2023-03-05
2 Corinthians 4:8 TLV
We quit because of these: (1) We fear failure. Past hurts and mistakes haunt us, and we think it’s better not to try again than risk failing. Don’t spend your life digging up bones! We all have things in our past we would rather forget. Put them behind you. Paul writes, “Forgetting those things which are behind… [reach] forward to those things which are ahead” (Philippians 3:13 NKJV).
(2) We worry what people will say. “Fear of human opinion disables” (Proverbs 29:25 MSG). How you respond to criticism is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. There will always be people who won’t like or understand you. Get over it!
(3) We listen to the wrong voices. Satan is the Father of Lies, and he will do everything he can to discourage you. Paul says, “Demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,… take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). When a thought comes, examine it. If it’s from God, receive it; if it’s from Satan, “demolish” it.
(4) We lose focus. As believers, we’re to walk by faith, not by sight (See 2 Corinthians 5:7). That means making every decision based on what God says and not what you see with your natural eyes.
(5) We lose touch with other believers. When the apostles got out of jail, they went back to “their own company” (Acts 4:23 KJV). To stay strong, you need fellowship with other Christians. Too many people quit on the verge of success; don’t be one of them. There is only one degree of difference between hot water and steam – so keep going, and don’t even think of quitting!
Soul food: Matt 6:19-34; 1 Kings 8:17-40
2023-03-04
Revelation 3:7 CEV
Here are two more ways to know God’s will for your life: (1) Providential circumstances. When God is leading, the way will open up for you. When He sends you, He goes before you (See John 10:4). His Word says, “When I open a door, no one can close it. And when I close a door, no one can open it.” Who opens the right doors? God. Who closes the wrong doors? God. The right doors lead to blessing, but the wrong doors lead to pain and loss. Plus, nothing but unbelief can keep a door closed once God commands it to open. The only help God needs from you is: “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you” (Exodus 14:13 NAS).
(2) Inner “traffic lights.” The old-timers in the faith would say, “I always watch for the ‘checks’ in my spirit!” You’re a new creature with a new spiritual nature that’s “alive unto God,” equipped to sense God moving within you (See Romans 6:11). And while the counsel of wise and mature Christians can help, the last word must be spoken in your own heart. “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). If your will is surrendered to God, He is at work in you directing your will and behaviors. Believe it, because He declares it! He will give you the “red light” when He wants you to stop, and the “green light” when He wants you to go. Don’t go on red! Don’t stop on green!
Soul food: Exo 19-21; Luke 13:1-17; Ps 77; Prov 6:29
2023-03-03
John 16:13 NKJV
Always do these two things: (1) Recognize God’s Word as the final authority for deciding God’s will (See Isaiah 8:20). The Bible speaks clearly on life’s important issues. Every other source of guidance must agree with it. And you don’t need a theological degree; just let God speak to you through His Word before seeking anybody else’s opinion. For example, to tell a lie is unacceptable because God insists, “You shall not… lie” (Leviticus 19:11 NKJV). Likewise, having an extramarital affair is wrong because the Bible clearly says, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14 NKJV). End of discussion. No other opinion is needed when God’s Word is clear.
But a word of caution: The Bible is a book of principles, not a multiple-choice do-it-yourself manual. Picking isolated Scriptures leads to confusion, not clarity. For instance, “all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21 NKJV) isn’t permission to choose whatever you want! Principles are established as Scripture is supported by Scripture. But what if you search the Bible without finding principles that settle your issue? Consider the following step.
(2) Recognize the inner impressions of the Holy Spirit. How can you know your impressions are from the Holy Spirit? By knowing you have fully submitted your will in the matter to God. Your “impressions” must not contradict other biblical principles. Here is the Holy Spirit’s assignment: “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth… he will show you things to come” (John 16:13 KJV).
Don’t be in a hurry. If it’s from God’s Spirit, it will become stronger and clearer with time and prayer. If not, it will dissipate. So wait prayerfully!
Soul food: Exo 16-18; Luke 12:49-59; Ps 70; Prov 6:26-28
2023-03-02
Philippians 2:13 NIV
Remember the childhood game Pin the Tail on the Donkey? Winning in that game was “a-stab-in-the-dark” process. And for many of God’s children, determining His will and purpose for their lives amounts to a similar method. But it doesn’t have to. Here are some scriptural steps that take the guesswork out of it.
(1) Commit yourself to obeying God’s will. Understanding God’s will is impossible until you commit yourself unreservedly to doing it. Any desire to retain your own will blinds you to His. You don’t need a detailed map; it’s a journey of faith. Be confident that God loves you and wants only the best for you, and that when you submit yourself to Him, “You will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect” (Romans 12:2 NCV).
(2) Listen for the Shepherd’s voice and trust it. Jesus doesn’t leave you alone to figure out His will for your life. He is our Good Shepherd, and His “sheep recognize his voice… He… leads them… and they follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:3-4 NLT). Note the words, “recognize his voice.” With time and experience, you will learn to know when God is speaking to you.
Like Abraham who submitted to God’s will without knowing where he would be led, you’re called to surrender your will without knowing where He will lead you. God promises wisdom, insight, and understanding – not to the spiritually smart, but to any person who lacks wisdom (See James 1:5-6). So believe that His wisdom is yours!
Soul food: Exo 13-15; Luke 12:35-48; Ps 66:13-20; Prov 6:23-25
2023-03-01
Proverbs 14:17 NIV
You overslept, the car wouldn’t start, you were late for work, your computer crashed! These things can make you angry, but only if you let them. Solomon said, “A quick-tempered person does foolish things,” so if you fly into a rage, expect a rough landing! The Bible says, “Patience is better than strength. Controlling your temper is better than capturing a city” (Proverbs 16:32 NCV). Anger always comes back to bite you and ends up doing more damage than the thing that triggered it.
David said, “Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar” (See Psalm 5:3). Start by offering your day to God, then you will be less likely to react in anger when things go wrong.
One pastor writes: “Our time here is short. What a shame to let something that happened – twenty years or twenty minutes ago – ruin your day. I’ve made up my mind to enjoy every single one. I may make mistakes; things may not go my way. I may be disappointed, but I’m going to live my life happy. I’m not going to let what does or doesn’t happen steal my joy. Every morning I say, ‘Father, this is going to be a great day. I thank you that I have discipline, self-control; that I make good decisions. I may not have done what I could have yesterday, but that day is gone. I’m going to do better today.”
Ever wonder why a car’s windshield is big and its rearview mirror small? Because what’s behind isn’t nearly as important as what’s ahead. So keep looking ahead, and no matter what happens today, don’t lose your peace.
Soul food: Exo 10-12; Luke 12:22-34; Ps 66:1-12;
Prov 6:20-22
2023-02-28
Psalm 23:6 NIV
For some of us, the love of God doesn’t feel real. Why is that? Because we have tried to make this earth our home. And as a result, we live with worry and frustration. Only when you have the right view of there will you have the right view of here. When you understand your true home, death is never a period; instead, it’s a conjunction.
Less than one second after you die, you will be escorted into the presence of God. You won’t even be dead long enough to know you died. You don’t expire; you transfer. Quicker than you can blink, you move from one dimension to another. You go from living in this time to dwelling “in the house of the Lord forever.”
Most of us will not die suddenly of a heart attack, or a stroke, or in a car crash. For most of us, death will come gradually as we wear down over time. You will feel your body deteriorating and atrophying, and you will know you’re nearing death. Then God will put you into transition mode. He will make heaven look much more appealing than earth so that you will be thinking, “I wish God would just hurry up and take me home.” He may even give you a little preview of glory and let you see your Saviour waiting to welcome you. When you glimpse those arms wide open, you will want the trip to hurry up and take place. You will say like David, “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (Psalm 17:15 NKJV). Home sweet home!
Soul food: Exo 7-9; Luke 12:13-21; Ps 61; Prov 6:16-19
