2021-06-04
1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
Love is a powerful force in dealing with others, and the Bible says that it “never fails.” Other things fail, but not love. Most of us have heard the story of Helen Keller who became blind and deaf as a toddler after an illness, and yet went on to impact the world with her courage and kindness. But there is a “story behind the story.”
It’s about “little Annie,” who was locked in the dungeon of a mental institution outside Boston – the only place, said the doctors, for the hopelessly insane. At times, Annie behaved like an animal, attacking those who came close to her cage. At other times, she sat in a daze. But an elderly nurse who held out hope for all God’s children began taking her lunch break in the dungeon, just outside little Annie’s cage. She hoped in some way to communicate love to her.
One day she left her dessert – a chocolate brownie – next to Annie’s cage. Annie made no response. But the next day, the nurse found the brownie had been eaten, so every Thursday she brought one to Annie. As the weeks passed, doctors began to notice improvement in little Annie. After several months, they moved her upstairs. And eventually the day came when this “hopeless case” was told she could return home.
By that time, however, Annie was an adult and she chose to stay at the institution and help others. One of those she cared for, taught, and nurtured was Helen Keller. Little Annie’s full name was – Anne Sullivan.
Since God loves us and never gives up on us, we must do that for one another. And that’s the word for you today.
Soul food: Rev 15-18; Mark 14:12-26; Ps 124; Prov 12:26
2021-06-03
Psalm 63:1 KJV
What are the first moments of your day like? Do you turn on the TV, or rush into the bathroom, or allow your “to do” list to come rushing in?
Instead, try lying there quietly and allowing God to speak to you. With your mind a blank slate and your heart open, He will give you insights, ideas, solutions to problems, and the knowledge that He will be with you today.
Author Colleen Townsend Evans writes: “Silence need not be awkward or embarrassing, for to be with one you love without the need for words is a beautiful and satisfying form of communication. I remember times when our children used to come running to me, all of them clattering at once about the events of their day – it was wonderful to have them share their feelings with me. But there were also times when they came to me wanting only to be held, to have me stroke their heads and caress them into sleep. And so it is, sometimes, with us and God our father. At times your most powerful prayers will be thoughts rather than words. Your words are limited by your vocabulary, but your thought life is an arena of infinite capacity in which God can give you life-changing concepts.”
Paul writes, “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). So be still and let Him think His thoughts through you. John writes, “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things” (1 John 2:20 NKJV). God can cause you to “know” what you need to do, so give Him the first moments of your day.
Soul food: Rev 10-14; Mark 14:1-11; Ps 4; Prov 12:25
2021-06-02
Ecclesiastes 9:9 NIV
To strengthen your marriage you must realize three things: (1) Marriage is one of Satan’s Favourite targets. He was angry because Job’s family was a source of delight to God. So when your home is harmonious and blessed, he’ll try to attack it. He wants to be the third party in your relationship; to agitate and disappoint, using your weaknesses. He inspires unrealistic expectations and diverts your focus from servanthood to self-absorption. He fuels your imagination through unhealthy relationships until God’s presence ceases to be the goal of your union and the prevailing atmosphere in your home. Beware of his inroads and become protective over your family.
(2) Your mind-set determines your mood. Thoughts have presence. The moment someone walks into a room, you can sense conflict or contentment, jealousy or joy, etc. Attitudes are contagious; like a thermostat, they determine the climate in your home. One man noticed that certain TV shows nurtured a sexual restlessness within him, to the point where he found himself comparing his wife with the sensuality of the performers. A woman identified the timing of unexplainable jealousy toward her husband after watching her Favourite soap opera. Every emotion has a birthplace, so be sensitive to any changes in your home environment and inner life.
(3) Understanding comes by listening. Love is about listening more and talking less. Listen long enough for hidden emotions to be expressed. Listen carefully enough to gain understanding. Listen accurately so you can assess your mate’s true needs. The questions you ask can reveal how much you care, so ask them softly and repeatedly, and pray and process before you respond. That’s how to strengthen your marriage.
Soul food: Rev 5-9; Mark 13:24-37; Ps 121; Prov 12:23-24
2021-06-01
Proverbs 21:6 NIV
One day a clergyman was walking down the street when he saw a group of boys surrounding a dog. “What are you doing?” he demanded. One of the boys replied, “He’s a neighbourhood stray. We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we’ve decided whoever can tell the biggest lie will get to keep him.”
The preacher declared, “You boys shouldn’t be having a contest that involves lying!” Then he launched into a sermon beginning with, “It’s a sin to lie,” and ending with, “When I was your age, I never told a lie.” There was dead silence for a minute. Then just as he was beginning to think he’d gotten through to the boys, one of them gave a deep sigh and said, “All right, give the preacher the dog!”
Seriously, here’s the downside of lying: (1) You always have to remember what you said, and your memory just isn’t that good, so chances are you’ll be exposed. (2) You have to live with yourself knowing you lied and violated your character. That’s hard to do. (3) When you decide to pray, the first thing that will come to your mind is the last thing you’ll want to discuss with God; your lies. (4) Contrary to what you may think, forbidden fruit isn’t sweet, it’s sour.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV). You’ll have to live with the taste of that lie in your mouth. Wouldn’t it be better just to be honest?
Soul food: Rev 1-4; Mark 13:12-23; Ps 117; Prov 12:20-22
2021-05-31
James 1:3 NIV
Perseverance keeps you going when friends fail you, discouragement whispers, “Give up,” and doubt says, “It can’t be done.” It’s your anchor in life’s storms, your compass when you’re lost, and the head of steam that gets you up the next hill. James says, “The testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Perseverance, which means to “keep on keeping on,” develops your faith. When the process is complete, God will end the trial, and not before.
Meanwhile, here are three Scriptures you need to stand on: (1) “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV).
(2) “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV).
(3) “People are watching us as we stay at our post…working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth…when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honoured; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God;…immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy;…having nothing, having it all” (2 Corinthians 6:1-10 MSG).
So persevere; everything you’re going through right now will be more than worth it in the end.
Soul food: 1 Ki 21-22; Mark 13:1-11; Ps 82; Prov 12:18-19
2021-05-30
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
Most of our worries can be summed up in two words: “What if?” What if the medical tests are bad…what if the market plummets…what if my mate walks out…what if I lose my job…the list is endless. “Fear involves torment” (1 John 4:18 NKJV), and by focusing on your worries instead of God’s faithfulness, you’re letting Satan torment you.
But you don’t have to! Jesus tells us not to be “fearful…and unsettled” (John 14:27 AMPC). Paul says, “Leave no…room…for the devil [give no opportunity to him]” (Ephesians 4:27 AMPC). And Solomon writes: “The days of the…afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]” (Proverbs 15:15 AMPC).
If you’re afraid of what lies ahead, stop and look back at God’s faithfulness. He’s “utterly trustworthy…He will…[fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you]” (1 Thessalonians 5:24 AMPC). So if you’re plagued by worry, here are some Bible promises you can stand on. “Praise…the Lord, who has given rest to his people…just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave” (1 Kings 8:56 NIV).
You say, “But I’ve failed God. Can I really expect Him to help me?” Yes, because even “if we are faithless, he remains faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV). Before God redeemed you and made you His child, He was aware of all your faults, flaws, and failures. Nevertheless, His Word says He’s “faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” So the word for you today is – don’t worry, God is faithful.
Soul food: Exo 16:1-35; John 6:30-40
