2024-08-22
2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV
Walking in spiritual victory calls for understanding Satan’s “schemes.” Here are some points at which you’re particularly vulnerable: when you feel up, when you feel down, when you’re alone, when you’re exhausted, and when you have experienced loss. There is no such thing as fair play with the devil. If you give him an inch, he will take a mile. If you give him an entry point into your life, he will use it against you. Notice the two occasions on which Satan attacked Jesus.
First, at His birth. Herod put out an order to kill every Jewish boy under the age of two. That’s why as a new believer, you must develop the daily habits of prayer, Bible reading, and fellowshipping with those who can strengthen you in your walk with God.
Second, on the threshold of His ministry. For forty days, Jesus did battle with Satan in the wilderness. Why did the struggle last so long? It was over His future. “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him…Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region” (Luke 4:13-14 NKJV).
Attack is a sign of respect; it means Satan has discerned your potential. And the level of his attack is an indication of the level of blessing God has in store for you on the other side of it. So instead of being discouraged about the battle, see it as a sign from God that your best days are ahead of you.
Soul food: 2 Chr 12-15; Luke 15:11-32; Ps 119:97-104; Prov 21:24-27
2024-08-21
Proverbs 4:7 NKJV
A pastor shares this: “The process of growing with the help of a mentor usually follows this pattern: It begins with awareness. You realize that you need help and that following yourself is not a viable option for effective personal growth. When a person comes to such a realization, one of two things can happen. The first is that the person’s pride swells up, and he cannot bring himself to ask another person for advice… The other reaction to awareness is to humble yourself and say, ‘I need your help.’
That decision not only leads to greater knowledge, but it also often develops maturity in you. It also reinforces that people need one another – not just when they’re young and starting out, but their entire lives… The mentors you take advice from help to shape you. If you spend your time with people who subtract from you, who belittle you or undervalue you, then every step forward that you attempt to take will be difficult. But if you find wise leaders, good role models, and positive friends, you will find that they speed you on your journey.
No matter who you are, what you have accomplished, how low or how high your life has taken you, you can benefit from having a mentor. If you’ve never had one, you have no idea how much it can improve your life. If you have had mentors, then you already know – and you should start passing it on by becoming a mentor to others. Because you know that it’s hard to improve when you have no one but yourself to follow.” So, “get wisdom,” and share it with those who need it.
Soul food: 2 Chr 8-11; Luke 15:1-10; Ps 119:89-96; Prov 21:20-23
2024-08-20
Proverbs 9:9 NIV
The further you go in the pursuit of your potential, the more new ground you will have to break. This is where you can benefit from the experience of others. As the Chinese proverb says, “To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.” In picking a mentor, look for two things:
(1) Someone who possesses wisdom. The understanding, experience, and wisdom of mentors help us to solve problems we would have a hard time handling on our own. Wise people often use just a few words to help us learn and develop. They open our eyes to worlds we might not otherwise see. They help us navigate difficult situations. They enable us to see opportunities we would otherwise miss. They make us wiser than our years and experience.
(2) Someone who provides friendship and support. Jesus told those He mentored, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). The first question most followers want to know of a mentor is, “Do you care for me?” The reason for this question is obvious. Who wants to be guided by a person who isn’t interested in them? Selfish people will assist you only insofar as it advances their own agenda. Good mentors provide friendship and support, unselfishly working to help you reach your potential. Knowledge without support is sterile. Advice without friendship feels cold. Candor without care is harsh. But when you are being helped by a person who cares for you, it is emotionally fulfilling. Development comes from both the head and the heart. And only caring people are glad to share both with you.
Soul food: 2 Chr 5-7; Luke 14:25-35; Ps 119:81-88; Prov 21:17-19
2024-08-19
Matthew 5:14 NKJV
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (vv. 14, 16 NKJV). The pastor continues to explain: “If you are a follower of Christ, you should also be light amidst the darkness. Your job is to let Jesus shine in and through you so that those living in the dark will find the light as well. That’s why it’s not enough just to shine.
Light is only useful when it encounters the darkness. The place to shine your light and show your light and and share your light, is not inside the church, but outside the church. Jesus tells us to do what He did: go find dark places and start shining… You don’t have to ask people to look at you when you turn on a light in a dark room. Their heads will turn instinctively.
(1) You play sports, and you begin playing for and with your teammates. You are a light in the darkness.
(2) You live in a neighbourhood filled with unbelievers and begin performing acts of service for others in Jesus’ name. You are a light in the darkness.
(3) You are the conspicuous Christian in your office, displaying virtue in an atmosphere of selfishness.
You are a light in the darkness. Jesus called us to find people in dark places and to move toward those who need Him. As it turns out, escaping from darkness is as easy as turning on the light.” Remember the children’s song: “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” That’s what God has called you to do.
Soul food: 2 Chr 1-4; Luke 14:15-24; Ps 119:73-80; Prov 21:14-16
2024-08-18
John 12:36 NKJV
The pastor continues: “Light is one of the things we often take for granted… We could not live without it. Plants are necessary for the existence of mankind. The entire human species and all animal life are dependent on plants for survival. Plants provide all the essential amino acids and most of the vitamins necessary for health through a light process known as photosynthesis. Plants also produce the oxygen we need to breathe. And plants must have light to grow.
What is true in the physical world is true in the spiritual world. Physical life is impossible without physical light, and spiritual life is impossible without spiritual light… How do you dispel the darkness?… Would you sit down on a couch and feel sorry for yourself? Would you take a broom and try to sweep the darkness away? Would you try to shovel or vacuum the darkness out? There is only one solution to such a quandary; turn on the light.”
That’s what you do when you commit your life to Christ. That’s what you do when you obey His teachings and follow His instructions. That’s what you do when you spend time alone with Him in prayer. That’s what you do when you turn to Him during the dark times in your life. That’s when you discover His promise to be true: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12 NKJV). And not only that, you begin to reflect that light to others: “Believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
Soul food: John 4:4-26; John 7:37-41; Exo 17:1-7; Isa 35:1-7
2024-08-17
John 8:12 NKJV
A pastor writes: “Have you ever heard the term achluophobia? It is the fear of darkness… Being in complete darkness is unnerving. It induces a sense of helplessness. And yet physical darkness is nothing compared to emotional, relational, and spiritual darkness.”
Today you may feel like you’re in a dark place with no way out: “My girlfriend left me for another guy.” Or, “I’m probably headed toward divorce. My husband has been cheating on me.” Or, “I’m depressed and cry for no reason. When will the blues go away?” Or, “I’m wrestling with a terrible illness, and I’m basically a shut-in. I am in a dark place and need help.” If that’s your story, there is help, and there is hope. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
If you’re willing to turn to Him today, you will discover that He can illuminate your path and show you the way out of the darkness you’re in. When you turn on the light, darkness has to leave. And Jesus is the light that removes our spiritual and emotional darkness. Notice that Jesus didn’t say He is a light, or one among many, but instead the light. He didn’t say He is light just for some, but the light of the world. Regardless of whether you live in London, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Toronto, or Timbuktu, Jesus is your answer. If you’re living in darkness, He is inviting you to come to Him and step into the light.
Soul food: 1 Chr 26:20-29:30; Luke 14:1-14; Ps 119:65-72; Prov 21:10-13
