How to Be a Christian That Canʼt Be DefeatedNobody can promise you will arrive at your desti-nation anytime soon. It could happen in a week or a year or it could take decades. You may have to go through all kinds of tests and trials, putting up with one obnoxious person here; dealing with three unlovely people there. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to go through any of it on your own. God will give you His grace to help you make it through.

On the other hand, the enemy will tell you that, no matter how much you try, nothing will ever change. But the devil’s a liar, and he knows there is one kind of person he can never defeat—one who is not a quitter.

If you are ever going to develop the potential God has put in you, you must make up your mind that you’re not going to quit, no matter what, until you see the fruit of what God has placed within you.

Accept God s̓ Purpose for Your PainThere were times in my life when I had to face loneliness and hard work, times when I wanted to give up and quit. God kept putting people in my path I didn’t want to deal with, but He placed them there because I needed them. They were the sandpaper I needed to rub off my rough edges.

J O Y C E M E Y E R is one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. She has written nearly ninety inspirational books and released thousands of audio and video teachings. Her Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs are broadcast around the world. She also travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

10 | ENJOY ING EVERYDAY L I F E | joycemeyer.org

SEP/OCT 11 Page 10

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 10-11 P2.indd 10 8/8/11 3:59 PM

“If we want to fulfill our potential, we must be prepared to go through everything we need to go through in order to get to where God wants us to be.”

A prophet actually came to my church and during his presentation, he picked me out of the audience and said, “The Lord says to you, ‘Be not weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint not.’”

I got so mad. I thought, I do not want to hear that scripture one more time. I already am weary, and I don’t want to reap something later on; I want to reap it now!

I was kicking rocks through the parking lot after-ward, when I finally decided to ask God, “What are you telling me?” And I could sense what He was saying to my heart: Joyce, just keep on keeping on, and you’ll get there.

How to Be a Christian That Can’t Be DefeatedNobody can promise you will arrive at your desti-nation anytime soon. It could happen in a week or a year or it could take decades. You may have to go through all kinds of tests and trials, putting up with one obnoxious person here; dealing with three unlovely people there. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to go through any of it on your own. God will give you His grace to help you make it through.

On the other hand, the enemy will tell you that, no matter how much you try, nothing will ever change. But the devil’s a liar, and he knows there is one kind of person he can never defeat—one who is not a quitter.

If you are ever going to develop the potential God has put in you, you must make up your mind that you’re not going to quit, no matter what, until you see the fruit of what God has placed within you.

Accept God’s Purpose for Your PainThere were times in my life when I had to face loneliness and hard work, times when I wanted to give up and quit. God kept putting people in my path I didn’t want to deal with, but He placed them there because I needed them. They were the sandpaper I needed to rub off my rough edges.

Has God ever put someone or something in your life that is sandpaper to you? If so, you will someday learn that what you thought was your greatest enemy turned out to be your best friend, simply because it was what God used to change you.

The Bible talks about purification, sanctification, sacrifice and suffering. Those are not popular words; nonetheless, they are in the Bible. And if we want to fulfill our potential, we must be prepared to go through everything we need to go through in order to get to where God wants us to be.

Be Increasingly Open to Change I struggled with the process of change for a long time, but I finally realized that God was not going to do things my way. He doesn’t want to hear our arguments. He just wants us to say, “Yes, Lord—Your will be done.”

God wants to do more with your life than you could ever imagine. He will bring you to your full potential and lead you toward your personal Promised Land. But He first has to change you into the person you need to be.

In the weeks, years and, yes, decades to come, I encourage you to keep your mind and heart com-pletely open to His will, and don’t ever give up.

For more about becoming an effective leader, see Joyce’s book A Leader in the Making, available at joycemeyer.org/bookstore.

J O Y C E M E Y E R is one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. She has written nearly ninety inspirational books and released thousands of audio and video teachings. Her Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs are broadcast around the world. She also travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

joycemeyer.org | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 | 11

SEP/OCT 11 Page 11

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 10-11 P2.indd 11 8/8/11 3:59 PM

VICTORY COMES RIGHT AFTER YOUR TEST

JOYCEMEYER.ORG

Are you facing a “giant” in your life—something diffi cult, painful or maybe even scary? If so, running away from it will get you nowhere. Moses tried running away. So did Jonah. And they both were greatly sidetracked from God’s will and suffered as a result.

Whatever giant you face, God wants to help you. If you run to the battle line like David did and face the Goliath in your life, you will see victory much sooner. Stop procrastinating. Get this teaching today and become a

“giant killer”!

The Going-Through Test60-Minute DVD by Joyce Meyer$20 U.S. Funds

JOYCEMEYER.ORG

The High Cost of Low Living60-Minute DVD by Joyce Meyer

$20 U.S. Funds

Why is it so hard to do what’s right?

There’s one major temptation Christians are assaulted with every day. It’s a sneaky little devil called compromise—and it carries a heavy price. But you don’t have to pay it. This DVD shares how to develop a mindset that resists compromise so

you can rise above it and reach your God-given dreams.

12 | ENJOY ING EVERYDAY L I F E | joycemeyer.org

SEPT/OCT11 Page 12

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 12-17 LBYF.indd 12 8/9/11 4:32 PM

B Y J O Y C E M E Y E R

VS.

Which will you choose when you face

these life circumstances?

Every day we are faced with a decision.

Will we respond

to life’s circumstances according to

God’s Word or

will we react emotionally? The initial

temptation is

to react emotionally, but in every cir

cumstance it’s

truly your decision. Today, I want to ex

amine four cir-

cumstances you’re going to have to face

at some point.

I’ve also included some questions. I en

courage you to

answer honestly. They will give you a go

od idea of how

big a part your feelings play in these c

ircumstances.

joycemeyer.org | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 | 13

SEPT/OCT11 Page 13

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 12-17 LBYF.indd 13 8/9/11 9:19 AM

circumstance

disappointment#2

ask yourself

ask yourself

#1changecircumstance

Everything changes except God, and letting all the changes in our lives upset us won’t keep them from occur-ring. People change, circumstances change, our bodies change, our desires and passions change. One certainty in life is change.

Most changes take place without our permission. But we can choose to adapt. Our ability to adapt doesn’t change the circumstances, but it does keep us living in peace and joy as we go through change.

Our thoughts are the first thing we need to deal with during change because thoughts directly affect emo-tions. When circumstances change, make the transition mentally, and your emotions will be a lot easier to manage. If something changes that you are not ready for and did not choose, you will more than likely have a variety of emotions about it, but by acting on God’s Word and not merely reacting to the situation, you will be able to manage your emotions instead of allowing them to manage you.

I strongly recommend confessing the Word of God out loud. Even though what you confess may be the opposite of how you feel, keep doing it. God’s Word has inherent power to change our feelings, bring comfort to us, and quiet our distraught emotions.

Disappointment occurs when our plans are thwarted by something we had no control over. We can be disap-pointed by our own failures, unpleasant circumstances, people who let us down, or even with God when He doesn’t do something we’ve been believing would happen. But not everyone is guaran-teed to get everything they want all the time, so we need to learn how to deal properly with disappointment.

When we are disappointed, our emotions initially sink. We feel down, negative, discouraged, depressed, maybe even angry. The next time you are disappointed, pay attention to the activity of your emotions; instead of letting them take the lead, make the decision to manage them. There is nothing unusual or wrong about initial feelings of disappointment, but it is what we do from that point forward that makes all the difference in the world.

Trusting that God has a good plan for us is the key to preventing disap-pointment from turning into despair. Proverbs 16:9 says, A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.

It is impossible to be miffed at God when you really believe He has your best interest in mind and is directing your every step. After all, He is the only One who can help you and truly comfort you; therefore, it is much better to run to Him in your pain than away from Him.

difficult people

How do I react when I get disappointed? Do I believe God has ordered my steps? Am I acting on the Word of God or merely reacting emo-tionally to the situation?

How do I respond to change? Do I act on God’s Word or merely react to the situation? After the initial shock, am I willing to make a transition mentally and emotionally?

14 | ENJOY ING EVERYDAY L I F E | joycemeyer.org

SEPT/OCT11 Page 14

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 12-17 LBYF.indd 14 8/9/11 9:20 AM

No one likes being around irritable people. I think there are a lot of people in the world like that today, largely because of the stressful lives most people lead. People are trying to do too much in too little time and have more responsibility than they can realisti-cally handle.

When someone is rude to me, I can feel my emotions rise up and then move out, wanting me to follow them. When I feel that, I know I need to take action. I have to reason with myself and remember that the person being rude probably has a lot of problems, and she may not even realize how she sounds. I certainly remember lots of times in my life when people asked me why I was being so harsh, and I didn’t even realize that I was. I just had a lot going on and felt pressured, so the pressure escaped in harsh voice tones. That did not excuse my bad behavior, but it was the root of the problem.

I am very thankful I know the Word of God and have Him in my life to help and comfort me. But I try to remember that a lot of the people in the world who are dif� cult to get along with don’t have that. I have had to work very hard with the Holy Spirit to develop the ability to act on the Word of God when people are rude instead of merely reacting to them with behav-ior that matches or tops theirs.

Jesus said that we have done nothing special if we treat people well who treat us well, but if we are kind to someone who would qualify as an enemy, then we are doing well (see Luke 6:32–35).

People are everywhere, and not all of them are pleasant. So we must make a decision about how we are going to react toward them. If you are in a situation that requires you to be with one of these hard-to-get-along-with people every day, I urge you to pray for them instead of reacting emotionally to them. Our prayers open a door for God to work through.

ASK YOURSELF

#3difficult people

circumstance

people. I think there are a lot of people

people lead. People are trying to do too

ple“Emotions RISE UPand then move out,

wanting us to follow them.

When I feel that, I know

I need to take action.”

How do I react to people who are rude? Do I respond in love as the Word says we should, or do I join them in their ungodly behavior? Will I act on the Word of God and love them for His sake? Or will I merely react emotionally and end up perhaps acting worse than they act? Have I ever let a rude person ruin my day?

joycemeyer.org | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 | 15

SEPT/OCT11 Page 15

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 12-17 LBYF.indd 15 8/9/11 9:20 AM

Do I wait well? How do I act when I’m working with someone who is really slow at what they are trying to do? How do I act if someone takes the parking space I’ve been waiting for? What situations are difficult for me? How do I behave when I have to wait? On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do I handle myself when things don’t go my way?

ASK YOURSELF

circumstance

waiting#4

Let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thor-ough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing (James 1:4).

If you have not developed patience, then having to wait may bring out the worst in you. At least that was the case with me until I � nally realized my emotional reactions were not making things go faster. We would all like to be patient, but we don’t want to develop patience because that means behaving well while we are not getting what we want. And that’s hard!

The more we want something, the more our emotions will act up if we do not get it. Sometimes what we want is simply more important to us than it should be, and we need to realize that and not behave childishly. Common sense tells us it is rather foolish to get into a rage over a parking space or some of the other simple things people tend to get upset about.

As you develop patience, don’t merely think about how hard and frustrating it is, think about how peaceful you will be when waiting never bothers you.

Live Beyond Your FeelingsFeelings will come and go. We can’t escape them, but when we choose to live by God’s Word and not our feelings—even when it doesn’t feel right—we can live with an incredible peace and joy. I encourage you to go through the questions again and search God’s Word in every circumstance you face. He will help you live beyond your feelings!

Adapted from Joyce’s newest book, Living Beyond Your Feelings.

NEW BOOK

BY JOYCE!

Now Available

Joyce teaches more about feelings on the Enjoying Everyday Life television broadcast September 5 – 9. Check your local TV listing for stations and program times in your area or visit www.joycemeyer.org/tvlistings.

16 | ENJOY ING EVERYDAY L I F E | joycemeyer.org

SEPT/OCT11 Page 16

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 12-17 LBYF.indd 16 8/9/11 4:42 PM

Your day doesn’t have to be an emotional struggle. You can live a stable, peaceful life…enjoying every minute no matter what feelings creep up along the way. Joyce’s newest book, Living Beyond Your Feelings, will help you take control of your feelings. When you apply God’s truths instead of your feelings, you can live beyond.

$18 $23 U.S. Funds

Also available wherever books are sold.

352-PAGE HARDCOVER by Joyce Meyer

20%OFF

joycemeyer.org/feelings

Read a sample chapter now by using a QR reader on your smartphone.

generated at BeQRious.com

NEW BOOK

BY JOYCE!

Now Available

Most days feel like a roller coaster.My wife goes to work early, so I get the kids ready every day (by the fifth “get up” he’s about lost it). By the time I get to work I’m already exhausted (but he actually does a pretty good job of putting the morning’s frustrations behind him). I really like who I work with (he really does and is happy to work with them). But inevitably I have to sit through a dozen meetings…but that’s part of the job, right? (His apathy is hurting his job performance.) By the end of the day I’m ready to burst, but I know I can’t go home like this (he goes for a run and feels much better).

SEPT/OCT11 Page 17

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 12-17 LBYF.indd 17 8/10/11 10:56 AM

INDIAFAMILYto

getaway

JB Y K A C I E C A M P B E L L

John and Shelia Wright from Texas had the opportunity to personally meet some of the people whose lives their partnership is reaching on an October 2010 trip to Hyderabad and Kolkata, India. The trip was also an opportunity to share with their ten-year-old daughter, Georgia, the importance of reaching out to others in need.

“In my walk with the Lord, I had to be thrown under the bus to get it together. Hopefully, Sheila and I will save Georgia from those types of lessons by giving her this op-portunity. Hopefully, we can pass the baton to her and she can start helping people much earlier than we did. We’re passing that to the next generation,” shared John.

A Parent’s W ish to Pass the Torch of Partnership to the Next Generat ion

EXPERIENCING THE OUTREACHESFor a week, the Wrights spent time witnessing several of the outreaches made possible through partnership. They spent time on the playground with children at the Home of Hope, a children’s home for kids who are HIV posi-tive, and prayed with the staff at the full-time hospital in Chandrakal. They traveled to the remote village of Musthyalapalli, where a water well is providing clean water and an opportunity to share Christ. They also served rice, eggs and bread to little boys and girls at the feeding program in Ghatkesar, met with medical/dental volunteers in Kolkata, attended daily leadership ses-sions and worshipped with thousands of locals at Joyce’s Festival of Life in Kolkata, India.

“We’ve been partners with Joyce for some time, but when you go into these villages and you see the need, it’s over-whelming. But you also see the clinics, water wells and feeding programs, and the gratitude of the people is just so humbling. It makes you realize that you need to get back home and do what you can to help Joyce get more partners. It’s been really impactful and humbling,” shared John.

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 18

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 18-19.indd 18 8/10/11 10:39 AM

GEORGIA’S EXPERIENCE IN INDIAAs a mom, Sheila said that it’s the kids who really touch her heart. Watching her daughter pray with a little girl who has AIDS brought tears of joy. Right after they � nished praying, the little girl got up and smiled really big at Georgia. “You know, Georgia’s seen the pictures of what it’s like in India. She’s seen the destitution, but she’s also gotten to see hap-piness and joy that we’ve been able to help bring. Hopefully she can focus on that,” shared Sheila.

Wherever God leads this ten-year-old tennis star from Texas, she’s already learning just how powerful God’s love can be.

“It made me feel happy to know that the kids at the feeding program and home are really happy and that we can help. The kids had food and water and good shelter and we don’t appreciate it as much. It makes you feel sad that some of them are sick, but makes you feel good that they are living a good life while they have it. You can de� nitely see that Joyce uses the money they get to make places at least a little better, that they want to change the world and make it where people aren’t suffering as much as they are now,” shared Georgia.

Before long you might even see some of Georgia’s friends getting involved. “I am going to tell my friends that they should go to mission trips and try to do stuff at home also. My friends and I were thinking about making jewelry and thinking we could sell them and send the money we make to Joyce Meyer.”

It’s John and Sheila’s hope that Georgia’s experience in India will help her for the rest of her life. And as John and Sheila continue to partner with the ministry, one thing they can be sure of…they’ve de� nitely passed the desire to love and help others on to the next generation.

FINDING JOY IN THE POVERTYThe Wrights have always been a positive family. “You can leave it up to society and the news to show the need and how horrible it is. We’ve seen that in India, but we’ve also seen the joy and the smiles in the community. Joyce Meyer Ministries is bringing that to the people.

“On their own the people can’t see anything past their own poverty. But hopefully the money that Joyce gets will help facilitate giving hope to the people. And then one by one by one they can lift themselves out of that poverty and see hope, see light and see God,” shared Sheila.

Sheila also says one of the things she appreciates the most is that “110 percent of her money” is going to reach the people in the best way possible. “Joyce works with the local people. They don’t just come in and bulldoze over the people with what they want to do; they get the ideas and input of the local people, so they know how to best meet the needs of the people.”

In 2010, 83 percent of all donations went speci� cally to meeting needs and reaching people with the Gospel message. Just like the outreaches the Wrights saw in India, we work with local staff all around the world to organize our Hand of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions outreaches.

joycemeyer.org | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 | 19

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 19

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 18-19.indd 19 8/10/11 10:39 AM

B Y K A C I E C A M P B E L L

a m o t h e r ’ s j o u r n e y f o r f o o d

The air is crisp and cool. Dew still hangs on the leaves along the road to Angacha. It’s a journey Birhanesh is quite familiar with. She’s been making it nearly every Monday for eight months. At least she thinks that’s how long it’s been. Time really doesn’t matter that much here in the mountains. All she knows is that her first trip to the Hand of Hope sponsored feeding program in Angacha was when things started to change for her family and her twin baby girls.

the road toangacha

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 20

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 20-21 RH.indd 20 8/9/11 4:49 PM

Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith. joycemeyer.org/handofhope

Using a red and green scarf, she gently ties Asnackech to her back. Leaning over she crisscrosses the scarf, wrap-ping the baby tight. Her daughter Meseret also comes along for the walk and is charged with carrying the other twin, her baby sister Sara.

The red dirt road cakes to their feet as they make the 2 hour and 40 minute walk to the feeding program in Angacha. Although it is pleasant now, the journey back is likely to be more arduous. Scorching sun and an extra load of bags of wheat grain and oil will make the journey much longer. But it’s something she’s more than willing to do because it will save her family. With her children on the special malnutrition formula, she’ll travel to the program weekly so the staff can measure their progress. Once the children are declared healthy, she will make the trip once a month for the wheat � our.

“The happiest day of my life was the day I delivered my twins,” she shares holding tight to her children. In Ethiopia, every child is considered a blessing—twins are a double blessing. So you can imagine her heartbreak as she watched her babies begin to wither away. They simply did not have enough food to eat.

Little Food with No NutritionIn a community of mostly farmers, Birhanesh and her husband don’t own their own plot of land and must rely on other farmers for work. When it’s available, her husband receives only a little money and scraps of vegetables for payment.

The only thing the family is guaranteed to eat on a con-tinual basis is the boiled roots of a plant they call “false banana.” This plant is in ample supply and feeds many in Angacha. The only problem is the plant has no nutritional value. So while it � lls their bellies, it is also causing them to starve to death. That was Birhanesh’s life…that is until she found out about the feeding program.

Food Relief for BirhaneshIn partnership with International Crisis Aid, Hand of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions sponsors a full-time medical clinic and feeding programs in Angacha. In Ethiopia, Hand of Hope is feeding 6,000 people on a monthly basis. The program at the medical clinic is where Birhanesh � rst found hope for her baby girls and her entire family.

The program facilitators immediately put the twins on Plumpy’nut®, a peanut-based food that is used speci� -cally for babies with severe malnutrition, and distributed enough wheat grain for the whole family. When the babies � rst arrived at the feeding program, they were three months old and only weighed 6.2 pounds (2.8 kg), less than half the healthy weight of a three month old (13 pounds).

Today, after the long journey Birhanesh and her children are back to receive the babies’ weekly Plumpy’nut and the fam-ily’s monthly supply of wheat grain and oil. Many other mothers and fathers are already waiting pa-tiently. About a dozen new families have been added to the program after being treated by medical/dental volunteers with the visiting Joyce Meyer Ministries medical/dental outreach clinic (you can read more about the medical/dental outreach clinic in the December/January issue).

A Mother s̓ DesperationThe sun is starting to beat down as noon approaches. Many families are huddled underneath a tent. Volunteers begin to hand out glasses of cold water, which the mothers share with their babies. The program facilitators go around and take measurements of the new babies and the returning children. They want to make sure the food is helping the children as it should be.

The doctor stops everyone to look. A little girl, Genet is being weighed on the scale. Genet is one year old and only weighs 9.9 pounds (4.5 kg). The doctor informs us that she should weigh triple that amount. Genet’s mother, Alemitu, would love to be able to feed her, but her husband has abandoned her with � ve children. The little work she does for others simply isn’t enough to buy food.

Birhanesh can relate well to Alemitu. Her inability to provide for her children isn’t without effort. She has done all she can and knows without the help from this feeding program, she wouldn’t have been able to do it on her own.

After nearly a year in the program, the children have changed greatly and are close to a healthy life. “God bless everyone who does this for me. Without this food, my children would die,” shared Birhanesh as she hugged Asnackech closer to her chest.

Birhanesh is not alone. There are thousands of other women just like her in the mountains of Ethiopia and all around the world struggling to provide for their children. And your continued prayers and support as a partner can help us reach even more.

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 21

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 20-21 RH.indd 21 8/10/11 10:43 AM

Strife is a terrible evil spirit that makes you miserable. It causes bickering, arguing and all sorts of things that offend people. Strife creates an atmosphere of anger that hangs just below the surface. You sense it in the room, but nobody is really facing up to what is really going on. Strife is a trap the devil lays to destroy marriages, businesses and even churches.

The More You undersTand IT, The Less of IT You’LL GeT BY JoYce MeYer

22 | ENJOY ING EVERYDAY L I F E | joycemeyer.org

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 22

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 22-23.indd 22 8/9/11 10:17 AM

As you go through each day, there are MANY opportunities for you to get offended. People say things. People do things. There’s no way to control it. Oftentimes, these are traps the devil sets to grab and pull you into petty arguments and ugly situations.

But what if you learned how to deal with and even avoid these traps? Here are some teachings from Joyce that will help you stay away from the traps of offense. This information can save your relationships, business or ministry. Don’t delay!

Dealing with Offense4-CD Series by Joyce Meyer$26 U.S. Funds

Dealing with Offense2-DVD Set by Joyce Meyer(Includes four teachings)$44 U.S. Funds

joycemeyer.org

If you do not understand strife and realize how dangerous it is, then you will not stand against it.

TWO BIG CAUSES OF STRIFEMany things can cause strife. Two causes the Bible mentions are jealousy and greed. Proverbs 28:25 says, He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed.

Now, if you truly trust God, I can tell you there’s no need for you to ever be jealous of anybody. If you believe God loves you and has a plan for your life, and if you believe that His timing is always right, there is no need to envy a single person.

Even if someone gets what you want ten years before you get it, you don’t have to be jealous, because you can trust that when your time is right, God will meet your need.

People who have a greedy spirit—who are never satis� ed with what they have and who always want more—stir up strife for a couple of reasons.

Strife gets started because of all the things you want. Your wants can cause strife—whether it’s a promotion, a ma-terial thing, or even a ministry. Many times people get into “works of the � esh,” which means trying to achieve things in your own power instead of God’s power. James 4:1 says, How do con� icts (quarrels and � ghtings) originate among you? Do they not arise from your sensual desires that are ever warring in your bodily members? When you covet what others have, your desires go unful� lled.

You are never permanently satis� ed no matter what you have. Think about this for a moment: How consistently content are you? Are you constantly telling God, “If only I had…I’d be happy.” When people are dissatis� ed, they tend to cause trouble. Think about how easy it is to fall into resent-ment and strife when you don’t get what you want. You can get critical of others real quick, but it is actually not other people or circumstances that make you unsatis� ed. It is a lack of

trust in God’s providence for your life. Psalm 37:4 says, Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart (NASB).

TWO WAYS TO KEEP STRIFE OUT OF YOUR LIFEConsider who you spend your time with. I want to ask you a question: What kind of character do your friends have? Think about the people you eat lunch with at work or those you consider your closest friends. Do they gossip? Are their attitudes generally negative or positive? Now, we aren’t supposed to cut ourselves off from everybody who isn’t a Christian, and there may be someone who needs to see your witness. But I always tell people, “Make sure you are affecting the people you spend time with instead of letting them infect you.” There’s a big difference.

Guard your heart. I believe that you pick up what you spend time with and what you open your heart to. For example, when I’m around someone who is negative, I guard my heart because you cannot leave the doors of your heart wide open to people who are greedy, jealous, critical or judg-mental. If you’re open to that stuff, it’s more likely you will pick up these negative spirits.

HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE ON STRIFEBeing greedy, covetous and jealous is actually a very serious sin. Thou shalt not covet is one of the “big ten.” (See Exodus 20:1-17.) It goes against God’s will for us to want what other people have. It’s okay for you to think I’d like to have that one day. But it becomes wrong when you have a bad attitude attached to it. When you see someone who has something you want, it’s wrong to consider taking what they have. Instead, ask God to help you be genuinely happy for them. In the meantime, keep all the strife out of your life and be a blessing wherever you go.

Joyce shares more on this topic on the Enjoying Everyday Life television broadcast September 20 and 21. Check your local TV listing for stations and program times in your area or visit joycemeyer.org/tvlistings.

Here are some teachings from Joyce that will help you stay away from the traps of offense. This information can save your relationships, business or ministry. Don’t delay!

Dealing with Offense

joycemeyer.org | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 | 23

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 23

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 22-23.indd 23 8/9/11 10:21 AM

Of all the negative feelings that typically need tackling in a guy’s life, the hardest for me to own up to is jealousy. My anger or greed is far easier to confront. But jealousy seems so petty. As soon as I open my mouth about it, I sound like a middle schooler. So I don’t mention it.

But I sure feel it. I feel it when I see books I didn’t write become bestsellers. I feel it when I hear an incredible sermon I didn’t preach. And I feel it when I see a guy my age with a head full of thick hair.

Now that stuff might sound harmless enough, but it isn’t.

B Y A N D Y S T A N L E Y

GOOD REASON TO

CELEBRATEHow to Defeat Jealousy & Enjoy Others’ Success

SEP/OCT 11 Page 24

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 24-25 RH.indd 24 8/9/11 10:28 AM

UNDERSTANDING THE EMOTIONJealousy is dangerous, because it shapes our attitude toward others. It’s hard to actively respect and appreci-ate someone you’re jealous of. And you can forget about serving someone who’s a constant reminder of what you’re not. Eventually, jealousy takes control of our attitudes toward people who’ve done nothing more than pull ahead of us in a race they’re not even aware they’re in. They’ve excelled in areas we’ve deemed important, and we hate them for it. Okay, maybe we don’t hate them. We just don’t enjoy their company. Ever.

Without any real effort on our part, jealousy becomes resentment. And once that happens, our envy knows no bounds. It has the power to sour our attitude toward entire categories of people—rich guys, bodybuilders, mega-church pastors—it’s suddenly easy to write off entire sections of the human race.

So how do we escape the danger?

BREAKING AWAY FROM JEALOUS EMOTIONSTo guard our heart against jealousy, we’ve got to celebrate the success, size and stuff of those we’ve tended to envy. We need to go out of our way to verbally express congratu-lations over their accomplishments. Celebrating the success of those you envy must become a habit.

But maybe you’re thinking, That’s not how I feel about the successful people around me. Am I supposed to celebrate their success if I don’t mean it?

The short answer is yes. But I’m not asking you to be insincere. If you like your brother-in-law’s new car, tell him. If not, you’re off the hook. Did your partner do a good job on

that presentation? Did you � nd yourself wishing it were you? Then tell him he did a good job. You aren’t being insincere; you’re being honest.

However, if he did well and you can’t bring yourself to compliment him, now that’s a problem.

Expressing the truth helps free you from the emotional bondage that’s such an integral part of jealousy. When you walk up to the guy who got your promotion and say,

“Congratulations,” you’re refusing to allow dangerous emotions to control your behavior. You’re protecting your heart. Don’t wait until you feel like celebrating; celebrate until you feel like it. Refuse to be taken prisoner by emo-tions that don’t re� ect reality. It’s much easier to behave your way into a new way of thinking than to think your way into a new way of behaving.

GOING OUT OF YOUR WAY TO CELEBRATEBoth my sons are pitchers on their respective baseball teams. When they come up against a team with superior pitching, it bugs me. But I always make a point of tracking down the other pitcher and telling him what a great job he did. And I congratulate his parents too. It’s a habit that keeps my heart free and clear; reaching out my hand to shake the hand of another father whose son outpitched mine releases all that negative energy and puts everything back into perspective.

Whose success have you been hesitant to celebrate? Who deserves a pat on the back? A letter? A phone call?

Instead of saying nothing or being critical, make it the habit of your life to publicly celebrate the success of others. And when that person’s success has the potential to re� ect negatively on you, celebrate even harder!

I guarantee you, this is one of those habits that will change everything.

This article is adapted from a chapter in Andy’s book “Enemies of the Heart.”

A N D Y S T A N L E Y is a pastor, author, and the founder of North Point Ministries (NPM). Launched in 1995, NPM is one of the fastest growing and most influential Christian organizations in America, with fi ve Atlanta-area campuses. Andy’s books include “Enemies of the Heart” and “The Grace of God.” He lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, with his wife, Sandra, and children. northpoint.org

“Expressing the truth helps free you from the emotional bondage that’s such an integral part of jealousy.”

is a pastor, author, and the founder of North Point Ministries (NPM). Launched in 1995, NPM is one of the fastest growing and most

JOIN JOYCE AND ANDY STANLEY as they discuss how to confront emotions that control on the Enjoying Everyday Life television broadcast September 29 & 30. Check your local TV listing for stations and program times in your area or visit joycemeyer.org/tvlistings.

SEP/OCT 11 Page 25

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

ForeignEEL 0911 24-25 RH.indd 25 8/9/11 10:31 AM

A CLOSER LOOK: Emotional Healing

Emotions are a large part of life. The problem is that too much of the time, we allow our emotions to control us. But if we want to live a victorious Christian life, we must learn to live beyond them. So, let’s take a closer look at the process of emotional healing. First, prayer-fully meditate on these scripture verses and then look at the study questions below.

...Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—because I am God, your personal God.... I paid a huge price for you.... That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you!

ISAIAH 43:1-4 MSG

...The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.

PSALM 30:5 MSG

Let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be...perfectly and fully developed....

JAMES 1:4 AMP

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith...and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]....HEBREWS 12:2 AMP

1. Joyce has often said of emotional healing, “The only way out is through.” Read these passages in Isaiah and Psalms. Will you trust God to be with you in, and lead you through, your healing process? With a specifi c emotional struggle in mind, ask the Lord for your healing in this area. Write any guidance or direction you receive below.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Remembering that healing is a process, and that it can be diffi cult at times, use the verses in James and Hebrews for encouragement when needed. How are you inspired to keep going? Look up other scriptures as well.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Record your progress below. What changes are you making or seeing in your situation?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

...Don’t be afraid, I’ve ...Don’t be afraid, I’ve ...Don’t be afraid, I’ve ...Don’t be afraid, I’ve

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 26

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 26-29 RH2.indd 26 8/9/11 11:37 AM

DEARFRIEND,Have you ever felt like a total control freak, trying to stop something from happening that you thought was probably going to happen anyway?

Let’s face it. There are many things you and I can’t control—the weather, the economy, the price of gasoline. You certainly can’t control the choices other people make that affect you.

But we can control some things—and God promises that if you’ll faithfully manage one particular area of your life, it will have an enormous impact on the quality of your life.

Right now, no matter where you are, you can choose to control your level of joy.

What does that mean?

It doesn’t mean you won’t have problems. It simply means your joy can’t be stolen from you. To be joyful is to be content and satis� ed, even when your circumstances aren’t perfect.

I think for most people, if they can get through a whole day without grumbling or complaining once, it’s been a good day!

While it may not be easy, I’m committed to live this way because I’ve seen the incredible fruit it produces. When I keep a close eye on

it, when I’m desperate for God and listen for His voice, He gives me the power to renew my mind and manage my attitudes.

My husband knows that sometimes I can get irritated easily. I can look at a situation and think, Well, if they hadn’t done that, and they’d done what I told them to…none of this would have ever happened.

LOVE WALK

“ Joy doesn’t come from external things. It comes from within.”

How to Experience a Better Quality of Life—Immediately

MORE JOY,PLEASE!

MORE PLEASE!

MORE JOYPLEASE!

JOY,PLEASE!

,

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 27

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 26-29 RH2.indd 27 8/9/11 11:46 AM

But over time, I’ve learned that nothing good comes from whining, grumbling or complain-ing. It doesn’t move or motivate God. It only feeds a spirit of dissatisfaction and unhappi-ness—one that keeps you from experiencing the joy of the Lord. It can even make you miserable in moments that you should be celebrating!

Philippians 2:14 says, Do all things without grumbling and fault� nding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves].

I think it’s important to note that Paul wrote those words to one of the healthier churches in the New Testament. The Philippians were generous, they loved God and they were very supportive of Paul’s ministry. But they still needed to be reminded to choose joy. We all do.

Paul also knew that telling them to stop grumbling and complaining wouldn’t � x their problem. To have the right attitude, they had to learn to be joyful in every circumstance.

Our world is � lled with people who are rich, famous and have accomplished everything

they ever dreamed of, but they haven’t found real joy—because joy doesn’t come from external things. It comes from within.

Real, long-lasting, unwavering joy comes from being in love with Jesus and trusting that He’s for you and He knows exactly what you need. It doesn’t mean you don’t ever hope for change—but it does mean you don’t let that longing for change steal your joy or keep you from His peace.

If you’ve been frustrated lately, catching yourself complaining about things that don’t really matter, you can learn to experience contentment and satisfaction every day of your life no matter how the circumstances around you change.

In a world � lled with things you can’t control, you can choose joy…and I encourage you to keep on doing it—because your joy is far too precious to give away.

Joyfully yours,

Dave and Joyce Meyer

LOVE WALK MORE JOY PLEASE!

Contentment andSatisfaction4-CD SERIES by Joyce Meyer

joycemeyer.org$26 $20U.S. Funds

To be content in every circumstance is one of the hardest things to learn, but it’s 100 percent pos-sible! These teachings take all the mystery out of how to achieve it and where you should start.

LIFE’S LOOKING BETTER ALREADY!

Order now and save 20%

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 28

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 26-29 RH2.indd 28 8/9/11 11:50 AM

GIFT CATALOG 2011

No wrapping required.

Everyone loves to receive a gift from a

friend. How about this Christmas you pick

out an extra special gift for them in the

Hand of Hope Gift Catalog. Your gift could

feed a hungry child, provide freedom to a

young girl, or relieve someone’s pain, all

in the name of that person you love. We’ll

even send you a beautiful set of photos,

to pass along to your loved ones, that rep-

resent a few of the lives changed through

Hand of Hope outreaches.

joycemeyer.org/giftcatalog

Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering, and to help Christians grow in their faith.

It’s a New Wayof Giving.

HOW TO GIVE

1. Choose a Need: Pick from four outreaches or

give to the General Fund.

2. Give a Donation: Give whatever is in your

heart to give.

3. Send a Gift: Pass along the set of photos

to your loved one.

today!today!today!

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 29

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 26-29 RH2.indd 29 8/9/11 11:51 AM

FREEADMISSION

BRINGA FRIEND!

Joyce is visiting Asia in January and

will be sharing fresh, new messages

in three amazing cities! Don’t miss this

chance to soak in God’s presence—

and experience the power of putting

His Word to work in your life!

Joyce Meyer

Conference

TOUR

20

12

UPCOMING CONFERENCES

See the complete schedule featuring meeting

times and locations at joycemeyer.org/asiatour.

Schedule is subject to change.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka January 21

BANGKOK, Thailand January 22

DELHI, India January 29

PEACE ISN’T JUST A

NICEPLEASANT FEELING

Peace is the power that defeats the enemy in your life! Learn how to control intense emotions so you can make better decisions, be at peace in every circumstance, and begin to expect God to do what you cannot do.

Calm Down & Cheer Up2-CD Series by Joyce Meyer

$14 U.S. Funds

JOYCEMEYER.ORG

OCTOBER 24 – 28 The Fearsome FourThe devil has four distinct weapons he uses to sabotage your progress and derail your destiny: fear, guilt, insecurity and worry. Are any of these four taking a toll on your happiness? Find out how to move beyond worry and insecurity plus get set free from fear and guilt this week! And on Friday, see how your giving is literally saving lives around the world with our Annual Report program.

OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 4 ConfrontationIs there something in your life you know needs to be confronted, but you keep putting it off? This week’s teachings on the topic of confrontation will help you overcome your fears and give you the strength to � nally do it. And Friday’s program will focus on marriage, including Dave and Joyce answering questions on this important topic.

OCTOBER 10 – 14 Why You Do What You DoHave you ever done something and later asked yourself, “Why did I do that?” Find out why traits like impatience and sel� shness cause you to sometimes do the wrong thing and how Christ helps you cultivate the right attitude consistently.

SEPTEMBER 12 – 16 Attitudes of the MindHave you heard the expression, “Attitude is everything?” Joyce has been studying this truth for years. Find out what the Word says about con� dence. Then learn what a “religious attitude” looks like and how to overcome it. Friday, Joyce answers your questions on the topic of attitude.

OCTOBER 17 – 21 A More Disciplined and Self-Controlled You Monday, Dave Meyer shares how being a student of America’s providential history helps make America stronger.** During the rest of the week, Joyce explains how to ful� ll your God-given destiny through self-control and discipline. Perhaps these teachings will provide the breakthrough you need to reach your goals. Here’s your opportunity to get started!

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER 5 – 9 Solutions for Up and Down MoodsDo you struggle to maintain a consistently positive, cooperative and pleasant mood? If so, Joyce provides insights with her teachings throughout this week. Get a better understanding of your feelings and stabilize your moods!

SEPTEMBER 26 – 30 Live with Confi denceJoyce shares how God helps you overcome insecurity and replace it with con� dence. Tuesday and Wednesday, learn how to take the con� dence God provides and run with it to victory in your life! On Thursday and Friday, Andy Stanley gives a fresh take on emotions and how you can overcome those negative feelings (like jealousy) that trip you up.

SEPTEMBER 19 – 23 Saving LivesWe kick off this week with our annual report, showing how your giving helped people throughout the globe in 2010. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Joyce teaches how you can deal with offensive people in godly ways. Then, we close out this week by introducing you to some of our partners as they talk about how partnership has blessed their lives. Hearing their stories will bless you, too!*

See the complete schedule featuring meeting

times and locations at joycemeyer.org/asiatour.January 29

joycemeyer.org/asiatour

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 30

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 30-31_P1.indd 30 8/9/11 12:49 PM

20

12

ºT V BROADCAST SCHEDULE

For stations and program times in your area, check your local TV listing or visit www.joycemeyer.org/tvlistings. Watch the Enjoying Everyday Life broadcast anytime you like at www.joycemeyer.org.

W E E K L Y B R O A D C A S TPrograms air one day a week.

OCTOBER 24 – 28 The Fearsome FourThe devil has four distinct weapons he uses to sabotage your progress and derail your destiny: fear, guilt, insecurity and worry. Are any of these four taking a toll on your happiness? Find out how to move beyond worry and insecurity plus get set free from fear and guilt this week! And on Friday, see how your giving is literally saving lives around the world with our Annual Report program.

OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 4 ConfrontationIs there something in your life you know needs to be confronted, but you keep putting it off? This week’s teachings on the topic of confrontation will help you overcome your fears and give you the strength to � nally do it. And Friday’s program will focus on marriage, including Dave and Joyce answering questions on this important topic.

OCTOBER 10 – 14 Why You Do What You DoHave you ever done something and later asked yourself, “Why did I do that?” Find out why traits like impatience and sel� shness cause you to sometimes do the wrong thing and how Christ helps you cultivate the right attitude consistently.

SEPTEMBER 12 – 16 Attitudes of the MindHave you heard the expression, “Attitude is everything?” Joyce has been studying this truth for years. Find out what the Word says about con� dence. Then learn what a “religious attitude” looks like and how to overcome it. Friday, Joyce answers your questions on the topic of attitude.

OCTOBER 17 – 21 A More Disciplined and Self-Controlled You Monday, Dave Meyer shares how being a student of America’s providential history helps make America stronger.** During the rest of the week, Joyce explains how to ful� ll your God-given destiny through self-control and discipline. Perhaps these teachings will provide the breakthrough you need to reach your goals. Here’s your opportunity to get started!

D A I L Y B R O A D C A S TPrograms air daily, Monday-Friday.

AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 2 Gain Emotional StabilityYou can � nd rest for your soul each day this week. Discover how your mistakes help you grow and also how you can trust God even when you don’t understand what’s going on around you. Includes a teaching on Thursday from John and Stasi Eldredge. And Friday, be encouraged by Nancy Alcorn.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER 3 – 7 Learning How to Enjoy Life It’s okay for you to enjoy your life. Don’t let the devil make you feel guilty about it! All this week you will learn how to purposefully choose a life of joy that leads to more laughter, more fun, and a better Christian witness to those around you. On Friday, Joyce answers viewers’ questions about enjoying life.

OCTOBER

www.joycemeyer.org/podcasts

ENJOY ING EVERYDAY L I FE

PODCASTSwww.joycemeyer.org/podcasts

SEPTEMBER 5 – 9 Solutions for Up and Down MoodsDo you struggle to maintain a consistently positive, cooperative and pleasant mood? If so, Joyce provides insights with her teachings throughout this week. Get a better understanding of your feelings and stabilize your moods!

SEPTEMBER 26 – 30 Live with Confi denceJoyce shares how God helps you overcome insecurity and replace it with con� dence. Tuesday and Wednesday, learn how to take the con� dence God provides and run with it to victory in your life! On Thursday and Friday, Andy Stanley gives a fresh take on emotions and how you can overcome those negative feelings (like jealousy) that trip you up.

SEPTEMBER 19 – 23 Saving LivesWe kick off this week with our annual report, showing how your giving helped people throughout the globe in 2010. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Joyce teaches how you can deal with offensive people in godly ways. Then, we close out this week by introducing you to some of our partners as they talk about how partnership has blessed their lives. Hearing their stories will bless you, too!*

AUGUST 28 – SEPTEMBER 10The Power of LoveJesus demonstrated a life � lled with love for others. He frequently took time to meet other people’s needs. If you follow His example, you will witness the amazing results of walking in love. Find out how becoming a “spy for God” helps you develop a transforming spirit of generosity!

SEPTEMBER 11 – 24How to Defeat TemptationTemptations are guaranteed to come your way. They come in various forms—like jealousy or lust. Are you prepared? The enemy knows where you’re weak—which is why you need the Lord’s help. Find victory with Joyce’s teachings on temptation this week.

SEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 8Are You Going Through Something Di� cult Today?Have you ever asked God why something has happened in your life? We all go through “tests,” yet those who walk closely to Christ are better equipped to handle their tests than those without Christ. Get encouraged these two weeks as Joyce reminds you that your victory is right on the other side of whatever test you face. Included is a look at how forgiveness is one test you de� nitely want to pass!

OCTOBER 9 – 22The Cure for StressJoyce has spent years studying how God’s Word helps people deal with stress. If you feel stressed out and want more peace and happiness, these teachings from Joyce over the next two weeks will help you eliminate mental stressors while increasing your joy! Find peace and happiness now!

OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 5Get Your Day O� to a Good StartDo you habitually put God � rst? Joyce knows from experience how this habit transforms your life. But developing this habit takes practice. These teachings are for you if you desire to get closer to God through His Word and are looking for some positive change in your life.

* TBN will receive alternate programming.** Countries outside the U.S. will receive alternate programming. Schedules are subject to change.

SEPT/OCT 11 Page 31

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

FOREIGNEEL 0911 30-31_P1.indd 31 8/9/11 12:50 PM

Mag

enta

Yello

wC

YAN

BLA

CK

I’ve discovered it’s so much more peaceful to live by the truth and not by what I’m feeling at the

moment. Feelings aren’t always bad (she’s right, they’re not),

but if I don’t keep them in line, I could be such a mess (she’s doing a pretty good job.)

Feelings will come and go. You will always have them. You might even be tempted to make a wrong decision based on them. But you don’t have to let them defi ne you, or let them determine the course of your day. Learn to live beyond your feelings and make decisions based on God’s Word instead.

NEW BOOK

BY JOYCE!

Now Available

$18 $23 U.S. Funds

Also available wherever books are sold.

352-PAGE HARDCOVER by Joyce Meyer

20%OFF

joycemeyer.org/feelings

Read a sample chapter now by using a QR reader on your smartphone.

generated at BeQRious.com

I’ll choose peace every time!

Sept/Oct 11 Foreign BC1

Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.P. O. Box 655Fenton, MO 63026joycemeyer.org

EEL 0911 36 LBYF Ad REV1 P1.indd 32 8/10/11 11:12 AM