2019-05-29
Acts 13:43 NKJV
In the days leading up to World War II, the British government commissioned a series of posters. The idea was to capture encouraging slogans and distribute them throughout the country. Capital letters in a distinct typeface were used, and a simple two-color format selected. The only graphic was the crown of King George VI. The first poster was distributed in September of 1939: YOUR COURAGE. YOUR CHEERFULNESS. YOUR RESOLUTION WILL BRING US VICTORY. Soon thereafter a second poster was produced: FREEDOM IS IN PERIL. DEFEND IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT. These two posters appeared on railroad platforms and in pubs, stores, and restaurants. A third poster was created but it was never distributed. More than 2.5 million copies were printed yet never seen until nearly sixty years later, when a bookstore owner in Northeast England discovered one in a box of old books he had purchased at an auction. It read: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON. It bore the same crown and style of the first two posters. It was never released to the public, however, but held in reserve for an extreme crisis, such as invasion by Germany. The bookstore owner framed it and hung it on the wall. It became so popular that the bookstore began producing identical images of the original design on coffee mugs, postcards, and posters. It’s the same message Paul and Barnabas brought to the first Christians in Antioch: “Continue in the grace of God.” Or in other words, keep calm and carry on!
Soul food: Rev 5-9; Mark 10:23-34; Ps 121; Prov 12:23-24
2019-05-28
Philippians 4:11 NLT
When you aim to grow personally and achieve things in life, these are commendable goals. But when you covet what someone else has or want to be just like them, you’re entering into territory that’s forbidden by Scripture. Contentment does not mean you should become complacent or settle for mediocrity and fail to achieve your God-given potential in life. Not at all! You’re supposed to work to improve yourself, while at the same time remaining totally dependent on God (See 2 Corinthians 3:5). Self-sufficiency means to be “sufficient in one’s self” instead of putting your faith in God’s assistance. Contentment, on the other hand, is to know with certainty and firm conviction that God is able to meet your every need (See Philippians 4:19). When you understand that truth, you don’t have to covet anyone else’s position, property, possessions, or personality. Why? Because you’re assured that all you presently have, and all you are today, is more than enough in the hands of God. Whatever you need to do to fulfill His will, you can do, not in your own strength but in the strength and power of Christ who dwells within your innermost being. Covetousness comes to us all naturally, but contentment must be learned. Paul writes: “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT).
Soul food: Rev 1-4; Mark 10:13-22; Ps 117; Prov 12:20-22
2019-05-27
Romans 14:1 NLT
During the first century cities like Rome attracted people from many different cultures, languages, religions, and customs. Consequently the early church’s mission to “make disciples of all the nations” sometimes led to conflict and confusion. For example, some believers continued to observe a seventh-day Sabbath, while others who didn’t eat meat wanted to remain vegetarians. It’s the reason Paul wrote, “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue…about what they think is right or wrong.” Note, he didn’t tell us to just tolerate or put up with them, but to “accept,” welcome, receive, acknowledge, and make allowance for those who aren’t carbon copies of us. Even though the issues we deal with nowadays are different from those of the early church, it’s easy to become divisive and judgmental. But remember, “Each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other…instead…live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble” (vv. 12-13 NLT). When legitimate differences arise on fundamental issues and there’s no wiggle room for negotiation, behave in a Christlike way without picking fights, criticizing, and looking down on people. Satan’s goal is to sidetrack us into splitting hairs while God’s kingdom suffers. Instead, “Be devoted to one another in…love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10 NIV). Learn to respect your fellow believers not because of who they are, but whose they are! Paul writes, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity…so that with one heart and one mouth you may glorify…God” (Romans 15:5-6 NIV).
Soul food: 1 Kings 21-22; Mark 10:1-12; Ps 82; Prov 12:18-19
2019-05-26
John 8:36 NLT
Sometimes we tell new believers to clean up their act, without telling them how! Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” The Amplified Bible puts it like this: “Then you are really and unquestionably free.” The key to victory in life doesn’t lie in exercising more willpower, but in drawing on God’s power moment by moment. Paul writes, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 NKJV). Lasting change comes from the inside out. Your biggest battle will always be in the area of your thoughts and impulses. If Satan can get your mind off God’s Word and into the carnal realm, he can swing you toward sin and defeat every time. Understand this: God’s Word is the language of God’s Spirit. That means when you read it and meditate on its principles, you are allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and as a result you can keep your flesh under control. But when you dwell on sinful thoughts, you’re operating in the Enemy’s language and letting him dictate to you. So get back into God’s Word today. It’s “the sword of the Spirit” and the only weapon sharp enough to cut you loose from sin. Peter says, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life…he has given us great and precious promises…[so we can] share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption” (2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT). Everything you need is in God’s Word.
Soul food: Exo 20:15; Exo 22:1-4; Prov 6:30-31; Luke 19:1-10
2019-05-25
Philippians 1:6 NKJV
When Mark Matousek told people that a potentially fatal disease had saved his life, they didn’t understand. He wasn’t glad he got sick. But without it, he’d never have discovered and tapped into the strength to confront and overcome some of his core fears. He writes: “Hardship can be the blood in muscles that pushes us forward. Crisis takes us to the brink and forces us to keep moving. When people call it a blessing, they’re describing a paradox. It’s why men often blossom in wartime and women are changed by childbirth – they come alive as never before.” The truth is, God is committed to your spiritual growth: “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ.” And along the way you’ll be tested, sometimes to your limits. One author writes: “Spiritual tests try our faith and commitment. Remember Abraham and Isaac? Nothing makes us prouder than seeing our children succeed, and God had great plans for Isaac. What could possibly go wrong? A lot! We’ve stood in Abraham’s sandals and clung to God’s promises, yet sickness lingers, financial troubles invade, friends betray us, and death calls. Abraham responded with trust and commitment. It wasn’t easy for him…we know the outcome; he didn’t. Yet he was prepared to take his son’s life. God never wanted Isaac’s death…He wants our whole and committed hearts. When trials don’t make sense…He promises to set limits…to walk with us and bring forth good.”
Soul food: 1 Kings 18:16-20:43; Mark 9:38-50; Ps 113; Prov 12:15-17
2019-05-24
Luke 10:40 AMPC
One of the great buzzwords of this generation is multitasking. Used properly, it can make you more productive. Used wrongly, such as trying to text someone while you’re driving, it can kill you. You will not enjoy today, or the gifts it contains, if you don’t have a balanced attitude toward work. One day Jesus visited the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. What a contrast! Martha was “overly occupied and too busy,” while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and soaked up everything He had to say. She was determined not to miss this precious moment. And Jesus said Mary made a better choice than Martha did. Now, He didn’t tell Martha not to work; He told her to stop getting frustrated and having a bad attitude while she worked. Jesus wants you to work hard, but He also wants you to be wise enough to realize when you should stop all activity and not miss the miracle of His presence in the moment. The Bible says, “Give your mind to what you are doing” (Ecclesiastes 5:1 AMPC). In other words, train yourself to focus your full attention on what you are involved in at any given time. Then finish it before starting something else. This kind of concentration requires discipline, but it’s worth it because being able to focus helps you enjoy the present moment. Breaking the bad habit of excessive multitasking may sound easy, but it’s actually quite difficult. So be determined to form new, balanced habits in this area. When you do, the quality of your life will improve.
Soul food: 1 Kings 16:1-18:15; Mark 9:30-37; Ps 108; Prov 12:14
