2018-04-10
Proverbs 12:15 NLT
Positioning yourself to receive – makes all the difference! For example, as you read this, if you position yourself to receive by saying to the Lord, “I will take action on what You show me,” you’ll benefit more than if you read it just to be motivated or inspired. To resist or to receive – that’s a choice you make every day. Nothing dies quicker than a new idea in a closed mind. It’s impossible to learn, if you think you already know it all. One of the reasons Jesus reacted so strongly to the Pharisees was because they refused to receive what He had to say. A wrongly positioned mind is like a microscope that magnifies trifling things but can’t receive great ones. Every situation, properly viewed, is an opportunity. But opportunities can only “drop into your lap” if you position your lap where opportunities drop. When you don’t position yourself to receive, it’s like asking for a bushel while you’re holding a cup. Too often our minds are locked on one track. We’re looking for red so we overlook blue; we’re thinking “tomorrow” and God is saying “now.” We’re looking everywhere, and the answer is right under our nose. When a person is positioned correctly, he or she is ready to receive all God has for them. The Bible often uses the word simple. The original term means “thick, dull, and sluggish,” and it describes those who are insensitive and unreceptive to the thoughts of others. God will speak to you through people, but unless you listen you won’t hear what He has to say. So today position yourself to receive.
Soul food: Jer 36:27-40:16; Mark 1:40-45; Ps 25:1-7; Prov 9:17-18
2018-04-09
Hebrews 1:3 NIV
Are you so focused on your troubles that you’ve forgotten what God’s Word says: “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”? (Psalm 23:6 KJV). We know about Job’s troubles, but we tend to forget they were just for a short season in an otherwise very blessed life. The time Joseph spent in prison was eclipsed by the years of influence and privilege he enjoyed as the number-two man in Pharaoh’s palace. Are you having difficulty enjoying your blessings because you are afraid they won’t last? Maybe you’re so accustomed to trouble that you’re continually braced for it, like sitting in a comfortable recliner and not being able to relax. It’s time you stopped worrying and started believing God’s promises to you! He hasn’t brought you this far to abandon you. No, He has “appointed you to bring forth fruit that will last.” Lasting joy and success – that’s God’s plan for you! The Bible says, “The Son is…sustaining all things by his powerful word.” God doesn’t speak something over your life, then let it fall apart. He said, “My word…will…achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NIV). In Genesis chapter one verse fourteen, God said, “Let there be lights in the…heaven to divide the day from the night.” And guess what? That same sun shines today because of the word that brought it into being – and it’ll shine again tomorrow. Now, if God will do that for an inanimate object like the sun, don’t you think He’ll take care of you too? Come on, believe that you’re called and chosen by God!
Soul food: Jer 33:1-36:26; Mark 1:35-39; Ps 32; Prov 9:10-16
2018-04-08
John 15:16 NLT
The word “ordained” comes from the word ordered. God ordered and designed you specifically. He chose your life’s direction. He preserved you when you thought you wouldn’t make it. He pushed you when you thought you had run out of steam. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble…the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT). He wants you to win. “No weapon turned against you will succeed…These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17 NLT). That means the attacks being directed against you won’t succeed! But being chosen by God doesn’t mean you can just go and do your own thing. Paul says, “Should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2 NLT). When you’re chosen and appointed you have assurance of your position in Christ, even when your condition isn’t up to par. It’s also why God permits tests and temptations. He knows what it takes to keep you dependent on Him, and help you develop a strong root system. The first thing God told man was “be fruitful” (Genesis 1:28). He wants you to be productive and successful in every aspect of your life. Jesus said, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom [to enjoy the advantages of kingdom living]” (Luke 12:32 AMPC). Once that concept gets down into your spirit, it will change your life!
Soul food: Gal 5:22; Isa 61; Heb 12:2; Isa 35:3-10
2018-04-07
Luke 15:18 ESV
Once you grasp the fact that God has “chosen and appointed” you to accomplish certain things, many of your unanswered questions will begin to make sense. Like why you see things differently from others, or feel compelled to move on while they’re happy to stay where they are. Paul said, “Long before we first heard of Christ…he…had designs on us for glorious living” (Ephesians 1:11 TM). You’ve been handpicked and designed for the job! Why? Because God has certain things He wants to do through you. It’s the reason you’ve made it this far. It’s why you keep bouncing back each time Satan tries to destroy you. Here are two reasons you need to grasp this truth: (1) If you think God chose you because you’re a great prayer-warrior, or read your Bible for hours on end, or you’re of sterling character, the minute you let up or fail the Devil will pounce and tell you you’re no longer accepted by God. (2) Knowing your status before God enables you to say, “Even though I struggle and stumble and sometimes don’t have it all together, I can go to God at any time because He chose me.” That’s powerful! It’s information the Devil doesn’t want you to have because it will change your thinking, your outlook, and your confidence level. Even though he crashed and burned and ended up smelling like the pigs he fed, the Prodigal Son could say, “I will arise and go to my father.” Rejoice, God is still your “Father” even though you’ve messed up. Repent, return, recommit – you’re “chosen and appointed.”
Soul food: Jer 31-32; Mark 1:29-34; Ps 72:12-20; Prov 9:7-9
2018-04-06
Galatians 4:5 TM
The word “appointed” means God has scheduled certain things to take place in your life at certain seasons. Sometimes people have to make lifestyle adjustments to accommodate an unexpected pregnancy – but nobody adopts a child by accident. Think: Knowing in advance about all your weaknesses, God chose you anyway. “You are now fully adopted as his own…an heir, with complete access” (vv. 5-7 TM). You never have to wonder whether it’s okay to approach your heavenly Father because He’s always ready to welcome you. Your seat is reserved at the table. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5 NIV). That means obstacles and opposition can’t rob you of God’s blessing. Being “chosen and appointed” is like having a platinum credit card: You get preferential treatment! But that doesn’t give you license to live however you please. Some of us are like the little boy who prayed, “Lord, make me a good boy. But if You can’t, don’t worry – I’m having a great time the way I am!” No, “the Lord disciplines those he loves, and…accepts as a son” (Hebrews 12:6 NIV). And God’s correction isn’t rejection, it’s proof of His love! You’re not chosen and appointed based on your race, virtues, gifts, talents, looks, and intelligence. God chose you because He loves you and has a special plan for your life. And the best part is, He’s going to strengthen and equip you to fulfill it. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
Soul food: Jer 28-30; Mark 1:16-28; Ps 72:1-11; Prov 9:1-6
2018-04-05
John 15:16 NKJV
Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” How you begin a relationship is important. All parties need to feel secure in order for it to go well. For example, when you’re invited to somebody’s home for dinner, it’s reasonable to expect that they’ll fulfill certain social obligations. You shouldn’t have to wonder if you’re welcome, or if there’ll be enough food to go around, or if there’s a place at the table for you. Those are things you might be concerned about if you stopped by uninvited. Likewise, knowing you’ve been “chosen and appointed” by God gives you confidence. It means you’re accepted; you don’t have to campaign to get elected. If you think walking to a church altar to commit your life to Christ means you chose God, think again! God chose you for two reasons: to bless you, and to make you a blessing to others (See Genesis 12:2). But in the beginning not all His blessings may be things you rejoice about. The Bible speaks of blessings “you won’t have room enough to receive” (See Malachi 3:10). Sometimes God’s blessings are so overwhelming that when He starts pouring them out you think, “I’m not sure I can handle this.” And you’d be right – if you had been the one who initiated the relationship! But you didn’t choose God, He chose you. And whomever He calls, He equips. All you need to do is be open and responsive. “Give yourselves completely…tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes” (Romans 6:13 TLB).
Soul food: Jer 25-27; Mark 1:9-15; Ps 31; Prov 8:34-36
