THE WORD FOR TODAY


A GREAT FAMILY REUNION


Friday, 1st February, 2019


'From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever.' 1 Thessalonians 4:17 CEV

In the movie Heaven Is for Real, Colton Burpo was only four years old when he survived an emergency appendectomy. Over the next few months, he talked of his visit to Heaven.

He described exactly what his parents were doing during the surgery, and told stories of people he had met in Heaven - people he had never met on earth or been told about. He told his mother, 'You had a baby die in your tummy, didn't you?' His parents had never mentioned the miscarriage; he was too young to process it. His mother asked, 'Who told you I had a baby die in my tummy?' He replied, 'She did, Mummy. She said she died in your tummy.' Then he added, 'It's okay, Mummy. She's okay. God adopted her.' His mother said, 'Don't you mean Jesus adopted her?' He replied, 'No, Mummy, his dad did!' His mother's eyes lit up and she asked, 'What was her name? What was the little girl's name?' Four-year-old Colton said, 'She doesn't have a name. You guys didn't name her.' And he had one more memory. He shared it before he went out to play: 'She said she can't wait for you and Daddy to get to Heaven.'

And right now, someone in Heaven is saying the same thing about you, looking forward to the day when God's family is back together. And shouldn't we be doing the same? The Bible says, 'From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever' (1 Thessalonians 4:17 CEV).

Soulfood: Gen 4-6 Luke 7:24-35 Ps 107:33-43 Pro 3:27-28.


Happy new month!



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BEFORE YOU BORROW


Saturday, 2nd February, 2019


'Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.' Proverbs 30:8 NLT

When you think about it, you can be rich in one of two ways: either in how much you have, or in how little you want. Much of the recent international debt crisis has been caused by our failure to be satisfied with enough. In a brilliant section of Proverbs penned by the mysterious Agur, we find this prayer: 'O God, I beg two favours from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name"' (Proverbs 30:7-9 NLT).

Having read that, always try to observe these six rules when it comes to borrowing. Debt is wrong: (1) When it's beyond your ability to repay it on a timely basis. (2) When it prevents you from giving God what's rightfully his. (3) When the burden of debt is so heavy that you can't save for the future. (4) When it's used to pay for the luxuries of life. (5) When you put others at risk by having them guarantee a loan (see Proverbs 6:1-6). (6) When it puts your marriage under financial pressure. Financial expert Larry Burkett said credit is the motivating factor for perhaps 80 per cent of all divorces. That's not to say being rich guarantees you'll never have family problems. It's simply saying that putting money first and your family second can make you nothing more than a wealthy failure.

So, before you borrow, pray and ask God for wisdom.

Soulfood: Gen 7-9 Luke 7:36-50 Ps 111 Pro 3:29-30.



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BE A BURDEN BEARER


Sunday, 3rd February, 2019


'Carry each other's burdens, and...you will fulfil the law of Christ.' Galatians 6:2 NIV

Everyone you meet is hiding something, and it's not because they're deceptive. It's because some wounds are too personal to talk about. When you receive a harsh word from your husband, the pain can be too deep to discuss. Or when your husband hears acid words from you, he's crushed inside but can't show it. So, you both go off to lick your wounds, and try to avoid comments and questions from others.

Is that where you are today - struggling with something too difficult to talk about? If so, remember other people are doing the same! Often their anger is a symptom of their hurt, and their seeming aloofness is just hiding their fear of being known and perhaps rejected. Jesus saw the best in people, and he went out of his way to be gracious to them and lift their burdens. Do you remember how he treated the woman caught in the act of adultery (see John 8:1-11)? He lifted her up, because with him every weed is a potential rose!

Remind yourself that others are going through things they're not discussing with you. They're crying tears you don't see and feeling isolated in ways you can't imagine. So instead of adding to their burden, try to ease it. You may be the only healer that crosses their path today. And when you help lift their burden - God will lift yours. The Bible says, 'Whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord' (Ephesians 6:8 NKJV). Today, ask God to make you a burden bearer.

Soulfood: Exo 16:1-35 John 6:30-40.



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GET THROUGH THIS STORM


Monday, 4th February, 2019


'I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.' Acts 27:25 NKJV

On his way to Rome, Paul went through a devastating storm. His story teaches us three valuable lessons:

(1) Your disobedience can cause a storm. Because the captain wouldn't heed Paul's warning, he lost his ship, his cargo and almost his life. Your disobedience can cause a storm in your health, your finances, your family and your career. God doesn't preface his commandments by saying, 'If you feel like it, do this.' No. He means what he says and he intends it for your good, so pay attention! (2) You're not alone in the storm. God is with you and he's watching over you. Paul said: 'There stood by me this night the angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, "Do not be afraid... God has granted you all those who sail with you... take heart... for I believe God' (Acts 27:23-25 NKJV). With God on board, there's not a storm powerful enough to take you under. (3) When you stand on God's promises, you have his authority. Paul may have looked like a prisoner, but in reality he had more power than the captain. Though bound in chains, he was the freest man on the ship. You see, when you've heard clearly from God, you can handle any situation because his Word says: 'No weapon formed against you shall prosper...every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord' (Isaiah 54:17 NKJV).

So, the word for you today is: keep trusting God and he will bring you through this storm!

Soulfood: Gen 10-12 Luke 8:1-15 Ps 108 Pro 3:31-32.


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GIVE YOUR CHILDREN SELF-CONFIDENCE


Tuesday, 5th February, 2019


'Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.' Proverbs 22:6 GNT

Journalist William Hodding Carter wrote, 'There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other is wings.'

Children who know they are loved unconditionally are children with roots. Consequently, they're able to stand up to whatever life throws at them. By the same token, when we instil in our children a sense of self-confidence and encourage them to dream, we're giving them wings. And any time children are given the will to win, they're already halfway to success. But if we let them grow up without it, they're already halfway to failure. That means as a parent we must demonstrate faith in our children so that they learn to have faith in themselves. Every child has within them a God-given seed of greatness, and when we let them know we believe in them, we're watering that seed and giving it a chance to grow.

Ever noticed how people generally rise or fall in accordance with our level of expectation? When we constantly criticise children they grow up to be negative, self-doubting and fearful. But when we believe in them and assume they will do well, they'll go the extra mile by trying to live up to our expectations. It's our faith in them that creates the environment in which they learn to fly! Give them money and they'll spend it. Give them resources and they'll squander them. But give them faith in God and in themselves, and chances are they'll excel at whatever they do in life.

Soulfood: Gen 13-16 Luke 8:16-25 Ps 120 Pro 3:33-35.




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SET YOUR MIND 1


Wednesday, 6th February, 2019


'Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.' Romans 8:5 NIV

To become the person God wants you to be, you must 'set your mind' on the right things. You say, 'If only my circumstances were different.' Your circumstances don't determine the quality of your life; how you think about them does. Poet Frederick Langbridge wrote, 'Two men looked out through prison bars; one saw mud, the other saw the stars.' Both men were in identical circumstances, but their perspectives were entirely different. One looked for beauty and found it; the other focused on ugliness and found it.

It works like this: your circumstances in life produce certain emotions. So how do you change your emotional response when you feel powerless over people and circumstances? By changing how you think about them! True change always begins in your mind. The Bible says, 'As he thinks in his heart, so is he' (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV). The way you think inevitably reflects the way you live.

So, to become the best version of yourself, the person God wants you to be - think great thoughts! People who live great lives are people who habitually think great thoughts. You say, 'But I can't help thinking the way I do.' Then 'let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think' (Romans 12:2 NLT). God's Word will help you to think with faith instead of fear, assurance instead of anxiety and joy instead of negativity. Once you 'set your mind on what the Spirit desires', your life will begin to change for the better.

Soulfood: Gen 17-19 Luke 8:26-39 Ps 67 Pro 4:1-2.



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SET YOUR MIND 2


Thursday, 7th February, 2019


'Let God transform you... by changing the way you think.' Romans 12:2 NLT

If a skunk gets into the crawl space under your house, opening the windows and using air freshener won't solve your problem! In the USA, there are people who actually specialise in dealing with skunks. They're called 'skunk whisperers', and it's not cheap to have them come to your home. But it's worth it to get rid of the problem.

How does all this relate to your thinking? Simply this: your feelings are the odours and your thoughts are the skunk! To change your feelings, you must go to the source and deal with the thing that produced them - how you think. Thoughts produce feelings, not the other way around. Worried people tend to think anxious thoughts, and eventually those thoughts become so automatic that, like a lingering skunk odour, you stop noticing and learn to live with it. You get used to 'stinking thinking'! Your thought patterns become as habitual as brushing your teeth. You get so accustomed to thinking bitter, anxious, selfish thoughts that you stop paying attention.

If you want to change the quality of your life, you must change the way you think. The psalmist prayed, 'Test me and know my anxious thoughts' (Psalm 139:23 NIV). God will help you become aware of what's going on in your mind from one moment to the next. He'll direct you to the place where the skunk lives and help you deal with it. Not only will he show you how to remove wrong thoughts, but how to replace them with the right ones by setting your mind on 'what the Spirit desires' (Romans 8:5 NIV).

Soulfood: Gen 20-23 Luke 8:40-56 Ps 125 Pro 4:3-4.




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SET YOUR MIND 3


Friday, 8th February, 2019


'The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.' Romans 8:6 NIV

Once you give in to 'stinking thinking,' your mood dips, you lose energy, God seems distant, prayer seems pointless, sin looks tempting and your outlook in life becomes bleak. When that happens, you become so focused on how you feel, you don't realise it's your thinking that's causing you to feel that way. It happens to the best of us.

Look at Elijah the prophet. The high point in his career was when he called down fire from Heaven and defeated the prophets of Baal. It was a World Cup-sized victory! Then word came from Queen Jezebel: 'You killed my prophets. Well, guess what? Now I'm going to kill you.' As a result, in 1 Kings 19 (NIV), Elijah plunged headlong into fear. He felt worthless: 'I am no better than my ancestors' (1 Kings 19:4); hopeless: '[He] ran for his life' (1 Kings 19:3); isolated: 'I am the only one left' (1 Kings 19:10); unable to cope: 'I have had enough' (1 Kings 19:4); he wanted to die: 'Take my life' (1 Kings 19:4).

So how did God respond to Elijah? In four simple ways: (1) He helped him to start eating right and get proper rest. (2) He spoke to him in 'a still small voice' (1 Kings 19:12 NKJV), reassuring him and giving him courage. (3) He assured Elijah that he was not alone: 'I have...seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal' (1 Kings 19:18 NKJV). (4) He gave him another mission to fulfil. There will always be a 'Jezebel' threatening to undo your best efforts and bring you down. The key is learning to control your thinking!

Soulfood: Gen 24:1-67 Gen 25:1-18 Luke 9:1-17 Ps 134 Pro 4:5-13.



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BE READY, BE WISE, BE CLEAR


Saturday, 9th February, 2019


'Philip began at this place in the Scriptures and explained the good news about Jesus.' Acts 8:35 CEV

In Acts 8 we read the story of a high-profile leader who was won to Christ. This man held a position similar to the Minister of Finance in New Zealand. And he was led to Christ by a low-profile person called Philip, a church deacon (see Acts 8:26-40).

Let's look at how it happened and see what we can learn: (1) Philip was ready. When this man needed someone to explain the gospel to him, Philip was ready to do it. Could you have done that? When God has a job that needs to be done, could he call on you? Would you be prepared? And willing? 'If anybody asks you why you believe as you do...tell him' (1 Peter 3:15 TLB). (2) Philip was wise. He didn't barge in and start preaching or put this man on the spot by asking 'Gotcha!' questions. Note two things about Philip: (a) He was led by God's spirit (see Acts 8:29 CEV). (b) He recognised the right moment (see Acts 8:35 CEV). Good soul-winners are sensitive and strategic. (3) Philip was clear. Instead of a vague dialogue about religion, he spoke directly about Jesus. That's what people need - a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ! They need to know he's alive, and that he loves them. That he's powerful enough to run the universe, yet personal enough to forgive their sins, break their habits, and resolve their doubts. Your job is to extend the invitation, and let Jesus do the rest.

Do you need a soul-winning strategy? Try this one - it works!

Soulfood: Gen 25:19-34 Gen 26 Gen 27:1-46 Luke 9:18-27 Ps 138 Pro 4:14-17.



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STOP STRIVING

Sunday, 10th February, 2019

'He decides who will rise and who will fall.' Psalm 75:7 NLT

If you don't find your significance and self-worth in your relationship with God, you'll be tempted to spend your life trying to promote yourself. And that will make you insecure - and dangerous. Why? Because when others get promoted ahead of you, you'll become resentful; you may even try to tear them down. In God's kingdom you don't achieve success on your own, you receive it from God. 'God is the judge: he puts one down and exalts another' (Psalm 75:7 NKJV).

While David's brothers were striving to be Israel's next king and 'get the nod' from the prophet Samuel, David just kept tending his sheep and doing the job God gave him. Let others compete and compare! Just stay faithful in what God has given you to do - and when the time is right he'll come and get you! Jesus said, 'My yoke is easy, and my burden is light' (Matthew 11:30 NKJV). Note the word 'easy'. When you try to promote yourself, you have to sweat, strain and struggle, but when you trust God and do things his way, it comes 'easy'. That doesn't mean you won't have to work hard or sacrifice in order to succeed. It just means you won't have to strive to get it or keep it. Why? Because when God sets 'before you an open door' (Revelation 3:8 NIV), he's the only one who can shut it. And he won't do that unless, like King Saul, you're rebellious, resentful or refuse to repent.

Knowing God is in control takes the strain out of serving him. When you think about it - it's the only way to live.

Soulfood: Isa 53:1-12 Acts 8:26-40.

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THE SPIRIT OF CALEB


Monday, 11th February, 2019


'My servant Caleb has a different spirit.' Numbers 14:24 NIV

If Caleb were alive today there's a good chance he'd qualify for 'Person of the Year', someone who has done the most to influence circumstances for the better. Here's his story in his own words: 'I was forty years old when Moses...sent me...to explore the land...I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed...God wholeheartedly...that day Moses swore to me, "The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance"...So here I am today, eighty-five years old...as strong...as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me...Then Joshua blessed Caleb...and gave him Hebron as his inheritance...because he followed the Lord...wholeheartedly' (Joshua 14:7-14 NIV).

You can learn valuable lessons from a man like Caleb. His life can be summed up in four sentences: (1) He had 'a different spirit' from those around him. He was positive, a glass-half-full kind of person. (2) He believed that with God's help every giant that stands in your way can be conquered, even when others say they can't. (3) He had a vision that neither age nor circumstances could diminish. And he was willing to wait and work for it even though it took forty-five years to fulfil. (4) In old age he remained young at heart and totally committed to God.

So, ask God to give you the spirit of Caleb.

Soulfood: Gen 28:1-22 Gen 29 Gen 30:1-24 Luke 9:28-36 Ps 141 Pro 4:18-19.



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THAT'S THE GOOD NEWS


Tuesday, 12th February, 2019


'Where sin increased, grace increased...more.' Romans 5:20 NIV

Bill Wilson and Bob Smith, co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, once visited a lawyer who was a hardened alcoholic. Confined to bed because of violent behaviour, the man had no choice but to listen to their stories of recovery. But as soon as they started talking about a 'Higher Power', the lawyer shook his head and said, 'It's too late for me. I still believe in God but I know he no longer believes in me.' How sad - and misguided!

Are you worried that God won't accept you because of your sins? You don't have to be! Paul says, 'Where sin increased, grace increased...more' (Romans 5:20 NIV). And he should know, because before his Damascus Road conversion he was 'the worst sinner' (see 1 Timothy 1:15). Afterwards God used him to reach the world with the gospel (see Acts 17:2). 'Grace' was so central to Paul's message that he mentions it in the very beginning of all his Epistles. That's because he understood that by trying to stand on your own merit before a Holy God, every time you mess up you feel like a failure - unloved, unworthy, and unaccepted.

Psychologists say we try to conform to the image of us that's seen by the most important person in our lives. So can you imagine what would happen if you started seeing yourself as God sees you? The truth is, you're his redeemed child and he sees you through the blood of Jesus, which cleanses all your sins (see 1 John 1:9). There's nothing you can do to make God love you more, and nothing you can do to make him love you less! And that's the good news!

Soulfood: Gen 30:25-43 Gen 31:1-55 Luke 9:37-45 Ps 145:1-13 Pro 4:20-22.



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THERE'S NO SUBSTITUTE


Wednesday, 13th February, 2019


'Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.' James 4:8 NKJV

Author Reimar Schultze writes:

'No man can become much like God, accomplish much for God, be intimate with God, be used much of God, unless he has learned to be much alone with God...and what a classroom you'll find yourself in. You won't become a carbon copy of other Christians, because there'll be no one in the class but you and God. In church you can say, "This isn't for me; perhaps it's for someone else"...Here time is designed to meet your particular needs, to equip you in your unique calling...to fine-tune you...to draw the foolishness out of you...and mould you into his likeness. He may start with a chisel, but eventually he will only need sandpaper...Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and...follow me" (John 10:27 NKJV). He'll not only teach you to hear his voice...he'll show you what's hindering you from hearing it. He'll teach you as quickly as you surrender to him, yet slowly enough so you don't miss a lesson. He'll teach you what it means to be yoked together with him and to walk at his pace and in his time. Of course the devil will fight you every step of the way. He'll give you rational and religious excuses to delay [but you don't have to act on them]. Resist him! He's a liar and a deceiver...There's a price to be paid for neglecting God. Some have lost children and grandchildren to the world, endured hardships, disappointments, financial crisis, and marital breakups...Some of our lives revolve around getting ahead, instead of getting around God...Repent and start doing the right thing now - you'll never regret it.'

Soulfood: Gen 32-34 Luke 9:46-56 Ps 145:14-21 Pro 4:23-24.



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ENCOURAGE YOUR PASTOR


Thursday, 14th February, 2019


'Honour...your leaders in the Lord's work.' 1 Thessalonians 5:12 NLT

If you want to encourage your pastor: (1) Cut the criticism. Most workers are evaluated each year based on their job performance; pastors are evaluated every week. Remember, if a particular sermon doesn't scratch where you itch, chances are somebody else needs to hear it. (2) 'Remember your leaders who taught you the Word' (Hebrews 13:7 NLT), and pray for their spiritual growth. Goethe said, 'If you treat a person as he is, he'll stay that way. But if you treat him as what he ought to be, he'll become what he ought to be and could be.'

(3) Write a note. Especially when something your leader says or does ministers to you. Verbal encouragement is good, but a note can be read many times over. (4) Put your talents to work. For example, if you're mechanically inclined, service the pastor's car. If you're technologically savvy, help them improve their computer skills. Instead of saying, 'You need to do this,' say, 'I'd like to help by doing.' Ask where your skills are most needed and become an active participant. (5) Squash gossip. James said, 'If you...don't control your tongue...your religion is worthless' (James 1:26 NLT). Counter negative talk with positive comments, and correct misinformation with truth. If all else fails - walk away!

(6) Be openly responsive. Nothing encourages leaders like seeing people respond to their preaching and teaching. (7) Lose the measuring stick. Instead of expecting them to be a mirror image of their predecessor, thank God for your pastor's individual style to minister to those in need.

Soulfood: Gen 35-36 Luke 9:57-62 Ps 149 Pro 4:25-27.



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RADICAL COMMITMENT 1


Friday, 15th February, 2019


'I have been crucified with Christ.' Galatians 2:20 NIV

We live in a time of commitment-phobia. We want to get as much as we can while giving back as little as possible. We want to be there for others in good times but not bad times. And our lack of commitment is reflected in the statistics. The marriage rate is down while the divorce rate is up. Involvement in church and participation in compassionate causes are both down. We're becoming a society that fears putting itself on the line or being pinned down by responsibility and obligation. To escape the awkwardness and embarrassment of saying no, we avoid our obligations and responsibilities by simply being elsewhere when we're needed. And we're a 'sound bite' generation with attention spans geared to fifteen-second commercials. We prefer our sermons simple, entertaining and, above all, short!

Radical commitment is rare - but it's what God wants from us! The Bible says, 'It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfil it' (Ecclesiastes 5:5 NIV).

How about commitment to marriage? God doesn't see it as a 50/50 arrangement, but one where both sides give 100 per cent. It's a sacred covenant made before God between a man and woman, 'for better or worse; for richer or poorer; in sickness and in health; until parted by death'. And it works best when both partners have learned to say with Paul, 'I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me' (Galatians 2:20 NIV). That's radical commitment, and it's the way to a great marriage.

Soulfood: Gen 37-39 Luke 10:1-12 Ps 5 Pro 5:1-2.



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RADICAL COMMITMENT 2


Saturday, 16th February, 2019


'Take up your cross daily, and follow me.' Luke 9:23 NLT

Let's consider: (1) Commitment at work. In the past, employers valued their workers and workers valued their employers. But today's workplace has become increasingly adversarial, with workers resenting their bosses and doing the bare minimum, while bosses are often demanding and take their employees for granted. God's way calls for mutual commitment. 'Don't work hard only when your master is watching and then shirk when he isn't looking; work hard and with gladness all the time, as though working for Christ' (Ephesians 6:6-7 TLB). If you are an employer, take note who you represent - God. (2) Commitment at church. Many folks have a casual, cafeteria-style approach to church: they pick what they like and leave what they don't. Jesus said, 'I will build my church' (Matthew 16:18 NIV). And membership in it calls for a covenant relationship between believers: one in which we agree to encourage, nurture, protect, cherish, pray for each other and fulfil our mission together (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). (3) Commitment to Christ. Jesus made a radical commitment to us through his birth, life, suffering, crucifixion and death, and he asks us to commit radically to him. 'Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me"' (Luke 9:23 NLT). That means you no longer follow your own wishes or will, but follow the Lord, his wishes and his will.

That's radical commitment, and it's what God expects from you.

Soulfood: Gen 40-41 Luke 10:13-24 Ps 28 Pro 5:3-6.




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GETTING THROUGH YOUR 'NIGHTTIME
EXPERIENCES'


Sunday, 17th February, 2019


'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.' Psalm 30:5 NKJV

God is with us during our 'night-time experiences'. Think about it; you've been knocked down, but by God's grace you've got back up. No matter how dark the night, you've lived to see the morning. Times change and relationships change, but God is always the same. He's the one who brought you through every difficulty in the past, and he promises to be with you every day of the future.

Note the words 'joy comes'. That means you will rise again and rejoice again. Your drive to survive comes from a well that's already within you, and the Lord is the one who fills that well. Let it flow! You don't have to make it flow, just let it flow. Sixteenth-century English clergyman and historian Dr Thomas Fuller said, 'If it were not for hope, the heart would break.' No matter what you're going through right now, don't give up until you see the morning. It's at the end of every dark night and every broken promise - and it always comes. After every setback, betrayal and denial - morning will surely break. Let nothing keep you from believing that! God will dry your tears and you'll awake with a new song.

One of the greatest promises in Scripture is this: 'His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion...therefore I hope in him. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him' (Lamentations 3:22-25 NKJV). Yesterday ended last night. It's a new day, so make up your mind to enjoy it!

Soulfood: Exo 20:3 Acts 14:1-18 1 Sam 5:1-5.



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VISITED BY AN ANGEL


Monday, 18th February, 2019


'Some...have...entertained angels without realising it.' Hebrews 13:2 NLT

One day Debby Gass was driving through Nevada when her sports car ran out of fuel. A young woman, alone in a small car, on a desert highway with no one around - it had all the elements that cause us to be afraid. Soon a big tractor-trailer pulled up and a six-foot-tall driver got out and asked, 'Can I help you, lady?' When she explained her predicament, he told her to lock her car and come with him to a service station a few miles up the interstate. What to do! The voice of God within Debby, a voice she'd learned to trust, whispered, 'It's okay. Go with him.' As they drove together the man told her he'd been in prison, met Christ, and his life had been radically changed. He showed her pictures of his wife and family. When they returned to her car he poured a can of fuel into her tank, said goodbye, and left. Then it happened! Just as Debby turned her car around to leave - on a highway with a clear view for miles in either direction - the truck was nowhere to be seen. Just like that, a forty-ton tractor-trailer and its driver disappeared!

The Bible says, 'Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realising it' (Hebrews 13:2 NLT)! Debby is convinced God sent an angel to help her that day.

What do you think? Many of us have similar stories, yet we don't share them. Maybe it's fear of criticism. Or maybe it's not until later that we realise we had, in fact, been visited by an angel!

Soulfood: Gen 42-43 Luke 10:25-37 Ps 33:1-12 Pro 5:7-14.




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HOW TO BE MADE 'WHOLE'


Tuesday, 19th February, 2019


'Jesus... said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?"' Luke 17:17 NKJV

Let's read how Jesus healed ten lepers, and see what we can learn: (1) They seized the moment. 'They lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us"' (Luke 17:13 NKJV)! Desperate people pray desperate prayers. Who cares about propriety and outward appearances when you're dying? These men realised that Jesus was 'passing through' (see Luke 17:11), and the worst thing that could happen was for him to pass them by. So they seized the moment and cried out to him. And you can do that too, because nobody can hear you like God (see Psalm 118:5).

(2) They had to walk it out. Their healing wasn't immediate; it was a step-by-step process. 'And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed' (Luke 17:14 NKJV). Often that's the way it works. And it's not just one step, but a commitment to plough through the obstacles and fears until you get to your miracle. But it's worth the effort, and you appreciate your deliverance more when you have to walk it out day by day depending on God.

(3) Only one out of the ten returned to give thanks. That's why Jesus asked, 'Where are the nine?' Were they too busy? Or too self-absorbed? Or just forgetful? Notice what Jesus said to the one who came back: 'Your faith has made you well' (Luke 17:19 NKJV). Physical healing is often accomplished through medicine, but you become 'whole' in body, mind, and soul by spending time worshipping the Lord and getting to know him.

Soulfood: Gen 44-46 Luke 10:38-42 Ps 33:13-22 Pro 5:15-20.




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SEEING YOURSELF AS GOD SEES YOU


Wednesday, 20th February, 2019


'We...saw giants...we felt like grasshoppers.' Numbers 13:33 NLT

Ten of Israel's twelve spies returned from the Promised Land saying, 'We...saw giants...we felt like grasshoppers' (Numbers 13:33 NLT). The other two, Joshua and Caleb, saw the same giants but believed that with God's help they could be conquered: 'Let us go up at once and possess it...for we are well able' (Numbers 13:30 TLB). That's the language of a winner!

Understand this: God has a plan for your life, but you'll never fulfil it until you come into agreement with his Word. 'But I have so many problems. How could God use someone like me?' you ask. Paul said, 'I don't mean to say that I have already...reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me' (Philippians 3:12 NLT). When God uses imperfect people, it makes us realise that he alone is our source, our strength, our strategy and the secret to our success. The Bible says, 'The foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength' (1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT). You have a God-ordained destiny, and no excuse for not fulfilling it. You can't use weakness as a defence, for God says, 'My strength is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV). You can't use your past as an excuse, for God says, 'Old things have passed away...all things have become new' (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV).

How God sees you isn't the problem; it's how you see yourself that keeps you from succeeding! So ask God to give you a new understanding of how he sees you - loved, righteous, blessed and favoured!

Soulfood: Gen 47-49 Luke 11:1-13 Ps 36 Pro 5:21-23.



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HOW TO HELP PEOPLE


Thursday, 21st February, 2019


'What I do have I give you.' Acts 3:6 NIV

The Bible says, 'Peter said, "Look at us...Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong' (Acts 3:4-7 NIV).

Peter did three things you must do if you want to help people: (1) Get their attention. Peter told this incapacitated man, 'Look at us' (Acts 3:4 NIV). Hurting people are often so distracted by their pain, their past experiences and their future fears that, in order to get through to them you must first get their attention. Why? Because faith must be focused if it's to be effective. (2) Introduce them to the name that's greater than their problem. That name is 'Jesus', and it's greater than every sickness and situation. Rehab centres confirm that a relatively small percentage of people stay free from their addiction. That's the bad news. Now here's the good news: the name of Jesus is stronger than every addiction! 'At the name of Jesus every knee should bow' (Philippians 2:10 NKJV). So introduce those who are hurting to Jesus! (3) Give them a hand up. As Peter pulled the man up, 'immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength' (Acts 3:7 NKJV). Because he'd been in the same condition for thirty-eight years, he needed help to get up. And there are people around you who need help to get up too. They need someone to pull them out of their despair and get them to Jesus, and God can use you to be that someone.

Soulfood: Gen 50 Hag 1-2 Luke 11:14-28 Ps 40:1-8 Pro 6:1-5.




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BE SECURE IN WHO YOU ARE


Friday, 22nd February, 2019


'We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.' Romans 12:6 NIV

Insecure people often say yes, when in reality they'd like to say no. But people who succeed at being themselves don't let others control them. They see themselves as God sees them; therefore they're led by his Word instead of the fear of rejection. You can invest so much effort into trying to keep everybody happy that you end up losing yourself. Question: Do you feel like you can't be everything everybody wants you to be? Do you want to say no, but the fear of displeasing others makes you keep complying? And in the meantime the pressure is building inside you and you're thinking, 'I can't do this anymore'?

Don't get angry with those who keep making more and more demands on you. You are responsible for ordering your own life. The buck stops with you! That requires a clear sense of your own worth, your calling, your direction, your goals and your priorities. One Christian author writes: 'For years I lived under the pressure of everybody's expectations. I thought, "What if I let them down?" I thought they were pressuring me, when in reality it was my own fears and insecurities weighing me down. "But," you say, "don't you care what others think?" What others think isn't my problem, unless I make it my problem. Pleasing God and being what he wants is my first concern. If I try to be anybody else I'll forfeit his blessing, because God can't bless an imitation.'

The solution is to work on becoming secure in who you are in Christ, and everything else will begin to fall into place.

Soulfood: Exo 4-6 Luke 11:45-54 Ps 53 Pro 6:9-11.



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END THE CONFLICT NOW


Saturday, 23rd February, 2019


'Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.' Proverbs 10:12 NKJV

When you hold on to resentment it feels like there's a war going on inside you. You're in a battle with yourself, as well as others. And the more you fight, the more ground you lose. Arguing just drains you of energy and leaves you more hurt and angry. You're in a no-win situation. You struggle with who's right and who's wrong. You spend so much time trying to out-do, out-shout and out-manoeuvre others that you lose your peace and joy.

End the conflict now! Refuse to live this way another day. Don't allow someone's actions to determine your reactions. 'Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour' (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Don't become Satan's next meal. Let the love and peace of God fill your mind so much that it overflows to others - including those who have upset you. Stop and think: do you really want to be like the person who hurt you? What would Jesus do? You know! He'd turn the other cheek (see Matthew 5:39). 'But,' you ask, 'what about the wrong done to me?' What about it? It's not for you to impose judgment. There's only one qualified judge; let him handle it (see James 4:12).

Ask God to help you to release your anger, turn the other cheek and forgive the one who has done you wrong. Pray this simple prayer: 'Lord, I'm angry. Help me to let it go. I choose to be merciful. Thank you for giving me the grace to forgive the person who hurt me and to follow you. In Jesus' name. Amen.'

Soulfood: Exo 1-3 Luke 11:29-44 Ps 40:9-17 Pro 6:6-8.


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THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE PLUS FACTOR


Sunday, 24th February, 2019


'The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name.' John 14:26 NIV

Why would we describe the Holy Spirit as the plus factor? Three reasons: (1) The Holy Spirit determines the gifts and skills you receive. 'It is the one and only [Holy] Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have' (1 Corinthians 12:11 NLT). So if you feel like a square peg in a round hole, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what your gifts are. Then ask him to open the door and give you favour with the right people. He'll do it.

(2) The Holy Spirit knows where you belong. The Bible says, 'So, being sent out by the Holy Ghost, they went down to Seleucia' (Acts 13:4 NKJV). Where you are matters. For example, if you're a whale you were born to swim in the ocean. If you're a bird you were born to fly in the air. During a famine God sent Elijah to the brook Cherith, saying, 'I have commanded the ravens to feed you there' (1 Kings 17:4 NKJV). If Elijah had decided he'd rather stay where he was, he'd have missed his miracle. You don't have to do anything to experience God's love, but you must know his voice and follow his direction to experience his blessing.

(3) The Holy Spirit can be offended. 'Do not grieve the Holy Spirit' (Ephesians 4:30 NIV). When a dove (which represents the Holy Spirit in Scripture) returns to its nest, it won't land if the nest is out of order. So ask God to make you more conscious of the presence of his precious Holy Spirit, and make your heart a place where he always feels at home.

Soulfood: Exo 20:4 Isa 44:6-20 Rom 1:21-25.



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GET BETTER ACQUAINTED WITH GOD


Monday, 25th February, 2019


'Acquaint yourself with him, and be at peace: thereby good will come to you.' Job 22:21 NKJV

Here are two things that happen when you recognise God's greatness: (1) You're not tempted to analyse him and reduce him to manageable terms. (2) You're less likely to try and manipulate him and his will, or explain him and his ways. Think carefully about that for a moment! How many times does God have to tell us, 'So are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts' (Isaiah 55:9 NKJV) before we actually get it? How often must he explain that he's the shepherd and we're the sheep; that he's the vine and we're branches, before we kneel down in surrender and say, 'Have your own way, Lord'?

If Jesus, the Son of God, found it necessary to pray, 'Not as I will, but as you will,' wouldn't it be wise for us to pray those words too - every day? (See Matthew 26:39) How long has it been since you took time just to sit silently in his presence; to catch a glimpse of the one who is truly awesome and incomprehensible?

Job 22:21 (NKJV) says, 'Now acquaint yourself with him, and be at peace: thereby good will come to you.' Do you know God? If so, how well do you know him? Would you like to know him better? If your answer is yes, it won't just happen. You must put it at the top of your priority list and pursue it each day. When you do, you won't be disappointed because his Word guarantees you: 'Draw near to God and he will draw near to you' (James 4:8 NKJV).

Soulfood: Exo 7-9 Luke 12:1-12 Ps 58 Pro 6:12-15.



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ENTERTAIN GOOD THOUGHTS


Tuesday, 26th February, 2019


'Guard your heart...for it determines the course of your life.' Proverbs 4:23 NLT

When Satan sets out to destroy you, he starts by planting wrong thoughts in your mind. Jesus illustrated this when he said, 'The laws of Moses said, "You shall not commit adultery." But I say: Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart' (Matthew 5:27-28 TLB).

Before you surrender to sin in reality, you entertain it as fantasy. Evil thoughts aren't really yours until you allow them to 'move in and rearrange the furniture'. Left unchecked to ramble through your mind, a thought can attach itself to an incident in your past or a proclivity in your present and feed on it until it's like a tumour growing inside you. Paul warns, 'Take captive every thought...make it obedient to Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). And Solomon writes, 'Guard your heart...for it determines the course of your life' (Proverbs 4:23 NLT). Don't give wrong thoughts an inch or they will take a mile. Evict them before they weaken your commitment to Christ and leave you in the place of regret. Generally speaking, when we clean a house we focus on what others can see and inspect. Imagine how much mental rubbish we collect because we think nobody sits in our heads examining our thoughts. But God does!

David said, 'Lord...you know all about me' (Psalm 139:1 CEV). Knowing that should lead you to pray: 'Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord' (Psalm 19:14 NKJV).

Soulfood: Exo 10-12 Luke 12:13-21 Ps 61 Pro 6:16-19.



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YOU'RE PART OF THE FAMILY


Wednesday, 27th February, 2019


'In love he predestined us for adoption.' Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV

We all have a need to belong, to be part of a family. One pastor writes: 'I know couples with hearts of love who yearn to focus it on some little one, but no little one arrives. When these couples find children to adopt, they don't tell the children they'd better measure up to expectation if they want to stay in the family. There's no such thing as three strikes - then back to the agency. No, they accept them with open arms and joy-filled hearts because they love them. They take them into their homes forever, give them the family name, and make them legal heirs.'

Long before we even knew we needed God, he 'predestined us to adoption as sons [and daughters] by Jesus Christ' (Ephesians 1:4-5 NKJV). Earthly parents get divorced, go separate ways and start new families. But not God; you never have to worry about your standing and relationship with him. Regardless of race, colour, creed or background, when you repent and accept Christ as your Saviour, your adoption becomes binding and permanent. You're part of his family. And to prove it, 'The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God' (Romans 8:16 NKJV).

Do you realise what that means? You never again have to walk around feeling intimidated and fearful, or live under a cloud of condemnation, because you are a child of God and a 'fellow [heir] with Christ' (Romans 8:17 NAS). The word 'heir' means you can claim every blessing and benefit Christ purchased for you at the cross. Every single one without exception!

Soulfood: Exo 13-15 Luke 12:22-34 Ps 66:1-12 Pro 6:20-22.




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GROWING THROUGH DISCOURAGEMENT


Thursday, 28th February, 2019


'Lord, where do I put my hope?' Psalm 39:7 NLT

Here are four suggestions to help you survive and grow through upheavals such as an unexpected job loss, the death of a loved one, a failed marriage or a serious health issue:

(1) Admit how you feel. That doesn't mean sitting around wallowing in negativity; it means trusting God enough to acknowledge how you really feel. Pretending things are fine when they're not makes it harder to get back up. We all have down times. The Psalmist asked God to help him cope with despondency (Psalms 42-43). And at one point Paul was under so much pressure he 'despaired even of life' (2 Corinthians 1:8 NKJV). (2) Identify the source. Discouragement often comes on the heels of a setback or disappointment. Did something you set your heart on fall apart? Were your hopes unrealistic to start with? Did somebody let you down? Or is your dejection coming from a generalised feeling of burnout?

(3) Talk with a trusted counsellor. Solomon said, 'There is safety in having many advisers' (Proverbs 11:14 NLT). Don't let pride prevent you from opening up to those who will listen empathetically and respond wisely. Talking to the right people can lessen your sense of isolation, and also pave the way for others who are hurting to do the same. (4) Be open before God. He, not fate or circumstances, gets to write the last chapter. Maybe he's trying to teach you something or redirect your energies. David said, 'Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you' (Psalm 39:7 NLT). When your hope is in God, he replaces discouragement with confidence so that what you're going through can become a path to spiritual growth.

Soulfood: Exo 16-18 Luke 12:35-48 Ps 66:13-20 Pro 6:23-25.



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YOU MUST HAVE INTEGRITY


Friday, 1st March, 2019


'We are taking pains to do what is right.' 2 Corinthians 8:21 NIV

There's a cartoon depicting some pigs feeding while the farmer is busy filling their trough up to the brim. Overhead in bold letters a sign reads, 'Premium Bacon Company'. In the cartoon one pig says to the others, 'Have you ever wondered why the farmer is so good to us?'

Question: Do people have to wonder about your motives? They shouldn't! The apostle Paul defines integrity like this: 'In honour giving preference to one another' (Romans 12:10 NKJV). Integrity always seeks the good of others. It believes that if something isn't good for both sides, it's not good for either side. Solomon warns, 'Cheat the poor to make profit or give gifts to the rich - either way you lose' (Proverbs 22:16 CEV). If you want to test the depth of your integrity, consider these questions: How transparent are you with others? How well do you treat people from whom you have nothing to gain? Do you assume different personas depending on who you're with? Do you put others ahead of your own personal agenda? Do you love people and use things, or love things and use people? Do you make difficult decisions even when it costs you personally? When you have something to say about somebody, do you talk to them or talk about them? Are you accountable to anybody other than yourself?

These are important questions, so take time to consider them prayerfully. And remember, you may succeed momentarily because of what you know or do, but you'll only succeed permanently because of what you are.

Soulfood: Exo 19-21 Luke 12:49-59 Ps 70 Pro 6:26-28.




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SHOW SOME 'CLASS'


Saturday, 2nd March, 2019


'Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone - and even by the truth itself.' 3 John v12 NIV

When people speak well of you, it means you have acceptance. But when the truth speaks well of you, it means you have class! Demetrius had it. Do you? Paul told Timothy, 'Set an example...in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity...give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress' (1 Timothy 4:12-15 NIV).

Here are some timeless words on 'class' by columnist Ann Landers: 'Class is just confidence dressed in humility. It keeps its word, its temper, and its friends. It has a steady eye, a steady nerve, a steady tongue, and steady habits. It's silent when it has nothing to say, thoughtful when it judges, and is always first to make amends when it's wrong. Class doesn't run scared. It's surefooted, committed, and handles whatever comes along. Class has a sense of humour. It knows that a good laugh is often the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of human relations. Class never makes excuses. It takes its lumps, learns from its mistakes, and becomes wiser. Class knows that courtesy and good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices. It bespeaks an aristocracy that is not dependent on ancestors or money. A blue-blood can be totally without it, while the son of a Welsh coal miner may ooze it out of every pore. Class can walk with kings, yet still keep its virtue; talk with crowds, yet still maintain the common touch. Everyone is comfortable with a person who has class - because they are comfortable with themselves.'

Today, show some 'class'!

Soulfood: Exo 22-24 Luke 13:1-17 Ps 77 Pro 6:29.




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CELEBRATE YOUR PROGRESS


Sunday, 3rd March, 2019


'Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' Romans 12:2 NKJV

Lasting change doesn't come through human effort, frustration, self-hatred, guilt or beating yourself up over your failures. It comes from having your mind renewed daily by the Word of God. If you're a consistent Bible reader, you'll grow spiritually. As you agree with God and believe what he says in his Word, you gradually begin to change. It just happens. You start to think differently, talk differently and act differently.

But you must be patient because it's a process that develops in stages. And you must learn to enjoy life while you're going through the transformation process. Many of us look like we're walking a tightrope rather than a pathway of peace. No, enjoy where you are on your way to where you're going! Don't waste all your 'now time' trying to rush into the future. Jesus said that tomorrow will have challenges of its own (see Matthew 6:34). Perhaps you're thinking, 'If only I didn't have this problem, I'd be happy.' What are you wrestling with? An out-of-control appetite? Resentment? Fearfulness? Maybe you're saying, 'If I could get this habit under control I'd be fine.' Just like Israel conquered the Promised Land one city at a time, you conquer your weaknesses one day at a time.

Paul said, 'So that I might finish my race with joy' (Acts 20:24 NKJV). Paul wanted to be all that God called him to be - but he wanted to enjoy the process. So instead of getting discouraged about how far you still have to go, learn to celebrate your progress along the way.

Soulfood: Exo 20:7 Lev 24:10-16 Phil 2:5-11.



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ACT ON YOUR SPIRITUAL INTUITION


Monday, 4th March, 2019


'Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."' Isaiah 30:21 NIV

How many times has something inside urged you to do a certain thing, but instead you allowed the voice in your head to overrule the voice in your spirit? That inner voice is your spiritual intuition, the part of you God speaks to. The Bible says, 'Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."'

John the apostle put it this way: 'You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things' (1 John 2:20 NKJV). Learn to trust that 'anointing' because it will tell you: (a) what you need to do; (b) when you need to act; (c) what direction to take; (d) what changes you need to make. What a gift - yet we seldom use it! Somebody said, 'Too much analysis leads to paralysis.' We're afraid we couldn't possibly know something without thinking it through, or because it seems too obvious. We think, 'That can't be right. I couldn't possibly do that.' We argue for our limitations, and as a result they become our limitations!

Learn to recognise and trust your spiritual intuition. It's your connection to the greatest source of wisdom in the universe - God. And don't be surprised when what you hear in your spirit sounds like what you've thought many times but paid no attention to. The Bible says, 'It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose' (Philippians 2:13 NIV). So next time your spiritual intuition tells you something and it lines up with Scripture, don't be afraid to act on it!

Soulfood: Exo 25-27 Luke 13:18-35 Ps 136 Pro 6:30-35.



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