Words are powerful. With one word, God can change our lives and we can help change the course of someone’s day. Within one word, we can find encouragement and hope!

Proverbs 25:11 says, A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

This verse is the inspiration behind my devotional, Wake Up to the Word. My hope is that it takes you deeper into God’s Word, providing true and pleasant thoughts for you to meditate on during your own devotional time.

Each day focuses on a single word and its definition, sharing a relevant Bible verse and some Bible-based encouragement. Here’s a little look inside to help you think in terms of and in full agreement with God’s Word.

Mercy: That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart that disposes a person to overlook injuries or to treat an offender better than he deserves.

No matter how hard we try to do what is right, we are always going to have some flaws. But in our flaws, God demonstrates His amazing mercy in our lives. And every time we experience the mercy of God, we are drawn closer to Him.

Don’t keep score of your mistakes any longer. If God isn’t counting, why are you? The score doesn’t matter, because whatever you do right, God gets the glory for it—and whatever you do wrong, only God can fix it. So whether you do right or wrong, you are in Christ and you belong to Him.

Simply love Him the best you can and trust Him to take care of all things. Be happy in God’s love and acceptance, enjoy His mercy and forgiveness, grow in His grace, and be delighted in His favor.

It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. — Lamentations 3:22

Stretched: Extended; exerted to the utmost

When you follow God into something new in your life, you may feel stretched.

Perhaps you receive a job promotion, and you know you don’t have all the natural skills and knowledge you need to do the new job well. Then you become worried because you think you’re in over your head, but it’s not bigger than God. If He leads you into it, He will help you fulfill the responsibilities that go with it. God’s power and presence enable us to do things we can’t do on our own.

It’s important to remember God is on your side as you go into new situations, because fear and doubt will always be lying in wait to try to keep you from following Him. Don’t let those things hold you back. Remember that God is with you and He’s bigger than any problem you may face. Don’t be afraid to stretch your faith because it will give you greater capacity to fulfill your God-given potential.

For we walk by faith...not by sight or appearance. — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Stability: Steadiness; stableness; firmness; strength to stand without being moved or overthrown

I think one of the greatest things we can do for people is to be an example of stability to them. We need to be steadfast, consistent, and stable in our lives and behavior.

The world today is such an emotionally charged place, it seems ready to explode at any moment, but that is not God’s will for His people.

Jesus said we are in the world, but not of it (see John 17:16). In other words, as believers in Jesus Christ we live in the world, but we should resist acting like it. We cannot respond the way the world responds to life’s situations.

Jesus is our peace; He is the supreme example of stability, and though Him we can enjoy lives of stability, while at the same time being a good example to others.

And there shall be stability in your times, an abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the reverent fear and worship of the Lord is your treasure and His. — Isaiah 33:6

For more on this topic, order Joyce’s four-CD series The Holy Spirit. You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 727-9673 or visiting www.joycemeyer.org.

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored nearly 100 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and The Mind Connection (Hachette). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit www.joycemeyer.org.

Please note: The views and opinions expressed throughout this publication and/or website are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

Joyce Myers is pleased to give permission to use this material for the Pinellas Christian Business Directory.