2024-01-14
Proverbs 13:18 NLT
Solomon said, “If you accept correction, you will be honoured.” Charlie Shedd gives us ten ways to grow through criticism:
(1) Criticism is often a compliment. The barbs in daily life strike only those who raise their heads above ground level. Jesus said, “Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down… it means that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable” (Luke 6:22 MSG).
(2) Accept that you have faults which are open to censure. Stay humble, and criticism won’t rattle you.
(3) “The words of the godly save lives” (Proverbs 12:6 NLT). Invite criticism from friends; then when it comes from your enemies, you will be broken in.
(4) Let criticism make you better. When you burn with anger, you destroy the passport to your own improvement. “When you do right and suffer for it… take it patiently” (1 Peter 2:20 RSV).
(5) Some criticism should be ignored, especially if it stems from false motives. Never give unhappy people the key to your happiness.
(6) Keep it in perspective. Everybody hasn’t heard. Most people don’t care. One bad word doesn’t cancel the good in you.
(7) Let criticism make you kinder. Remind yourself that you have criticized others too. Is this a boomerang that started in your own heart?
(8) Pray for your critics. It will improve them and neutralize your bitterness. Hate destroys your health and steals your happiness.
(9) Check with the Master Critic. What does God say? How do things look deep in your soul?
(10) When you have checked to make sure you’re right, move ahead. In quiet confidence finish what you started, because God’s promises are to those who endure (See Hebrews 6:12).
Soul food: Exo 20:4-6; Deut 7:17-8:2; Isa 40:18-31; Col 3:5-10
2024-01-13
Psalm 92:15 NLV
Laat die gedagte aan ouer word jou depressief voel, maak dit jou angstig of fatalisties in jou lewensuitkyk? Indien dit die geval is, lees die volgende: ‘Geplant in die Here se woning groei hulle weelderig, daar in die tempel van ons God. Al is hulle oud, is hulle ‘n aanwins; hulle is vars en lewenskragtig’ (vers 14-15 NLV). Hier is hoe om ‘vars en lewenskragtig’ soos jy ouer word, te bly:
1) Pas jou gesondheid op. Navorsing wys dat goeie gesondheid die belangrikste faktor is om geluk in jou latere jare te bepaal. Eet gesond en oefen dikwels. Drink baie water, neem jou daaglikse vitamiene en gaan vir gereelde doktersondersoeke. Dit sal jou nie meer tyd waarborg nie, maar dit sal die kwaliteit van jou tyd hier op aarde bepaal.
2) Lyk op jou beste. Trek stylvol, soos jou begroting dit toelaat, op elke ouderdom aan. Wanneer jy goed lyk, voel jy goed – en geïnspireerd. Hou egter jou pogings om aantreklik te lyk, in balans. Dink twee keer en doen jou huiswerk voor jy voor kosmetiese chirurgie swyg. Sommige kan baie gevaarlik wees. ‘Skoonheid is soms misleidend. ‘n Mooi voorkoms hou nie vir altyd nie. ‘n Vrou wat ontsag het vir die Here verdien om geprys te word. Gee vir haar die waardering wat sy verdien. Laat sy erkenning geniet in die stadspoort’ (Spreuke 31:30-31 NLV).
3) Help waar hulp benodig word. Moeder Teresa het gesê: ‘Ons kan nie groot dinge doen nie. Ons kan net klein dinge met groot liefde doen.’ Jy sal verbaas wees oor die gevoel van krag, eiewaarde en bevrediging wat jy voel wanneer jy aan die behoeftes van ander voldoen. ‘n Onbekende digter het geskryf: ‘It’s loving and giving that makes life worth living!’
Sielskos: Lev 21:1-23:25; Matt 5:27-37; Ps 71:17-24; Spr 2:3-5
Psalm 92:14 NKJV
Does the thought of getting older depress you, make you anxious, or make you fatalistic in your outlook? If so, read this: “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing” (vv. 13-14 NKJV). Here is how to stay “fresh and flourishing” as you grow older:
(1) Guard your health. Studies show that good health is the number-one factor in determining the level of happiness in old age. Eat healthy, and exercise often. Drink lots of water, take your daily vitamins, and get regular medical checkups. These efforts will not guarantee you more time, but they will determine the quality of your time here on earth.
(2) Look your best. Dress stylishly at every age, as your budget will allow. When you look good, you feel good – and inspired. But keep your quest for attractiveness in balance. Think twice and do your homework before you submit to cosmetic surgeries. Some can be downright dangerous. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise” (Proverbs 31:30-31 NLT).
(3) Look for someone to help. Mother Teresa said, “We cannot do great things. We can only do little things with great love.” You will be amazed at the sense of strength, self-worth, and satisfaction you feel when you meet the needs of others. An unknown poet wrote, “It’s loving and giving that makes life worth living!”
Soul food: Lev 21:1-23:25; Matt 5:27-37; Ps 71:17-24; Prov 2:3-5
2024-01-12
Jesaja 65:22 NLV
Ons leef in ‘n wispelturige samelewing waar ‘n paar plooie jou eiewaarde kan vernietig. Jy kan egter nie ‘n slagoffer van daardie waardesisteem wees nie. ‘My volk sal so oud word soos ‘n boom. Hulle wat Ek uitverkies het, sal die vrug geniet van hulle eie handewerk’ (vers 22 NLV). Daar is ‘n gesegde wat lui: ‘Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!’ Dus:
1) Bou ‘n sterk verhouding met God. Bestee tyd om met Hom te praat en sy Woord te lees. ‘…Hou vas aan my opdragte. Dit sal jou lank laat lewe en jou ‘n vol lewe gee’ (Spreuke 3:1-2 NLV).
2) Aanvaar die realiteit van oud word. Jy het begin verouder van die oomblik toe jy verwek is. Op die dag van jou geboorte, was jy reeds nege maande oud. Daarom is bekommernis oor ouer word net so nutteloos soos om jouself te bekommer oor die son wat elke dag ondergaan. In plaas daarvan om jou oor die lengte van jou lewe te bekommer, maak die meeste van elke dag. Kyk elke oggend in die spieël en verklaar: ‘Dit is die dag wat die Here gemaak het. Ek gaan daaroor juig en bly wees’ (sien Psalm 118:24).
3) Sorg dat jy altyd ‘n doelwit het. Dit hoef nie iets groots in die oë van die wêreld te wees nie, net iets waarna jy kan uitsien om met jou hande en jou gedagtes te doen. Eleanor Roosevelt het gesê: ‘Ek kon op geen ouderdom tevrede wees om êrens in ‘n hoekie te sit en bloot toe te kyk nie.’ Lees, groei, dra by, bly betrokke, leef tot jou laaste asem!
Sielskos: Lev 18-20; Matt 5:13-26; Ps 71:1-16; Spr 2:1-2
Isaiah 65:22 NIV
We live in a fickle society where a few wrinkles can devastate your self-worth. But you don’t have to be a victim of that value system. “As the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands” (v. 22 NIV). Someone said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!”
So: (1) Build a strong relationship with God. Spend time talking with Him and reading His Word. “Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying” (Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT).
(2) Come to grips with the reality of aging. Face it; you have been aging from the moment you were conceived. In fact, on the day of your birth, you were already nine months old. Therefore, fretting about getting older is as fruitless as worrying about the sun going down each day. Instead of worrying about the length of your life, maximize every day of it. Each morning look in the mirror and announce, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it” (See Psalm 118:24).
(3) Always have a goal. It doesn’t have to be something big in the eyes of the world, just something to look forward to doing with your hands and your mind. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on.” Read, grow, contribute, stay involved, live until your last breath!
Soul food: Lev 18-20; Matt 5:13-26; Ps 71:1-16; Prov 2:1-2
