THE WORD FOR TODAY


CONSULT THE LORD


Thursday, 27th December, 2018


'As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.' 2 Chronicles 26:5 NIV

Someone has said, 'Before you try to climb the ladder of success, make sure it's leaning against the right wall.' Now let's be clear. When your intention is to do God's will and honour him, he promises success. It's a mistake to associate all wealth with carnality and brand it as 'worldly'. Prosperous, committed Christians in every generation have been instrumental in taking the gospel to the world and establishing God's Kingdom. Read these two promises. The first seems male-oriented: 'Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever' (Psalm 112:3 NKJV). The second seems female-oriented: 'Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honour' (Proverbs 3:16 NKJV). Some of us have a false concept of success.The story's told of three men talking about what success would be for them. One said, 'Being invited to the White House for a personal meeting with the president would be success.' The second said, 'To me success would be meeting with the president in the Oval Office, having the hot line ring during our talk, and watching the president ignore it.' The third guy said, 'To me success would be meeting with the president in the Oval Office, the hot line rings and he picks it up and says, "It's for you."'If you go to www.amazon.com, and search for 'how to be successful,' you'll find about twenty-five hundred books on the subject. But you only need one book: God's Word. Here's what it says: 'As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success' (2 Chronicles 26:5 NIV). Want to be successful? Consult the Lord.

Soulfood: Job 29-31 Luke 2:34-40 Ps 139:1-12 Ecc 10:20-11:3.




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LISTEN AND TAKE ADVICE


Friday, 28th December, 2018.


'A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy.' Proverbs 29:1 NIV

Years ago civil engineers examined a dam in Pennsylvania that controlled the waters of several rivers that flowed down towards a valley where there was a town. Concerned by what they saw, they told the town officials, 'The dam is unsafe and you are in great danger. You need to relocate.' The officials said, 'We've heard it all before. The dam is all right.' A year later the engineers visited the dam and again came back saying, 'We are warning you; you are in danger every hour.' By this time the engineers' report had spread to the townspeople, and they laughed it off, saying, 'They're just trying to scare us.' A few months later the engineers issued the same warning, and again it was dismissed. Fifteen days later a boy on a horse rode through the valley shouting, 'Run for your lives! The dam has broken and the water is coming.' But the people laughed at him, certain he was trying to scare them. Suddenly a wall of dirty water struck, and in less than thirty minutes Johnstown was in ruins. More than 3,700 people died that day.Question: Has God been warning you about certain things in your life: relationships, habits, attitudes? If so, here are two Scriptures you'd do well to consider carefully: 'The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice' (Proverbs 12:15 NIV). 'A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy' (Proverbs 29:1 NIV).The word for you today is: listen, and be willing to take advice.

Soulfood: Job 32-34 Luke 2:41-52 Ps 139:13-24 Ecc 11:4-6.



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WHAT'S YOUR NET WORTH


Saturday, 29th December, 2018.


'Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren.' Proverbs 13:22 GWT

The word 'inheritance' is used over 214 times in the Bible (NKJV version), so God must think it's important. Solomon writes, 'A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children' (Proverbs 13:22 NKJV). In man's kingdom your 'net worth' is the sum total of all you own. But in God's Kingdom your net worth equals the sum total of all you've given away. What you don't share is lost forever, but what you put into God's hands becomes an eternal keepsake.Moses Montefiore was the first Jew to hold high office in London. He was knighted Sir Moses by Queen Victoria in 1837 - the same year he was elected Sheriff of London. In later life he became famous for his philanthropy. He made seven trips to the Holy Land, the last at age 91. His love for the Holy Land was evidenced by his financing of a textile factory, a printing press, a windmill and several agricultural colonies in Palestine. On his 100th birthday the London Times newspaper devoted its editorials to his praise. He amassed a fortune through business ventures and real estate acquisitions. But when a reporter asked him about his net worth, he named a figure that was much less. 'Surely your net worth must be more than that!' the reporter said. Sir Moses replied, 'You didn't ask me how much I own, you asked me how much I'm worth. So I calculated how much I have given to charity. We are worth only what we are willing to share with others.'What's your net worth? In God's eyes, it's the sum total of all you have given away.

Soulfood: Job 35-37 Luke 3:1-10 Ps 116 Ecc 11:7-10.




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SAY 'IT ENDS WITH ME'

Sunday, 30th December, 2018.

'Pull down your father's altar.' Judges 6:25 NLT

When the angel of the Lord called Gideon, he was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress, trying to hide the grain from the Midianites (see Judges 6:11). That's interesting, because God was about to use him to destroy the forces of Midian and liberate Israel. But before he could do so, there were a few family dynamics to be dealt with - like the altar his father built to a false god called Baal. It had been in the family for years. So God said, 'Pull down your father's altar to Baal...Then build an altar to the Lord your God' (Judges 6:25-26 NLT).Understand this: things like anger, addiction, abuse and affairs may be part of your family history, but they don't have to be part of your future. Not only will God heal your heart and hurts, he will use you to heal the hearts and hurts of your children. The generational rubbish can stop here and now. You don't have to give your children what your ancestors gave you. Bring it out into the open and lay it before the Lord. Revealing leads to healing. And if having a mature Christian counsellor helps, get one!'Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think' (Romans 12:2 NLT). No, it won't happen overnight. Damage done to you in the formative years of your life will take time to heal, and God will work with you day by day until he has made you whole. But let the healing begin. Rise up in faith, take control of your life, and declare: 'It ends with me, and it ends here and now.'

Soulfood: Job 38-39 Luke 3:11-20 Ps 27 Ecc 12:13-14.

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TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE


Monday, 31st December, 2018.


'Sanctify the house of the Lord...carry out the rubbish.' 2 Chronicles 29:5 NKJV

In Scotland they have a New Year's tradition that involves cleaning out your house, dumping the old ashes from your fireplace and paying off your outstanding debts. It's about clearing out the old to make room for the new. And from time to time you must clean your spiritual house too. The Bible says, 'Carry out the rubbish' (2 Chronicles 29:5 NKJV). Why? Because over time wrong attitudes, shoddy workmanship and bad habits creep in and blind us to what's important.Sheila Coleman says: 'Ten years ago I cleaned house from top to bottom. I dusted every nook and cranny...scrubbed the bath and every sink until they shone. I even took a toothbrush to the grout in the kitchen. That house had never been so clean. And today - ten years later...it's still clean. I've never had to pick up another duster...vacuum...or wash the kitchen counter...and my house looks as clean as it did that day, right? Wrong! We continually need spiritual house cleaning because we live in a dirty world. Just as our homes...cars and clothes have to be maintained...our hearts - our spiritual homes - need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Not once a week or once a month, and certainly not once every ten years, or once in a lifetime. We need to let God have his way in us every day, to clean us up and renew us...Is there a room in your "house" you haven't allowed him to clean? If it's been a while since God did a thorough heart-cleaning, make this your prayer: Lord, clean my heart so you can live and shine through me.'

Soulfood: Job 40-42 Luke 3:21-38 Ps 119:97-104 Pr 9:10-12.




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ASK GOD FOR A DREAM 1


Tuesday, 1st January, 2019.


'Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed.' Genesis 42:9 NKJV

The dream God gave Joseph sustained him through experiences that would crush many of us. He was resented by his family, repeatedly tempted by his boss's wife, then thrown into prison for thirteen years for a crime he didn't commit. Yet at Joseph's lowest points God was with him, arranging each step he took and positioning him to fulfil his calling as the deliverer of his people. The psalmist talks about the strange way in which God led Joseph: 'Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them - Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph's character' (Psalm 105:17-19 NLT).Your gender does not limit God, and your age is no problem to him. Society may glamorise youth and marginalise old age, but your season of life doesn't limit God. But in order to have confidence that God will fulfil your dream, you must know that it was born of his Spirit: 'Those who are in the flesh cannot please God' (Romans 8:8 NKJV). Your dream cannot be born out of your unmet ego needs, or a selfish desire to have the same level of success as someone else, or your need to 'prove' something to someone like your ex, or your family, or your boss, or your peers, etc.Check the source of your dream, because when God is the source, he will provide all the resources necessary to fulfil it. Do you have a dream? No? Ask God to give you one!

Soulfood: Rom 13:12-14 Rom 14:1-19 John 1:1-14.

Happy New Year!



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ASK GOD FOR A DREAM 2


Wednesday 2nd January, 2019.


'Then he dreamed still another dream.' Genesis 37:9 NKJV

If you've already fulfilled the dream God gave you, ask him for another one. A bigger one. The Bible says, 'Joseph dreamed another dream' (Genesis 37:9 NKJV). And the second was bigger than the first. In the first dream he saw sheaves of wheat on the ground bowing down to him, but in the second dream he saw stars in the heavens bowing down to him.Ask God to lift your sights and cause you to aim higher. But a note of caution: before God will give you another dream, he will watch to see what you do with the one he gave you. 'Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin' (Zechariah 4:10 NLT).Great endings usually start with humble beginnings. 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time' (1 Peter 5:5-6 NKJV).If your dream is to prosper financially, for example, it's in harmony with God's promises (see Deuteronomy 8:18; Isaiah 48:17; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 3 John verse 2). But there are three scriptural conditions you must meet in order for your dream to be fulfilled: (1) You must be willing to honour God with your present income (see Malachi 3:8-10). (2) You must be willing to share what you have and meet the needs of others (see Proverbs 11:25). (3) You must practise fiscal discipline rather than squandering what God gives you on reckless spending and impulse buying (see Proverbs 21:20). When you meet his conditions, God promises to bless you and fulfil the dream he has given you for your life.

Soulfood: Isa 1-3 Luke 1:1-10 Ps 90:1-6 Pro 1:1-4.



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'JOSEPH HAD A DREAM AND HE TOLD IT TO HIS BROTHERS; AND THEY HATED HIM' GENESIS 375 NKJV


Thursday, 3rd January, 2019.


The story of Joseph teaches that success could cause others to mistreat you. Not everyone will celebrate your success, including some of those closest to you. When Jesus' fame began to spread, the first people to reject him were from the town he grew up in. It caused him to say, 'A prophet is not without honour except in his own country' (Matthew 13:57 NKJV). The Bible says of Joseph, 'His brothers envied him' (Genesis 37:11 NKJV).

There it is - envy! When God blesses you, those who feel left out may target you. Some may feel more worthy and deserving, and that your blessing came at their expense. That's how Cain felt when he murdered his brother Abel. That's how King Saul felt when David killed Goliath and the people sang, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands' (1 Samuel 29:5 NIV). Shortly afterwards Saul started throwing spears at David. And the spear never left his hand until it plunged into his own heart. That's because envy is like a boomerang; it comes back to hurt the one who throws it.When their father threw a party to celebrate the homecoming of his prodigal son, the older brother said, 'These many years I have served you...yet you never gave me a...feast' (Luke 15:29 AMP). He made three mistakes we often make: (a) He compared himself to his brother. (b) He exposed his brother's sins and shortcomings. (c) He failed to appreciate the extent of his father's love for him and the blessings he had bestowed on him. So learn from his mistakes.

Soulfood: Isa 4-7 Luke 1:11-25 Ps 90:7-17 Pro 1:5-9.



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LET GOD REKINDLE YOUR DESIRE


Friday, 5th January, 2019.


'Blessed are they who...seek him with all their heart.' Psalm 119:2 NIV

The Bible says: 'Love the Lord...with all your heart' (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV); 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart' (Proverbs 3:5 NIV); 'You will...find me when you seek me with all your heart' (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV). Do you love the Lord with all your heart? Are you trusting him with all your heart? Are you seeking him with all your heart? Only the burning effect of a vision will keep you from losing your way, or getting swallowed up by temporal things that make no difference in the light of eternity.Consider the birthing table; it's designed to hold the mother in position in spite of pain and discomfort. The question is: can you maintain a position of faith even when it means being exposed to pain and pressure? That's what consistent prayer and Bible reading do; they hold you in place when you'd otherwise be tempted to give up, or step out of the will of God. Maybe you're thinking that if you don't risk again you can't be hurt again. But that also means you can't be fruitful again! God told Eve, 'In pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband' (Genesis 3:16 NKJV). Notice, at the end of the labour and pain God said he would renew the relationship between the woman and the man by restoring her desire.The point is this: there's no cure for past pain like present desire. So whether you're exhausted by your victories or discouraged by your defeats, allow God to draw you back to himself. Let him rekindle within you a desire to be all he wants you to be.

Soulfood: Isa 12-16 Luke 1:39-56 Ps 10:12-18 Pro 1:17-19.



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DREAM KILLERS 1


Monday, 7th January, 2019.


'He dreamed still another dream.' Genesis 37:9 NKJV

For the next few days let's look at some dream killers: discouragement. A story was told of a couple who loved mushrooms and bought several pounds of them from a roadside seller. They made mushroom omelettes, mushroom salad, mushroom soup, and even concocted a mushroom dessert. Even their cat gobbled up the leftover mushrooms. Later the lady went into her kitchen and found the cat lying on the floor, gasping for breath. She immediately phoned the vet who said they'd probably bought some poisoned toadstools and advised they go to the hospital immediately. When the couple came home from the hospital, they expected to see their cat lying lifeless on the floor. Instead the cat was in the corner with a brand new litter of kittens. What they thought were death pains were just birth pains!When it seems that your dream is gasping its last breath, keep believing God; you're closer to giving birth than you've ever been. Don't let discouragement kill your dream. Joseph dreamed a second dream, an even bigger one! 'This time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me' (Genesis 37:9 NKJV).If you've abandoned your dream because of discouragement, rise up and reclaim it. If you've already fulfilled it, ask God for a bigger one. You say, 'But the challenge looks too big for me.' It's not too big for God, you'll never out-dream him. In his Word he asks, 'Is anything too hard for the Lord?' (Genesis 18:14 NKJV). You may die with your dream on the drawing board or under construction or left to be completed by another, but you must seek God and dream again!

Soulfood: Isa 17-21 Luke 1:57-66 Ps 42:1-5 Pro 1:20-27.



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DREAM KILLERS 2


Tuesday, 8th January, 2019.


'Against all hope, Abraham...believed and so became the father of many nations.' Romans 4:18 NIV

The second dream killer is: disappointment. Disappointment is the gap that exists between expectation and reality, and no doubt you've encountered the gap. You may have had to live with unfulfilled desires or had your hopes dashed, and it can damage you.Mark Twain said: 'We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that's in it - and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She'll never sit down on another hot stove-lid again - and that is well; but also she'll never sit down on a cold one anymore.' When something goes wrong we say, 'I'll never do that again!' What a mistake, especially when it comes to your dreams! Experiencing failure is the price you must pay to achieve success. Sometimes you must face it and overcome it repeatedly in order to be able to move forward and pursue your dream.Abraham was called to birth a nation. But before he fathered Isaac he grew impatient and fathered Ishmael, and created a bad situation he had to live with all his life. But he never stopped believing in his God-given dream. The Bible says: 'He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised' (Romans 4:20-21 NIV). Note the words 'was strengthened in his faith'. You must strengthen your faith each day by reading God's Word and praying, recalling God's goodness and reminding yourself that nothing is too hard for the Lord (see Jeremiah 32:17).

Soulfood: Isa 22-25 Luke 1:67-80 Ps 42:6-11 Pro 1:28-31.





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DREAM KILLERS 3


Wednesday, 9th January, 2019.


'God...calls things that are not as though they were.' Romans 4:17 NIV

When you dare to dream, God who 'calls things that are not as though they were' (Romans 4:17 NIV) is at work within you. But there's a third dream killer you must overcome: settling for average. A God-given dream will stretch you; you can't reach for it and remain safely mediocre at the same time. The two are incompatible. When you settle for average, it's tempting to blame it on others, or on your personal circumstances, or on the system. But the truth is mediocrity is always a personal choice.When you don't have a compelling dream you are in danger of having your life merely slip away. Author Kenneth Hildebrand puts it this way: 'The poorest of all men isn't the one without a penny to his name. He's the fellow without a dream...[he is like] a great ship made for the mighty ocean but trying to navigate in a millpond. He has no far port to reach, no lifting horizon, no precious cargo to carry. His hours are absorbed in routine and petty tyrannies. Small wonder he gets dissatisfied, quarrelsome, and "fed up". One of life's greatest tragedies is a person with a ten-by-twelve capacity and a two-by-four soul.'If you feel that your life is closer to average than you want, you need to do more dreaming. Nothing will help you break out of your rut like a God-inspired dream. And if you don't already have one, ask God to give you one. He may give it to you in an instant, or over a period of time, but he will do it.

Soulfood: Isa 26-29 Luke 2:1-7 Ps 46 Pro 1:32-33.




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DREAM KILLERS 4


Thursday, 10th January, 2019.


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

Caleb was truly remarkable. No retirement plan or rocking chair for this guy! At 85, he dreamed of owning his own mountain in the Promised Land. And even though there were giants living on it, they didn't discourage him one bit. When the people around him saw the giants and wanted to back off, Caleb factored God into the equation and said, 'We will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them' (Numbers 14:9 NIV). Note the words, 'We will swallow them up.' As you grow in faith you'll start to 'feed off' stuff the enemy throws at you and as a result you'll become stronger.Bottom line: you can choose to blend in or to stand out! God said, 'Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it' Numbers 14:24 NIV). Notice, Caleb had 'a different spirit', which brings us to another dream killer you must overcome: lack of confidence.Dreams are fragile. And they're at the greatest risk when they're new to you, when the people you love and respect don't approve, or when you have no past record of success to fall back on and give you confidence. That's the point at which you must know God for yourself and have a relationship with him. 'The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits' (Daniel 11:32 NKJV). The word 'exploits' indicates that God can show you how to exploit, utilise, profit from and find opportunity in even the worst of circumstances.

Soulfood: Isa 30-33 Luke 2:8-20 Ps 71:1-16 Pro 2:1-2.




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DREAM KILLERS 5


Friday, 11th January, 2019.


'He was looking ahead to his reward.' Hebrews 11:26 NIV

Moses discovered that when you're not fulfilling your God-given dream, a king's palace won't make you happy. 'By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God...because he was looking ahead to his reward...he persevered because he saw him who is invisible' (Hebrews 11:24-27 NIV).When God gives you a dream, you'll be able to see things that are 'invisible' to others. This brings us to the next dream killer: lack of imagination. Humourist Robert Orben said, 'Always remember that there are only two kinds of people in this world - the realists and the dreamers. The realists know where they're going. The dreamers have already been there.' God gave you the gift of memory to replay the past, and the gift of imagination to pre-play the future. Moses 'saw' the Promised Land long before he got there. It's what sustained him through forty long years in the wilderness.God didn't make a mistake when he gave you imagination. Because of it you can stand in the middle of your dream and envision it before it comes to pass, even when others doubt it. So if you're a dreamer who has already been there in your imagination, trust God and put your dream to the test. If you come from a discouraging background, or don't think of yourself as an especially imaginative person, don't lose hope. You can still discover and develop a dream. God has put that ability within you!

Soulfood: Isa 34-37 Luke 2:21-33 Ps 71:17-24 Pro 2:3-5.


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BE PATIENT


Sunday, 13th January, 2019.


'The testing of your faith produces patience!' James 1:2-4 NKJV

You're closer than you know to becoming the person God wants you to be. By his enabling grace, you'll make it through this trial and come out stronger and wiser. Paul says, 'If God is for us, who can be against us' (Romans 8:31 NKJV)?God is for you! That means you can do the thing you are afraid you can't do. The prison bars you're beating against are in your mind. And since you put them up, with God's help you can take them down. God wants to set you free from the fearful attitudes that have held you back for so long; to release you to live up to your full potential. The right attitude can overcome almost any barrier. For example, the Bible says, 'Love never fails' (1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV). Why? Because love isn't dependent on your emotions or circumstances, it's a servant of your will. Love is a decision! Jesus said, 'This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you' (John 15:12 NKJV). And if Jesus commands it, he will enable you to do it!Beginning is usually the hard part. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; after that it gets easier. But look out; old attitudes will try to resurface and come back stronger than ever. Don't let them. Radio commentator Paul Harvey says, 'You can always tell when you're on the road to success; it's uphill all the way.' So be patient; it will take time to get there. But anything worthwhile is worth working for!

Soulfood: 1 Sam 3:1-11 Acts 9:1-9.



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TURN IT OVER TO GOD


Monday, 14th January, 2019.


'Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.' Psalm 55:22 NIV

Sometimes the best thing to do is - turn the situation over to God. 'Yes, but what about all those go-getters who rise with the sun, skip breakfast, and break records while I'm just "giving it to God"?' you ask. Good question. Look at Jesus; he didn't get started until he was 30. What about all those 'wasted' years? He left them to God. And how did he react to those who heard his message, shrugged, and walked away? He left them to God. And what about those nitpicking Pharisees who gave him so much grief? He left them to God as well.In The Finishing Touch, Charles Swindoll describes a time in his ministry when he felt driven and drained by never-ending demands. He writes: 'If folks weren't changing, I felt responsible. If some drifted, somehow I was at fault. If there wasn't continual growth, I acted as if I needed to make it happen. If a sermon failed to ring with clarity and power, I struggled all of Monday and half of Tuesday. Talk about wasted energy! Time has helped; so has age. Virtually all of the things that once stole my joy and assaulted my motivation - I just leave to God. Don't I care? Of course I care. But those cares are now placed in the hands of One who can handle them. What once bothered me, I've learned to give over to him who doesn't mind being bothered. Whereas criticism used to cripple me for days, I now do my best to sift, shift, and sail. I learn what I can - and turn the rest over to God.'

Soulfood: Isa 42-44 Luke 2:41-52 Ps 74:12-23 Pro 2:7-8.



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WHEN SOMEONE IRRITATES YOU


Tuesday, 15th January, 2019.


'Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude.' Ephesians 4:31 CEV

Some of us excel in our careers, but act like a bull in a china shop when it comes to our relationships. Then we rationalise it by saying, 'I didn't mean any harm,' or 'That's just my way.' Sorry, God doesn't let us off the hook that easily.When someone irritates you, God requires you to do two things: (1) Be the first to reach out. You may be right, but if you're resentful, what good is it? Instead of nursing a grudge or waiting for the other person to apologise, be first to reach out. Someone else's response neither validates nor invalidates your decision to forgive. Think about it: if you had only a year to live, would you give such things another second of your time? No! The Bible says, 'Forgiving...as God...has forgiven you' (Ephesians 4:32 NLT). God made the first move in forgiving us so we'd know how to do it for others. (2) Be understanding. When some of us argue our point, we bulldoze everybody and everything in our way. Purpose-driven, time-conscious, goal-oriented people can be guilty of this. The Bible says, 'Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude... forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ' (Ephesians 4:31-32 CEV). Chances are the people who get under your skin aren't trying to complicate your life; they're struggling to cope with their own. Once you understand there's no ill will intended, you begin to feel compassion for them. That's how it is with God. 'He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle' (Isaiah 42:3 NLT).Today, ask him to help you show his love towards those who irritate you.

Soulfood: Isa 45-48 Luke 3:1-10 Ps 79 Pro 2:9-10.



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WHEN SOMEONE ATTACKS YOU


Thursday, 17th January, 2019.


'Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.' 2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV

There are two kinds of criticism: constructive criticism and destructive criticism. One builds you up and the other tears you down.

Be wise in how you respond to unfounded criticism and gossip. When your critic wants to remain anonymous, they're not worthy of your response. The story's told of a pastor who received a letter that contained only one word - Fool! Next Sunday he held it up and said to the congregation, 'I received the strangest letter this past week.' He read the one-word text and said, 'Somebody wrote it and forgot to sign it!' You say, 'But they are attempting to hurt my reputation.' D.L. Moody said, 'If I take care of my character, God will take care of my reputation' (see Isaiah 54:17). Any time you're involved in a worthy cause, people will not only try to beat you down, but keep you down. In training Timothy for ministry, Paul told him to 'endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ' (2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV).

Difficult people are placed in our path not to defeat us, but develop us. Leaders know this, so they stay and finish the job regardless of the cost. Just like the captain goes down with the ship, the true leader stays until the work is done. You say, 'Then how should I respond?' By praying for them! Jesus said, 'Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you...and you will be sons of the Most High' (Luke 6:28, 35 NKJV).

Soulfood: Isa 53-57 Luke 3:21-38 Ps 84 Pro 2:16-19.



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GOD WON'T LET YOU OFF THE HOOK


Friday, 18th January, 2019.


'Your faith in God has become known everywhere...how you turned...from idols to serve...God.' 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9 NIV

Jack Eckerd, founder of the Eckerd chemist chain, which was the second-largest chemist chain in America at the time, became friends with Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship. He introduced Colson to various influential groups in Florida in an effort to bring about change in the state's prison system. During their travels together, Chuck had an opportunity to share with Jack his new-found faith in Jesus Christ. He gave some books to Jack, including his own, and eventually prayed with him to become a Christian. Shortly after, Jack happened to be walking down the magazine aisle in one of his stores when he noticed two pornographic magazines on the rack. The presence of the magazines had never bothered him before, but now it did! Jack called the president of his company and told him, 'Take those magazines out of my stores.' The president argued, 'But we make a profit of three million dollars a year on those magazines.' Jack insisted, 'Take 'em out.' And so it was that all such magazines were removed from his seventeen hundred stores in one day. When Chuck Colson asked Jack about his decision, he replied, 'Why else would I give away three million dollars? The Lord wouldn't let me off the hook.'

And when you are committed to following Christ and living by the principles of Scripture, God won't let you off the hook either. So let it be said of you, what Paul said of the believers in Thessalonica: 'Your faith...has become known everywhere...how you turned...from idols to serve...God' (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9 NIV).

Soulfood: Isa 58-62 Luke 4:1-13 Ps 89:1-14 Pro 2:20.



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DARE TO DREAM


Saturday, 19th January, 2019.


'I focus on this one thing.' Philippians 3:13 NLT

In order to move forward with confidence on your life's journey, you need a reliable road map. In the Bible this is called a dream or a vision. For Moses, it was leading God's people out of slavery and into the Promised Land. For Florence Nightingale, it meant bringing healing and hope to wounded and dying soldiers in Crimea. For Thomas Edison, it was illuminating the world with incandescent light. The fact is, anyone who ever made a difference in life started with a dream, and eventually it became their life's passion. For the publishers of this devotional, it's putting God's Word into the hands of as many people as possible in every nation on earth!

How can you tell if your vision is from God? It will bless you and benefit others. Now, if your dream is only to live in a mansion and accumulate a fortune for yourself, don't count on God to underwrite it. Furthermore, your dream is worth only what you're willing to pay for it. Inspiration without perspiration is just a daydream.

Many of the people you meet have great ideas, but all they do is talk about them. Many work hard and would be willing to give their all for a great dream - but they don't have one. A small percentage have a dream and the faith to make it come true. And even if you're part of that group, there are no guarantees you'll succeed. But you have a good chance - better than the majority of those around you. So go ahead - dare to dream.

Soulfood: Isa 63-66 Luke 4:14-30 Ps 89:15-37 Pro 2:21-22.


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THE BLESSINGS OF JESUS' BLOOD


Sunday, 20th January, 2019.


'The blood of Jesus Christ...cleanses us from all sin.' 1 John 1:7 NKJV

Blood is the one element that reaches every part of the body. Its precious cargo of oxygen and nutrients carries life, energy, nourishment and healing. The white cells function like paramedics, cleansing wounds and healing disease. They serve as a militia fighting off potential attackers.

There's a spiritual lesson here! We each need the life-giving blood of Jesus to cleanse us, protect us and sustain us. And we need it every day. The Bible says, 'If we walk in the light as he is in the light...the blood of Jesus Christ...cleanses us from all sin' (1 John 1:7 NKJV). That means as you continue to walk with Jesus, his blood continues to cleanse you from all your sin. Ask any doctor: blood determines who a child's real father is. And the blood of Jesus proves you are God's redeemed child; otherwise you're just a pseudo-heir trying to receive promises reserved for members of the family. Every one of our heavenly Father's blessings flows to his children through the blood. It's what enables each of us to stand before him, righteous and qualified to receive his blessings.

Thank God for the emphasis on the Holy Spirit. But unless we understand that God accepts us because he sees us through Jesus' blood, we'll be empowered but insecure, using our spiritual gifts but living under needless condemnation. Counsellor, tell your hurting clients that by the power of Jesus' blood they can tear down every stronghold in their family and break every chain that links them to the past. Take a moment today to thank God for the blessings of Jesus' blood.

Soulfood: Judg 16:23-31 2 Cor 12:3-10.



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'AT HOME' IN THE LORD


Monday, 21st January, 2019.


'Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.' Psalm 90:1 NKJV

David wrote: 'Some of you were lost in the scorching desert, far from a town. You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you...he brought you to a town' (Psalm 107:4-7 CEV). Our souls need a place where we're at rest; a place where we can lay down our worries, weariness and frustrations. 'My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God' (Psalm 84:2 NIV).

Recognising that our souls need a place to call home, Jesus said, 'Live in me, and I will live in you' (John 15:4 GWT). Notice, he doesn't invite you as a visitor, but a family member enjoying all the benefits that go with it. 'How do I enter into this dwelling place?' you ask. If someone gave you a beautiful home, how would you take possession of it? You'd make sure the giver was serious, inspect the necessary paperwork, then move in and enjoy it.

Is the Lord serious when he says to us, 'Live in me'? Yes. Is your name on the required biblical 'paperwork'? Yes. Then by an act of your faith, pack up and move in today. Poet S.T. Coleridge wrote, 'Faith is an affirmation, and an act, that bids eternal truth be present fact.' Turn your faith into 'present fact' and declare, 'The Lord is now my permanent, secure dwelling place.' Repeat it as often as needed. Claim the promise: 'Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations' (Psalm 90:1 NKJV).

Soulfood: Rom 1:1 - 3:20 Luke 4:31-44 Ps 89:38-52 Pro 3:1-2.




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'LEAVE ME ALONE'


Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019.


'The crowd began pleading with Jesus to...leave them alone.' Mark 5:17 NLT

The Bible says when 'those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs...the crowd began pleading with Jesus to...leave them alone' (Mark 5:16-17 NLT). They had just witnessed an astounding miracle, yet here they were 'pleading with Jesus to leave them alone'. Maybe they were afraid he'd interfere with their livelihood, like he did with the owner of the pigs. Or they thought he was so powerful and unpredictable they didn't want him messing with their lives. Either way, they wanted no part of what Jesus had to offer.

'Leave me alone, God!' Maybe you haven't used those exact words, but are there areas in your life you'd just as soon he didn't get involved in? Pastor Mark Roberts says: 'If we put into words our secret thoughts, mightn't they sound something like this: "You can have me when it comes to my family life, but leave me alone at work." Or, "You're welcome to touch my public actions, but don't mess with my daydreams." Or, "I'm willing to give you a tithe of my income, but leave the rest of my money alone." Or, "I'm happy to have you in my life, Jesus, but don't ask me to forgive my parents." Or, "I want you to be my Lord...but I want to hang on to certain areas of behaviour...to keep on sinning in certain ways and resist you when it comes to certain relationships."'

God wants all, not just a part of you. He wants to be Lord of every aspect of your life - including those areas where you'd prefer to be left to your own devices.

Soulfood: Rom 3:21-31 Rom 4-5 Rom 6:1-23 Luke 5:1-11 Ps 91 Pro 3:3-4.




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REMEMBER GOD IS FAITHFUL


Wednesday, 23rd January, 2019.


'It is right to refresh your memory.' 2 Peter 1:13 NIV

A pole-vaulter only discovers how high he can jump when he clears the bar. Then he sets it higher. God does that too. He stretches your faith to what seems like your breaking point.

Pastor and author Jon Walker says: 'At one point I sensed God stretching my faith. Specifically, he told me to stop receiving a regular payslip and start living by faith...So with radiant certainty that God would provide because he told me he would, I did what he said and started looking for his provision. I kept a log of every way God took care of me, and the list grew joyfully impressive. God was moving me from a tentative "I hope it will happen," to a certain "I know this will happen." Yet within months I was literally staggered with doubt. I'd lost my focus...and started scrambling for ways to generate income...believing it was my responsibility to make things happen because God may or may not come through...You may be further along than I am in learning to trust God; then again, you may have experienced exactly what I'm describing.'

Understand this: a faith that cannot be shaken comes only from a faith that has been so severely shaken that it is now sure, certain and steadfast. Our greatest concern is getting our needs met, but God's greatest concern is developing our faith. 'Without faith it is impossible to please God' (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). That's why Peter wrote, 'I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth...It is right to refresh your memory' (2 Peter 1:12-13 NIV). So, keep reminding yourself that God is faithful.

Soulfood: Rom 7:1-25 Rom 8 Rom 9:1-16 Luke 5:12-26 Ps 96 Pro 3:5-6.




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RAISING THEM RIGHT


Thursday, 24th January, 2019.


'Correct your son, and he will give you rest.' Proverbs 29:17 NKJV

If a corrected child gives you rest, an uncorrected one will give you no rest. You can't take them anywhere, or leave them anywhere. Solomon says, 'He who loves [his son] is careful to discipline him' (Proverbs 13:24 NIV). Child abuse is reprehensible - and so is child neglect. Without discipline, you condition your child for a life of heartache. When they're stopped by the police for speeding or contacted by the bank for defaulting on a loan, throwing a tantrum won't get them off the hook. Please think of their future! God disciplines his children; are you wiser than he is?

The Bible says, 'No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but...Later...it produces...righteousness and peace' (Hebrews 12:11 NIV). A two-year-old shouting 'No!' may seem cute today, but wait until he's 17 and cursing you like a drunken sailor. The Bible says, 'A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away' (Proverbs 22:15 NLT). Rebellion is part of their DNA, and it's your job to drive it out. When a parent says, 'This is hurting me more than you,' what does a rebellious child think? 'Then let's change places!' Yes, it's hard to discipline them when your time with them is so limited; but their future is in your hands.

A child without boundaries is like a house without walls. It's like living in a carport; there's no protection from outside influences. Nobody feels safe. So talk to God. He's a father - he has children of his own and he will help you to raise yours right.

Soulfood: Rom 9:17-33 Rom 10 Rom 11:1-36 Luke 5:27-39 Ps 100 Pro 3:7-8.




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SAYING THE RIGHT THING


Friday, 25th January, 2019.


'I will...teach you what to say.' Exodus 4:12 NIV

Sometimes we excuse someone's critical attitude by saying, 'Oh, his bark is worse than his bite.' True, a dog's bite can hurt, but so can a dog's bark. It can traumatise a child and leave them filled with fear. Think about the comparison; do you want to be likened to a dog?

Sometimes it's necessary to confront someone in order to set healthy boundaries for your own good, or to keep them out of harm's way. But Jesus spoke with compassion much more often than he spoke with confrontation or condemnation.

Writing about her early experience as a believer, Karen Casey Arneson says: 'I re-entered the Kingdom scarred and bleeding, hoping to find healing for my wounds. And I did find some who bathed my bite marks and bound up my old wounds. I also found out there were cannibals in Christendom...though you mightn't recognise us...we're the sweetly smiling sisters who bite your back when you turn away...The nosy Nancys who come sniffing around for the scent of some juicy morsel of gossip...God warns, "If you bite and devour one another...you [will] be consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:15 NKJV)...Strength to resist our natural appetites comes through satisfying our hunger at another source...The psalmist says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8 NKJV). The nature we feed is the nature that grows strong...and without vigilance we can easily fall into old habits. A little snacking on this one, a little taste of that one...and before we know it - we've unleashed the cannibal within. While we're called to help our brothers and sisters caught in sin, we're also cautioned to "watch...or you also may be tempted" (see Galatians 6:1).'

Soulfood: Rom 12-14 Luke 6:1-16 Ps 104:1-23 Pro 3:9-10.



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IMMERSED IN CHRIST


Saturday, 26th January, 2019.


'Go therefore and make disciples.' Matthew 28:19 NKJV

Unless you are committed to following Christ in every area of your life, baptism just means you go down into the water dry and come up wet and unchanged. Note carefully what Jesus said: 'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age' (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV).

In baptism you publicly declare that you are trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ for your salvation. But it means more than just being immersed in water. It calls for: (1) Being immersed in the principles of Christ. 'Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.' Note the words 'all things'. This is not an '? la carte' menu where you pick what's palatable to you and leave the rest. Incomplete obedience - is disobedience. (2) Being immersed in the purposes of Christ. 'Go...and make disciples' (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). The new birth constitutes the first five per cent, and that can take place in an instant. Discipleship constitutes the other 95 per cent, and that requires following Jesus 24-four hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. (3) Being immersed in the presence of Christ. 'Lo, I am with you always.' This calls for cultivating a sense of his presence in all you do. His abiding presence should govern you, motivate you and focus you on doing his will.

Soulfood: Rom 15-16 Luke 6:17-26 Ps 104:24-35 Pro 3:11-12.



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BE DECISIVE


Sunday, 27th January, 2019


'He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.' James 1:8 NKJV

If you're afraid to make a decision in case it's wrong, read this Scripture: 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally...and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways' (James 1:5-8 NKJV).

Ronald Reagan, a former president of the United States, enjoyed telling the story of how he learned to make firm decisions. When he was a boy, his aunt sent him to a cobbler to have a new pair of shoes made for him. When the shoemaker asked, 'Do you want a square toe or a round one?' he hemmed and hawed, so the cobbler said, 'Come back in a day or two and tell me what you want.' Later the cobbler saw Reagan on the street and asked what he had decided about the shoes. 'I haven't made up my mind yet,' he answered. 'Very well,' the cobbler said, 'your shoes will be ready tomorrow.' When Reagan got the shoes, one had a round toe and the other a square toe! Reagan said, 'Looking at those shoes every day taught me a lesson. If you don't make your own decisions, somebody else will make them for you.' Worst case: if you get it wrong, you'll learn what not to do next time.

Bottom line: to succeed in life you must pray for wisdom, and then make a decision.

Soulfood: Ezek 47:1-12 Rev 21:22 - 22:5.



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GRACE PRODUCES GODLINESS


Monday, 28th January, 2019


'Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?' Romans 6:1 NKJV

How should we answer those who say that talking too much about God's grace causes people to think they have a licence to sin? By pointing them to God's Word: 'Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?' (Romans 6:1-2 NKJV). Note the words 'died to sin'. As you feed your new nature and starve your old one, it begins to die. You become less interested in pleasing yourself, and more interested in pleasing God.

Paul said, 'For the love of Christ compels us' (2 Corinthians 5:14 NKJV). Paul was not compelled by the fear of losing his salvation, but by the need to respond to God's grace which he had experienced. He said, 'The world has been crucified to me, and I to the world' (Galatians 6:14 NAS). The Greek word for 'world' is kosmos, or 'order'. A revelation of God's grace caused the world's order to lose its appeal to Paul, and he to lose his appeal to them.

When properly understood, the grace of God does not prevent godliness, but produces more of it. 'For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself his own special people, zealous for good works' (Titus 2:11-14 NKJV).

Soulfood: Ecc 1-4 Luke 6:27-36 Ps 107:1-9 Pro 3:13-18.



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HOW WELL DO YOU LISTEN


Tuesday, 29th January, 2019


'Let the person who has ears listen!' Mark 4:9 GWT

Studies show we forget 50 per cent of what we hear immediately, 80 per cent within a day, and 97 per cent within a week. So what's the solution? When you listen, make understanding your goal, not just remembering facts. Great learners are great listeners; that's why they always have a flow of fresh ideas. The truth is, you'll never know how close you are to a breakthrough or a blessing until you learn to listen. Be honest. How often have you said you're going to spend more time listening to the people in your life who matter? Start doing it, because if you don't show up for life's 'special moments', before you know it, there will be none left to show up for.

The people who really listen to us become the most important people in our lives. If you want to be one of them, you must do three things: (1) Look directly at the speaker. Don't belittle someone by catching up on work, talking on the phone, or tweeting and texting while they're talking. Focus on them! (2) Don't interrupt. When you do that, people think you don't place much value on what they're saying. Or that you're trying to impress them with how much you know. Or you're too excited by what you have to add to the conversation to let them finish. (3) Suspend your judgement. Wait to hear the whole story before you respond. If you don't, chances are you'll miss the most important things the speaker has to say.

Can you think of anyone you haven't been listening to lately? The good news is it's not too late to become a good listener.

Soulfood: Ecc 5-8 Luke 6:37-49 Ps 107:10-16 Pro 3:19-20.



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HOW IT ALL ENDS


Wednesday, 30th January, 2019


'They shall see his face...they shall reign forever and ever.' Revelation 22:4-5 NKJV

In order to know how a story ends, you must read the last chapter. And in Revelation 22:4-5 (NKJV), the final chapter of the Bible, we read about two glorious prospects that will be enjoyed by every redeemed child of God.

Let's look at them: (1) 'They shall see his face.' One of the greatest joys of Heaven will be seeing the faces of our departed loved ones and spending eternity with them. But thrilling though that may be, it will not compare with the joy of seeing the face of Jesus, the one we love most. The songwriter said, 'Face to face with Christ my Saviour, face to face what will it be. When with rapture I behold him, Jesus Christ who died for me.' And that's not all; read this: 'Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when he is revealed, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2 NKJV). We will see him, we will be like him, and we will be with him forever. How wonderful! (2) 'And they shall reign forever and ever.' Just as the exams you took in school qualified you to graduate and go out and make a living, the tests and trials of this life are qualifying you to graduate and reign with Christ in the next life.

Keep your eyes on the prize. This life is the short story; the next life is the big story - seeing Jesus face to face, and reigning with him forever.

Soulfood: Ecc 9-12 Luke 7:1-10 Ps 107:17-22 Pro 3:21-24.


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REDUCE YOUR DEBT


Thursday, 31st January, 2019


'The borrower is servant to the lender.' Proverbs 22:7 NLT

Albert Einstein believed the Rule of 72 (the compounding of interest) was a more important discovery than his theory of relativity. Here's the rule: divide 72 by the interest rate of your savings to discover the number of years in which your savings will double. For instance, $1,000 saved at six per cent annual interest becomes $2,000 in twelve years. But credit card issuers also know the Rule of 72. For example, if you make a $1,000 purchase on your credit card at 18 per cent interest and don't pay it off, that balance becomes $2,000 in just four years. Instead of earning you money, your $1,000 is earning huge profits for the credit card company.

The Bible says, 'Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender' (Proverbs 22:7 NLT). Have you any idea how many marriages are in trouble, or how many people are on medication because they're drowning in debt? God doesn't want you to live that way. When God made the world, he established this rule: 'While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest...shall not cease' (Genesis 8:22 NKJV). If you want a harvest when you need it, you must sow - even when you don't feel like it. When you sow a single tomato seed you'll get back many more in return - it's only a matter of time.

So, work at reducing your debt and be a good steward of the funds God has entrusted to you. Then you can stand on this promise: 'My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19 NKJV).

Soulfood: Gen 1-3 Luke 7:11-23 Ps 107:23-32 Pro 3:25-26.



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