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Joyce Meyer, Feb 2024, Phoenix, AZ

(paraphrasing) "'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' No matter. Let your light shine. Get out there and be a Christian. So you wear God on your apparel when you go out? Then be a worthy ambassador of the kingdom."

On Spiritual Immaturity

• “Yes, that’s a reasonable explanation of why you are the way you are. But it is not an excuse to stay that way.”
• "You can’t expect everyone to pay you back for the pain given you in your past. Man cannot pay you back."
• God says, “You ask for more? Why should I give you more? You’re complaining about what you’ve already got.”
• “If you have a lousy life, it’s your fault. I hope you’re mature enough to hear that.”

On Spiritual Maturing

• Patience is not just waiting, but how we act while waiting
• Doing what’s right when it FEELS hurtful, that’s your flesh dying off—spiritual growth. Obey God when it’s hard.
• The cross we are to bear is to live an unselfish life
• Forgiveness is not a feeling. It’s a choice. You must forgive those who have hurt you. “This is in every message I deliver now, because there are too many angry Christians. They’ve given away their power.” Turn them over to God.
• Gain a “reverential fear of God," something sorely lacking in Western civilization today. Yes, you are loved by God, but the other side of that coin is knowing the all-powerful sovereignty of God and respecting your humble estate.

On Spiritual Maturity

• You meditate on God’s law, not your problems.
• You give problems to God. You don’t ruminate on them.
• You cast your cares on God—an act of humility. You know you aren't strong enough to solve them yourself.
• You choose God’s way, and then you are patient. You don’t impatiently choose your own way.
• Your gratitude to God [thanksgiving] outweighs your petitions to God [prayer].
• You begin to think the way God wants you to think—a path toward knowing the will of God.
• You don't "chase stuff." You don't have to. Because you're doing what God wants you to do, "stuff chases you."
• When trials come, and they always will, you pray “God, help me do this right.”
• When tribulation comes, and here will be plenty, you're joyful in the midst of it. All scripture supports this being a hallmark of spiritual maturity.
• You continually check your negative thoughts. You understand that the tendency toward pessimism will never leave you in this life. You know that your mind must be continually renewed by spirit.
• You say, “I work for God." You know that God uses people. You let him use you.