I received a copy of Joyce Meyer : a life of redemption and destiny by Richard Young (Whitaker House, 2009) as a Christmas present. Having heard a number of Joyce Meyer messages, I was already familiar with Joyce’s background as she often uses stories from her own life to illustrate her points. However it was interesting to read her life story chronologically and from a third party perspective.
Joyce’s transformation from a single mother to Bible teacher is remarkable whatever you may think of her theology. Her background gives no clue that she would become such a popular speaker and it is her honesty about these struggles that seems to attract people to her ministry.
One part of her ministry I was less familiar with was Hand of Hope. This is a ministry to the poor and needy all over the world. The statistics are impressive with 82% of the income from Joyce Meyer Ministries being used to help others.
Towards the end of the book Richard Young gives an account of the newspaper reports which aimed to discredit her ministry by focusing on her lifestyle. Being a prominent Christian figure it is natural she is going to attract criticism and Young does a good job of writing a balanced view. Finally he discusses the amazing reconciliation that took place between Joyce and the father who abused her so much as a child.
Overall it is a remarkable account on what God can do with a life committed to him.
I'm going to have to read that book.
I'm going to have to read that book.
Yes….I am blessed to have been on this journey….Hand Of Hope….with Joyce!
Really amazing just what they have been able to do.
Yes….I am blessed to have been on this journey….Hand Of Hope….with Joyce!
Really amazing just what they have been able to do.
personally i have a problem with all the prosperity theology preachers, or which joyce is one,
though she fervently denies it.
this week i heard her say on tv that ''Jesus said he wants us to enjoy our money''. once someone misquotes the bible like that they have lost me. all the prosperity theology teachers are constantly misquoting the bible and using many verses to sound like God was talking about money. If you want to really know how Jesus felt about the riches of this world all you have to do is read His words. He had nothing good to say about them. does this mean theres something wrong if we are rich? no. but these preachers think its perfectly fine to spend your life pursuing riches as long as you have the right ''intentions and focus'' and whatever other buzz words they want to use. these are the endtimes folks wake up. forget about socking it away for your retirement. there isn't going to be one on this earth.
personally i have a problem with all the prosperity theology preachers, or which joyce is one,
though she fervently denies it.
this week i heard her say on tv that ''Jesus said he wants us to enjoy our money''. once someone misquotes the bible like that they have lost me. all the prosperity theology teachers are constantly misquoting the bible and using many verses to sound like God was talking about money. If you want to really know how Jesus felt about the riches of this world all you have to do is read His words. He had nothing good to say about them. does this mean theres something wrong if we are rich? no. but these preachers think its perfectly fine to spend your life pursuing riches as long as you have the right ''intentions and focus'' and whatever other buzz words they want to use. these are the endtimes folks wake up. forget about socking it away for your retirement. there isn't going to be one on this earth.
I've read a few of Joyce's books and listened to some DVDs from her conferences. Most of what I hear her preaching is about having healthy relationships, getting strife out of your life, maintaining a good attitude towards others, holding onto peace. Sometimes Joyce says things that I don't agree with either but I just let it go. No one has a perfect handle on everything in God's Word.
Recently I heard her criticized for taking a private jet to a speaking appointment in a remote place. However she is 66 years old and probably didn't want to sleep on the floor. At 66 she is working more hours a week than most.
Certainly Joyce isn't everybody's cup of tea, but that's ok. I hope Joseph, you find others that you enjoy listening to or reading.
I've read a few of Joyce's books and listened to some DVDs from her conferences. Most of what I hear her preaching is about having healthy relationships, getting strife out of your life, maintaining a good attitude towards others, holding onto peace. Sometimes Joyce says things that I don't agree with either but I just let it go. No one has a perfect handle on everything in God's Word.
Recently I heard her criticized for taking a private jet to a speaking appointment in a remote place. However she is 66 years old and probably didn't want to sleep on the floor. At 66 she is working more hours a week than most.
Certainly Joyce isn't everybody's cup of tea, but that's ok. I hope Joseph, you find others that you enjoy listening to or reading.