2019-04-04
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Some people stay in hopeless situations their whole lives without ever making a decision to seek God’s power to get through them. Being “longsuffering” doesn’t mean living in misery any longer than necessary. Paul says, “Be not conformed to this world: but be…transformed by…renewing…your mind, that ye may prove what is that good… acceptable…perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). When you renew your mind with God’s Word, He’ll show you His will and strengthen you to get through – once and for all – what you’ve been going through for years. Instead of complaining about your circumstances, determine to get through them. Author John Mason says: “Don’t accept your present temporary situation as your future permanent situation…determine to get on with life and fulfill your purpose…Paul says, ‘We walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7). We’re not to be moved by the obvious, but by the actual. If you’ve been saying for years, ‘I’m going through this situation,’ stand up and declare, ‘I’ve had enough. It’s time to get through this mess!’ The Enemy wants you to believe you’ll never be victorious…or overcome your present circumstance. But God’s Word says, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But…will…provide a way out” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV). Take this verse and stand on it. God is faithful. He will provide ‘a way out.'” Your circumstances may not change right away, but as far as God’s concerned, you’re already out on the other side.
Soul food: Lev 15-17; Luke 21:8-11; Ps 25:8-15; Prov 10:1
2019-04-03
Romans 1:16 KJV
One Sunday a lady fell asleep in church. Pointing to the man sitting next to her, the pastor said, “Please wake that lady up.” The man replied, “Sorry, Pastor. You put her to sleep – you wake her up!” Seriously, Paul tells us “the gospel…is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (NKJV). The Greek word for “power” is dynamis, from which we get the word dynamite. Talk about impact! The gospel changes people profoundly. Chuck Swindoll says: “The gospel is like a sword sharpened on the stone of Scripture and tempered in the furnace of reality, relevance, and need. Of all the reactions a person may have to it, I can think of none worse than a yawn, a sleepy ‘so what,’ or a bored ‘who cares?’ Jesus met people where they were. His word touched raw nerves. His preaching was a lot more ‘here-and-now’ than it was ‘there-and-then.’ He attacked hypocrisy and prejudice. He met people where they were, not where they ought to be. Angry young men, blind beggars, proud politicians, loose-living hookers, ignorant fishermen, naked victims of demonism, and grieving parents – He related to them all. His enemies misunderstood Him, but they couldn’t ignore Him. They hated Him, but they were never bored around Him. Do you want a new definition of failing the Lord? Here it is – using the gospel to bore people! The gospel isn’t some vague religious concept; it’s an exciting relationship with God that works in everyday life.” And the people around you need it, so share it with them.
Soul food: Lev 13:38-14:57; Luke 21:1-7; Ps 25:1-7; Prov 9:17-18
2019-04-02
Joshua 1:11 NKJV
When God tells you He has “given” you something, it means your name is on the title. When He tells you to “possess” it, it may mean you have to fight for it. If you don’t, you won’t receive what He promised. Right now lots of people may be living in your “dream house” and working in your “dream job.” Don’t resent them, rejoice! God can do the same for you! If you’re tired of talking about the things you don’t possess, get up and go after them. And when you get them, remember that it wasn’t because you’re so wise and wonderful, but because God gave them to you (See Deuteronomy 8:18). The Bible says He gives us “all things that pertain unto life” (2 Peter 1:3). But you must receive the promise inwardly before you can experience it outwardly. For example, your challenge may be believing in your spirit that you’re being healed before you see it begin to happen physically. Just because something’s not immediately evident doesn’t mean it won’t happen. For example, when we ask God for an oak tree, He gives us an acorn. At this point we may think God didn’t hear and answer our prayer. No, the oak tree is in the acorn; it’s just a matter of time before what’s inside bursts out. Whatever God has promised you, the seeds are already within you. Water them, nurture them, and don’t let anyone uproot them through unbelief. In other words, begin thanking God for what He’s going to do in your life.
Soul food: Lev 11:1-13:37; Luke 20:41-47; Ps 32; Prov 9:10-16
2019-04-01
Romans 8:28 NIV
Paul begins this verse by saying: “And we know.” There are so many things in life we don’t know. We don’t know if the economy will dip or how our kids will turn out. We don’t even “know what we ought to pray for” (v. 26 NIV). But we can “know” these four things: (1) “God works.” Even though you can’t see Him, He’s busy behind the scenes. He hasn’t checked out or moved on. He’s ceaseless, tireless, and He never stops working. (2) “God works for the good.” Not for our comfort, pleasure, or entertainment, but for our ultimate good. But then again, He is the ultimate good, so would you expect anything less? (3) “God works for the good of those who love Him.” Behold the benefit of a loving God! Make His story your story, and your story takes on a happy ending. Guaranteed! (4) God works “in all things.” God works, not just in a few things, or the good things, or the best things, or the easy things. He works in “all things.” And He doesn’t make the plan up as He goes along. The Bible says, “In him we were also chosen…according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11 NIV). And the best part is – God’s plan includes you! So stop fretting, stressing out, and losing sleep. Turn it over to God and believe that He’s working “all things” out for your good and His glory.
Soul food: Lev 8-10; Luke 20:34-40; Ps 72:12-20; Prov 9:7-9
2019-03-31
Proverbs 23:24-25 NLT
Your goal as a parent should not be to raise perfect children, but to impart to them the wisdom needed for successful living. This raises two challenges: parental neglect and parental obsession. The second one is prevalent among parents who become obsessed with their children, leaving them no time for recreation, romance, or rest. These folks probably wouldn’t even consider Mother Teresa to be qualified as their babysitter! The motives of obsessive parents may be good, but their preoccupation can lead to three serious problems: (1) Making children the centerpiece of life, which is not in their best interests. If you make children the center of the universe, they are in for a rude awakening when they get out into the real world. (2) Emotional and physical fatigue produces what is known as “parental burnout.” Just as a battery cannot continually be drained, you need time to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When you don’t get it, you run on your nerves and everybody around you feels the negative effects. (3) “Super parenting” can be destructive to a marriage, especially when the mother is the one so inclined. A father may come to resent the children for taking his wife away from him, or she may think her husband is selfish because he doesn’t match her commitment to the kids. Either way, a wedge is driven between them that could eventually destroy the family. The Bible says, “Let your moderation be known unto all men” (Philippians 4:5). Moderation, or balance, is the key to a healthy and happy family life.
Soul food: 1 Cor 9:24-27; Num 6:1-8; Prov 25:28
2019-03-30
Psalm 118:6 NIV
You’ll always have to deal with fear in one form or another. And your fears will be different at different seasons of life. Once you accept that, you can make progress. For example, Julius Caesar conquered the world but he was terrified of thunder. Peter the Great of Russia cried like a child when he had to cross bridges. The celebrated British writer Dr. Samuel Johnson wouldn’t enter a room left foot first. If he accidentally did, he backed up and reentered with his right one. (Talk about putting your best foot forward!) If you let it control you, fear will keep you from living to the fullest. Fear breeds inaction, inaction breeds lack of experience, lack of experience breeds ignorance, and ignorance breeds fear. It’s a cycle, and if you’re caught in it here are some Scriptures that can help you: (1) “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). (2) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). (3) “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). (4) “In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me” (Psalm 56:4). (5) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Personalize these Scriptures in prayer, stand on them, and don’t yield an inch to fear.
Soul food: Lev 5-7; Luke 20:27-33; Ps 72:1-11; Prov 9:1-6
