2022-08-20
Proverbs 22:29 MSG
Solomon writes, “Skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone” (v. 29 MSG). But skillfulness isn’t genetic; you have to work at it. Sometimes that means burning the midnight oil, stretching to your limits, and refusing to settle for less. As you watch true craftsmen, your esteem for them rises. You notice their attention to detail, refusal to cut corners, patience, dedication, and pride in their work. They inspire confidence and respect.
There is not a more practical demonstration of true Christianity! When they speak, people listen. If you doubt that, try sharing your faith with those who see you being dishonest, shoddy, and careless. It would be better to remain silent until you earn the right to be heard. The Bible says that whatever your work, “do it… in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 NIV). Because you represent Christ and His Spirit lives within you, you should set the industry standard for excellence. Your employees and customers should have confidence that they will get nothing from you but the best.
A skillful worker can’t lose because God promises that their work will inevitably attract the attention of people who will promote and reward them (See Proverbs 22:29 MSG). They may start at the bottom, but like cream they rise to the top. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego started out as slaves in Babylon. But they ended up as the king’s closest advisers. Why? “Whenever the king asked for advice, he found their wisdom was ten times better than that of any of his other advisors” (Daniel 1:20 CEV).
Soul food: Judg 1-3; Mark 6:30-44; Ps 119:89-96; Prov 18:6-8
2022-08-19
Proverbs 24:16 NIV
Like any skill, mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience can be learned. Here’s how:
(1) Redefine setbacks as the gateway to something greater.
(2) Remember successful people don’t just face adversity, they embrace it.
(3) Tune out the critics and focus on doing your best.
(4) Wake up every day remembering that prayer and gratitude create a fertile environment for faith.
(5) Increase your faith-talk when you’re afraid.
(6) Learn from failure, and remember the many times you’ve succeeded.
(7) Visualise victory before going into battle.
(8) Refuse to dwell on the past or worry about the future; today is where you have the most influence.
(9) Identify a solution instead of complaining.
(10) Replace self-doubt with faith-talk.
(11) When things look hopeless, remember “with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27 KJV).
(12) When you feel alone, think of all those who have helped you and who love and support you.
(13) Pray for guidance when you’re in over your head (See James 1:5).
(14) Rest when you’re tired, but don’t give up. Finish strong in everything you do.
(15) Remember you “can do all things through Christ” when you think you can’t (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
(16) Recognise what you can’t control, focus on what you can, and surrender the rest to God.
(17) Exercise physically to give yourself a sense of control and fight depression.
(18) Laugh to reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, and improve arterial blood flow.
(19) Be grateful. Research shows that people who sent a letter or email of thanks to somebody who helped them, stayed in a better mood for up to a month.
Soul food: Ruth 1-4; Mark 6:14-29; Ps 119:81-88; Prov 18:1-5
2022-08-18
1 Peter 4:10 NLT
The Bible says: “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God” (vv. 10-11 NLT).
Some people think that you must have an epiphany, a Damascus Road experience such as Paul had, in order to know you are “called.” No, the gift God gave you is the key to knowing what He wants you to do. You can’t always be what you want to be, but you can be what God calls you to be. What do you love doing, and do well? Is music your forte? Crunching numbers? Working with kids?
“The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving” (1 Corinthians 12:7 CEV). That means some of the things other people find boring will actually energise and enrich you. The Bible says that God is building a “spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5 KJV). And there is a place for you in it. That dispels the misconception that you’re not valuable because you don’t have the same talents other people do.
It also defines your actual responsibility by doing away with the myth that you’re supposed to do everything. Your goal should be to stay within the boundaries of God’s plan for you (See 1 Corinthians 12:27 TLB). So today, instead of apologising for skills you don’t have, unpack the gift God has given you and put it to work.
Soul food: Obadiah; Mark 6:1-13; Ps 119:73-80; Prov 17:27-28
2022-08-17
Psalm 119:28 NKJV
The old saying, “Prayer changes things,” takes on new meaning when you use the Scriptures in prayer. Such prayers move God to act on your behalf. More importantly, they change you.
When you pray God’s Word, here is what happens:
(1) Your faith increases and enables you to receive more of what God has promised.
(2) Your mind is renewed, and it causes you to see things differently.
(3) You know God’s perfect will.
(4) You are able to walk in the truth.
(5) You grow into spiritual maturity.
(6) You draw closer to the Lord and have a more intimate relationship with Him.
(7) You learn God’s ways, and they become your ways.
(8) You understand God’s answers to your prayers.
(9) You change in positive ways.
(10) You behold the Lamb of God who is the very center of your Bible.
Here are some examples of Scriptures you can pray: “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (v. 18 NKJV). “Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I mediate on Your wonderful works” (vv. 26-27 NKJV). “Strengthen me according to Your word” (v. 28 NKJV). “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me” (vv. 97-98 NKJV). “For I will keep the commandments of my God! Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope” (vv. 115-116 NKJV). “Give me understanding, and I shall live” (v. 144 NKJV). Today, pray God’s Word.
Soul food: 1 Pet 3-5; Mark 5:31-43; Ps 119:65-72; Prov 17:23-26
2022-08-16
Psalm 37:25 NKJV
If you’re worried about making ends meet, read on: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” (vv. 23-25 NKJV).
You may be at the cliff’s edge today, but God won’t let you go over it. And if you do, He will catch you. “You will have plenty to eat… and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you” (Joel 2:26 NIV). Stop trying to figure everything out and start leaning on God. “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you” (Psalm 37:3-5 NLT).
God may not give you everything you want, but He will give you everything you need: “Don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT). “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you” (Psalm 55:22 NLT). Don’t worry, God will take care of you!
Soul food: 1 Pet 1-2; Mark 5:21-30; Ps 119:57-64; Prov 17:22
2022-08-15
Ecclesiastes 2:20 NLT
When you’re disappointed in those you work with. You won’t succeed in life without the right people. But when the people you count on fail you, it’s painful. Imagine Moses’ disappointment. He leaves his brother Aaron in charge while he spends forty days on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. When he returns, what does he find? Israel worshiping a golden calf – made by Aaron. When Moses needs him most, Aaron fails miserably. But watch Moses: true leadership shines in disappointment. He confronts Aaron, takes the mess to God, and prays for the forgiveness of Israel. God responds, then reminds Moses of his assignment. “Go, lead the people… my angel will go before you” (Exodus 32:34 NIV). Disappointment doesn’t cancel your assignment – or God’s presence. So do what God has told you to do!
When you’re disappointed in those you have poured your life into. Let’s check in again with Moses, founding pastor of the church in the wilderness. His congregation is made up of former slaves who have been delivered, blessed, and who are en route to the Promised Land, but without a shred of loyalty or gratitude for the man who put everything on the line to make it possible. Fresh out of Egypt, they turn on Moses, accusing, blaming, and berating him (See Exodus 14). Was Moses disappointed and hurt? Yes. But each time he wanted to quit, he would discuss it with God, pray for his complaining flock, get fresh orders from headquarters, and return to work.
That’s what God-called men and women do when they’re disappointed and feel like giving up. And it’s what you must do, too.
Soul food: Deut 32:29-34:12; Mark 5:11-20; Ps 119:49-56; Prov 17:18-21
