Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily DevotionalSample

Forgiveness: The Key to Keeping the Devil Out of Your Life Forgiveness helps us because it releases God to do His work in us. I'm happier and feel better physically when I'm not filled with the poison of unforgiveness. Serious diseases can develop as a result of the stress and pressure that bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness put on a person. The Father can't forgive our sins if we don't forgive other people. We reap what we sow. Sow mercy, and you'll reap mercy; sow judgment, and you'll reap judgment. You need to forgive, by the grace of God in your life, to leave the door of your heart open to the Lord. Unforgiveness gives the devil a foothold, which he needs to create a stronghold. When he has a stronghold, he can block the influence of the Holy Spirit. But whether or not he has the power to do that in your life is entirely up to you. When you forgive, it keeps the enemy from getting an advantage over you and keeps your fellowship with God flowing freely. So do yourself a favor, and be quick to forgive. Prayer Starter: God, I don't want to give Satan a foothold or a stronghold in my life. I don't want anything to hinder or get in the way of my fellowship with You. I release my unforgiveness so that I can fellowship freely with You.