Anybody who knows anything about Joyce Meyer is aware of the fact that she doesn’t hold back. She is all about speaking the truth, in love, and regularly shares openly about her personal issues and struggles. In the introduction of her latest book, POWER THOUGHTS DEVOTIONAL, Meyer talks about the greatest challenge she has had to overcome in her own life: negativity. In fact, she says she has probably never written a book that did not include at least something about the power of words and the power of the mind, and she probably never will.

"Read an entry first thing in the morning and chew on the small nuggets of truth throughout the day. Keep a copy in your car for those moments when you need a dose of encouragement, a boost of courage, or a surge of inspiration."

POWER THOUGHTS DEVOTIONAL is a compilation of 365 daily inspirations for winning the battle of the mind, and follows a similar format as previous devotionals she’s written, such as BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND DEVOTIONAL, LOVE OUT LOUD and TRUSTING GOD DAY BY DAY. This new collection is organized by date, from January 1st through December 31st, and each daily entry includes a scripture, a brief meditation, and a final Power Thought. For instance, the selection for January 19th starts with Acts 24:16: “Therefore I always exercise and discipline myself (mortifying my body, deadening my carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects) to have a clear (unshaken, blameless) conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men.” Meyer goes on to give a two-paragraph encouraging pep talk of sorts and ends with this Power Thought: “Disciplining my mind now will reap the results I want in the future.”

Other entries include titles like “I Can’t Help It!” “When Fear Comes,” “You Have Not Passed This Way Before,” “We Don’t Have to Pay for Our Mistakes,” “Joy in Suffering,” “The Temptation to Quit” and “What Does God Say About Your Past?” There are lots of different topics within the overall theme of taking control of the way we think and what we choose to focus on.

As with all of her books, this one combines a wonderful mixture of clarity, honesty and openness. Perhaps if anything is lacking, it is the humor Meyer often incorporates into her messages, but there is a touch of that here and there as well. But, as always, her wisdom from years of studying and teaching God’s word refreshes, uplifts and motivates readers to strive for a more positive thought life. But Meyer is much more than a “feel good” preacher. Her sermonettes are bathed in the sometimes hard-to-hear truths that, when applied to our lives, motivate us to change.

POWER THOUGHTS DEVOTIONAL is a book to keep on your nightstand. Read an entry first thing in the morning and chew on the small nuggets of truth throughout the day. Keep a copy in your car for those moments when you need a dose of encouragement, a boost of courage, or a surge of inspiration.

Some might say Meyer’s devotionals all sound the same. While it’s true that many of the same basic principles are presented in all of her books, she never fails to spin each one in a unique way that causes that “aha” moment. And really, can we ever hear these things enough? Aligning our thoughts with God’s thoughts is a lifelong process, and Meyer is clearly passionate about teaching us just how to find victory on the battlefield of our minds.