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
2019-05-23
Galatians 6:10 NLT
Have you ever watched a train switch on to the same track as several disconnected rail cars, hook up, and together move forward? The truth is if you want to help people you’ve got to get on the same track, connect with them, and help move them forward. But before you can do that there are two rules you need to observe: (1) Never take anyone for granted. Tip O’Neill, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said that during an election one of his elderly neighbors told him, “I voted for you again today even though you didn’t ask me to.” Surprised, O’Neill replied, “But I’ve known you all my life, Mrs. O’Brien. I took out your garbage and mowed your lawn – I didn’t think I had to ask.” In a motherly tone she replied, “It’s always nice to be asked!” (2) Believe that everyone has potential. Mother Teresa said, “We don’t have to be extraordinary in any way. I can do what you can’t do, you can do what I can’t do, and together we can do great things.” You may not be able to help everybody, but you can help somebody. The thing Andrew is most noted for in Scripture is introducing his brother Peter to Jesus. But Peter ended up bringing multitudes to Jesus. In the New Jerusalem you’ll see the name of each of the apostles written above its twelve foundations (See Revelation 21:14). And Andrew’s name will be there. How come? Because he believed everybody has the potential to make a difference once they know Jesus.
Soul food: 1 Kings 14-15; Mark 9:14-29; Ps 101; Prov 12:12-13
2019-05-22
Psalm 130:4 TM
The psalmist wrote: “Help, God – the bottom has fallen out of my life!…hear my cry for help! Listen hard! Open your ears…to my cries for mercy. If you…kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit…that’s why you’re worshiped” (vv. 1-4 TM). But God’s forgiveness is worthless unless you receive it by faith – and then forgive yourself! You say, “But what about my past?” The moment you receive God’s forgiveness you no longer have a past – you only have a future. However, you must do three things: (1) Realize that everybody fails. Samson failed by getting too close to the wrong woman (See Judges 16). Jonah failed by trying to run from the assignment God gave him (See Jonah 1:3). Peter failed when he denied Jesus (See Matthew 26:34). Yet God forgave and used each of them for His glory. (2) You must process your emotions. Regret: “If only I hadn’t done it.” Frustration: “I did my best. Why wasn’t it good enough?” Self-pity: “Nobody loves me so I’ll just sit here and lick my wounds.” Paralysis: “I’ve done it too often. My mistake is too big. I’ll never get beyond it.” Your emotions are lying to you – don’t believe them! (3) When you fall, get back up again. “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again” (Proverbs 24:16 NIV). Notice, the righteous as well as the unrighteous fall. So be like the lady who said, “I’m never down. I’m either up, or I’m getting up!” How about it – are you ready to get up and try again? If so, God will work with you.
Soul food: 1 Kings 12-13; Mark 9:1-13; Ps 128; Prov 12:10-11
