2022-02-12
Proverbs 13:18 NLT
We don’t enjoy confrontation, but it’s impossible to grow without it. Healthy confrontation calls for “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV) to those we value. Just as God confronts each of us in areas where we need to grow, He expects us to do the same for others. Is it easy? No. But here are some guiding principles to help you:
(1) Talk to the person, not about them. Healthy confrontation should be direct and, when possible, done in private. It calls for thoughtful communication, delivered firmly but graciously. When people are hurting, handle them with care.
(2) Don’t exaggerate or use spiritual hype. Give specific examples. Don’t hide behind words like “I believe the Lord has shown me that you’re wrong.” When Nathan the prophet confronted King David about his sin with Bathsheba, he was specific. And keep your emotions in check; allow enough time between the offense and the confrontation for a prayerful defusing of any anger you feel.
(3) Don’t guilt-trip them; help them. Don’t leave somebody in a stew without clear direction on how to improve. That’s not fair, and it’s not constructive. Actually, it can lead to more intense issues and unwanted complications. The best approach is to calmly identify the problem and suggest ways it can be resolved. Your goal isn’t to expose somebody but to show them a better way.
(4) Don’t be critical; be compassionate. If you miss everything else, don’t miss this! If you do, you will find yourself condemning rather than confronting. If you’re honest, you will admit that your own road to success has had some potholes – so approach others with love and concern.
Soul food: Isa 30-33; Luke 9:37-45; Ps 145:1-13; Pro 4:20-22
2022-02-11
Genesis 4:1 KJV
Henry Kendall from Boston and Richard Taylor from Medicine Hat, Canada, achieved a breakthrough in our understanding of matter and expanded the theory of the structure of protons and neutrons. Mikhail Gorbachev from the USSR contributed to a development in our understanding about how East and West might better relate through glasnost, a plan of open dialogue and peaceful coexistence which led to the unraveling of the Iron Curtain that separated the East from the West for decades. Octavio Paz from Mexico City was a political commentator, diplomat, essayist, and poet who wrote fervently throughout his life about man’s desires for “wider horizons,” because he believed our future can be greater than our past. Edward Donnall Thomas from Mart, Texas, proved it was possible to transplant organs and rescue the lives of dying patients. Henry M. Markowitz from Chicago studied the growth market and developed the theory that combinations of economic assets of varying risks could reduce the overall risk of investment.
What did all these historymakers have in common? Two things. First, although they represented vastly different backgrounds, interests, and talents, they each won a Nobel Prize in 1990. Second, nobody could have predicted their achievements before they were born. “And [Eve] conceived…and said, ‘I have gotten a man from the Lord.'” Think about it: Anyone created by the Lord has the potential to achieve great things in life. And that is true of your children and your grandchildren, so believe in them.
Soul food: Isa 26-29; Luke 9:28-36; Ps 141; Pro 4:18-19
2022-02-10
Luke 22:10 NLT
At Oscar time, Hollywood hands out awards to the best actor, producer, director, editor, costume designer, etc. But the Screen Actors Guild knows there would be no place for big stars and best movies without the supporting cast and the contributions of technical and artistic crews. The Oscars remind us that the brightest lights can only shine because of the lesser lights that go unrecognized.
Scripture tells us that God also has a supporting cast; people who are happy to work behind the scenes. They’re the ones who go about their business at home, at work, and at church, serving quietly, gladly, and faithfully. Families are raised, nations are strengthened, businesses prosper, and churches grow, thanks to those who do the little things that make all the difference.
The Bible is filled with behind-the-scenes people, like the unnamed “man carrying a pitcher of water” who led Peter and John to the upper room for Jesus’ eve-of-crucifixion meeting with His disciples. Or people like “James the less” (Mark 15:40 KJV), a relatively unknown disciple, often overlooked by men – but never by God!
Whatever you do, no matter how small, take this promise to heart: “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name” (Hebrews 6:10 NKJV). So, stay faithful. Jesus said, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12 KJV). The truth is that God is planning His own Oscar ceremony – and you can be part of it!
Soul food: Isa 22-25; Luke 9:18-27; Ps 138; Pro 4:14-17
2022-02-09
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT
Gone are the days when gun-shy theologians bowed to the god of science. Reliable scientists are now affirming how ingenious God is and how His principles hold up under the piercing light of scientific scrutiny.
Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, MD, who studies the relationship between spiritual phenomena and the brain, has demonstrated that we were designed physically and mentally to interact with God through prayer and Scripture. It’s a known fact that there are centers in the human brain that respond positively to prayer, reading and meditating on God’s Word, group worship, hymn singing, and empathy for other people.
And Dr. Newberg believes that practicing a personal religious faith is the most powerful way to maintain a healthy brain. The brain’s frontal lobe is used in focusing attention, rational thinking, and decision-making. It responds to prayer and meditation by helping to reduce stress, strengthen our immune system, enhance memory, and increase our capacity for compassion. It helps us ward off age-related brain deterioration and live longer!
Newberg’s research indicates that praying for at least twelve minutes a day slows age-related brain decline. Prayer and reading Scripture also deactivates areas in the brain associated with anger, guilt, anxiety, depression, fear, resentment, and pessimism.
It seems that finally twenty-first-century science has joined ancient Scripture in echoing what the psalmist said: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous” (Psalm 139:14 NLT). Can you think of a better reason to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16 KJV)?
Soul food: Isa 17-21; Luke 9:1-17; Ps 134; Pro 4:5-13
2022-02-08
Proverbs 25:28 NLT
Trials, disagreeable people, and frustrating circumstances are potentially upsetting – and the bad news is, they’re not going away anytime soon. However, the good news is, they’re not your problem! The fact is, it’s not what happens to you that determines your mood; it’s what happens in you! We imagine life would immediately change for the better if we could alter people and circumstances, but there would be new people and circumstances to deal with, right?
Solomon had it right; it’s not about controlling the world on the outside – it’s controlling the world on the inside. Proverbs tells us, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls”; in other words, a city that’s open to attack. The only way to guarantee your security is to forget about controlling people and things, and to focus on maintaining your protective walls.
“But people and circumstances can make me feel inadequate and vulnerable,” you say. The Bible tells us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5 NRS). In fact, recognizing your own inadequacies is step one on the journey to wholeness. Step two is accepting that only God can empower you with self-control (see Philippians 2:13 NIV). Step three lies in understanding that self-control doesn’t come from teeth-gritting determination; it’s a product of the Holy Spirit – a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). When you submit to the Spirit who lives in you, He will strengthen your walls and empower you to stand strong against the Enemy.
Soul food: Isa 12-16; Luke 8:40-56; Ps 125; Pro 4:3-4
2022-02-07
Matthew 6:34 MSG
When you’re anxious about the future, stop and remind yourself that two of God’s names are “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13 KJV). Where you’re going – God already is! Jesus said, “The sheep hear his voice…he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:3-4 NKJV). How do sheep get to know the shepherd’s voice? By spending time with him! Notice “he goes before them,” which means as long as you’re moving forward, God can direct you.
Each time you reach a breaking point, it’s a test: You will either quit or persevere through to victory. Long-distance runners use the expression “hitting the wall.” When they’re exhausted and feel like giving up, they know if they push through the pain, they will get their second wind and it will carry them over the finish line.
Are you taking on responsibilities that aren’t yours? Learn to establish healthy boundaries for your own sake and the sake of those who depend on you. And if you’re not sure what’s appropriate, ask God to show you how much to get involved in the lives of your friends and family.
If the burden isn’t yours, set it down. If it’s too heavy, give it to God! Stand on His promise: “He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there” (Psalm 22:24 MSG). Bottom line: The more you trust God, the more you lower your anxiety level.
Soul food: Isa 8-11; Luke 8:26-39; Ps 67; Pro 4:1-2
