2025-10-29
Matthew 25:19 NKJV
Jesus said: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability… Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents… And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one… dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them” (vv. 14-19 NKJV).
How does this story turn out? Well, the two men who doubled their money received their master’s highest commendation: “Well done” (vv. 21, 23 NKJV). But the one who was risk averse was called “wicked and lazy” (v. 26 NKJV). His master told him: “You ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away” (vv. 27-29 NKJV).
Practically speaking, here is what this parable teaches us: When the cost of living increases an average of 2.5 percent yearly, your savings must earn at least 2.5 percent yearly, or you will lose money rather than earn it. And one more thought. Since the Bible tells us to invest wisely, you can pray and be confident God will give you sound investment strategies.
Soul food: 1 Chr 3-5; John 8:1-20; Ps 6; Prov 25:1-7
2025-10-28
Isaiah 35:3-4 NLT
Every one of us needs encouragement (support that inspires confidence and a will to continue). The words we speak can either build up or tear down the people around us.
Author Rebecca Barlow Jordan writes: “One of the first questions I like to ask Jesus when I wake up each morning is, ‘How can I encourage someone today? And who?’ He’s always faithful to answer, often through His Word. One morning after asking that question, I read Isaiah 35:3-4 (NLT) and found a practical answer. First, ‘strengthen those who have tired hands.’ That might include teachers, hair stylists, moms, writers… missionaries, pastors, and parents… Next, the passage mentions encouraging those who have ‘weak knees.’ I envisioned grandparents and senior citizens, veterans, and even athletes with wear and tear on their bodies. But the last category, the ‘fearful,’ could probably include everyone. These needed to hear the words, ‘be strong, and do not fear.’…
For me, finding people to encourage is not a problem. Remembering to listen and follow through with Jesus’s answers is where I need work. And the amazing thing is, when I try to lift up someone else, I’m the one who ends up encouraged. Ask Jesus to help you encourage someone today. Invite Him to speak through you, and be prepared for His answers.”
Paul said, “Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10 AMPC). As you fill your mind thinking of ways to strengthen the faith of others, you will be amazed by how much you get energized and blessed in the process.
Soul food: 1 Chr 1-2; John 7:45-53; Ps 9; Prov 24:30-34
2025-10-27
Ephesians 5:25 NLT
There is an old story where a chief executive officer and his wife are traveling, and they stop to get gas. The CEO goes inside, and when he comes out, he notices his wife talking to the service station attendant. He asks her why; it turns out that she knew the attendant and used to date him. Feeling smug, he says, “I’ll bet you’re thinking you’re glad you married me, a CEO, and not a service station attendant.” She said, “No, I’m thinking if I’d married him, he would be a CEO and you would be a service station attendant.”
Before God created Eve and brought her to Adam, He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18 NLT). Stop and think about the many ways in which your wife complements, completes, helps, and is just right for you. You say, “My wife already knows that I love her.” Perhaps, but she loves to hear you say it, and you could never say it too often. Say it with flowers from time to time.
Pay attention to the little things she does to make your life better and compliment her. When she talks, give her 100 percent of your attention, and let her know that her thoughts and feelings matter to you. Have a weekly date. As the years add wrinkles and extra pounds, treasure her and the life you have built together.
Paul sets the standard for husbands, and it’s a high standard: “Husbands… love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her” (Ephesians 5:25 NLT).
Soul food: 1 John 3:11-5:21; John 7:25-44; Ps 104:27-35; Prov 24:29
2025-10-26
Proverbs 24:16 NKJV
Thomas Edison conducted thousands of experiments with various kinds of materials in his search for a filament he could use in carbon incandescent lamps. As each fibre failed, he would throw it out the window until, eventually, his pile of failures stretched all the way up to the second story of his house. Then about thirteen months after his first failure, he succeeded in finding a filament that could stand the stress of electric current.
And here is how it happened: He nonchalantly picked up a tad of lampblack, mixed it with tar, rolled it into a delicate thread, and wondered, “Why not try a carbonized filter?” He worked for five hours straight to craft a fibre, but it broke into two pieces before he detached the mould. He used up two spools of cotton thread before developing a perfect strand, only to damage it when he attempted to put it inside the glass tube. He stayed awake for two days and nights before he succeeded in slipping one of the carbonized threads into a vacuum-sealed bulb. Then, turning on the current, he observed the glow of electric light that we now take for granted.
A failure doesn’t need to suggest the end; it can mean you’re one step closer to the triumph you desire. If something you have attempted has failed, try again. Consider a new perspective. Allow time for an idea to sit and simmer. Take notes. Never give up the goals and dreams you believe in. God is with you through the detours and delays (See Hebrews 13:5-6). When you make determination your friend, patience your servant, and God your partner – you will succeed!
Soul food: Num 9:15-23; Exo 24:15-18; Matt 17:1-8; Acts 1:9-11
2025-10-25
Proverbs 14:8 NIV
Solomon writes: “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.” “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3 NIV). “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 NIV). What you are today was determined by decisions you made in the past. If you want to change your future, learn to make better decisions. Let these ten principles guide you:
(1) Never make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. If you do, when things change, you may regret it.
(2) Don’t let your emotions blind you to reason. Pray, weigh things carefully, and base your decisions on mature judgment.
(3) Surround yourself with sharp people, then draw on their gifts without being intimidated by their expertise.
(4) Take time to consider all your options. What looks good to you today may not look so good tomorrow.
(5) You can’t fight successfully on every front, so choose your battles carefully. Some things are not worth fighting for.
(6) Take time to get all the facts; otherwise, you can end up in trouble.
(7) Consider the consequences of each action. Ask yourself, “Am I ready to handle this right now?”
(8) Make sure your expectations don’t exceed your potential and your resources. Focus on what God has gifted you to do, for that’s where you will succeed.
(9) Time is your most valuable resource; use it wisely.
(10) Never quit. Be willing to make mistakes, learn from them, and start over as often as necessary in order to succeed.
Soul food: 1 John 1:1-3:10; John 7:14-24; Ps 104:19-26; Prov 24:28
2025-10-24
Psalm 141:3 NLT
If you’re inclined to gossip, read this carefully: “I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning and malicious, and I gather strength with age. The more I’m quoted, the more I’m believed. I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless; they can’t protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I’m nobody’s friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it’s never the same. I topple governments, wreck marriages, and make innocent people cry. Who am I? My name is gossip!”
Solomon said, “Rumours are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart” (Proverbs 18:8 NLT). When it comes to the sin of gossip, note carefully what Jesus said: “Every idle word… men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37 KJV).
One day we will stand before God to be evaluated and rewarded. Revelation 20:12 says, “And the books were opened.” The word “books” indicates there will be several. So might there be a “book of words”? If you believe there could be, you won’t break someone’s heart by spreading their secrets, betraying their confidence, ruining their good name, and undermining their self-esteem with ridicule and innuendo. You simply won’t do it! David prayed, “Control… what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” And that’s a prayer each of us needs to pray on a regular basis.
Soul food: Ezra 9-10; John 7:1-13; Ps 104:1-18; Prov 24:26-27
