2019-01-23
2 Peter 1:13 NIV
A pole vaulter only discovers how high he can jump when he clears the bar. Then he sets it higher. God does that too. He stretches your faith to what seems like your breaking point. Pastor and author Jon Walker says: “At one point I sensed God stretching my faith. Specifically, He told me to stop receiving a regular paycheck and start living by faith…So with radiant certainty that God would provide because He told me He would, I did what He said and started looking for His provision. I kept a log of every way God took care of me, and the list grew joyfully impressive. God was moving me from a tentative ‘I hope it will happen,’ to a certain ‘I know this will happen.’ Yet within months I was literally staggered with doubt. I’d lost my focus…and started scrambling for ways to generate income…believing it was my responsibility to make things happen because God may or may not come through…You may be further along than I am in learning to trust God; then again, you may have experienced exactly what I’m describing.” Understand this: A faith that cannot be shaken comes only from a faith that has been so severely shaken that it is now sure, certain, and steadfast. Our greatest concern is getting our needs met, but God’s greatest concern is developing our faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). That’s why Peter wrote, “I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth…It is right to refresh your memory” (2 Peter 1:12-13 NIV). So, keep reminding yourself that God is faithful.
Soul food: Rom 7:1-9:16; Luke 5:12-26; Ps 96; Prov 3:5-6
2018-10-19
Genesis 19:17 NKJV
One time in the West Indies five ships, one of them British, were anchored in the harbor when a monster storm rolled in. The British captain immediately raised anchor and sailed out to meet it. Two days later, battered but still intact, he returned to the harbor and discovered that the ships that hadn’t sailed for fear of the storm had all been driven ashore and destroyed. Generally speaking, as a leader the best way forward is to face challenges head-on and “not look behind you.” Author Jon Gordon points out six important things: (1) Who you are makes a difference. People follow the leader first and his vision second. (2) It’s all about relationships. Pastor Andy Stanley said, “Rules without relationship lead to rebellion.” You can implement all the rules in the world, but if you don’t develop a relationship with the people you’re leading, they’ll rebel. (3) It’s not just about what you do, but what you can inspire, encourage and empower others to do. You bring out the best in people by sharing the best in yourself. (4) Lead with optimism, enthusiasm, and positive energy. Guard against negativity and teach people to focus on solutions, not complaints. (5) Recognize that you don’t have all the answers, and build a team of people who either have the answers or will find them. (6) Accept that success is a process, not a destination. John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach, recognized that winning was an offshoot of great leadership, teamwork, focus, commitment, and implementing the basics.
Soul food: Exo 33-35; John 4:27-38; Ps 32; Prov 27:1-3
2018-10-13
Song of Solomon 4:12 NCV
A farmer’s fruit tree consistently produced bumper crops and became a real money-maker for him, so he put all his efforts into marketing and never noticed that the tree was dying. Then one day he woke up and realized the root had dried up. He’d been so focused on the fruit that he neglected the root. How about you? Are you focusing on numbers and outcomes, or are you focusing on the purpose, people, innovation, culture, and root of your success? Nurture the root and you’ll always have fruit. Ignore the root – say goodbye to the fruit! One author writes: “Like a plant constrained in the same pot, our roots become bound and twisted. Over time we’re unable to be fully nourished. We can’t grow beyond the limits of our environment. In the words of Scripture, we become ‘like a garden locked up…a walled-in spring, a closed-up fountain.’ But God sees the person inside…the one with potential to become everything He created you to be. He sees the impending bloom of the locked garden, the refreshment of the inner spring, and the sound of the running fountain. He knows you’re inhibited and closed, and He wants to set you free. Some hardships like death and divorce cause a necessary replanting…an opportunity to establish deeper roots and realize our potential in a new container. Ask God to replant you…to gently remove you, free you from captivity, and find the perfect place for you to grow. Let Him nourish your roots so they extend into the rich soil of newfound freedom.
Soul food: Exo 19-21; John 2:12-25; Ps 110; Prov 26:13-16
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
2018-05-24
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
