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WORD FOR YOU

Thinking about others (1)
28 SEPTEMBER 2021

‘How can God’s love be in that person?’
1 John 3:17 NLT

The Bible says: ‘If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?’ It’s a hard-hitting reminder for all of us, and we’ve probably all fallen short somewhere in our thinking of the needs of others and helping to meet those needs. Selflessness doesn’t mean that God is asking us to help others to the point where we neglect and sacrifice our own health and mental wellbeing. This can end up leading to resentment. He also doesn’t expect us to meet every single need that comes our way. But He is challenging the ‘what’s in it for me?’ attitude that we can fall into. Selfishness is a stronghold that must be broken down in order to experience true peace and joy, the sort that gives life meaning. James wrote: ‘My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them? A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,” but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. In the same way, faith by itself – that does nothing – is dead.’ (James 2:14-17 NCV). God loves us so much, but it’s a love that we should also be willing to pour out onto others by being sensitive to their needs and meeting them where we can.

What Now?

As you go through the day, try to be more aware of people who are in need of help in some way. Try and meet some of those needs, if you can.

Isaiah 47-49, Colossians 1

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WORD FOR YOU


Thinking about others (2)
29 SEPTEMBER 2021

‘Being kind to the poor is like lending to the LORD; he will reward you for what you have done.’
Proverbs 19:17 NCV

Here are four ways in which we can express kindness and generosity towards others. 1) Giving our time. Giving a few hours of our time to someone, especially if we’re usually busy, can mean the world to a person who’s hurting. 2) Giving our skills. There are so many organisations and charities that can use our skills in their efforts to help others. We can also use them to help a friend or someone in our community. Are you good at cooking? Why not prepare a meal or bake a cake for someone who’s lonely. Can you handle a paintbrush? You could offer to paint a garden fence for someone who’s experiencing health problems at the moment. There are countless ways we can use our skills to bless others. 3) Giving our treasure. The Bible says: ‘Being kind to the poor is like lending to the Lord; he will reward you for what you have done.’ That doesn’t mean we should give because we’ll get something in return, but when we’re giving with the right motives, we shouldn’t be afraid of being generous, because God will honour our compassion. 4) Giving our temperament. Everyone we meet is struggling with something and fighting battles they usually don’t talk about. So a smile and a word of encouragement can be like a lifeline that helps keep them afloat that day. We need to decide, ‘I will not let this day end until I have said or done something to help, bless, and encourage another person.’ Today pray: ‘Father, thank You for every resource and advantage You’ve given me. Help me to always remember that these blessings are from You, and that they should be shared with others for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.’

What Now?

Make a list of all the different ways you could use your skills to make life a little bit better for others. Even if you think something is too easy or too small, it could be a huge blessing to someone. Try and put one or two of the things on your list into action each week, if you can.

Isaiah 50-52, Colossians 2

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WORD FOR YOU


Thinking about others (3)
30 SEPTEMBER 2021

‘I am not trying to do what is good for me but what is good for most people.’
1 Corinthians 10:33 NCV

The Bible says: ‘In the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God’ (2 Timothy 3:1-4 NLT). This entire passage is a good definition of selfishness and what can come from it when we let a selfish attitude guide our lives. And if we’re being honest with ourselves, there are probably things in there that we’ve done on occasion. Being completely unselfish is difficult, but that doesn’t excuse us from trying to reach it. Here are some steps to help: 1) ‘Continue following the teachings you learned’ (v.14 NCV). We should try to keep focused on God by spending time with Him every day and regularly reading His Word. As we grow our relationship with Him, we’ll be more sensitive to His guidance, and more aware of His gentle correction if we stray towards selfishness. 2) When we have enough to meet our own needs, we should be willing to say yes to God when He asks us to meet someone else’s need. Paul wrote: ‘I am not trying to do what is good for me but what is good for most people so they can be saved.’ Our generosity can point people towards God’s love, as well as blessing them in that moment. 3) Find a mentor. They can help us identify when we’re slipping towards selfishness and support us in getting back on God’s path.

What Now?

Pray today about any selfishness that might have crept into your attitude. Ask God to help you eliminate any unkind and ungenerous thoughts or actions from your life.

Isaiah 53-55, Colossians 3

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WORD FOR YOU

Giving (1)
01 OCTOBER 2021

‘Be strong also in the grace of giving.’
2 Corinthians 8:7 NCV

Paul wrote, ‘You are rich in everything – in faith, in speaking, in knowledge, in truly wanting to help, and in the love you learned from us. In the same way, be strong also in the grace of giving.’ God hasn't called us to be reservoirs that store up all His blessings for ourselves, but rivers that carry His blessing to others. Many people have learned how to get, but not how to give. If we get into a posture of being 'getting' Christians without being 'giving' Christians as well, our faith lives will wither and die. There are two seas that are fed by the Jordan River. One sea is fresh and brimming with life. There are fish living in it, splashes of green adorn its banks, and trees spread their branches over it, stretching out their thirsty roots to sip of its nourishing waters. But the other sea has no life at all. No fish can live in it. No one can drink from it because the water is foul and putrid. But both are fed by the Jordan River. What’s the difference? The Sea of Galilee receives water from the Jordan, but it also gives. For every drop that flows into it, another drop flows out. But the other sea hoards its water. Every drop it gets, it keeps. The Sea of Galilee gives and lives. The other sea gets and keeps, and it’s called the Dead Sea. When we hoard and keep our blessings to ourselves, we die spiritually. But when we give generously and keep our blessings moving on to bless others, we come to life spiritually.

What Now?

Look out for an opportunity today to bless others by sharing something God’s blessed you with. It doesn’t have to be money or possessions; you could also share a skill that you’re good at.

Isaiah 56-58, Colossians 4

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WORD FOR YOU


Giving (2)
02 OCTOBER 2021

‘Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely.’
Romans 12:8 NCV

The Bible says: ‘We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us…Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely’ (v.6-8 NCV). Every believer receives grace for giving, but some of us have the gift of giving. Some people also have a gift of making money. They know how to make wise investments and recognise a good deal. When they need to buy something, they seem to be able to hit on a special offer for the thing they want. They know how to get the best return on their investments. And if we find we’re one of these people, it's important for us to realise that our ability to gather wealth is actually a gift from God. In Deuteronomy 8 we read: ‘You might say to yourself, “I am rich because of my own power and strength,” but remember the Lord your God! It is he who gives you the power to become rich’ (v.17-18 NCV). If we find we have plenty, we mustn't let it lead us into pride. Success and wealth don’t come through our own skills and abilities. They come from God, and He expects us to bless others with the resources He's entrusted to us. God told Abraham, ‘I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing’ (Genesis 12:2 NKJV). That means when God taps us on the shoulder and instructs us to be generous with what we have, we shouldn't argue with Him. All of our resources and money actually belong to God, so we shouldn't be afraid of being generous when He prompts us.

What Now?

Has God prompted you to be generous with something recently, but you’ve been a bit reluctant? Today, ask Him for confidence to follow through with His instruction.

Isaiah 59-61, 1 Thessalonians 1

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WORD FOR YOU

Giving (3)
03 OCTOBER 2021

‘You must each decide in your heart how much to give.’
2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

We each give for different reasons. 1) Some people give out of guilt. They give to God’s work because they would feel bad if they didn’t. 2) Some people give out of greed. They give only to get. They stand on Scriptures such as: ‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you’ (Luke 6:38 NIV). The problem with this kind of thinking is that it’s ‘me-centred’, rather than ‘us-centred’. 3) Some people give to get glory. Jesus said, ‘Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them, If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 6:1 NIVUK). God is not just interested in what we give, but in why we give. He looks beyond the amount we give, and examines the motive behind it. If we give to God out of greed, guilt, or glory, we're giving from the wrong motives and reasons. Jesus said: ‘When you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly’ (vv. 3-4 NKJV). 4) Some people give out of gratitude. These are the people who ask, ‘What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?’ (Psalm 116:12 NIV), and they give out of gratitude. That’s the kind of giver we should try to be.

What Now?

Have a read through the four points in today’s reading and think which one tends to best fit why you choose to give. If it’s one of the first three reasons, ask God to change your heart so you’re giving from a place of gratitude instead.

Luke 18:18-43, Psalms 100-102

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WORD FOR YOU

Come home
04 OCTOBER 2021

‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming.’
Luke 15:20 NLT

Sometimes we can feel like we’ve made too many mistakes, we’re too broken, or our lives are too much of a mess for God to invite us back to Him. But the truth is, we’re never beyond the reach of God’s grace. With Him, our future can be so much greater than our past. In the story of the Prodigal Son, Jesus said: ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.’ He could have waited until his son arrived at the door, and expected an apology before he thought about whether he would allow his son back again. But instead he watched for his son, hoping he would return. He ran to meet him and put his arms around him. He gave him a robe, a ring, and a pair of shoes. Each of those objects was significant because they all gave him back his identity and authority in the household. He came home thinking that he would be a servant, but the father calls him ‘son’ again. Back then, when someone rebelled against their father’s authority and left home, ‘a ceremony of shame,’ was held which meant they could never return. But this father threw a big party to welcome his son home. Despite what he had done, he was fully accepted back home. And God’s waiting and longing for us to come home too. He’s watching the road, ready to run and embrace us with His love as soon as He catches sight of us. He’s ready to fully restore our identity as His child, with all the blessings and rights that entails. And He’s anticipating a celebration when we return. So will you come home today?

What Now?

If you’re feeling distant from God, or feel like you’ve walked away from Him, take some time to read Luke 15:11-32. Then ask God to help you take the first step back towards home.

Isaiah 62-64, Thessalonians 2

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WORD FOR YOU

Peace, in any circumstances
05 OCTOBER 2021

‘My peace I give you.’
John 14:27 NIV

God rarely sends us into situations where our comfort level is high. Instead He promises to be with us in spite of our fear. It’s God’s presence, not comfortable circumstances, that strengthens our faith and brings out the best in us. God told Abraham to leave a wealthy, well-known family, and go to a land he didn’t know. He explained that Abraham would give birth to a new nation that would bless the world. Abraham went, and a nation was born. God told Moses to confront Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth, and that God Himself would use Moses to deliver His people. Moses confronted, and God delivered. God told Joshua that if he’d be strong and courageous when everybody wanted to return to slavery, God would go with them and give them the land. Joshua was strong and courageous, and God Himself went with them and gave them the land. Over and over we see this pattern repeated in Scripture. David faced the giant Goliath, Elijah faced the prophets of Baal, Daniel faced a den of lions – and always there was God in the midst of their fear. And He’s still there for us today – there are so many testimonies from ordinary people who tell how God was right there with them when they were facing their most fearful moments. Here are Jesus’ words for when we’re feeling afraid and don’t know where to turn: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’

What Now?

Thank God for His peace. If you feel you need it today, ask Him to bless you with a strong awareness of His love and peace.

Isaiah 65-66, 1 Thessalonians 3

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WORD FOR YOU

Learn to be alone with God
06 OCTOBER 2021

‘Moses alone is to approach…the people may not come up with him.’
Exodus 24:2 NIV

We're used to being constantly connected, and feel like we always need to be contactable and available. It can seem difficult to go 'off-grid' for a while to make space for God. But it’s vitally important for us to spend time alone with Him so we can hear Him clearly. Jesus, our role model, ‘often withdrew…and prayed’ (Luke 5:16 NIV). He ‘went up on a mountainside by himself to pray’ (Matthew 14:23 NIV). How did Jacob the deceiver become ‘Israel, a prince with God’? (see Genesis 32:28). The Bible says he ‘was left alone, and a man (the Angel of the Lord) wrestled with him till daybreak’ (Genesis 32:24 NIV). The greatest spiritual victories come from the battles God calls us to fight when we’re alone with Him. He outlines and clarifies His plans for us when there’s nobody else around. That’s because He wants us to be more influenced by Him than by others. When God is preparing us for a special assignment, we'll need to spend time away from others so we can focus on Him and be clear about what He’s telling us. In Exodus God said, ‘Moses alone is to approach…the people may not come up with him.’ After Elijah spent the night alone in a cave, God told him, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain…for the Lord is about to pass by’ (1 Kings 19:11 NIV). Daniel ‘was left alone, gazing at this great vision’ (Daniel 10:8 NIV). Jeremiah wrote, ‘I sat alone because your hand was on me’ (Jeremiah 15:17 NIV). There's a difference between loneliness and solitude. When God asks us to spend time alone with Him, we should get all we can from the experience, and move to the next level.

What Now?

Set a regular time (like 20 minutes a day, or an hour a week) to go completely ‘off-grid’ – turn off your phone, isolate yourself for a while, and use that time to completely focus on God, talking and listening to Him.

Jeremiah 1-2, 1 Thessalonians 4

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WORD FOR YOU

Break the habit
07 OCTOBER 2021

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’
Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Stubborn habits can take on a life of their own; that’s why they keep growing. They have a mind that thinks for us, a voice that speaks to us, and a power that keeps conquering us. When we have bad habits that are controlling us, we should pray and declare God’s Word over them to break their hold on us. God said, ‘I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled (Jeremiah 1:12 NIV). Here's a prayer for breaking stubborn habits: ‘Lord, Your Word says that if I call on You, You’ll answer me, that You’ll be with me in trouble, You’ll honour and deliver me (see Psalm 91:15). You promised that through the power of Your Spirit, I can be free from this vicious cycle of temptation, sin and failure (see Romans 8:2). You said if I fully committed my life to You, I’d have the strength to resist the devil, and that he would flee from me (see James 4:7). Your Word says You’ve given me the power to pull down my old strongholds and take control of every ungodly thought, imagination, and impulse (see 2 Corinthians 10:5). You promised that by reading and meditating on Your Word each day, I’d be able to share in Your divine nature and overcome the tendencies of my earthly nature (see 2 Peter 1:4). You promised to strengthen me in my mind, my emotions and my will; You promised that my self-worth would be based solely on Your love for me; You promised that You’d do exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or think, because You’re at work in me (see Ephesians 3:14-21). Today, I claim victory over this habit, in Jesus’ name, amen.’ Today, declare the words: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

What Now?

Do you know someone who’s trying to break a stubborn habit? Why not share the prayer in today’s reading with them, and offer to pray regularly with them for freedom from whatever is holding them back.

Jeremiah 3-5, 1 Thessalonians 5