2021-08-22
Psalm 19:8 NIV
How you approach reading the Bible is crucial. You must do two things: (1) Approach it with integrity. When a new Christian in a Bible study group said, “I’ve had a hard time believing some parts of the Bible,” the others smiled and applauded. They didn’t do it because unbelief is good news; they did it because he’d finally gotten honest enough to admit his doubts. Don’t worry; God’s not upset with you. Until you’re willing to talk about your doubts, you can’t resolve them. When Thomas questioned the resurrection, Jesus showed up just to convince him. And He will show up for you too! It’s a mistake to try to force yourself into believing something or avoid reading it so you don’t get disturbed. Jesus said, “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you” (John 16:13-14 NIV).
(2) Read it with expectancy. Once you’ve been to a book signing, met the author and gotten his autograph, you feel very different about the book. You treasure it. And when you read the Bible with an expectant heart, the author shows up. As you read His words you begin to sense His presence and realize He is speaking to you personally. Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63 NIV). When you come to the Scriptures with a hunger and an expectancy, you never go away disappointed.
Soul food: Josh 2:1-24; Acts 9:20-30
2021-08-21
Romans 8:6 NIV
The Bible says: “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (vv. 5-6 NIV). In other words, the Holy Spirit is the non-anxious presence of God working in your life. You either give your mind over to the control of external influences and circumstances, or you give it over to the control of the Holy Spirit.
What would a life like that look like? Well, imagine not being so fearful anymore. Imagine facing financial difficulties or an irate boss with inner poise and resolve. Imagine receiving bad news and generating constructive ways to solve the problem rather than spiraling through the worst-case scenarios. Imagine facing rejection and obstacles without giving in to discouragement. Imagine acknowledging the mistakes you’ve made and moving confidently into the future. And imagine doing all this with God as your partner.
Imagine people around you coming to you when they’re upset or discouraged because your peace of mind is contagious. That’s part of what God’s called you to do every day. When you bump into people who are stressed and transmitting that stress to others, you’re supposed to be a peace disseminator.
Jesus carried peace with Him wherever He went. When the disciples were terrified by the storm, He simply said to the waves, “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39 NKJV), and it happened. Peace doesn’t come from finding a lake with no storms; it comes from knowing Jesus is on your boat, and with Him onboard no storm can take you under.
Soul food: Gal 4-6; Luke 16:1-18; Ps 119:113-120; Prov 18:10-12
2021-08-20
James 4:10 NKJV
Here’s a true saying: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” That doesn’t mean being a doormat for people to walk on or being spineless with no convictions and opinions. True humility is acknowledging God as the source of all you have, and all you need, and always remembering to give Him credit for both.
The Bible says, “God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7 NKJV). God’s intention for mankind was to live in Paradise and enjoy His presence every day. But we disobeyed Him and decided to live by our own rules instead of His. And the result? God said, “From dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19 NKJV).
Let’s face it, on our best day we’re just dignified dirt! In fact, it’s estimated that each of us is worth less than five dollars. So when you die and your components return to dirt, that’s your physical value. Pretty humbling, eh? So when you drive your luxury car, remember that less than five dollars is driving it. Less than five dollars is living in the suburbs. Less than five dollars is wearing designer clothes. Less than five dollars has more money in the bank than you’re actually worth.
Paul defines humility in these words: “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves” (Romans 12:3 NLT). Do you want to know what makes you valuable? “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 NKJV).
Soul food: Gal 1-3; Luke 15:11-32; Ps 119:105-112; Prov 18:9
2021-08-19
Acts 27:14 NKJV
The ship Paul was sailing on to Rome was wrecked by a storm named Euroclydon, meaning typhoon, tempest, or cyclone. Here are some valuable lessons we can learn from his experience.
(1) God can make a bad situation work for your good. Because of this shipwreck, Paul ended up on Malta, where the people heard the gospel for the first time. Plus, when he and his followers “departed, they provided such things as were necessary” (Acts 28:10 NKJV). Sometimes your problem can provide a platform for God to work in ways that’ll amaze you. Your future isn’t, nor ever will be, in the hands of people. It’s in God’s hands, and what He owns He protects and provides for.
(2) To reach your God-ordained destination you’ll have to sail through storms. Paul said, “All hope that we would be saved was finally given up” (Acts 27:20 NKJV). There’ll be days when you wonder how you’re going to make it, but by God’s grace you will (See Psalm 37:34 TLB).
(3) Storms reveal how well you know the Lord. Paul said, “Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul'” (Acts 27:23-24 NIV). In hard times you discover the strength of your connection to God.
(4) He can bring success from what looks like failure. Notice two particular things in this story: (a) you may have to throw some things overboard to reach your destination (See v. 18). (b) Despite your best efforts, occasionally you’ll run aground (See v. 26). That’s when you must remember what God promised you – and stand on it (See v. 25).
Soul food: Judg 19:16-21:25; Luke 15:1-10; Ps 119:97-104; Prov 18:6-8
2021-08-18
Joshua 9:14 MSG
When you consult God before making decisions, it keeps you out of all sorts of trouble. Joshua learned this the hard way. He had just conquered Jericho, the biggest city in the Promised Land. Flushed with victory, the Israelites felt like they didn’t need to consult God concerning their next move. But over-confidence can be deadly!
The Gibeonites, one of the enemy nations in the Promised Land, realized they couldn’t win against God’s people, so they sent negotiators in to make peace with them. And it worked. Even though the Gibeonites were lying, Joshua presumed they were telling the truth and signed a treaty. And it proved to be one of the biggest mistakes of his life. From that day on the Gibeonites became a constant thorn in Israel’s side. Joshua lived to regret that he “didn’t ask God about it.” Some of the oldest hymns contain the greatest truths. Here’s one: “O what peace we often forfeit; O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”
Are you a “make-it-happen-in-your-own-strength” kind of person? There’s a fine line between God-given assurance and self-sufficiency, and when you cross that line it can cost you dearly. If you’ve a tendency to move too quickly or operate in your own strength and skill, read these words carefully and prayerfully: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJV).
Soul food: Judg 16:1-19:15; Luke 14:25-35; Ps 119:89-96; Prov 18:1-5
2021-08-17
2 Corinthians 6:4 CEV
The Christian life comes with blessings – and battles. You can’t have one without the other. Paul describes it this way: “In everything and in every way we show that we truly are God’s servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times. We have been beaten, put in jail, and hurt in riots. We have worked hard and gone without sleep or food. But we have kept ourselves pure and have been understanding, patient, and kind. The Holy Spirit has been with us, and our love has been real. We have spoken the truth, and God’s power has worked in us. In all our struggles we have said and done only what is right. Whether we were honoured or dishonoured or praised or cursed, we always told the truth about ourselves. But some people said we did not. We are unknown to others, but well known to you. We seem to be dying, and yet we are still alive. We have been punished, but never killed, and we are always happy, even in times of suffering. Although we are poor, we have made many people rich. And though we own nothing, everything is ours” (vv. 4-10 CEV).
God will fight for you on your battlefield, take you through your storm, and turn your season of adversity into a season of advancement. When your faith is under fire it attracts His power and brings His grace into your situation. The Bible says, “Even Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered” (See Hebrews 5:8). So rejoice, you’re not losing – you’re gaining!
Soul food: Judg 12-15; Luke 14:15-24; Ps 119:81-88; Prov 17:27-28
