2019-06-02
Genesis 1:27 NLT
Why do we celebrate the birth of our children? Because like God, we helped to create something. The famous American football coach Vince Lombardi said, “The joy is in creating, not maintaining.” It’s a mistake to believe that God is only interested in “spiritual things” and not “secular” things. Yes, you must grow spiritually. But you must also use the gifts He’s given you to fulfill His purpose here on the earth, and to bless others. You don’t have to be rich or have a high IQ in order to be creative. You could be a creative hairstylist, or come up with a new recipe, or create a job opportunity for prisoners by which they rebuild their lives. That’s not just secular, that’s spiritual! You’ll notice that the cross has two posts: vertical and horizontal. The vertical post represents your relationship with God, what He wants to do for you and what He wants you to do for Him. The horizontal post represents what He’s called us to do for each other. You say, “But I’m not very creative.” Once you discover your God-given gift, it will release your creativity. Paul writes, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6 NKJV). Stop putting yourself down just because you are not as creative as you’d like to be. Creative thinking isn’t necessarily original thinking. In fact, people mythologize original thought. Most often, creative thinking is a composite of other people’s thoughts discovered along the way. So the word for you today is: Be creative.
Soul food: Exo 20:16; Deut 19:15-20; Rev 21:8
2019-06-01
Filippense 4:5 NLV
Om ‘n gebalanseerde lewe te lei, moet jy volgens hierdie twee Skrifgedeeltes lewe: 1) ‘Gee al julle bekommernisse aan God oor, want Hy gee vir julle om’ (1 Petrus 5:7 NLV). 2) ‘Wees versigtig! Pas op vir die duiwel se aanvalle. Hy is julle groot vyand. Hy loop rond soos ‘n brullende leeu, op soek na iemand om te verslind’ (vers 8 NLV). Wanneer jy hierdie twee dinge nie doen nie, maak jy die deur vir Satan oop om jou aan te val. Te veel van enige ding, selfs ‘n goeie ding, is ‘n probleem. Werk, byvoorbeeld, is goed. Te veel daarvan kan egter stres veroorsaak, wat tot siekte, wrokkigheid, depressie en die verbreking van verhoudings kan lei. Kos is goed. Te veel daarvan kan egter tot ernstige gesondheidsprobleme lei. Dis goed om georganiseerd te wees. As jy egter ‘n perfeksionis word, kan jy jouself en almal rondom jou mal maak. Enige area in jou lewe wat uit balans is, sal die vreugde wat God wil hê jy moet ervaar, van jou steel. Om ‘n gebalanseerde lewe te onderhou is een van die grootste uitdagings waarvoor jy te staan gaan kom. Moenie tot die uiterstes gaan nie. Pastoor, blink uit in jou bediening, maar moenie jou familie verwaarloos nie. Ouer, moenie net vir jou familie sorg nie, maar geniet ook die familie vir wie jy hard werk. Probeer om altyd op jou beste te lyk, maar moenie obsessief oor jou voorkoms raak nie, omdat dit nie ‘n ware maatstaf van jou waarde is nie. Kyk na jou lewe en vra: ‘In watter areas is ek uit balans?’ Vra God dan om jou te help om weer balans te kry.
Sielskos: Op 15-18; Mark 11:1-11; Ps 124; Spr 12:26
Philippians 4:5 KJV
To have a balanced life you must live by these two Scriptures: (1) “God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to Him” (1 Peter 5:7 CEV). (2) “Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack” (v. 8 CEV). When you fail to do either of these two things, you’ve opened the door for Satan to attack you. Too much of anything, even a good thing, is a problem. For example, work is good. But too much of it causes stress, which can result in sickness, resentment, depression, and the breakdown of your relationships. Food is good. But too much of it can lead to serious health problems. It’s good to be organized. But if you become a perfectionist you can drive yourself and everyone around you crazy. Any area of your life that gets out of balance will rob you of the joy God wants you to have. Maintaining a life of balance is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face. “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” If you’re a highly driven personality, note the word “moderation.” It means “Don’t go to extremes.” Pastor, excel in your ministry but don’t neglect your family. Parent, don’t just make a living, enjoy the people you’re making it for. Always try to look your personal best, but don’t be obsessed with your looks because they’re not the true measure of your worth as a person. Take a look at your life and ask, “In what areas am I out of balance?” Then ask God to help you get back into balance.
Soul food: Rev 15-18; Mark 11:1-11; Ps 124; Prov 12:26
