2018-05-27
2 Corinthians 1:4 MGS
One way to help a friend in crisis is to help them identify important resources – spiritual, personal, and interpersonal. (1) Spiritual resources. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God’s Word illuminates the darkness and confusion. His Spirit is the source of all comfort – He gives “peace…which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 RSV). His presence addresses the loneliness, and His power enables the hurting heart to overcome feelings of helplessness. People in crisis are often disoriented, which causes them to forget what God has already given them. (2) Personal resources. Remind them of their unique strengths and skills. Help them recall past triumphs when they successfully navigated through tough times. Encourage a positive attitude that looks to the future rather than being paralyzed by present pain. Most importantly, strengthen their faith with prayer and truths from God’s Word. And last but not least, remind them of your support. (3) Interpersonal resources. Family members, friends, business associates, and neighbors are likely to be supportive, and community resources are also available for medical, financial, and material assistance. The local church is another network source. People in crisis are often too embarrassed to ask for help; they feel like they should be able to handle their own problems. Help them understand that you are blessed by giving, and that one day they too will have an opportunity to help “someone else who is going through hard times.”
Soul food: Gal 5:23; Isa 40:9-11; Isa 42:1-4; Ps 18:31-35
2018-05-26
Galatians 6:2 CEV
When a friend or family member is in a crisis, your aim should be to help them cope with it and grow through it. Sometimes that’s easier said than done! As their hurting hearts adjust to new and unfamiliar circumstances, they might be skeptical about whom to trust. But being there for them is what the kingdom of God is all about! “Carry each other’s burdens” (v. 2 NIV). Your commitment can play a significant role in someone’s journey toward becoming emotionally healthy again. Here are three practical suggestions: (1) Don’t expect them to initiate contact. It’s common for people in crisis to withdraw rather than ask for help. Often they’re too distraught to know what they need, so you’ll probably have to make the first move. And please don’t feel like you have to be a professional. Two simple steps can make the hurting one feel valued and understood: (a) Listen carefully to their concerns and perceptions. (b) Maintain eye contact and show genuine interest. (2) Help reduce their anxiety. Offer a calming presence by inviting them to share their feelings. And if their viewpoint seems distorted, say something like, “May I suggest another way of looking at things?” (3) Help them focus on what’s important. They’re feeling overwhelmed, so help them sort out the issues that need their immediate attention. Instead of rehashing the past and worrying about the future, encourage them to concentrate on the present and “live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34 TLB).
Soul food: Judg 16:1-19:15; Mark 11:12-26; Ps 47; Prov 13:11-12
2018-05-25
Romans 12:8 MSG
We say, “It’s not my responsibility. I don’t want to get involved!” Ever said those words? You may have thought you had a good reason – perhaps it was an inconvenient time – but the bottom line is you didn’t offer to help someone in need. And you’re not alone. Research confirms that the trend to avoid involvement is increasing worldwide. Nevertheless, “being there” for others is a biblical mandate; it’s the practical application of loving God and your neighbor (See Matthew 22:37-39). Crises generally present themselves in three ways: (1) Situational crises include serious illnesses, the death of a loved one, or breakdowns in family relationships. The patriarch Job experienced all of these! (2) Developmental crises happen over the course of life – leaving home, going away to college, marriage adjustments, parenting, retirement, or declining health. Abraham and Sarah knew all about living through developmental crises. They left their home and family and endured years of childlessness. Then on top of that God asked them to sacrifice their one and only “miracle” son. (3) Self-awareness crises are when you discover disturbing truths about yourself – you’re told that, humanly speaking, your illness is incurable, or you see yourself as a failure because now you’re too old to realize your life’s goals. Or you face the reality of being divorced or widowed, or you feel rejected because of your background. People like Elijah and Jonah are examples of self-awareness crises. Do any of these examples bring someone you know to mind? And if so, “be quick to respond.”
Soul food: Judg 12-15; Mark 11:1-11; Ps 97; Prov 13:9-10
2018-05-24
Proverbs 22:29 NIV
Here’s a prayer for success at work: “Lord, I thank You for the way You’ve made me, for the many gifts and talents You’ve placed within me, and I trust that I’m the best person for this job. I am grateful for each and every one of the personalities I work with, even the ones I don’t particularly like or understand. I ask that my focus would be on accomplishing the goals You have set forth for me to perform during my time in this position. Give me wisdom and discernment on the job, even in the midst of a hostile environment. Help me to learn what You want to teach me here, and give me patience as You prepare me for the future. Help me to do my best, and to always remain positive and hopeful. Please quiet the complaints and disappointments of my heart with Your perfect peace, and allow me to trust You with my job. Dress me in the garments of praise and the righteousness of Christ that I may bring You glory where I work. Allow me to know my true identity, to walk in Your favor, and to seek to please You more than those with whom I work. Where there is contention, let me be a peacemaker. Where there is deceit, let me speak truth. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is fear, let me bring faith. Where there is darkness, let me bring light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy. These things I ask in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Soul food: Judg 9:34-11:40; Mark 10:35-52; Ps 129; Prov 20:25; Ecc 5:4-6
2018-05-23
1 Kings 3:9 NIV
Dr. John Maxwell writes: “Several years ago when I was speaking to a group of executives, someone asked me what principles I follow when hiring. ‘I have only one rule,’ I explained. ‘I never do the hiring.’ That got their attention. ‘And here’s why: I’m terrible at it.’ I went on to explain my horrible track record…’Because I’m so optimistic and have a high belief in people, I’m unrealistic. It doesn’t matter what red flags come up during an interview with a candidate, I always think, I can help this person to improve and succeed. That’s not the right attitude for an interviewer. To be successful in this area you need people who are skeptical – the kind of individuals who wouldn’t even hire their own mothers. When I quit hiring, it took my organization to a whole new level.’ When I told this room full of executives that I didn’t do any hiring anymore, I could see their first reaction was negative. But as I explained it, I could see they appreciated that I knew my own weaknesses, and they respected my honesty. Few things are worse than someone who doesn’t know what he’s talking about, making things up as he goes along, and pretending he has expertise when he really doesn’t have a clue.” If you have a poor track record in hiring people, delegate the job to those who are gifted at it. And if you must do it yourself, pray Solomon’s prayer: “Give your servant a discerning heart…to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Soul food: Judg 7:1-9:33; Mark 10:23-34; Ps 93; Prov 13:7-8
2018-05-22
Psalm 107:14 NCV
God is in the business of setting people free – morally and spiritually. When the Israelites were in bondage, “they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress” (v. 13 RSV). Jesus still delivers day after day, and “if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through” (John 8:36 TM). So follow these steps to freedom: (1) Cry out to the Lord. He said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV). The cry of the Israelites was a repeated heart-cry, and God still responds to cries from the heart. Deliverance starts by recognizing your total dependence on Him. Instead of trying to handle it all on your own, the Bible says, “Cast all your [care] on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 RSV). (2) Feed your soul spiritually. Jesus said, “I am the living bread…If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever” (John 6:51 NIV). As you feed on God’s Word and share your feelings in prayer, He’ll lighten your burden and nourish your soul. He came to declare “freedom for the prisoners…to release the oppressed” (Luke 4:18 NIV). Take time to meditate on God’s Word. Reflect on it until you understand how to apply it to your life. Knowledge without application is useless. Freedom requires feeding daily on the Scriptures, and applying what you learn to your present circumstances. “Happy are those who…love the Lord’s teachings, and…think about those teachings day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2 NCV). Do it each and every day – and be set free!
Soul food: Judg 4-6; Mark 10:13-22; Ps 88:9b-18; Prov 13:4-6
