The Word For Today

Great doors/great challenges

19 December, 2019

'A great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.' 1 Corinthians 16:9 NIV

Nothing becomes truly great until it overcomes something that looks insurmountable. Paul writes, 'I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me' (1 Corinthians 16:8-9 NIV). Great doors of opportunity always come with great challenges, and each challenge calls for greater faith and tenacity. Think about it: if outstanding success came easily, everyone would have it. And if everyone had it, it wouldn't be outstanding success.

How does a caterpillar become a butterfly? By overcoming the cocoon. And the cocoon is so essential to the process that the caterpillar actually creates it. Wouldn't it be easier just to stay in the warmth and comfort of the cocoon? On days when the caterpillar struggles to get out of it, he probably thinks so! But deep down, he knows the price of freedom. Flight and discovery require struggle, development and breakthrough. There is no other way! Why did Jesus send his disciples into a life-threatening storm? To teach them to trust him in all of life's situations. Soon he'd be leaving them, and he was using every experience to prepare them for their future.

So what are you struggling to overcome right now? Instead of complaining and asking God to take it away, see it for what it is - preparation. Remember, your level of preparation indicates the level of blessing that awaits you on the other side of it. So if God is opening doors of opportunity for you, be prepared for challenges, because you can't have one without the other.

Soulfood: Zech 12-14, John 21:15-25, Ps 47, Pro 31:6-9

Challenges for the church of today

18 December, 2019

'God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety.' Ephesians 3:10 NLT

Here are three of the challenges the church faces today:

(1) We can't experience a new move of God if we insist on clinging to an old one. 'God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety' (Ephesians 3:10 NLT). The word revival doesn't simply mean awakening something that's asleep. It also means resurrecting that which is dead or dying, and causing it to come to life again. (2) We fear excess, so we embrace mediocrity and call it balance. People aren't drawn to us because of our similarities, but because of the things that make us unique. When it comes to our faith and our testimony, we mustn't downplay, soft-pedal or sidestep the very things God has given us that make us distinctive. If we do, people will be disappointed and go elsewhere. The disciples didn't blend in with the crowd; their message and the demonstration of its power made them stand out. (3) We need to make room in the church for risk-takers and faith-walkers. In the first miracle Jesus worked, changing water into wine, Mary told the servants, 'Whatever he says to you, do it' (John 2:5 NKJV). Our need to be liked and to be popular can lead to a religious spirit that cripples risk-taking and faith-walking. Jesus promised: 'You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me' (Acts 1:8 NKJV).

So when God tells us to 'do church' differently, let's not be afraid to step out and obey him.

Soulfood: Zech 9-11, John 21:1-14, Ps 12, Pro 31:1-5

How to set your goals 6

17 December, 2019

'Write down the revelation and make it plain.' Habakkuk 2:2 NIV

Put your goals in writing. God told the prophet Habakkuk, 'Write down the revelation and make it plain...so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time...Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay' (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV). Note the word 'delay', because it's not one we particularly like. God can give you a vision overnight, but usually it won't be fulfilled overnight. You'll face disappointments, discouragements and delays.

Because your vision always costs more than you estimated, and takes longer than you planned, it can become 'blurred' by your circumstances and emotions. That's why it's so important to write it down and keep it in front of you! Why did God tell Abraham that his children would be as numerous as the stars in Heaven? Because stars are something you can physically look at and count. 'Where there is no vision, the people perish [languish and waste away]' (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). The word 'perish' suggests something that's slowly decaying, and that's what happens when you don't keep your God-given vision in front of you.

If you've dreamed of losing weight, post a picture that inspires you on your refrigerator. If you dream of one day owning your own home, stick a picture of it on your message board. And if your goal is to give a certain amount to God's work, write a cheque for that amount and place it where you'll see it every day. With a clear-cut written goal, you'll always know where you are and remember what God has called you to do.

Soulfood: Zech 5-8, John 20:19-31, Ps 67, Pro 30:29-33

How to set your goals 5

16 December, 2019

'My relatives stand afar off.' Psalm 38:11 NKJV

Discern who belongs in your life and who doesn't. One of the toughest parts about reaching your goal is discovering that some of the people closest to you don't share it or want to be part of it. You can spend years trying to convince them. You may even be able to buy their short-term loyalty, but eventually they'll leave you, often breaking your heart in the process. Paul wrote, 'All those in Asia have turned away from me' (2 Timothy 1:15 NKJV). 'Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world' (2 Timothy 4:10 NKJV). Can't you hear the heartache and disappointment in his words? And when God gives you a great goal, you may experience the same thing.

Somebody said, 'In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.' How true! When disaster blindsided Job, he said, 'All my close friends abhor me, and those whom I love have turned against me' (Job 19:19 NKJV). David's experience caused him to say, 'My relatives stand afar off' (Psalm 38:11 NKJV). Solomon in his wisdom sums it all up: 'Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth' (Proverbs 25:19 NKJV). The truth is that people who don't respect your goal will detract from it. You can minister to them and try to encourage them with words that strengthen and bless, but if you insist on holding on to them, like an infected tooth, they will end up hurting you.

Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet' (Matthew 10:14 NIV). In order to reach your God-given goal, sometimes you have to do that.

Soulfood: Zech 1-4, John 20:10-18, Ps 57, Pro 30:24-28

How to set your goals 4

15 December, 2019

'I will give men for you, and people for your life.' Isaiah 43:4 NKJV

Depend on God more than on others. That doesn't mean you don't need other people. You do. When God calls someone to do a job, he calls others to stand alongside them. God's promise is: 'I will give men for you, and people for your life' (Isaiah 43:4 NKJV).

So ask him who belongs in your life. In Exodus chapter 17, as long as Moses held his hands up, Israel's armies prevailed in battle, but when his hands grew tired the battle went the other way. So Aaron and Hur stood by Moses and held up his hands until victory over the Amalekites was complete. You need people who know how to hold up your hands and strengthen you. Paul wrote, 'I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves...But...Timothy has proved himself' (Philippians 2:20-22 NLT). In fact, Paul took an entire chapter of the Bible to acknowledge and thank all those who made it possible for him to succeed in his calling. He writes about people 'who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches' (Romans 16:4 NKJV).

Some of us are stubborn and self-centred; we subscribe to the philosophy, 'It's my way or the highway.' We burn through people, leaving wreckage in our wake. Don't do it! When God sends gifted people into your life, acknowledge them, respect them, train them, motivate them and reward them. When you do that, not only will you fulfil your goal, you will create a win/win for everybody.

Soulfood: Gen 11:1-9, Phil 2:1-11

How to set your goals 3

14 December, 2019

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.' Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Trust in God more than in yourself. That doesn't mean you should go through life doubting and second-guessing yourself, or being afraid to move in case you make a mistake. When you recognise and embrace God's plan for your life, you tap into the power you need to fulfil it. False humility will handicap you spiritually, mentally and emotionally, and keep you from moving forward.

When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, he protested, 'I am only a boy' (Jeremiah 1:6 NCV). But listen to what God told him: 'Don't say "I'm too young"' (Jeremiah 1:7 NCV)). As surely as 'the tongue can bring death or life' (Proverbs 18:21 NLT), you must learn to speak God's Word over the vision he has given you. Yes, it's a mistake to think you can play God's role or that he will play yours. But once you understand your personal assignment and tap into his power, you can start believing for success, regardless of what obstacles may stand in your way.

When you know you're in the will of God, doing what he told you to do, you can stand confidently on these Scriptures: '"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord of hosts' (Zechariah 4:6 NKJV). 'One man...shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is he who fights for you, as he promised' (Joshua 23:10 NKJV). 'In the day when I cried out, you answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul' (Psalm 138:3 NKJV). You're not alone today - God is with you!

Soulfood: 2 Tim 1-4, John 20:1-9, Ps 105:37-45, Pro 30:20-23

How to set your goals 2

13 December, 2019

'Before you were born I set you apart.' Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

Ask God to tell you who you are. Book shop shelves are lined with volumes of books telling us that we can be anything we make up our minds to be. And while there's some truth to that, it's not the whole truth! A dog may believe it can fly, but if it tries to, it will go 'splat'. A fish may believe it can bark, but it's not going to happen. Bottom line: dogs and fish may pray, believe, claim, confess and try all they want, but they won't succeed. Why? Because God will only empower you to be what he called and equipped you to be.

God told Jeremiah: '"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." "Alas, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young." But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, I am too young. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "I have put my words in your mouth"' (Jeremiah 1:5-9 NIV).

When God equips you with one talent he doesn't give you a five-talent assignment, and vice versa (see Matthew 25:14-15). And here's the great thing: the one-talent person and the five-talent person will one day stand before him and hear the commendation: 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21 NKJV).

Soulfood: Micah 5-7, John 19:31-42, Ps 105:23-36, Pro 30:15-19

How to set your goals 1

12 December, 2019

'They tried to go...but the Spirit did not permit them.' Acts 16:7 NKJV

We've all been given individual gifts and goals in life, and God is the giver of both. Jesus said, 'That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit' (John 3:6 NKJV). When you have a desire that's 'born of the flesh', don't expect God to fulfil it. It's okay to admire and learn from gifted, successful people, as long as you don't try to duplicate them. It's okay to emulate their good character qualities and seek their input as long as you go to God, the architect of each of our lives, and ask him to show you his blueprint for your life.

Even though David's desire was to build the temple, God told him his son, Solomon, would ultimately build it. David's job was to raise the money and materials for the project. If you're a 'make-it-happen' sort of person, that kind of thinking will go against your grain. So read this and think about it: 'They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia...pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them' (Acts 16:6-10 NKJV).

So let God set your goals and you'll be heading in the right direction.

Soulfood: Micah 1-4, John 19:17-30, Ps 105:16-22, Pro 30:10-14

In perfect peace

11 December, 2019

'God has not given us a spirit of fear.' 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

The Bible tells us that fear is a 'spirit'. This spirit has a mind that thinks and a voice that speaks, and if you allow it to - it will control you.

Today if you're battling a 'spirit of fear', make this your prayer: 'Lord, your Word says when I seek your face, you'll hear me and deliver me from all my fears (see Psalm 34:4). So I cast down every anxious thought that rises up against what I know about you and your power (see 2 Corinthians 10:5). I stand on the promise that you'll never leave nor forsake me (see Hebrews 13:5). I rest in the truth that nothing is too hard for you (see Jeremiah 32:17). I rejoice in the assurance that you've already given your angels responsibility for keeping and protecting me in all my ways (see Psalm 91:11). I resist the spirit of fear, and command it to flee in Jesus' name (see James 4:7). By faith I decree that your peace, which passes human understanding, will guard my heart and mind (see Philippians 4:7). Therefore, I will not let my heart be troubled or afraid (see John 14:27). In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.'

Now instead of focusing on the problem, focus on the problem-solver - God! That may not immediately resolve your difficulty, but it'll keep you in a peaceful state of mind while you wait for God to work. Isaiah said, 'You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you' (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)! Note the word 'fixed'. As you go through this day with your mind 'fixed' on God, you'll have 'perfect and constant peace' (Isaiah 26:3 AMP).

Soulfood: Neh 11-13, John 19:1-16, Ps 105:8-15, Pro 30:5-9

You lack no good thing

10 December, 2019

'Those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.' Psalm 34:10 NLT

Have you lost your job? Are you facing the possibility of losing your home or going bankrupt? Are you in the toughest place you've ever been?

Paul 'suffered the loss of all things' (Philippians 3:8 NAS), but he didn't stay there. He went on to say, 'My God shall supply all your need' (Philippians 4:19 NKJV). And God can do that for you - with or without a salary or some other anticipated source of income. The psalmist said, 'Those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing' (Psalm 34:10 NLT).

One of the things you have to watch out for is Satan's worst-case-scenario talk. If you allow him, he will paint mental images of you living in a cardboard box, under a bridge. Stand on God's Word today and declare: 'Lord, you said if I'm willing and obedient, I will enjoy the best you have to offer (see Isaiah 1:19). You promise to surround me with favour (see Psalm 5:12). Your Word says that you can do more than anything I could even ask or think, according to your power that works within me (see Ephesians 3:20). Even though nothing seems to be going right for me just now, give me faith to believe you for good things and better days. Your Word tells me to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let my requests be made known to you. That your peace, which surpasses human understanding, will guard my heart and mind (see Philippians 4:6-7). Lord, honour your Word today, in the name of Jesus, Amen.'

Soulfood: Neh 8-10, John 18:25-40, Ps 105:1-7, Pro 30:1-4

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