2020-09-30
2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV
In a survey, pollster George Barna reported that two out of three Americans refer to themselves as “casual Christians.” It’s an interesting term, but what does it mean? In essence it means uncommitted…hit-and-miss…when I feel like it. But here’s how Paul describes the Christian life: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (v. 7 NKJV). Note the word “treasure.” Paul treasured what God had put within him; he protected it, rejoiced over it, and maximized it. Does that mean the Christian life will be easy or trouble free? No, Paul continues: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing…the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (vv. 16-18 NKJV). Notice that “our…affliction…is working for us.” God uses life’s experiences – good and bad – to enrich, sharpen, deepen, and stabilize you. And here’s another important truth: What you believe and speak during difficult times determines the quality of your spiritual life and your future. “Since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak” (v. 13 NKJV). So instead of seeing your situation as working against you, stand up in faith today and declare: “This is working for me!”
Soul food: 1 Sam 8-10; Luke 24:13-24; Ps 68:24-35; Prov 22:5-6
2020-09-29
Hebrews 5:13 NKJV
Paul writes, “Everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness…he is a babe.” Righteousness isn’t a condition you achieve through human effort, it’s a position God places you in when you trust in Christ. From then on, God wants you to see yourself as “righteous,” which is how He sees you. “By the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed…to all and on all who believe” (Romans 3:20-22 NKJV). If you’re struggling to be righteous to get into heaven, read this: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV). In the same sense that God made Jesus “to be sin,” the moment you believe in Jesus, He makes you “to be righteous.” Will you still sin because you live in an unregenerate body? Yes. And until you get your new body, that will always be so. Ever hear of phantom pain – a sensation stemming from a body part that’s no longer there? As believers, we have phantom pains we need to get rid of. How? By understanding the difference between our position and our condition. Our position “in Christ” is what gives us confidence toward God. Here’s an important Scripture: “The kingdom of God is…righteousness…peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 NKJV). Note the order. Because we know we’re deemed righteous in God’s eyes, we have peace, and because we have peace – we have joy.
Soul food: 1 Sam 4-7; Luke 24:1-12; Ps 68:12-23; Prov 22:3-4
2020-09-28
Romans 4:12 NKJV
The Bible talks about those “who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had.” How do you walk like that? (1) Abraham believed “God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did” (v. 17 NKJV). When God makes you a promise, He has the power to bring it to pass, even when all the evidence and surrounding circumstances run contrary to what He said. (2) “Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed…that he became the father of many nations” (v. 18 NKJV). When all reason for hope was gone, Abraham still hoped. Why? Because his hope was in God! If you’re feeling hopeless today, think about these words: “Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you” (Zechariah 9:12 NKJV). (3) “Who…believed…according to what was spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be'” (Romans 4:18 NKJV). Note the phrase “according to what was spoken.” When God makes a promise, it contains the self-fulfilling power to bring it to pass. “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and…prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NKJV). (4) “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith” (Romans 4:20 NKJV). The word “waver” tells us Abraham didn’t dither, vacillate, argue within himself, or let other people’s opinions influence him. Instead, he remained resolute and steadfast. That’s how you walk by faith!
Soul food: 1 Sam 1-3; Luke 23:50-56; Ps 68:1-11; Prov 22:1-2
2020-09-27
Proverbs 23:4 NKJV
Having more money can give you more opportunities to do good in the world. Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14 NIV). And fulfilling that commission will require money – lots of it. But money by itself will never make you happy or secure. Solomon, one of the world’s richest men, writes: “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4-5 NKJV). When one of the world’s wealthiest men died recently, a reporter asked a family member, “How much did he leave?” The relative replied, “All of it!” No matter how much money you make, save, invest, or keep, eventually your money will leave you or you will leave your money. Someone wisely observed that there are seven ages of man: First, a child sees the earth. Second, he wants it. Third, he hustles to get it. Fourth, he decides to be satisfied with about half of it. Fifth, he decides he’d be satisfied with less than half. Sixth, he’s now content to possess a three-by-six-foot burial plot. Seventh, he gets it! There are lots of things you can live without – and great wealth is one of them. What you can’t live without, however, is peace with God, a family filled with love, a lifelong friendship with your kids, and a life well-lived for the glory of God.
Soul food: Lev 16; Lev 23:26-32; Heb 9:1-14
2020-09-26
1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV
Here are six proven Bible strategies for defeating the Enemy when he comes against you. (1) Think aggressively. “Fight the good fight of faith…to which you were…called.” Plan and calculate like a general preparing for battle; study how to engage and defeat your enemy the Devil. (2) Pray aggressively. We are told to approach God’s throne “boldly” (See Hebrews 4:16). Which means aggressively! Don’t be bashful with God. He’s your “Abba,” which means “Daddy.” And you’re His redeemed child, so approach Him with confidence and ask for what you need. (3) Speak fearlessly. The apostle Peter writes, “Speak as though God himself were speaking through you” (1 Peter 4:11 NLT). In other words, use a commanding, authoritative tone when you resist the forces of evil. “Be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10). (4) Give generously. The level at which you give is the level at which you receive. “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT). No offering is too small, and none too great. (5) Work intently. The Bible says whatever you put your hand to, do it with all your heart (See Ecclesiastes 9:10). Don’t approach your tasks with dread and a desire to escape. Stir yourself up in the Holy Spirit and get the job done (See 2 Timothy 1:6). (6) Love unconditionally. As a follower of Christ, you must endeavor to love others as He loves them – unconditionally and sacrificially.
Soul food: Song of Solomon 5-8; Luke 23:39-49; Ps 91; Prov 21:28-31
2020-09-25
Romans 8:37 NKJV
If you conclude that your best days are over – they are. If you think they’re ahead – they are. After losing his job with a Fortune 500 company, Leonard was fearful and depressed. Then it occurred to him that if he gave up, what would he be teaching his son? If he didn’t overcome his challenges, his son would learn to let his challenges beat him. Leonard was determined to show him that although his dad got knocked down, he could get back up. So he dug out his résumé and called his friends to tell them he needed a job. Several months and many interviews later, he had four job offers, and now works for a company that values his talent. When harvesting potatoes, Idaho farmers would sort them according to size: small, medium, and large. Yet a particular farmer who didn’t follow this practice made more money than the rest. Puzzled, a neighbor asked, “What’s your secret?” “Simple,” he replied. “I load my wagon and take the roughest road to town. During the trip the small potatoes fall to the bottom, the medium ones settle in the middle, and the big potatoes rise to the top.” The same is true of people. On the bumpy road of life, big potatoes rise to the top. Jon Gordon says: “Regardless of the adversity you face, your purpose must be greater than your challenges. Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on your purpose. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim, see yourself as a hero. Heroes and victims both get knocked down, but heroes get back up, and armed with faith, they create a positive future.”
Soul food: Song of Solomon 1-4; Luke 23:32-38; Ps 13; Prov 21:22-27
