2021-06-19
Romans 2:4 NLT
Isn’t the church full of hypocrites? The word hypocrite comes from the Greek word for “actor.” Hypocrisy is “the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold.” The true church of Jesus Christ is made up of true believers; hypocrites are “pretenders” who sit among God’s people. Jesus even had one among His twelve disciples – Judas.
Let’s be honest; people have left the church because of hypocrisy. There are more actors in the church than in Hollywood. Hypocrisy runs rampant in the modern church – but be careful if you judge it. Remember the old bumper sticker: “Christians are not perfect, just forgiven”?
Before you take it upon yourself to pass judgment upon people who make mistakes and struggle with weaknesses, read these words: “You may think you condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (vv. 1-4 NLT). Don’t worry about the hypocrites in the church; God will sort them out, the “wheat” from the “tares” (See Matthew 13:30).
Soul food: Hosea 11-14; Luke 1:57-66; Ps 139:13-24; Prov 13:25
2021-06-18
2 Peter 3:13 NIV
What about suffering – doesn’t that prove there isn’t a loving God? Adam was given a choice: to obey God or disobey Him. He chose disobedience, and God said, “Cursed is the ground [earth] because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:17 NIV). Note the word “painful.” Think how many people are plagued with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, and other debilitating illnesses. Did God “blow it” when He created humanity? Sadly, many use the issue of suffering as an excuse to reject any thought of God, when His existence is the very reason we should believe in Him.
In the beginning God created perfect humans, and they lived in a perfect world without suffering – it was heaven on earth. When sin came into the world, death and misery came with it. What’s the ultimate answer? “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found…at peace with him” (2 Peter 3:13-14 NIV).
Suffering reached its zenith when Jesus said from the cross, “It is finished.” Those words mean “paid in full.” They mean when you accept Jesus as your Saviour, you will go to heaven when you die, and you will live in a glorious earth made new without sin or suffering. “No eye has seen…no ear has heard…no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV). If you’re not sure this is true, today put your trust in Jesus.
Soul food: Hosea 6-10; Luke 1:39-56; Ps 139:7-12; Prov 13:24
2021-06-17
Genesis 1:26 GWT
At creation God said something interesting about us: “Let them rule.” In other words, He invested you with full authority for managing your life. You serve as His agent on earth to make sure His will is done. But beware. Satan will try to get you to hand your rule over to him, or deceive you into believing you have no power and he has it all. Or else he’ll encourage you to rule your life based on your own skewed judgments and distorted views.
It’s not until you rule with wisdom and walk according to the precepts of God’s Word, that you enter into a complete and comprehensive realization of His design for your life. God reigns over all, but He has given you dominion in your sphere of influence. “The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the sons of men” (Psalm 115:16 NAS).
God empowers you to make right choices and decisions, and tailors His reactions to your actions. Sometimes we sit around waiting for God to act, when the truth is, He’s waiting for us to make a move. One pastor writes that God “has maintained a base of sovereign boundaries, a sphere He will not allow [people] to trespass on…[but] simultaneously opened up a field where we get to call the plays, leaving Him to respond accordingly.” For example, if you want to reap bountifully, you must sow generously. If you want to be forgiven, you must forgive others. And if you want to walk in His blessings, you must walk in obedience. You are called to “reign in life by…Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17 KJV).
Soul food: Hosea 1-5; Luke 1:26-38; Ps 139:1-6; Prov 13:21-23
2021-06-16
Philippians 4:6 TLB
If after praying, your emotions are still in turmoil – pray more. By cultivating the discipline of frequent prayer, you’ll discover the ability to remain calm and quiet. As you wait before the Lord, you’ll find relief from fear’s grip on your spirit. You might be tempted to think your prayer was ineffective, or you somehow failed because your anxiety returned – perhaps as soon as you said “Amen.” Just take persistent anxiety as a signal that you need more time with God; reviewing all the details of your problem, telling Him how much it plagues you, and sometimes even admitting that you’re afraid He won’t handle it soon enough.
Having a deep, persistent concern for a problem isn’t the same as worry. Worry is choosing to fret instead of turning it completely over to God. So if you tend to worry a lot, pray a lot. Pray, “Lord, this is your problem to fix. You take control. Let me know what you want me to do if I’m to be involved in the solution. By leaving it with you, I’ll consider it solved.” At that point discipline your mind not to worry, and not to continue seeking answers or trying to find the solution. You have solved the problem by giving it to God, and your major responsibility now is to wait for His leading.
When He wants you to act, He will make it clear. As you wait before Him, He will direct your thoughts to the next step you should take. And if there’s nothing He leads you to do – do nothing more. He will take it from there.
Soul food: 2 Ki 24-25; Luke 1:11-25; Ps 73:17-28; Prov 13:20
2021-06-15
Matthew 6:7 NAS
Knowing our tendency to complicate things, Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition…for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (vv. 7-8). By using the words “meaningless repetition,” He’s teaching us that prayer doesn’t have to be long, loud, or labored. And because He said “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him,” He’s inviting you to find a scriptural promise that corresponds to your need and stand on it.
Charles Swindoll, who uses his driving time to pray, writes this: “Often I speak to God out loud. Sometimes I sing to Him. Occasionally the entire prayer will be in my mind. Each time I commit myself to prayer, I notice that God becomes my focus rather than some personal struggle. I’m relieved of worry. I’m able to release anything concerning me so that I can become altogether lost in the majesty of His presence and the joy of ministry. When I arrive, I’m excited to do as God pleases. I find myself refreshed, relieved, and ready. My mind is focused. My heart is prepared. My emotions are clear, and whatever was troubling me when I began that drive no longer concerns me. Prayer has made that possible. Now I wish I could say I use every commute every day for time in prayer. But like many people, I often forget. My mind will be spinning from one problem to the next and rather than pray, I churn. At times I’ll be so anxious it doesn’t occur to me that I should quit worrying and commence praying.”
Prayer: make it simple, and frequent.
Soul food: 2 Ki 21-23; Luke 1:1-10; Ps 73:1-16; Prov 13:17-19
2021-06-14
1 Timothy 2:1 NIV
Prayer is simply communicating with God. And communication can be spoken or silent. It can even be expressed in song. Many of the Psalms are just prayers set to music. Prayer is connecting with God. Whether it’s confessing a sin, praising His name, pursuing His will, interceding for a friend, or petitioning for your own needs, your prayer must be God-centered, never self-centered. Sincere prayer comes from a heart that longs for God to reveal what He desires. So you must allow adequate time for listening and waiting intently before your heavenly Father. And prayer must be your first priority.
Paul instructs Timothy: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made” (v. 1 NIV). Note the words, “First of all.” Before you slide out of bed, before you take a shower, before you make your way to work, and before your first appointment, pray, pray, pray! Every afternoon at three o’clock, Peter and John went to the temple to pray. In the middle of the day, they interrupted their schedule to gather for one purpose: prayer.
So when your day is rolling along at its own pace and in its own direction, interrupt it with prayer. As your day builds toward a crisis, deliberately stop to pray. When your morning begins to go south, pull away for a few moments of solitude to seek God’s mind and ask for His instruction. When your attitude starts to sour, pause for an attitude adjustment prompted by prayer. Don’t wait – pray immediately.
Make prayer your first priority in all things and at all times. If you do, you’ll find that prayer changes your life for the better.
Soul food: 2 Ki 18:17-20:21; Mark 16:1-20; Ps 80:12-19; Prov 13:13-16
