THE WORD FOR TODAY


'IMPUTED' RIGHTEOUSNESS


Tuesday, 28th July, 2020


'For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him' (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV).


To understand the word 'imputed', picture funds being transferred from one account to another. Banks do it every day. Imagine yourself totally destitute and unable to pay your debts. Then in an astounding act of grace someone assumes all your debts, and at the same time transfers to your account such 'abundance' that you never have to work. That's what happened at the cross when God 'imputed' all your sins to Christ's account, and 'imputed' all His righteousness to your account. Mind-blowing, isn't it?

Would you say, 'I can't allow you to pay all these debts alone, so I'll work to prove myself worthy of your grace'? We do that when we 'add' our good works to Christ's finished work. Salvation is like health food labelled 'no man-made additives'. Paul writes, 'For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him' (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV). In the same sense God 'made' Jesus who never sinned, to 'be' sin, He 'made' you who could never be righteous enough, to 'become' righteous in His eyes. 'But I feel such guilt when I sin.' You're supposed to! But when Christ took away all your sin, He took away all your guilt. So what are you feeling? Inner conflict! Your regenerated spirit is telling you that you can't indulge in sin; it's not who you are anymore! Why did God do it this way? Because any righteousness we could achieve falls far short of what He requires.

Rejoice - today God sees you clothed in the righteousness of Christ, therefore you're always loved and accepted by Him.

Soul Food / Bible in a Year
Acts 20-21, Luke 9:46-56, Psalms 46, Proverbs 16:20-22.




Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


CONDITIONAL BLESSINGS


Wednesday, 29th July, 2020


Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - 'If you diligently obey the Lord your God and His commandments, you will be blessed ...'

Many of God's blessings come with conditions: 'Diligently obey...all His commandments.' When you put God's Word into action, you obtain His blessing. Blind Bartimaeus was begging when Jesus passed by. So he cried out, 'Teacher, I want to see again' (Mark 10:51 GWT). He knew God's blessing wasn't automatic, but it was within his reach.

In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown is practising his archery. In addition to a bow and arrow, he carries a paintbrush and a bucket of paint. He shoots the arrow towards the target, and wherever it lands, he paints a bull's-eye around it. When Lucy asks Charlie about this, he says, 'This way I always hit my target!'

One author writes: 'This is the way some Christians live...wherever the arrows of life happen to land, they claim was their destination all along. How badly do you want the blessing of God? How committed are you? The desires God placed in your spirit and the goals He set in His Word won't be fulfilled automatically, but they're attainable. First: you must build a strong foundation by becoming established in God's Word. Second: expect to increase one step at a time. Paul says, "Walk in the steps of...faith" (Romans 4:12 NKJV). Results won't appear overnight, but they will come and you'll see the rewards of your diligence. Third: aim high, expect God's best, and be willing to give Him your best. Peter says, "Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue...knowledge...self-control...perseverance...godliness...brotherly kindness...and...love"' (2 Peter 1:5-7 NKJV).

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Acts 22-23, Luke 9:57-62, Psalms 78:1-8, Proverbs 16:23-24.






Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


'SPIRITUAL SUPPLEMENTS'


Thursday, 30th July, 2020


'Our sufficiency is from God.' (IICorinthians 3:5)


Christian counsellor Dr Ann Shorb writes, 'Each morning I reach for an assortment of nutritional supplements. Each has something I need, but not one by itself is enough to provide everything.'

Here are the 'spiritual supplements' she says she takes: (1) His death on the cross is sufficient for my salvation: 'He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them' (Hebrews 7:25 NKJV). (2) His strength is sufficient for my weakness: 'He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak' (Isaiah 40:29 NCV). (3) His authority is sufficient for my struggles: Jesus said, 'All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and...earth. Go therefore' (Matthew 28:18-19 NKJV). (4) His power is sufficient to restore me: 'The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises...all who are bowed down' (Psalm 145:14 NKJV). (5) His wisdom and knowledge are sufficient to direct me: 'He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold' (Job 23:10 NKJV). (6) His grace is sufficient for all my needs: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV).

Sometimes you'll hear Psalm 51:12 quoted as 'Restore unto me the joy of my salvation,' instead of 'Restore unto me the joy of your salvation' There's a big difference! My salvation means me working to be saved and never knowing if I've done enough. Your salvation depends totally on Christ's finished work on Calvary. It acknowledges that while we'll never be 'sufficient of ourselves...our sufficiency is from God' (2 Corinthians 3:5 NKJV).

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Acts 24-26, Luke 10:1-12, Psalms 78:9-16, Proverbs 16:25.





Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


THE VALUE OF A CONFIDANT


Friday, 31st July, 2020

It hurts when you discover that not everyone has your best interests at heart. So you must learn to be more discerning, and know on what level to interact with people. Usually only a few people belong in your inner circle. You must be wise when it comes to who you allow into that circle. We see this illustrated in the lives of David and Jonathan. David was at odds with King Saul, the father of his best friend, Jonathan. Jonathan kept David's secrets and protected him with his very life, even when faced with displeasing his own family. Jonathan wasn't seeking to elevate himself, inflate his own self-importance, or orchestrate his own advancement through his relationship with David. Simply stated, they had a 'soul connection'.

The strength of a confidant lies in their silence. If someone's a gossiper, they automatically disqualify themselves. We must be able to rest in the security of these relationships, in order to express ourselves, gather information and glean wise counsel. Otherwise, we reap the consequences of having the wrong people know too much about us. Confidants not only maintain our secrets, they refuse to exploit that privileged information for their own gain. They really care about us, and don't throw our past mistakes in our face. They refuse to utter the words 'I told you so'.

Confidants are in your life for the long haul, and you must recognise and cherish them.

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Acts 27-28, Luke 10:13-24, Psalms 78:17-31, Proverbs 16:26-30.




Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


YOU CAN BOUNCE BACK


Saturday, 1st August, 2020


Are you battling a stubborn habit like drugs and alcohol? Gambling? Overeating? Pornography? Here's good news. Jesus said He came 'that captives will be released' (Luke 4:18 NLT).

You can recover. You can get back what you've lost, or something better. How? By doing two things David did when the Amalekites destroyed his home and took his family captive: (1) He turned to God for strength. 'David strengthened himself in the Lord' (1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV). Face it; if you could solve the problem yourself, you'd have done it. Acknowledging your powerlessness is the first step to victory. But acknowledging it is not the same as giving in to defeat and despair. It means that you can't, but God can, and He will when you surrender to Him. (2) He turned to God for a strategy. 'David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?" And He answered him, "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all"' (1 Samuel 30:8 NKJV). Note the word 'pursue'. David was relentless; he didn't stop until he recovered everything the enemy had stolen from him. And that must be your attitude too.

You say, 'But I've failed so often.' The Bible says, 'Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again' (Proverbs 24:16 NIV). You say, 'How can I be righteous in God's eyes and keep falling?' Because your righteousness is not earned by your performance, it's transferred to you through Christ's performance on the cross (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Knowing that will give you the faith and courage to 'pursue...overtake...and recover all' - and bounce back.

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 1-2, Luke 10:25-37, Psalms 78:32-39, Proverbs 16:31.




Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


KEEP PRAYING AND BELIEVING (1)


Sunday, 2nd August, 2020


During his lifetime, nineteenth-century British evangelist George Müller 'prayed in' million of dollars to feed the orphans in his care. He didn't believe in broadcasting his financial needs, yet he always had enough to pay his grocery bill - because God supernaturally provided. However, Müller's faith was stretched in other ways. For example, he prayed regularly over a list of five men he earnestly desired to see won to Christ. The first man gave his life to Christ after five years, the second and third after ten years, and the fourth after twenty-five years. But here's the clincher: Müller prayed for the fifth man's conversion for a whopping fifty-two years! In fact, the man made a profession of faith in Christ a few months after Müller's funeral.

Would you pray about something for fifty-two years without some visible sign of an answer? You should, and you must! In Müller's own words: 'God delights to increase the faith of His children. We ought, instead of wanting no trials before victory, no exercise for patience, to be willing to take them from God's hands as a means. Trials, obstacles, difficulties and, sometimes, defeats are the very food of faith.'

If you're praying and asking God, 'Will you?' His answer is, 'I will!' Psalm 91:15 tells us, 'He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him' (NKJV). And in Jeremiah 33:3, God says, 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know' (NKJV). So, the word for today is - keep praying and believing.

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 3-4, Luke 10:38-42, Psalms 78:40-55, Proverbs 16:32.




Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


KEEP PRAYING AND BELIEVING (2)


Monday, 3rd August, 2020


Observe three things: (1) Jesus never said that following Him would be easy. 'In the world you will have tribulation' (John 16:33 NKJV). So when you attempt great things for God, expect difficulties - and delays. When construction crews work on a road, they often put up a sign: 'EXPECT DELAYS'. The walk of faith is littered with these signs. Abraham and Sarah waited twenty-five years for Isaac to be born, so why do you think your answers should be instant?

(2) You must persevere to receive. Waiting is an uncomfortable concept for us. We're used to having everything 'on demand'. If someone tells us to wait, we find an app on our phone and speed up the process. But there's no shortcut when it comes to perseverance. Sometimes faith is painful because God is stretching your capacity to receive. So press through the pain - there's gain on the other side! 'Keep on asking and it will be given you' (Matthew 7:7 AMP).

(3) The end result of faith is larger territory. Twice after Isaac dug a well, the Philistines laid claim to the water. But when he dug a third time, the conflict stopped, and he named the new well Rehoboth, which means 'a broad place' (see Genesis 26:18-22). Isaac kept on digging, and when the breakthrough came, he declared, 'At last the Lord has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land' (Genesis 26:22 NAS). And the lesson Isaac learned is still part of our faith curriculum. We must stretch our faith when there's no stretch left, and we must pray beyond delay.

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
1 Samuel 16, 1 Samuel 17:32-51, Acts 13:21-22.




Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


BECOMING MORE PATIENT


Tuesday, 4th August, 2020


The older we get the more patient we become, even though we have less time ahead of us. Why? Perspective! Our problems haven't changed, but our perspective has. We've lived long enough to say 'this too shall pass', or 'His grace is sufficient'. Instead of complaining, which only makes the problem worse and robs us of joy. Like Joseph we look back on experiences we thought we'd never get through and say, 'You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good' (Genesis 50:20 NAS).

The word for today is - God wants you to become more patient! Patience is one of the nine fruit of the Spirit named in Galatians 5:22-23. But it's a very slow-growing fruit that thrives best in the soil of troubles and trials. Some of us are like the lady who prayed, 'Lord, give me patience, and I want it right now.' Sorry, that's a prayer God can't answer. James writes: 'When troubles...come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For...when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing' (James 1:2-4 NLT). When you think about it, patience is simply trusting God with things like 'how' and 'why' and 'when'.

As you look back on some of the things you wanted so badly and would have rushed into, you realise God pulled back on the reins and kept you from getting into some major messes. Impatience is one of the dominant characteristics of children; it's spiritual immaturity. So be patient!

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 5-7, Luke 11:1-13, Psalms 78:56-64, Proverbs 16:33.




Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


LOVING DIFFICULT PEOPLE (1)


Wednesday, 5th August, 2020


Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as 'the Helper'. And as you submit to Him, He'll help you handle the difficult people in your life the right way. Paul writes, 'Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption' (Ephesians 4:30 NIV). Don't offend, inhibit or block the Holy Spirit from working in your life. You say, 'How would I do that?' Paul answers, 'Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice' (Ephesians 4:31 NIV). That's a list of pretty nasty stuff! And Paul's point is this: either you allow your responses to be ruled by that nasty list, or to be ruled by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The choice is yours.

The Bible says, 'Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold' (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV). When you retaliate in anger, you give the devil a foothold in your life - a beachhead from which he can attack you in other areas. When that happens, not only are you dealing with the hurt caused by the difficult person in your life, you're dealing with the added hurt that comes from giving the devil a foothold.

So what should you do? The Bible says, 'Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you' (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). In other words, remember the love, patience and grace God has shown to you, and extend it to others. That's a strategy that never fails!

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 8-10, Luke 11:14-28, Psalms 78:65-72, Proverbs 17:1-2.




Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


LOVING DIFFICULT PEOPLE (2)


Thursday, 6th August, 2020


God designed us in such a way that in times of intense difficulty, we have a built-in moment to turn to Him for help. The primary place in your brain that processes strong negative emotions, such as rage and fear, is called the amygdala. And when it's removed from certain animals, they become incapable of expressing rage and fear.

Normally when input comes into your brain, it goes to the cortex for processing. In about five per cent of cases, however, when something extremely emotional happens, it goes to your amygdala and the thinking part of your brain gets short-circuited. But in between your brain's intake and your body's response time, there's what researchers call the 'life-giving quarter-second'. And that quarter-second - although it doesn't sound very long - is huge. Paul writes, 'In your anger do not sin...and do not give the devil a foothold' (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV). That quarter-second is the time when the Holy Spirit can take control. That's when you can choose to give the foothold to the Holy Spirit, or you can give it to sin. That one quarter-second in your mind can be an opportunity to say, 'Holy Spirit, I've got this impulse right now; should I act on it?' It's amazing how the desire to hurt someone you love can be so strong, then lead to such pain when you indulge it.

But another piece of good news is that when you blow it - and you will blow it - God sends another quarter-second right behind the first one. He's committed to you, and He will keep working with you until you get it right!

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 11-13, Luke 11:29-44, Psalms 119:1-8, Proverbs 17:3.




Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


LOVING DIFFICULT PEOPLE (3)


Friday, 7th August, 2020


No one mastered the art of dealing with difficult people better than Jesus. The Romans wanted to silence Him, Herod wanted to kill Him, Pilate washed his hands of Him, religious leaders envied Him, His family thought He'd lost His mind, His townspeople wanted to stone Him, Thomas doubted Him, Peter denied Him, Judas betrayed Him, soldiers beat Him, the crowds shouted for His crucifixion and His closest followers ran out on Him. Yet Jesus never prayed for God to remove the difficult people from His life. If He had, there would have been nobody left.

Sometimes even prayer can be misused as a way of avoidance. Sometimes we ask God to remove a difficult person from our life because we're not willing to confront that person honestly. And if God answered that prayer the way we wanted, we'd lose the opportunity for growth that is His great desire for us. Jesus' teachings about dealing with difficult people flowed out of deep, intimate, painful experiences and wisdom. And they've influenced world leaders and movements like no other words that have ever been spoken - from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr to Nelson Mandela.

Peter writes: 'If you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps...He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly' (1 Peter 2:20-23 NLT). And you are called to follow His example.

Soul Food / Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 14-17, Luke 11:45-54, Psalms 119:9-16, Proverbs 17:4-6.




Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Saturday, 8th August, 2020


HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE (4)


‘Do not take revenge.’ Romans 12:19 NIV

Jesus said, ‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you… If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.’ (Matthew 5:38–39 NIV) Though the ‘eye for an eye’ statement sounds harsh to us, it was actually an enormous step forward in the ancient legal world, where powerful people could kill you for the slightest injury. This law limited retribution by teaching proportional justice.

But it still leaves us with a problem. Instinct says if someone hurts you, you hurt them back—and the pain you experience always seems worse than the pain you cause the other person. In an experiment, a group of subjects was paired up, and each person received pressure against their finger. Then they were told to exert the same amount of pressure on the other person’s finger. When it was their turn, they always inflicted more pain than they received. Always. The result is an eye ‘plus-a-little-something-extra’ for an eye.

You say, ‘But this person hurt me and they should pay for it.’ How much should they pay? God alone is capable of answering that question fairly! And His Word says: ‘Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Romans 12:19–21 NIV)

SoulFood: Deut 22–24, Luke 12:13–21, Ps 119:25–32, Pro 17:11–15.





Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Sunday, 9th August, 2020


HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE (5)


‘Turn to him the other cheek.’ Matthew 5:39 NCV

Jesus said, ‘If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also.’ In Jesus’ day, society was built around shame and honour. The left hand was considered unclean; it was not to be used for eating—or for hitting. So a blow to the right cheek would be done with the backhand. It was a way to publicly insult someone. A backhanded slap was something done only to a social inferior, such as a slave or a child. So when someone insults you, what should you do? Everyone expects one of two responses: retaliation or cowering.

Jesus is saying, ‘Your safety and your honour are in the hands of your heavenly Father.’ So now we get creative. One possibility is that we could turn the other cheek. Our enemy can’t backhand our left cheek. Either he has to fight you as an equal, which he doesn’t want to do, or he has to find a nonviolent way to resolve the conflict.

So, who do you get insulted by? ‘Slaps’ often take the form of barbs, digs, and ‘backhanded’ comments. Someone demeans your idea at work. Someone accuses you falsely at home. A relative says something judgmental about you. What is your first instinct—retaliation, fear, or both? With the Holy Spirit helping you, there’s a new possibility. Don’t run and hide. Don’t strike back. Confront the other person with honesty and strength. Be creative, patient, and active. Lovingly work towards reconciliation. It is the reason the Bible calls the Christian life a ‘high calling’. (Philippians 3:14 KJV)

So, the next time someone upsets you, ‘Take the high road!’

SoulFood: Ruth 2:5–12, Ruth 3:1–6, Ruth 4:9–17.





Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

Am lifted

Midex88:
Am lifted

Amen!

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Monday, 10th August, 2020


SAVED BY GRACE ALONE


‘By grace you have been saved through faith.’ Ephesians 2:8 NKJV

In a sense there were two prodigal sons, and both grew up in a religious culture that praised rule keepers and punished rule breakers. Notice how this chapter begins: ‘All the tax collectors and sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners”… So He spoke this parable to them.’ (Luke 15:1–3 NKJV)

Here Jesus talks to two different groups:

(1) Rule breakers like the Prodigal Son, who know it’s only through God’s grace we are saved.

(2) Rule keepers like the older brother, who think they can earn or contribute to salvation by doing good works. That makes rule keepers judgmental towards rule breakers.

The older brother refused to attend his brother’s homecoming party. Why? Basically: ‘Father, unlike him, I have served you and kept your commandments. This isn’t right or fair.’ (See Luke 15:29). Sound familiar?

Here’s what the father told him: ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.’ (Luke 15:31 NKJV) Observe the word ‘son’. Jesus was teaching that we’re saved by ‘relationship’, not ‘rule keeping’. The older brother thought his father’s acceptance depended on his performance. Yes, there’s a place in God’s Kingdom for performance. Your rewards in Heaven are based upon your performance on earth.

But your redemption depends on Christ’s performance only: ‘By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.’ (Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV) Yes, God will challenge, chastise, and cleanse you in order to change you into the person He wants you to be. But you are saved by grace alone.

SoulFood: Deut 25–27, Luke 12:22–34, Ps 119:33–40, Pro 17:16.





Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Tuesday, 11th August, 2020


FORGIVE AND MOVE ON (1)


‘Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on.’ Philippians 3:13–14 NIV

The greater the offence, the harder it is to forgive—but you must. Because whatever you refuse to forgive and let go of, you carry with you. And it will be like a concrete block strapped around your neck.

Has someone mistreated you, cheated you, lied about you or fired you? Have you failed yourself? Are you asking, ‘How can I get beyond my past mistakes and become successful again?’ Whatever your particular hurt, the solution isn’t feeding it or denying it. You have to forgive and let it go, or you will continue to hurt yourself.

It’s often said that choosing not to forgive somebody is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. In order to move forward, you have to ‘let go’ and be at peace with the past. Paul could easily have allowed the memory of the Christians he put to death before meeting Christ to destroy him and rob him of his destiny. But he refused to do it.

Instead he wrote: ‘Dear brothers [and sisters], I am still not all that I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to Heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.’ (Philippians 3:13–14 TLB) And here’s one more Scripture: ‘If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.’ (Mark 11:25 NIV)

So the word for today is—‘Forgive and move on.’

SoulFood: Deut 28–29, Luke 12:35–48, Ps 119:41–48, Pro 17:17.




Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

Good

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Wednesday, 12th August, 2020


FORGIVE AND MOVE ON (2)


‘Anyone who starts ploughing and keeps looking back isn’t worth a thing to God’s Kingdom!’ Luke 9:62 CEV

If you’re wise, you’ll do four things:

(1) Focus on the road ahead. By looking in the rear-view mirror instead of what’s up ahead, you’ll end up in a ditch. Focus on the fact you’ve survived the past, and learned from your experience. God kept you around for a reason; find it and pour your life into it.

(2) Stop looking for easy answers. Visit any bookshop and you’ll find shelves lined with titles promising ten easy steps to financial achievement, five trouble-free keys to success, or twelve simple strategies for health, wealth, and fulfilment in life. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way. Life is hard, and deep inside we know all those simplistic approaches don’t work. But the fact your life is difficult doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. As the old country preacher said, ‘If you don’t come face to face with the devil sometimes, you must be going in the same direction he is.’

(3) Stay on your path—not everybody will go with you. Some of your closest friends will never change, and they don’t like those who do. Your decision to change doesn’t mean they’ll do the same. Nevertheless, you must be committed to growing, expanding your knowledge and experience, and moving to the next level in life.

(4) Believe in your abilities—God does! When someone tells you you’ll never amount to anything, smile and keep going. God alone knows your potential because of the gifts He’s given you. If you’re willing to trust Him and work hard, He’ll help you to fulfil your calling. In the final analysis, Godly fruit is an argument your enemies and critics can’t refute.

SoulFood: Deut 30:1–32:28, Luke 12:49–59, Ps 119:49–56, Pro 17:18–21.




Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Thursday, 13th August, 2020


PRESS THROUGH AND TOUCH JESUS


‘All the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch Him.’ Mark 3:10 NLT

Jesus healed a woman who had suffered twelve years from a condition society discreetly referred to as ‘an issue of blood.’ (Luke 8:44 KJV) And medical science had no cure. Observe how her miracle took place. She pressed through the crowd, ‘touched the hem of His garment’ (Matthew 9:20 NKJV), and immediately she was healed. As a result, people started talking about it and a trend began.

Four chapters later we read that they ‘brought to Him all who were sick… that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.’ (Matthew 14:35–36 NKJV) If you are battling affliction or addiction today, press through and touch Jesus. Keep praying and believing His Word. Be tenacious!

There’s a difference between the facts and the truth. The fact may be that your prognosis is not good. But the truth is, ‘the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise [them] up.’ (James 5:15 NKJV)

You say, ‘I know people who prayed for healing and didn’t get it.’ Yes, and if they were trusting Christ as their Saviour, then they received the ultimate healing: ‘to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.’ (Philippians 1:23 NKJV) When it’s our time to go, we all die of something. Until then, God’s Word tells us the same back that carried the cross to take away our sins, bore stripes that take away our sickness.

‘He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”’ (Matthew 8:16–17 NKJV)

SoulFood: Deut 32:29–34:12, Luke 13:1–17, Ps 119:57–64, Pro 17:22.




Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Friday, 14th August, 2020


WHEN YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, TRUST GOD


‘The Lord is good, a Stronghold in the day of trouble.’ Nahum 1:7 NKJV

As Louisa Stead and her family were enjoying a seaside trip, she noticed a youngster struggling in the surf. When Mr Stead rushed in to help, he was pulled under by the terrified child. He was drowned as Louisa watched helplessly from the shore.

A time of grief and dire poverty followed. One day, when she had no money or food, Louisa went out and found a basket on her doorstep with both food and money inside. Putting pen to paper, she wrote this beloved hymn: ‘’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word, just to rest upon His promise, just to know “Thus saith the Lord.” I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end.’ Trusting Jesus, Louisa went twice as a missionary to Africa, where she served the Lord for twenty-five years.

If you’re struggling to trust God today, stand on these Scriptures:

(1) ‘The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.’

(2) ‘You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.’ (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)

(3) ‘As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.’ (2 Samuel 22:31 NKJV)

(4) ‘Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!’ (Psalm 31:19 NKJV)

SoulFood: 1 Pet 1–5, Luke 13:18–35, Ps 119:65–72, Pro 17:23–26.





Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Saturday, 15th August, 2020


ALWAYS TRY TO SERVE OTHERS


‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.’ Ephesians 6:7 NIV

A reporter once asked the famous American singer, Marian Anderson, to name the greatest moment in her life. She could have talked about the private concerts she gave at the White House, or her command performance for British royalty. Instead, she shocked the reporter by saying, ‘The greatest moment in my life was the day when I was able to go home and tell my mother that she wouldn’t have to take in washing anymore.’

We are all innately self-centred, thinking first about our own interests. That’s why we must be ‘transformed by the renewing of [our] minds.’ (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Psychologists talk about natural behaviour and learned behaviour. When you’re naturally negative, you must learn to be positive. When you’re naturally fearful, you must learn to be courageous. When you’re naturally selfish, you must learn to be generous. God wants you to go through life looking for opportunities to bless others: ‘Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ (Galatians 6:10 NKJV)

And you’re not just to do it to people, you’re supposed to do it through people and unto the Lord. ‘Obey… not only… when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.’ (Ephesians 6:6-8 NIV) That means what you make happen for others, the Lord will make happen for you!

SoulFood: Obadiah, Ruth 1, Luke 14:1–14, Ps 119:73–80, Pro 17:27–28.





Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Sunday, 16th August, 2020


IT'S TIME TO CHANGE DIRECTION


‘To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things.’ 1 Corinthians 9:25 TLB

Responsibility requires us to make a living and support our family. But deep down, do you feel you’ve been ‘called’ to do something different? It was when Jesus told His disciples to leave the security of the shore and launch out into the deep, that they landed their greatest catch of fish.

Here’s a modern-day story to encourage you. Jerry Richardson faced an important decision in 1961. In those days he played American football for the Baltimore Colts, a job that was considered glamorous and secure. But when he was turned down for the raise he requested, he felt it was time to take a risk and do what he’d always wanted to do—start his own business. He and his family moved back to South Carolina, where an old college friend invited him to buy into a hamburger stand.

Richardson took the plunge and bought Hardees’ first franchise. He went from catching footballs to flipping hamburgers twelve hours a day. He scrubbed stoves and mopped floors. His wages? Only about $600 a month. But tired and frustrated as he was, he refused to give up. He employed the same discipline he’d used on the football field to focus on making his restaurant more efficient, his employees the friendliest in town, and his prices affordable. Before long his business boomed. Eventually he went on to head up one of the largest food service companies in the United States, with $5.3 billion a year in sales.

Oh, and one more thing. He also became an owner in the National Football League and established the Carolina Panthers franchise, which he owned for twenty-three years.

SoulFood: 2 Cor 11:21–33, 2 Cor 12:7–10, Acts 16:16–40, Acts 19:11–12.





Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Monday, 17th August, 2020


PRACTISE VISIONARY THINKING


‘I, the Lord, would reveal Myself in visions.’ Numbers 12:6 NLT

If you ask God, He will give you a vision for your life—one that will enable you to see the end goal, get excited, and move progressively towards it. When parents are exhausted with potty training, poor grades, teenage tantrums and car bumps, and you remind them that it’s only a temporary season—you are practising visionary thinking.

Visions aren’t limited to pastors, politicians, and business tycoons—they are for everybody. Visionary thinking gives you a bigger perspective. It’s like enlarging a picture; it expands not only what you can see, but what you believe you are able to do. Visionary thinking calls for three things:

(1) Learning. Be sure of what you know and value it—but never settle for it. Form new relationships, read new books, and learn new skills. Become a lifelong learner.

(2) Listening. Seek out those who have expertise in areas where you don’t. Partner with people who can do things you can’t. Ask questions that enlarge your understanding and thinking, and then listen carefully and record what you hear.

(3) Looking. It’s hard to see the picture while you’re inside the frame. There’s a world outside your own, so you must get outside of yourself and see it through the eyes of others. To meet people’s needs, you must first find out how they think. That calls for humility, getting over your personal agenda, and trying to understand the other person’s point of view. The Bible puts it this way: ‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’ (Philippians 2:4 NKJV)

SoulFood: Ruth 2–4, Luke 14:15–24, Ps 119:81–88, Pro 18:1–5.





Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Tuesday, 18th August, 2020


OVERCOMING REJECTION (1)


‘You are precious and honoured in My sight.’ Isaiah 43:4 NIV

Jesus experienced rejection: ‘He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.’ (John 1:11 NKJV) But He didn’t sit around and lick His wounds; He moved on to where people gladly received Him. And He told His disciples, ‘If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.’ (Matthew 10:14 ESV)

Repeated rejection tends to validate the fear that we are inadequate. This is particularly so when it comes to the opinions of those we place value on. But the irony in operating out of the fear of rejection is that it ultimately results in the very rejection you were trying to avoid. When people realise you hold yourself in low regard, they deal with you accordingly. You teach people how to value you by how much you value yourself. If you never express a preference, a boundary, or any other limitation on how others interact with you, they will assume you have none, and behave towards you in that manner.

Notice, even though Jesus was rejected, He never responded in a way that encouraged continued rejection. He didn’t stay where He was tolerated; He went to where He was celebrated. In other words, He went to where people recognised and received His person, His purpose, and His power. He had God’s full acceptance; therefore, He did not fear man’s rejection. And you have God’s full acceptance too. ‘You are precious and honoured in My sight, and… I love you.’

The first step to overcoming rejection is to keep God’s opinion of you in your mind at all times.

SoulFood: Judg 1–3, Luke 14:25–35, Ps 119:89–96, Pro 18:6–8.




Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

Moneyfem:
THE WORD FOR TODAY


YOU'LL GET BACK MORE THAN YOU GIVE


Thursday, 22nd November, 2018


'No good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly.' Psalm 84:11 NKJV

In a sense, it's impossible to 'sacrifice' anything for God. If you get back more than you gave up, have you sacrificed anything at all? The eternal reward always outweighs the temporal sacrifice. On Judgement Day, our only regret will be whatever we didn't give back to God. It may seem counterintuitive, but the key to self-fulfilment is self-denial.The selfish part of us has an allergic reaction to the word deny. It's tough to do when we live in a culture where we don't just tolerate indulgence, but celebrate it. But the fundamental problem with indulgence is that - enough is never enough. The more we indulge ourselves in food, pleasure or the amenities of wealth, the less we will enjoy them. We have bought into the consumerist lie that more is more. We mistakenly think the more we give, the less we'll have. But our logic is backward. You ultimately lose what you keep, and you ultimately keep whatever you lose for the cause of Christ.Author Mark Batterson writes: 'The more you give away, the more you will enjoy what you have. If you give God the tithe, you'll enjoy the 90 per cent you keep 10 per cent more. You'll also discover that God can do more with 90 per cent than you can with 100 per cent...One of our life goals as a family is to reverse tithe and live off 10 per cent while giving away 90 per cent. When we get there, I'm confident we'll enjoy the 10 per cent we keep 90 per cent more. It's the sliding scale of joy.'

Soulfood: Gen 1-3 Jn 12:12-19 Ps 102:1-11 Pro 30:18-20.




Credit: Grace So Amazing Foundation

Peter, the apostle, warned people about ALL MOGs (False Prophets and Teachers), from about 2000 years ago.

2 Peter 2 vs 1-7 (ERV)
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1. In the past there were false prophets among God’s people. It is the same now. You will have some false teachers in your group. They will teach things that are wrong—ideas that will cause people to be lost. And they will teach in a way that will be hard for you to see that they are wrong. They will even refuse to follow the Master who bought their freedom. And so they will quickly destroy themselves.
2. Many people will follow them in the morally wrong things they do. And because of them, others will say bad things about the way of truth we follow.
3. These false teachers only want your money. So they will use you by telling you things that are not true. But the judgment against these false teachers has been ready for a long time. And they will not escape God who will destroy them.

4. When angels sinned, God did not let them go free without punishment. He sent them to hell. He put those angels in caves of darkness, where they are being held until the time when God will judge them.

5. And God punished the evil people who lived long ago. He brought a flood to the world that was full of people who were against God. But he saved Noah and seven other people with him. Noah was a man who told people about living right.

6. God also punished the evil cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. He burned them until there was nothing left but ashes. He used those cities as an example of what will happen to people who are against God.
7. But he saved Lot, a good man who lived there. Lot was greatly troubled by the morally bad lives of those evil people. 8 This good man lived with those evil people every day, and his good heart was hurt by the evil things he saw and heard.

What peter said is indeed what we see happening here and now. Because of the AntiChrists also called MOGs, the world does not view Jesus Christ in a good light at all. You simply mention that you believe in the God of the Bible, and almost immediately you see the detest in their looks... nothing to do with persecution at all. No, they have become wary of those who claim to be Christians. The world is tired of the lies and deceit of MOGs - the hypocrisy that is claimed and justified in the name of God.

These MOGs are the Antichrists as they have set themselves up as Masters over Jesus Christ's flock, pretending to be Teachers in His place.

Their doctrines and traditions are twisted representations of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and in many cases many are deceived and led away from the Truth of Jesus Christ as a result.

They sit themselves in the place of God in the minds of His own sheep and they steal, kill and destroy, for their own pleasure and kingdoms, that which God has planned for those who are His. And they do all of this in the name of God.
MOGs are the false prophets that Jesus Christ warned His followers to beware of. These are the antichrists that the apostles spoke of even during their days.
☺

Kobojunkie:
Peter, the apostle, warned people about ALL MOGs (False Prophets and Teachers), from about 2000 years ago.

What peter said is indeed what we see happening here and now. Because of the AntiChrists also called MOGs, the world does not view Jesus Christ in a good light at all. You simply mention that you believe in the God of the Bible, and almost immediately you see the detest in their looks... nothing to do with persecution at all. No, they have become wary of those who claim to be Christians. The world is tired of the lies and deceit of MOGs - the hypocrisy that is claimed and justified in the name of God.

These MOGs are the Antichrists as they have set themselves up as Masters over Jesus Christ's flock, pretending to be Teachers in His place.

Their doctrines and traditions are twisted representations of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and in many cases many are deceived and led away from the Truth of Jesus Christ as a result.

They sit themselves in the place of God in the minds of His own sheep and they steal, kill and destroy, for their own pleasure and kingdoms, that which God has planned for those who are His. And they do all of this in the name of God.
MOGs are the false prophets that Jesus Christ warned His followers to beware of. These are the antichrists that the apostles spoke of even during their days.
☺

I don't seem to understand your major point.

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Wednesday, 19th August, 2020


OVERCOMING REJECTION (2)


‘I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ Psalm 139:14 NIV

In order to overcome fear of rejection, you must firmly believe that God designed you physically, intellectually, and temperamentally, and gave you an assignment no one else can fulfil. Putting yourself down may seem humble, but it’s actually a form of pride because it’s causing you to reject God’s design and plan for you. So begin to emphatically declare with the psalmist: ‘Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God.’ (Psalm 139:14–17 NLT)

Where did you get the idea that you are ‘less than’? Whether it started with critical parents, condemning clergy, unwise teachers, cruel classmates or a verbally abusive spouse, remember that Satan is the ‘father of lies’. (John 8:44 NLT) He used someone to lie to you about your worth and potential. Repeat: ‘It was a lie! It was a lie! It was a lie!’

Decide to reject that lie now. In other words, reject rejection! Make a list of every God-given gift, asset, advantage, or other benefit you possess that is, or could be, a blessing to others. Don’t use worldly systems in developing your list. Focus on character issues such as integrity, loyalty, generosity, discernment, wisdom, and patience. Think of ways you can use each one of these features to glorify God and be a blessing to others.

SoulFood: Judg 4–6, Luke 15:1–10, Ps 119:97–104, Pro 18:9.





Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Thursday, 20th August, 2020


OVERCOMING REJECTION (3)


‘She perceives that her merchandise is good.’ Proverbs 31:18 NKJV

The mistakes you have made may be big, bad, and frequently repeated. But they haven’t changed God’s mind about you. ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you… will be rebuilt.’ (Jeremiah 31:3–4 NIV) Yes, God will correct you when you need it. But His correction is not rejection—it’s proof of His love. ‘The Lord disciplines the one He loves.’ (Hebrews 12:6 NIV)

God’s purpose in discipline is to develop you to your highest potential. So don’t let anyone put you down. Be your authentic self when you’re with others. Focus on what you have to give, rather than on how others perceive you. Don’t put on airs, brag, or name-drop in an attempt to level the playing field. You are already equal—even if you don’t have a similar education, experience, financial status, social standing, or background.

Since when did such things make anybody inherently superior to another—especially in the eyes of your heavenly Father? If your goal in life is to please everyone and have them speak well of you, your self-worth will always be at their mercy.

Solomon describes the qualities of a virtuous woman. Here’s one of them: ‘She perceives that her merchandise is good.’ This woman wasn’t prideful, she was just confident in who God had made her to be and the assignment He had given her to fulfil. Her confidence came from within, not from without. Solomon ends the chapter in these words: ‘Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise.’ (Proverbs 31:31 NIV)

SoulFood: Judg 7:1–9:33, Luke 15:11–32, Ps 119:105–112, Pro 18:10–12.





Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Friday, 21st August, 2020


OVERCOMING REJECTION (4)


‘If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.’ Luke 17:3 NLT

Sometimes you are called upon to confront behaviour that negatively affects you. Jesus said, ‘If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.’ Now, that doesn’t give you the right to vent your anger or charge in like a raging bull. Jesus also said, ‘And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “I repent,” you shall forgive him.’ (Luke 17:4 NKJV)

And here’s another thought: respect the other person’s decision not to pursue a relationship with you. They may not belong in your life, and you may not belong in theirs. Think about the last time you went shopping. Did you purchase every single item you examined? Of course not. Did you reject them because they were inferior? Surely not. You simply decided they were not for you.

Of course, if you experience a pattern of rejection and you’re baffled about the cause, you may want to consider finding out why. ‘Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.’ (Proverbs 27:6 KJV) Sometimes it’s wise to ask, ‘I’d like to get some feedback from you for my personal development. My objective here is not to resume our relationship. I would just like to ask what it was that made you decide to terminate it. I’d really appreciate your honest feedback.’

Be sure to project an upbeat attitude, not a negative one. Listen objectively, and don’t be defensive. You are gathering information. And be willing to change if there is merit to what they say.

SoulFood: Judg 9:34–11:40, Luke 16:1–18, Ps 119:113–120, Pro 20:25, Ecc 5:4–6.




Credits: GSAF, RHEMA

THE WORD FOR TODAY


Saturday, 22nd August, 2020


BE CONTENT WITH YOUR CALLING (1)


‘There are different kinds of service to God, but it is the same Lord we are serving.’ 1 Corinthians 12:5 TLB

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in ministry is to compare yourself to someone else. In fact, it’s been said that if any two of us are identical, one of us may be unnecessary! The apostle Paul writes, ‘There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.’ (1 Corinthians 12:5 NKJV)

It’s true that without help from others, you’ll never become all you can be, but God wants you to be mentored, not cloned. He has called each of us to emphasise certain truths at different times. For example, John emphasised love, Solomon emphasised wisdom, and Paul’s major emphasis was grace over law. The need determines the emphasis. If God calls you to be a pastor or church leader, it’s like being a general practitioner. If He calls you to be an evangelist or a teacher, He’s calling you to be a specialist.

‘For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.’ (1 Corinthians 12:8–11 NKJV)

Not everyone will understand or appreciate your style of ministry. And that’s ok—it’s not a popularity contest. You’re called to be a servant, not a star. And a major prerequisite for ministry is ‘that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.’ (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV)

SoulFood: Judg 12–15, Luke 16:19–31, Ps 119:121–128, Pro 18:13–20.





Courtesy: GSAF, RHEMA,