2020-11-11
Nehemiah 4:14 NIV
First, find a better way. While rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah said, “I looked things over.” Realizing there were enemies to be defeated and obstacles to be overcome, he “stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows” (v. 13 NIV). In order to overcome discouragement, Nehemiah realized they’d have to start doing things differently. They needed a new system. So he organized the people according to their gifts and strengths.
Insanity has been defined as doing the same thing over and over again and hoping for different results. And there’s wisdom in that. When you get discouraged, don’t give up on your goals. Instead, devise a new approach! Question: Was it wrong for the Jews to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem? No, they were just going about it in the wrong way!
There’s a lesson here for us all. For example, do you have a problem in your marriage? Don’t give up; try a new attitude. Do you have a problem in your business? Don’t throw in the towel; look for a new approach, reorganize your schedule, and refocus on your goal.
Have you ever heard of the 80/20 principle? That’s where 80 percent of your time is spent on the 20 percent of activities that aren’t productive, and as a result, you get frustrated. What you need to do is devote 80 percent of your time to the 20 percent that produces the highest results. Business managers call this ROI time – “return on investment.” So practice devoting the majority of your time and energy to the things you know bring results.
Soul food: 1 Chr 10:1-12:22; John 10:1-10; Ps 133; Prov 26:1-6
2020-11-10
Hebrews 4:15 NIV
Although the Native Americans had no formal written alphabet before they met Europeans, their language was anything but primitive. The vocabulary of many native languages was as large as that of their French and English conquerors, and often their expressions were far more eloquent. In one tongue, for example, the concept of the word friend is beautifully stated as “one who carries my sorrows on his or her back.” What a great definition!
When someone comes to you for solace, or even claiming to seek advice, very often they want nothing more than your presence, a listening ear, and a willingness to share in their sorrow. And when your answer sounds like a “quick fix,” they sometimes conclude that you have no time for them. One of the most beautiful things ever said about Jesus in the Bible is that He is able “to empathize with our weaknesses.” Sometimes what a person wants most from you is simply to know that you understand what they’re going through, and that you care.
So here’s how you can help:
(1) Listen with an open heart, instead of trying to talk away their problem.
(2) If they’re crying, share their tears. If they’re silent, share their silence.
(3) Let them know you’re available, ready to help, and that you will always have time for them.
(4) Remind them that human beings can only do so much, but God can do the impossible.
(5) If they will allow you to, pray for them and with them. That way, you help lift the burden off their shoulders and place it on God’s (See Psalm 55:22).
Soul food: 1 Chr 7:20-9:44; John 9:24-41; Ps 99; Prov 25:26-28
2020-11-09
Luke 6:35 NLT
In his book Beneath the Cross of Jesus, A. Leonard Griffith tells the story of a young Korean exchange student who was a leader in Christian circles at the University of Pennsylvania. He left his apartment on the evening of April 25, 1958, to mail a letter to his parents. As he turned from the mailbox, he was met by eleven leather-jacketed teenage boys. Without a word, they beat him with a blackjack, a lead pipe, their boots and fists – and left him lying dead in the gutter. The population of Philadelphia cried out for vengeance, and the district attorney announced on television that he was going to seek the death penalty.
Then the following letter arrived, signed by the boy’s parents and twenty other relatives in Korea: “Our family has met together and we have decided to petition that the most generous treatment possible within the laws of your government be given to those who have committed this criminal action…In order to give evidence of our sincere hope contained in this petition, we have decided to save money to start a fund to be used for the religious, educational, vocational, and social guidance of the boys when they are released…We have dared to express our hope with a spirit received from the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ who died for our sins.”
This story takes forgiveness to a whole new level, doesn’t it? It also teaches that when you forgive, you relinquish the seat of the victim and sit in the seat of the victor. And that’s what Jesus has in mind for you today!
Soul food: 1 Chr 6:1-7:19; John 9:13-23; Ps 115; Prov 25:23-25
2020-11-08
Proverbs 25:17 NLT
Sometimes as Christians, we fall into the trap of focusing exclusively on big stuff like world evangelism, spiritual gifts, and the second coming of Christ. As a result, we end up neglecting the seemingly small things like common courtesy. But the Bible speaks about courtesy – and if it’s in there, it’s important! Someone quipped, “Fish and company stink after three days.” This may explain why Solomon said, “Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.” When your host yawns for the tenth time, looks at his wife and says, “Well, darling, let’s go to bed so these nice folks can go home,” you know you’ve outworn your welcome. “Surely everybody knows that!” you say. No, they don’t; that’s why God addresses it in His Word.
Here are ten rules for being a good guest: (1) Be considerate of the other person’s time. (2) Don’t interrupt when someone else is talking. (3) Don’t dominate the conversation. (4) Don’t arrive too early or stay too late. (5) Set appointed times for visits. (Even good friends like advance notice). (6) Be courteous and congenial without being patronizing. (7) Be honest about time limits for your visits, and make sure it coincides with other people’s schedules. (8) Help your host or hostess clean up after the meal. (9) For visits lasting more than a day, take your hosts out to eat at least one meal. (10) Send a thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation for the gift of their time and kindness. If you want to make friends and keep them – abide by these rules.
Soul food: Matt 6:16-18; Isa 58:1-11; Luke 4:1-13
2020-11-07
Proverbs 17:22 MSG
Author Barbara Johnson said, “Laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper. It doesn’t permanently solve the problem, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.”
One day, comedian/author David Brenner was signing books. A young man handed him a newly purchased copy to be signed and said, “I want to thank you for saving my life.” Without giving it much thought, Brenner replied flippantly, “That’s okay.” But the young man stood his ground and said, “No, I really mean it!” Brenner stopped signing and looked at him. The young man continued: “My father died. He was my best friend. I loved him and couldn’t stop crying for weeks, so I decided to take my own life. The night I was going to do it, I happened to have the television on and you were hosting The Tonight Show. I listened to your opening monologue, and the next thing I knew I was laughing hysterically. I realized then that if I was able to laugh, I was able to live. So I want to thank you for saving my life.”Humbled and grateful, Brenner shook his hand and said, “No, I thank you.”
The Bible says, “A cheerful disposition is good for your health.” Experts confirm that laughter boosts your immune system, enhances your memory and learning abilities, relieves tension, slows your pulse rate and blood pressure, releases endorphins that reduce pain, decreases anxiety and stress, puts people at ease, and brings unity. Furthermore, the effect lasts for eight to twelve hours. It promotes emotional healing, and best of all – it’s fun. That’s why laughter is God’s prescription for stress!
Soul food: 1 Chr 3-5; John 9:1-12; Ps 15; Prov 25:21-22
2020-11-06
John 3:7 NKJV
The Anglican clergyman George Whitefield was as much responsible for the transformation of England and the Great Awakening in America as John and Charles Wesley. In a letter to Benjamin Franklin, who delighted in coming to hear Whitefield speak, he said: “As I find you growing more and more famous in the learned world, I would recommend to your diligent and unprejudiced study the mystery of the new birth. It is a most important study, and when mastered, will richly answer all your pains. I bid you, my friend, remember that One at whose bar we shall both presently appear, hath solemnly declared that without it we shall in no wise see His Kingdom.” That was a very wise recommendation to a man who is noted in the history of the world as being wise.
Jesus said, “You must be born again,” and there has never been a person who earnestly sought the new birth and didn’t find it. Even our seeking is created by the Spirit of God (See John 6:44).
Are you tired of the emptiness and purposelessness of your life? Are you tired of the filthy rags of your own righteousness? Are you willing to trust someone other than yourself? Then look to the cross of Christ. Place your trust in Him and ask Him to come in and be born in you today. You can be born once and die twice, but if you’re born twice, you will only die once. Jesus said, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life” (John 3:36 NKJV).
Soul food: 1 Chr 1-2; John 8:42-59; Ps 123; Prov 25:18-20
