2026-02-17
Proverbs 14:30 NIV
Some folks are too insecure to applaud the success or achievements of another, be it a coworker, distant relative, sibling, spouse, or even a child. They feel that they must have comparable success, so they won’t feel inferior. If they can indeed claim a similar personal achievement, then they are quick to mention it. The truth is that someone will always have more success than you do, and someone will always have less.
It takes daily, conscientious effort to fight discontentment and to enjoy whatever level of success God has blessed you with. Television commercials and highway billboards and even well-meaning family and friends send the message: “You’re lacking something. Buy this, buy that!” Solomon said, “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16 NIV). Hebrews13:5 says, “Be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'” (NIV).
If you find yourself feeling the need to compete when a compliment is given to another, immediately recognize and renounce the spirit of insecurity that’s trying to ensnare you. Begin to reject this kind of behavior by responding in the opposite manner. Practice being secure enough to enjoy someone else’s achievements. You will have to “practice” this, because there’s a good chance that you will not “feel” secure initially. Just do it.
Allow your faith to dictate your behavior. When you obey the Spirit and allow Him to determine your actions, the flesh grows weaker and must ultimately submit to the control of the Spirit.
Soul food: Heb 9:1-11:16; Luke 10:13-24; Ps 28; Prov 5:3-6
2026-02-16
Psalm 147:3 NKJV
There are times when we all experience rejection, betrayal, and disappointment. But if we hold on to those experiences, we can remain in a state of perpetual hurt. Indeed, when we refuse to forgive and move on, we place a weapon into Satan’s hands that he will use against us at every opportunity. It’s not what has happened to us, but how we respond that matters. If we allow the hurt to gain control of our thoughts, it can undermine our emotional wellbeing.
Jesus doesn’t want us to go through life carrying old wounds; He wants to heal us. This is why He gave us the precious promises in His Word. Regardless of how badly we’ve been hurt, God always has our complete restoration in mind. “‘For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 30:17 NKJV). If you have spent years wrestling with unresolved hurt, God has provided a way out. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
When He was on earth, Jesus was constantly healing people’s pain and comforting them in their sorrow. And when He left earth, He didn’t leave us high and dry. He sent the eternal source of comfort to live inside of each of us – the Holy Spirit, who is our comforter, helper, and friend (see John 14:16).
The hurts you’ve experienced are real, but God doesn’t want them to be your greatest reality. His Spirit is always with you and will never leave you (see Hebrews 13:5). And you can draw from His strength through every painful circumstance and find healing when you’ve been hurt.
Soul food: Heb 5-8; Luke 10:1-12; Ps 5; Prov 5:1-2
2026-02-15
Isaiah 64:1 NKJV
Jesus told the disciples just before He left this earth to return to heaven: “I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 KJV). As a redeemed child of God the Holy Spirit lives in you (see Ro 8:9). But this promise indicates that you can also have the Holy Spirit resting upon you and empowering you. How did the disciples respond to this promise? “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14 ESV).
Author Larry Sparks says, “For too long, the Western church has tolerated a prayer culture defined by lack of results.” Then he gives us this strategy for a divine visitation: “Review God’s promises for a Holy Spirit outpouring. Become possessed by them. And ‘tarry’ in devoted, sustained, persevering prayer until revival promises become revival realities. That’s exactly what the disciples did.”
We make the mistake of assuming that outpourings of the Holy Spirit are sovereignly fixed dates in heaven’s calendar. One of the great promises God made to us is this: “In the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 2:17 ESV). As long as “all flesh” has not experienced this outpouring of God’s Spirit, we must continue to pray, “Oh, that You would rend the heavens [and] come down!” You say, “What can I do?” Do what the disciples did: “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer.” Begin to pray each day for a divine visitation of God’s Spirit.
Soul food: Gal 5:22-23; Deut 7:9; Prov 3:3-4; Luke 16:10-12
2026-02-14
Joshua 9:14 NKJV
Live with one ear toward heaven: “Is this opportunity from you, God?” “Are you in this venture, God?” “Should I take this road, God?” One time Joshua failed to do this and paid for it. Here’s the story. A group of strangers entered the camp of Israel saying, “From a very far country your servants have come” (v. 9 NKJV). Evidently, they knew God’s law had made special provisions for cities outside of Canaan (see Deuteronomy 20:10-12).
Any city that agreed to make peace with Israel would be spared. So, being afraid, they resorted to deception. Three days passed before Joshua realized he had been lied to. These people were not from a distant land; they were from Gibeon, only a day’s walk away. As a result, Joshua entered into an alliance with the enemy because he didn’t seek the counsel of God.
We do well to learn from his mistake. Our enemy enters our camp in disguise as well: “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV). He’s crafty. That’s why it’s essential that we consult God in everything. In every decision and at each crossroad, acknowledge Him, heed Him, and ask Him: “Do I turn right or left?”
David said that God’s Word is a “lamp unto our feet” (see Psalm 119:105), not a spotlight into the future. He gives enough light to take the next step. When we pray, He speaks to our hearts: “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 NLT). So consult God in everything.
Soul food: Heb 1-4; Luke 9:57-62; Ps 149; Prov 4:25-27
2026-02-13
Joshua 23:6 NIV
Entering the Promised Land, God told Joshua: “Be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses.” You must identify your core values – and live by them. Swiss philosopher Henri-Frederic Amiel said, “The man who has no inner life is a slave to his surroundings.” Your core values are the governing principles you live by. They’re the light that guides you. They give stability and structure to your inner world.
When that’s in order, you can navigate your way through almost anything. Have you ever wondered why God refers to His Word as “laws”? Because they govern your thoughts and actions, guide you in the right direction, and guard you from trouble. They bring order to your life; without that, you’re left with chaos and confusion. Imagine living in a world where twelve inches don’t equal one foot, and two plus two doesn’t make four. God established His laws for our good. When we disobey them, we suffer; when we honour them, we succeed. Unlike dining al a carte, you can’t pick what you want and forget the rest. God says, “Do everything written… Then you will be… successful” (Joshua 1:8 NIV).
Many talented people who make it into the limelight don’t stay there long. Why? Because they failed to develop strong character. Their lack of integrity toppled them because they couldn’t climb beyond the limitations of their character. Talent may take you to a higher level of success, but without character, you won’t be able to handle the pressures that accompany success. That’s why it’s so important to live by the principles of God’s Word.
Soul food: 2 Thes 1-3; Luke 9:46-56; Ps 145:14-21; Prov 4:23-24
2026-02-12
Proverbs 8:14 NLT
The fear of success derails many dreams. Sometimes success brings resentment from those closest to you. Being successful can also create its own anxiety; namely, you fear that you are unable to maintain your success. Then there’s the fear of attracting people who want what you’ve got but are not willing to pay the price you paid to get it. Solomon warned, “Wealth attracts many friends” (Proverbs 19:4 NIV).
Then there’s the fear of being bombarded by constant requests for money. What if you say no? You must follow your heart, give as God directs you, and leave your image up to Him. David said, “You surround them with your favour as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12 NIV).
The favour of God can make you a target. And while you must always try to be fair in your behavior toward others, you cannot reject the favour God sends your way just to keep others from becoming envious. You must embrace God’s favour as part of your destiny.
Perhaps growing up, you were told that you should not expect success. And now that you have it, you may feel that you don’t deserve it and that it won’t last. Indeed, you may find yourself engaging in self-sabotaging behavior that will confirm your own worst fears and bring them to fruition. What should you do?
First, thank God that you understand the root of your problem. Second, talk it out with a good listener. As you hear yourself put the problem in perspective, you may find yourself declaring the words of Solomon: “Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.”
Soul food: 1 Thes 1-5; Luke 9:37-45; Ps 145:1-13; Prov 4:20-22
