2026-02-25
Psalm 103:2 NLT
A newspaper cartoon was drawn of two fields divided by a wire fence. Both were the same size, each with plenty of lush, green grass. Each field had a mule whose head stuck through the wire fence, eating grass from the other’s pasture. Although each mule was surrounded by grass, the neighbouring field seemed more desirable – even though it was harder to reach. In the process the mules’ heads became caught in the fence, and they panicked and brayed uncontrollably at being unable to free themselves. The cartoonist described the situation with one caption: “DISCONTENT.”
There is a lesson here for each of us. When we focus on what we don’t have, or what someone else has, we become blinded to the blessings which surround us. David wrote: “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things” (vv. 2-5 NLT).
Goal setting, achieving greater things, and desiring more than you have can be good things if (1) you look to the Lord to help you bring it to pass: “The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (Psalm 84:11 NLT), and (2) while God is working on it, you enjoy what He has already given you: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you'” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). So, be content.
Soul food: 1 Ki 10-11; Luke 11:45-54; Ps 53; Prov 6:9-11
2026-02-24
2 Peter 3:18 NKJV
The Bible says, “In the last days will come… times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]” (2 Timothy 3:1 AMPC). We don’t have to look far to see that Scripture fulfilled. It’s why we need to pray for the physical and spiritual safety of our children; that they may “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord… Jesus Christ.”
Heather Riggleman writes: “As you and I watch the news, we weep, we cry out in anger, and then we wonder, ‘How we can protect our kids… ?’ We wonder if it’s safe to send [them] out the front door. We question whether the world is falling apart. And nothing is more terrifying than the realization that we cannot protect them from life. While we cannot hide our children away from the world, we can… shield them in far greater ways than wrapping them in a plastic bubble or locking them in their rooms for the rest of their lives… We can intercede for [them], praying for wisdom, protection, peace, and strength.”
Remember, wherever we are gathered and praying, Jesus is in our midst (See Matthew 18:19-20). Paul said, “Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil… Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers” (Ephesians 6:13, 18 NLT). When you pray like that, God is bound to honour His Word. Keep covering your kids in prayer – and don’t give up no matter how bad things in the world get.
Soul food: 1 Ki 8-9; Luke 11:29-44; Ps 40:9-17; Prov 6:6-8
2026-02-23
Matthew 5:24 NKJV
Here’s something we don’t think about enough – but should! How you treat those you are in relationship with influences the relationship you have with God. Jesus spelled it out clearly: “If you bring your gift to the altar [if you serve in the church, pay particular attention here!], and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (vv. 23-24 NKJV). Jesus commands the offender, even if the offense was unintentional, to take the initiative in healing and restoring the relationship. That calls for true humility.
Max Lucado writes: “You may find this hard to believe, but not everyone likes the preacher. There are times when I misstep or misspeak and incur the displeasure of a parishioner. In the early years of my ministry, when I got wind of someone’s unhappiness, I dismissed the problem. ‘If he doesn’t bring it to me, then I have no hand in the matter.’
But then I read Jesus’ words… Jesus commands the offender to take the initiative. I find that passage to be quite unpleasant. Even so, I have tried to apply it to my fragile friendships. ‘Bob,’ I have enquired, ‘have I said something to upset you?’ ‘Mary, there seems to be tension between us. Are we okay?’ Without fail, the step has resulted in restoration. Never in my four decades of ministry has this practical teaching failed to achieve its goal. When Scripture is mixed with obedience, a healing elixir results.”
So the word for you today is – try for reconciliation.
Soul food: 1 Ki 6-7; Luke 11:14-28; Ps 40:1-8; Prov 6:1-5
2026-02-22
1 John 2:20 NKJV
Here are two more things you need to know about your calling.
(1) The anointing is for each one of us. In Bible times, anointing oil was poured only on the heads of prophets, priests, and kings, symbolizing God’s presence rested on them in a special way. But the anointing is not confined to those in ministry; it’s for everyone – including you! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a teacher, a doctor, or a lawyer. From the top of the organizational chart to the bottom, God wants to anoint you to do whatever it is you’re called to do. If you need legal help, you certainly want an attorney who has been to law school, but you also want an attorney who is anointed by God. If you need surgery, you certainly want a doctor who has been to med school, but you also want a doctor whose hands are anointed by God. The anointing of God knows no limits when it comes to position or portfolio. The apostle John writes: “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.”
(2) We must seek to please God in all that we do. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV). The key word is whatever. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing; do it to the glory of God. Oswald Chambers said, “It is inbred in us that we have to do exceptional things for God, but we do not. We have to be exceptional in ordinary things.” And when we are, we put a smile on God’s face.
Soul food: Gal 5:22-23; Ps 18:31-35; Isa 42:1-4; 1 Pet 3:15
2026-02-21
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
When it comes to your calling, observe these two things: (1) God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. God will call you to do something you’re not smart enough to pull off. A God-ordained dream will always be beyond your ability and resources. Why? So, you have to rely on God every single day! David said: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain” (Psalm 127:1 NIV). Jesus said: “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). Paul said, “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV).
(2) Instead of being critical, be creative. Often criticism is just a copout for those who are too lazy to solve the problem they are complaining about. Instead of criticizing movies or music, produce a film or an album that is better than whatever it is you’re complaining about. The most constructive criticism is called creativity. We should be more known for what we’re for than what we’re against. Anybody can point out problems. We’re called to solve them by writing better books, starting better schools, and drafting better legislation. And we are anointed to do it!
“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things… and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him” (1 John 2:27 NKJV).
Soul food: 1 Ki 3-5; Luke 11:1-13; Ps 36; Prov 5:21-23
2026-02-20
Joshua 5:9 NLT
God got Israel out of Egypt in one day, but it took forty years to get the shame of Egypt out of Israel. It happened at a place called Gilgal, 381 miles northeast of Egypt. The Israelites thought like slaves and acted like slaves. After all, it’s tough to break the cycle after four hundred years of slavery. Technically, the Israelites were set free at the exodus. But it wasn’t until they reached Gilgal that they finally left the past in the past. “Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.”
For some of us, it takes years to bring closure to our feelings of condemnation and get the past out of the present. The good news is, God can still roll away the shame of your past. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NKJV). Note the word “now.” Full forgiveness is our present-tense reality. Right here. Right now.
If you are in Christ, you’re no longer defined by what you’ve done wrong; you’re defined by what Christ has done right on your behalf. You are a new creation, but sometimes it takes time for your new nature to become second nature. Jesus came to put the past in its place – in the past. You need to leave it there. How do you do that? By seeing yourself as God sees you – righteous (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Instead of seeing yourself as clothed in shame, begin to see yourself as God sees you: clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
Soul food: 1 Ki 1-2; Luke 10:38-42; Ps 33:13-22; Prov 5:15-20
