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Seize the Day: Living on Purpose and Making Every Day Count

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer shares a purposeful approach to everyday living, helping readers claim the good things God has in store for them each day.

Today is no ordinary day. You may perform simple routines, feel uninspired, or lack the excitement of hope. But today could be the most important one of your life -- depending on how you choose to spend it.
Joyce Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author, encourages you not to waste another minute. There is something special, valuable waiting for you to discover in each day. And when you spend time with God daily, asking Him to help you find it, you'll unlock the wonderful purpose He has in store for you. When you commit to letting God direct you, instead of resting passively in your own disappointments, you'll be open to receive greater happiness and blessings than you ever thought possible.

All you need is the right encouragement. With over four decades of experience helping others find fulfillment, Joyce shares key biblical insights and personal stories that will help you make the most of this moment and SEIZE THE DAY!

336 pages, Hardcover

Published September 13, 2016

241 people are currently reading
1391 people want to read

About the author

Joyce Meyer

1,587 books3,842 followers
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, Joyce’s books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, Joyce teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.

Joyce’s programs, Enjoying Everyday Life and Everyday Answers with Joyce Meyer, can be seen around the world through television, radio, and the Internet. Joyce has authored more than 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages and over 65 million of her books have been distributed worldwide. She teaches in cities across America as well as internationally. Joyce Meyer Ministries has offices in nine countries.

Joyce’s passion to help hurting people is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Hand of Hope provides worldwide humanitarian outreaches such as feeding programs, medical care, orphanages, disaster response, human trafficking intervention and rehabilitation, and much more – always sharing the love and Gospel of Christ.

Her latest book, LIVING A LIFE YOU LOVE, releases Spring 2018.

Hachette Book Group has sold over 30 million copies of Joyce Meyer's books.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Donna.
4,512 reviews156 followers
June 5, 2018
I discovered this author by accident last summer. I've enjoyed her books because of the positive messages and the supportive scriptures given. This book was probably 3.5 stars for me. She had quite a bit of repetition. I'm not sure how many times she mentioned she was abused by her dad, but it was a lot and she often prefaced the different stories with the exact same wording of that fact. But overall, this was uplifting and encouraging. Her books serve as great reminders of what we should be doing and I always need that.
Profile Image for Kathleen (Kat) Smith.
1,613 reviews91 followers
September 8, 2016
"I'm sorry I would have called or visited sooner, but I've been so busy!"

Face it, we have either heard this statement or used it ourselves. Yet when you really think about it can you honestly remember what you were doing that occupied so much of your time and kept you busy? We all start off each day with that proverbial "To Do List" and then deviate off of it at some point because we get to busy. But busy doing what? Tackling things that really don't add much to our day? Perhaps its sitting down for a moment to watch TV while you grab a quick bite to eat, and then sit back and before you know it a few hours have passed. Or you were going to clean and organize your house today, and then something popped up and we never get to it. Then that phrase about being busy once again passes our lips.

We know that our time is a priceless and precious commodity and one we are only given so much of, so where are we wasting it? For believers, our life here is to be used in large part to prepare for our heavenly eternal home. We can use our time wisely by putting it into the will of God. We should never behave as if time is a commodity that continues to multiply in our lives. It is, in fact, just the opposite. Every moment we use is one that we never get back again, so using it wisely is important. Many people put off being in right relationship with God until another time. Usually it is because they want to do thing they know God wouldn't approve of. so they think they will choose their own time. But what if they run out of time? How much of our time are we wasting living selfishly instead of loving and serving others and trusting God to take care of us?

"In his book, Making Today Count for Eternity, author Kent Crockett asks the reader to imagine a World War II soldier, wounded while selflessly rescuing his fellow servicemen. When he returned to the States, he was given the Medal of honor for his patriotic service. What was it that motivated him to put his life in jeopardy? When his life was at stake in battle, he wasn't thinking, I'm going to risk my life so I can receive a shiny medal. The reward was simply the nation's way of showing appreciation for his heroic actions. He risked his life to rescue his friends and defend his country. In much the same way, we don't serve God for a reward. We serve Him because we love Him and we love those around us." (pg 30).

When talking about seizing the day and living life ' on purpose,' it is important to live with an eternal mind-set. If our actions, our attitudes, and our ambitions are carried out with an eternal mind-set rather than a temporal one, we are certain to accomplish bigger and better things for God and the growth of His Kingdom. "Using the time you have left on this earth, then it begins with a decision to seize the day every day and be an individual who lives life "on purpose" for a purpose. Every moment of our lives does not have to be regimented and fit into a plan, but, on the hand, if a good portion of our time isn't put into something with purpose and meaning, it will be wasted." (pg 38).

I received Seize the Day by Joyce Meyer compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside for a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and fair opinion. This latest book by Joyce Meyers helps readers understand how to prioritize their days in order to accomplish all they can not only for themselves but in giving God glory and honor. Too often it comes at the end of our lives where we look back with regrets on all the things we didn't accomplish in our life and wish we had more time, or that we had done it differently. Joyce encourages readers to "Seize the Day" and begin to make those changes today so when we get to the end, we don't have the regrets so many others do and we can enter into the heavenly gates hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I would easily give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for David Roiel.
Author 4 books1 follower
January 10, 2017
Do you feel like life is passing by you? As if you are trapped in a routine? A victim of your consequences, perhaps? Helpless under an unbreakable glass ceiling?

In Seize the Day Joyce Meyer offers a compelling roadmap out of the quagmire of blah. I have to admit, I've just started seriously taking a look at some of Joyce's works out there and I believe this woman is spiritual mother of faith to many.

This is a book about taking your life back for God. If you're stuck somewhere figurative, imaginative, in your mind, real or fake, I really recommend reading this. It is very encouraging for these reasons:

1) Joyce has been there

She knows exactly what it's like to feel helpless, hopeless, and doomed to a life of victimization and passivity. She grew up in a very abusive household and her story of how Jesus rescued her is full of penetrating truths on how we can rise above our problems and experience God's victory. She knows what she's talking about!

2) She offers Biblical but very, very practical advice

Her counsel is not only powerfully based on Biblical principles and Scriptures, but it is practical. Reading her book, I really felt like it was my grandmother telling met to get my act together! I appreciate that.

3) She does it all in Grace

It's not easy to say the things she says in this book with Grace. Instilling in readers a sense of condemnation is almost inevitable when you are telling them to wake up. I said... 'almost inevitable'. Joyce understands this and gently affirms God's grace in our lives so you are not left feeling miserable and guilty. Very important!

4) Joyce is not another self-help guru

Yes, practical advice is practical but she if very clear - real change in our lives only happens as we let the Holy Spirit transform us and our minds.

If you look at Joyce Meyer's life, you really see a woman seizing the day. That's someone I'd like to learn more from especially if I want to seize my days for the Lord and make my life better too.

Bottom line: Seize, Seize the Day.

(I received a free copy of this from FaithWords to write an optional review... how could I not!)
Profile Image for Jess.
695 reviews19 followers
November 25, 2019
Feeling unmotivated, this is the book to help
I did remove a star because there is alot of talking down about computers and technology but other than that this is a really good motivation guide. Bonus points on all the scriptures I used to defend myself from someone who is deeply Calvinist. This book is on the opposite spectrum.
Profile Image for Tanya.
428 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2020
Excellent book! Highly recommend.

Great points in this book to help you live on purpose for a purpose.
Profile Image for Cheyanne Kowal.
36 reviews
July 11, 2025
Someone recommended this book to me and I thought it was good. I've heard some different opinions about this author so I was cautious when I read it. it's been a while since I read it.
436 reviews27 followers
October 26, 2017
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for a fair review.
An impressive speaker and a remarkable person who supports so many worthwhile charities, Joyce Meyer does a good job of coming up with lessons applicable to everyday life such as forgiveness, time-management, prioritizing, fulfilling one’s life purpose, and more, but the book tells you what to do without describing how to it. (The author says at the beginning of the book that if you want to learn how, there are books for that but this is not one of them.) Since the tone of the book is advice-giving and lecturing, reading a couple of chapters a day seems to be the best way to read it instead of in one sitting. Because she is not a Bible scholar, her reporting of what is in or not in Bible and her interpretation can be open to discussion, but her lessons and suggestions are practical and applicable to day to day living. If you take Bible literally, you will enjoy this book, and if you don’t, some parts of the book like the end where the word “secular” and “reasoning” are considered being less than desirable, and the scientific knowledge and believing in God exclude each other.
Profile Image for Akom Don Emma.
2 reviews
August 6, 2023
I read somewhere that sometimes it's not you who choose the book, but the book that chooses you, and that very well can be said in my encounter with ‘Seize the Day' by Joyce Meyer. I found this book precisely when I needed it the most. The book biblically provides answers to many significant problems that we face in our lives: the hassles in time management, the confusions that we meet in our walk with Christ, understanding the vitality of ‘free choices’, the battle with our cacophonous thoughts, and also ample ways to harness the gift that God has instilled in us. Joyce’s writing is precise, right to the point, and seamless for the early readers. Every word in the book felt like advice from a wise elder sister or mother. Well, her sermons have been my best companion in the embryonic phase of my Christian life.
I read the book in the morning hours, right after my quiet time, and it worked like a kick of espresso in my soul. Instead of just hitting it at one sitting, though I was tempted to do so myself, I would highly suggest the readers take their sweet time—pause, understand, and introspect after they've done with each chapter.
Profile Image for jess ~has abandoned GR~.
556 reviews117 followers
July 14, 2017
While this is certainly full of helpful tips and encouragement on being more efficient with one's time, overall, it feels a bit thin and repetitive. There are only so many ways to remind someone to go to bed early, wake up early, prioritize important things, and wisely schedule the day. It would have been a much stronger article, rather than stretching into a book.

I recommend reading the study guide instead, which contains all the helpful information and space for self-reflection.

received via Netgalley for review purposes
Profile Image for Meichunyu.
21 reviews
July 10, 2017
God has been personally talking to me through this book. It encourages me to use my free will to choose doing God's will, knowing that God will help me with every thing He intends me to do. Many valuable lessons taught in this book, to name a few:
1. Refusing to rest (sleep) when it is the time to do so is a sign of immaturity. What a profound fact! I literally can sleep more on time now! Hallelujah!
2. Living by faith requires us to take a step without always knowing positively what will happen. I was challenged by God to do certain things that might not seem to have any immediate benefits but I did it anyway because I believe it is impossible to please God without faith.
3. I reap what I sow. If I sow good seeds of not interrupting others I can reap a harvest of not being interrupted so often myself. In fact, because I have been purposefully training myself to do this, I seldom get interrupted now! Thank God!
Profile Image for Christy.
31 reviews
October 31, 2024
Once I got into the rhythm of reading this, I enjoyed the overall perspective and key thinking points shared. One thing I did notice more and more was her use of “I think” and “in my opinion” very regularly. Not that it’s wrong to infer or share thoughts and opinions, but as a reader to pause and consider, and give permission to yourself to think differently.

I’ll continue to soak in Joyce’s perspectives in other books she’s authored. I much prefer reading her content to watching it. However, I do wish she would use a different Bible translation, as the AMPC is quite broken and scattered when trying to glean full comprehension. I suppose that’s her encouraging the reader to expand knowledge by seeking additional sources for complete understanding.
Profile Image for XUE.
79 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2024
Joyce Meyer的书应该算是我的灵粮快餐。心绪烦乱又无法读大部头书籍时吃点她写的当snack也可以短暂提到警醒和缓解平复心绪功能。不过有时间还是要读更深层的书。她的书属于通俗易懂老少皆宜的畅销读物,不是硬核探讨。

"Stay Focused. You will need to keep the goal in front of you. Especially during those foggy times, you are tired and your journey seems long."

"Being a good steward of what God gives us. If our resource is time, money, energy or talent, we are taught to use it wisely. We can invest it in order to reap the harvest for God. If we don’t use it, we are in danger of losing it. When we use what we have wisely, it always produces more. But if we do nothing in laziness or fear, we lose what we have."
Profile Image for Marielly Alvarez.
32 reviews
June 12, 2025
Love this

I was led to read this book because I was desperate to find order not only in my thoughts (mind), but also in my day to day. I needed to learn how to seize my day when I didn't know where to begin, when everything was overwhelming to me. But God is so good that He heard my prayers and led me to this book. Everything I've been praying for, He confirmed it through this book (even the words I used in my prayers were found exactly here). He has directed me to read Joyce Meyer's book for years to find the answers to my prayers. I recommend this book if you want to learn how to "redeem your time."
391 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2025
Seize the Day: Living on Purpose and Making Every Day Count by Joyce Meyer is now my favorite book by this author. The book discusses how to change your life from just letting things happen to making things happen. She ties in the Bible verses that encourage and support this approach to living. I think it is because of where I am in life that this book hit home so strongly. Joyce tasks the reader with having a plan and asking God to guide you through it daily to follow the path that God wants us to follow. I know I will re-read this book again to keep my focus!
Profile Image for daniela.
10 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2022
This is the perfect book to pick up first in the morning. Its motivational theme is abundant and flourishes through the mind of the reader. Joyce Meyer teaches to seize the day and purposefully live life according to God's Will. At times it was a bit repetitive but overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and my mentality towards life has certainly changed for the better. God Bless Joyce Meyer
Profile Image for Jackie Hamre.
9 reviews
August 16, 2025
If you’ve heard any of Joyce’s sermons than you’ve read this book. It reads exactly how she speaks. It’s motivating with good points for someone who really needs some direction and parenting. It was ok - not great. I think bringing in more outside resources to help bolster her good opinions would have made the book more complete.
Profile Image for Shelly Mendenhall.
75 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2017
The absolute best book on learning to make God a priority and then allowing Him to lead you into what's the priorities He would have you fulfill in your life to be productive as well as to advance the kingdom.
Profile Image for Katie Jones.
163 reviews
March 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with a lot of biblical motivation for taking responsibility for your own life and trusting God with it. Definitely give this book a reed if you need some motivation to do something great with the life God has blessed you with!!
Profile Image for Terri Borkgren.
767 reviews6 followers
July 29, 2021
Another great book by Joyce Meyer. My two sisters and I have been followers of Joyce for many years, and were truly blest when we attended her Women Conferences in St. Louis. Read, and enjoy this book, you will be blest too.
1 review
January 27, 2022
Very Informative Book

I love how Joyce Meyer breaks down the verses for the reader to have a clear understanding. She gives such great messages. This is definitely a book that will have you hooked on finishing it.
Profile Image for Deb Pionek.
6 reviews
June 7, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. Each chapter presents different topics on how to live on purpose and make every day count. The book has practical ideas. I was encouraged to reflect upon my daily living and choose to change my negative thoughts to positive ones.
Profile Image for Liz.
141 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2017
Very challenging but also highly inspiring! Going on my must own list
Profile Image for Kim Tyler.
9 reviews
January 13, 2018
Perfect timing

A great way to start the new year. I would encourage anyone to read this book for a fresh start.
Profile Image for David.
113 reviews
August 16, 2018
I have read many Joyce Meyer’s books over the years and they never disappoint me! This one was again both very inspiring, practical and informative. I would recommend this book to anyone
Profile Image for A.
238 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2019
I lover her books so much. Her writing quietens my busy mind. Brings me peace.
10 reviews
November 6, 2019
I love Joyce and she has helped me through some difficult times of my life.
Profile Image for Natasha MacQuarrie.
44 reviews
March 26, 2020
A great book to give you practice tips on how to live your best life for God. Easy to understand with plenty of Bible references. Any of Joyce’s book are great choices for Christian living.
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