2021-12-31
Joel 2:29 NKJV
God spoke through the prophet Joel saying, “Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and…maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days” (vv. 28-29 NKJV). Regardless of your age or gender, God has a vision for you to fulfill. And sometimes it won’t make sense because you don’t feel qualified.
In the musical Man of La Mancha, there is a scene where Don Quixote and his servant stand gazing at a dilapidated inn. When Quixote describes his vision of turrets and magnificent gates, his servant tries hard to see the same picture, but all he can see are ruins. And when he attempts to describe them, Quixote says, “Stop! I will not allow your facts to interfere with my vision!”
Most great achievements begin as a vision in someone’s heart. And many times people try to convince the person it can’t be done – or that he or she can’t do it. Often this confirms the visionary’s deepest fears about his or her abilities. And that’s the crucial point! If you can disregard your critics and rise above your fears, God will enable you to fulfill the vision He has given you.
But keep in mind that while your vision may come to you in an instant, it can take a lifetime to fulfill. Habakkuk writes, “The vision is…for an appointed time…Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV). A God-given dream often defies the facts, so if you have a vision, look for supporters, not critics. And when someone shares his or her vision with you, become a cheerleader.
Soul food: Phil 3:8-14; 2 Cor 5:14-21; Ps 77:11-20; Prov 9:10-12
2021-12-30
Genesis 3:9 NLT
When you don’t feel good about yourself, you use things like work, food, relationships, money, and mood-altering substances to build a wall and keep people from getting too close. But lasting relationships can only be built when you stop hiding and become transparent with others. Another hiding tactic we employ is keeping the focus on other people by asking, “How come she got a new house and I didn’t?” Or, “Why did he get that job and not me?” That kind of thinking just makes you miserable. But even worse than pretending with people is pretending with God.
When God asked Adam, “Where are you?” He already knew the answer. So why did He ask the question? Because He wanted Adam to acknowledge where he was and what he had become. Eric Hoffer said, “We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.” Until you face the truth about yourself, you will find it hard to talk to God. You will feel lonely and alienated. And you will struggle to look people in the eye in case they see the “real you.”
It’s time to come out of hiding, get down on your knees, and say: “Father, I know you love me. Nothing can change that or rob me of its joy except my own doubts and refusal to believe it. You loved me before I was born, you fashioned me according to your plan, you redeemed me and gave me a special purpose in the world, and you’re working day by day to make me into a person who pleases you” (See Philippians 2:13). The good news is – you don’t have to hide anymore!
Soul food: 1 Cor 15-16; Matt 3:1-10; Ps 116; Prov 31:30-31
2021-12-29
Deuteronomy 30:6 NIV
Hebrew baby boys went through the rite of circumcision. It signified that they were in a covenant relationship with God in which He promised to protect, guide, and bless them. And in the New Testament, Paul “spiritualizes” this rite. “True circumcision…is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit” (Romans 2:29 NLT). Spiritually understood, circumcision means “cutting off” anything that promotes and produces in us wrong impulses and actions.
Jesus said, “Those whose hearts are pure…will see God” (Matthew 5:8 NLT). When your heart is pure, you will be able to see God where others can’t and hear Him when others don’t. The word pure could be translated “without contamination.” It’s the difference between a clear stream and a polluted one. It means your self-centered thinking is abandoned and your carnal nature is crucified.
The difference between forgiveness and cleansing is like the difference between cutting off a weed at the ground and pulling it up by its roots. Forgiveness deals with the “result” of sin – that’s easy to identify. But cleansing deals with the “cause” of sin – that’s not so easy to identify because it deals with your natural traits and character flaws. Forgiveness comes by confession, but cleansing comes by walking in the light: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light…the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7 NIV).
Do you keep asking God to forgive the same sins over and over? That’s because you need to experience true cleansing. Your heart needs to be circumcised. And that’s a job for the Holy Spirit.
Soul food: 1 Cor 12-14; Matt 2:16-23; Ps 139:13-24; Prov 31:28-29
2021-12-28
1 Corinthians 6:12 MSG
Paul said, “Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean…it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.” If you’re serious about spiritual growth, look for opportunities to say no to yourself in small areas. Then one day you will be able to say it when it really counts.
Daniel started by saying no to eating the king’s food, and later was able to say no to bowing to the king’s idols. Zero in on the undisciplined areas of your life; the ones you keep excusing, rationalizing, and delaying dealing with. Paul measured his actions by this yardstick: “Is it beneficial? Does it have the potential to control me?” (See 1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV).
You have a “right” to eat a tub of ice cream every night. It’s permissible – but it’s not “beneficial,” especially if you want unblocked arteries, a trim waistline, the ability to run a marathon, or to just keep up with your kids and grandkids. You have a “right” to spend your money as you please, but don’t complain when you end up strangled by debt. You have a “right” to look at whatever you want on TV or the internet, but exposure to wrong influences will inevitably weaken your character, rob you of self-respect, and enslave you.
Bottom line: Your character is the sum total of the choices you make each day. And one more thought: When it comes to replacing bad habits with good ones, the only person who can make that happen is you!
Soul food: 1 Cor 10-11; Matt 2:9-15; Ps 139:1-12; Prov 31:25-27
2021-12-27
Isaiah 43:25 NKJV
God says in His Word: “I…am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted” (vv. 25-26 NKJV). Today if you’re condemning yourself because you think your sins are too big to merit God’s grace, go back and reread those Scriptures carefully. Why did God say He would forgive your sins? “For My own sake.” So what should you do? “State your case, that you may be acquitted.” Why do we have such a hard time accepting God’s forgiveness?
(1) Because in some cases we feel like we’re reaping what we have sown.
(2) Because we have condemned someone else for doing the very thing we ourselves did.
(3) Because we think God likes to keep us twisting in the wind for a while so we will think twice before committing the same sin again.
(4) Because growing up, when we disobeyed our parents, they took away certain privileges until we had proven ourselves.
(5) Because we think we have to be “worthy” of God’s mercy.
But when you refuse to forgive yourself, you’re implying that your transgressions are beyond the scope of God’s grace. And that’s a bigger sin – pride!
And here is another thought. When you always have “issues” with other people, you may be looking for someone to offend you. That way, you can point to how bad the other person is and feel better about yourself. When you adopt a humble attitude and work on forgiving yourself because you know God has exonerated you, it’s easier to forgive other people’s mistakes.
Soul food: 1 Cor 7-9; Matt 2:1-8; Ps 97; Prov 31:22-24
2021-12-26
Nehemiah 8:9 KJV
The word holiday comes from the Old English word haligdæg, which means “holy day.” So, when Nehemiah announced, “This day is holy,” he was declaring a celebration; a time to “eat and drink before the Lord” (1 Chronicles 29:22 KJV). Today, overindulgence and overspending have become synonymous with Christmas, making Christians hesitant to celebrate.
Jack Hayford writes: “Often it is from those newly associated with our fellowship who have allowed themselves – perhaps for the first time – to enter into the wonder and fulness of Christmas joy and celebration…Christmas is more than merely ‘merry.’ Christmas is mighty. Celebration – unfettered enjoyment, love…laughter…gifts and giving, trees and tinsel,…carols and bells…all of it – has an inherent potential for mightiness.
The qualifying factor is the presence of the Holy Spirit. When He is present, the accoutrements of Christmas…can bless, strengthen, heal, [and] restore…When He is absent, carols ring hollow. Greetings, wishes and smiles lie on the surface, like glitter glued on a flat card. Lights and decorations…can leave the heart more desolate than ever. But where the Holy Spirit is there is power…to change entrenched habits…transform cold hearts…grudges and expectations…lift lives out of the shadow…
This Christmas, let Him come upon you. Welcome the…Holy Spirit…to move upon your life, and then make your own move…into the season’s best opportunities to bask in the wonder of it all…Reach out to those around: encourage, bless, bake, give, visit, invite, share, and lift hearts wherever you can. By…New Year…you’ll find Christmas to…have been marvelously, and even miraculously, mighty.”
Soul food: Isa 11:1-10; Luke 2:21-38
