Share it with them


John 4:14 NKJV

One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” (Luke 5:30 NLT). Such contempt – and from those who should have been the first to show love and compassion! Jesus loved people; look how He dealt with the woman at the well. First, He broke the rules. Jews didn’t mix with Gentiles, and they certainly didn’t associate with her kind. (She’d been divorced five times.) Jesus walked for miles to meet this woman. He went into her world to bring her into His. He mixed with her not to take advantage of her or become like her, but to reach, redeem, and restore her. That’s why He’s called “a friend of…sinners” (Matthew 11:19). Could people say that about you? Second, He broke the ice. Jesus talked about what she was interested in – water. You must start where people are, not where you think they should be. You must use words they understand. And get over your fear of rejection. You may lose face if they say no, but think what they’ll lose if they never have a chance to say yes to the gospel. Third, He broke the news. He offered her living water instead of dead religion. How can you say you love someone and not share with them the greatest thing you ever found – salvation? Everybody you meet is hung up on the past, anxious about the future, or in need of a real friend. Once you find which door they’re behind, walk through it with love and sensitivity. They’re thirsty for “the living water.” Share it with them.

Soul food: 2 Kings 24-25; Mark 14:12-26; Ps 73:17-28; Prov 13:20

Pray for “wisdom from above”

2019-06-12
James 3:17 NLT

Some people seem to thrive on conflict. They are always picking on others, arguing, disagreeing, or trying to get something started. They fight just for the sport of it, not because they passionately believe in a particular cause. They are quick to jump in and expend their energy fighting other people’s battles in which they have no stake. These people seem confident but they make poor decisions, so others learn to ignore them and not take them seriously. They need to “always win” in order to feel good about themselves. When it comes to your relationships with others, you need “wisdom from above.” When you have it, you won’t need to put everyone else on the mat just to show how strong or smart you are. True self-confidence, including confidence in your ability to make good decisions, comes from within. “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness” (vv. 17-18 NLT). When you operate according to these scriptural principles, you’ll know whether or not a battle is worthy of your attention. If you keep your eyes on the prize that God has set before you, you’ll realize that some things simply aren’t worth your time and attention. As a result you’ll make better decisions about your life as well as your relationships.

Soul food: 2 Kings 21-23; Mark 14:1-11; Ps 73:1-16; Prov 13:17-19

“Your Father’s got you!”

2019-06-11
John 10:28 TM

On a hot Florida afternoon, a little boy swimming in the lake behind his house didn’t see the alligator that was following him. His father, who was doing yard work, saw it and yelled to his son to turn back. Too late! Just as the boy reached his dad, the alligator reached the boy. In an incredible tug-of-war the father grabbed his son’s arms while the alligator snatched his legs. The alligator was determined, but the father was too passionate to let go. A farmer driving by heard the screaming, leaped from his truck, and shot the reptile. Remarkably, the boy survived, and after weeks in the hospital he was interviewed by the local paper. He showed the reporter the terrible scars on his legs, then with obvious pride he added, “I’ve got great scars on my arms too because my dad held me and wouldn’t let go!” Jesus said, “[You] are protected from the Destroyer…No one can steal [you]…out of my hand.” It’s not that the Enemy won’t try. He’ll make you think you’re so far from God that there’s no way home. He’ll send others to attack you with discouragement and guilt. He’ll tempt you to walk away from God. You may even make poor choices that leave you spiritually and emotionally scarred, but when you belong to God no one can have you! No circumstances can take you away from His love (See Romans 8:38). No consequence can steal you from the hand of your Father. “Your Father’s got you!” Let those powerful words of assurance give you peace today.

Soul food: 2 Kings 18:17-20:21; Mark 13:24-37; Ps 80:12-19; Prov 13:13-16