2025-07-29
Ephesians 3:17 NIV
Unfortunately, the word fellowship has come to be associated with awkward gatherings in church basements, drinking red punch, and participating in stilted conversations. No wonder people give up on it! Paul describes connectedness as “being rooted and established in love.” When a tree puts roots into the ground, it takes in nutrients and water, and the tree grows and has life, but only if it’s rooted. In the same way, we’re rooted, and our souls are nourished in the love of God – and other people. We experience this physically and emotionally when we connect with somebody. When there is an exchange of genuine caring, the roots of your soul get fed.
We flourish when we’re connected with God and people, and we languish when we’re disconnected. Emotionally isolated people are more prone to depression, anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, substance abuse, sexual addiction, and difficulty eating and sleeping. One behavioural expert writes: “Connection not only helped make us who we are… it helps determine who we become as individuals… In both cases, human connections, mental health, psychological health, and emotional well-being are inextricably linked.”
Even animals that are isolated experience more intensive arterial sclerosis. One author writes, “A friend of mine used to have a dog and a cat [that] fought for ten years. Then the cat died… and the dog wouldn’t eat. Six weeks later he died.” That’s just a small illustration of the power of connection. This doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to become an extrovert. Some of the shyest people have the deepest friendships because they identify life-giving relationships, plug into them, thrive, and give back. And that’s what God designed you to do too.
Soul food: Deut 18-21; Matt 13:10-23; Ps 78:40-55; Pro 16:32
2025-07-28
Proverbs 29:18 KJV
The word “perish” conjures up images of deterioration and decay, like fruit rotting from within. On what specific day does passion leave a marriage or a worker lose interest in a job that once excited them? Like air leaking silently out of a tire, what was meant to carry our weight and to power us toward our destiny can now barely wobble.
If that’s how you’re feeling now, read this promise, and let it take root within you: “He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31 TLB). The great apostle Paul told his admirers, “We too are only human, like you” (Acts 14:15 NIV). We are all made of the same flawed material. That’s why we need God’s strength and mercy newly bestowed on us each day (See Lamentations 3:22-23).
So, what should you do when you’re feeling blah? Two things. First, if you’re physically tired – rest. Second, think about how God’s family works and stop isolating. The Bible says, “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2 NIV). The fact is, you have given to others in times past, now have the grace and humility to receive from them. Reach out. Use your connections. Start reading God’s Word. Listen to uplifting music and fill your space with praise. When you do these things, your focus will change, and your faith will start to rise.
Soul food: Deut 14-17; Matt 13:1-9; Ps 78:32-39; Pro 16:31
2025-07-27
Exodus 18:17-18 NIV
The Bible says: “The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, ‘What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?’ Moses answered him, ‘Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.’ Moses’ father-in-law replied, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out'” (vv. 13-18 NIV).
Moses was stressed to the breaking point. The Latin word for “stress” means “to be drawn tight.” Doctors say it’s a precursor to heart attacks and strokes. There is a reason why highways have weigh stations – to ensure that trucks aren’t carrying more weight than they are constructed to haul. Moses’ father-in-law told him that he was wearing himself out. The Hebrew word for “wearing out” literally means “to become old.” Moses was growing old before his time. If that’s happening to you, (1) shift gears and start to share the load with others, and (2) spend more time in God’s presence. “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength… they shall… not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV).
Soul food: Lev 24:17-22; Deut 15:7-11; Matt 5:38-48
2025-07-26
Ephesians 6:8 NIV
When God asks you to sacrifice on behalf of somebody else, do it. It’s like putting money in a heavenly account. You may not need it today or tomorrow, but when you do, God will ensure it comes back to you in multiplied form.
Indian Christian missionary Sadhu Sundar Singh and a companion were traveling through a pass high in the Himalayas when they found a body lying in the snow. They checked for vital signs and discovered the man was still alive, but barely. As Sundar prepared to stop and help this unfortunate traveller, his companion objected, saying, “We shall lose our lives if we burden ourselves with him.” Sundar, however, couldn’t comprehend leaving the man to die in the snow without an attempt at rescue. His companion bade him farewell and walked on. Sundar lifted the traveller on his back and, with great exertion – made greater by the high altitude and snowy conditions – carried him onward.
As he walked, the heat from his body began to warm the frozen man. He revived, and soon they were walking together side by side, holding each other up and sharing body heat. Before long, they came upon another traveller’s body lying in the snow, and on closer inspection, they discovered he was dead. You guessed it. It was Sundar’s original traveling companion!
So, what’s the lesson in all this? What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you! The Bible says, “Serve wholeheartedly… because… the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do” (vv. 7-8 NIV).
Soul food: Deut 11-13; Matt 12:38-50; Ps 78:17-31; Pro 16:26-30
2025-07-25
Genesis 40:6 NLT
Joseph was serving a prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, which makes it remarkable that he had the time and energy to care about anybody else. “Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker offended their royal master… and he put them in prison… Joseph… noticed that they both looked upset. ‘Why do you look so worried today?’ he asked them. And they replied, ‘We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean'” (vv. 1, 3, 6-8 NLT). Joseph interpreted their dreams, and as a result, the cupbearer got his job back in Pharaoh’s palace.
When Pharaoh had a dream no one could interpret, the cupbearer introduced him to Joseph, who interpreted his dream. As a result, Joseph became prime minister of Egypt and was positioned to save his family from extinction. But there is more to the story. From the family Joseph saved came the Redeemer of the world who saved you. This amazing chain of events begins with two words, “Joseph noticed.”
Remember the dying man on the Jericho Road? “A certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side… But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So, he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him” (Luke 10:31, 33-34 NKJV). Jesus ends His parable with these words: “Go and do likewise” (v. 37 NKJV). So, ask God to help you “notice” and for the grace to respond.
Soul food: Deut 8-10; Matt 12:22-37; Ps 78:9-16; Pro 16:25
2025-07-24
Amos 3:3 NIV
Relationships are built on mutual trust – and trust is based on speaking the truth. But there are ways of speaking the truth that help and ways that hurt. The “give-them-a-piece-of-my-mind” approach just drives the wedge deeper. Then there is the Bible way: “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV). Let’s suppose a couple fights because he is habitually late. How can she make sure her message gets across? Well, she could say to him:
(a) “I feel frustrated.” No blame, no attack; just an honest sharing of how she feels.
(b) “When you are late…” No judging, name-calling, or labelling; just a description of how she sees his action.
(c) “It seems to say to me that my time isn’t really important to you.” No moralizing; just honestly sharing her emotions.
(d) “In the future, can you please try to be on time or call me and let me know when you will be here?” Instead of focusing on past actions he can’t change, she is telling him what she would like him to do differently next time.
(e) “Would you be willing to do that for me?” No demanding or taking for granted; just asking for consideration and cooperation. And when he agrees, they have an implied “contract.”
She thanks him sincerely and rewards every effort he makes to keep his word. In effect, she has just realigned the relationship by making him an ally instead of an adversary. She has also redefined the focus as a shared one, not something she “does to him!” Like the Bible says, we can “walk together” when we have “agreed to do so.”
Soul food: Deut 5-7; Matt 12:15-21; Ps 78:1-8; Pro 16:23-24
