[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU
Willing to change
27 JULY 2021

‘I wish they were wise and understood this.’
Deuteronomy 32:29 NCV

We can’t avoid change in our lives. Without it, we can’t grow and become everything God designed us to be. Without it, we can’t leave our old natures and old habits behind and fully embrace the life that God has for us. When the people of Israel had turned away from God and refused to change their ways, He said: ‘I wish they were wise and understood this; I wish they could see what will happen to them.’ If we struggle with change, how do we become willing to change? The first thing to do is to acknowledge and accept that many changes will happen anyway, whether we like them or not. One author wrote: ‘The only thing certain about tomorrow is that it will be different from today…It’s a different world than it was twenty years ago, and it will be different in another twenty.’ A lot of these changes are things that are out of our control, so if we’re feeling worried about them, the best thing to do is to talk to God about our fears and ask to be filled with His peace. So what about the changes we can have some control over – the changes we can make in order to grow? The difference in who we are today and who we’ll be several years from now can depend a lot on three things: the relationships we build, the things we choose to read, and the time we spend with God. All these things can have a massive influence on our growth. The Bible says, ‘The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding’ (Proverbs 2:6 NIV). So let’s ask God for wisdom in those three areas – our relationships, what we read, and how we spend our time.



What Now?

If you’re fearful of change, take some time to share your feelings with God. Ask Him to help you accept that some things are out of your hands, but that ultimately, He’s in control and can be trusted.

Job 5-7, Romans 15:1-13

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU


Ignore the doubters
28 JULY 2021

‘Putting them all outside, He took…His own companions, and entered the room.’
Mark 5:40 NASB

Trusting God for a miracle can be very difficult for us to do. It’s impossible to know what God is doing based on how things look on the surface, so in those times, we need our faith to carry us through. ‘Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see’ (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). In order to stay strong, it’s important that we fill our minds with the right things: ‘the best, not the worst;…things to praise’ (Philippians 4:8 MSG). One pastor wrote: ‘There were times Jesus didn’t allow unbelief around Him, like when He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. When He heard the little girl had died, Jesus told her father, “Do not be afraid…only believe” (Mark 5:36 NASB)…You can believe, or you can be afraid. You can’t do both; and people who truly believe bypass human reasoning. When Jesus dealt with the spirit of death that day, there was no room for contaminated faith. So when He went to Jairus’ house, “He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter, James and John” (v.37). He took those who believed in miracles, and when “they came to the house…and…saw…people loudly weeping…He said…‘Why make a commotion…The child has not died, but is asleep.’ They began laughing at Him. But putting them all outside, He took…the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was…Taking [her] by the hand, He said…‘Little girl…get up!’ Immediately the girl got up and began to walk”’ (vv. 37-42 NASB). Humanly speaking, a situation may look impossible, but when we ignore the doubters and people who say it can’t be done, and instead believe and trust what God says, we’ll see what amazing things He can do.



What Now?

How much do you think you’re affected by doubters and other people’s opinions? Pray that God’s voice would be louder in your life than any of theirs.

Job 8-10, Romans 15:14-33

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU


Acts of kindness (1)
29 JULY 2021

‘I will draw water for your camels also.’
Genesis 24:19 NKJV

One day Abraham sent his servant Eliezer to find a wife for his son Isaac. As he was standing by a small town well, Eliezer prayed, ‘Let the woman who offers to water my camels be the one you have chosen.’ Suddenly Rebekah showed up and said, ‘I will draw water for your camels also’ (see Genesis 24:13-19). Rebekah had no idea that Eliezer would change her life. She didn’t know that her act of kindness would open the door to great blessing. In the Old Testament times, it was customary to offer water to a stranger. It was called the law of hospitality. The Hebrews believed the words: ‘Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realising it!’ (Hebrews 13:2 NLT). Rebekah’s giving Eliezer a drink of water was kind, but expected. But it was much more unusual to offer water for the camels. One camel can drink forty gallons, and Eliezer had ten of them. Drawing enough water from the well, one bucketful at a time, would have taken ages and been very hard work. Rebekah was generous to a stranger, seeking nothing but the joy of serving. What she didn’t know was that these camels would transport her back to Isaac, who would make her his bride, shower her with great wealth, and put her in the lineage of Christ. In Matthew 5:41, Jesus encourages us to go the extra mile. That’s what Rebekah did, and that’s what we should also try to do – not only doing what’s expected of us, but a little bit more too.



What Now?

Next time someone asks you to do something for them or help them with something, find a way of doing a little bit extra too, beyond what’s expected or asked for.

Job 11-13, Romans 16

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU


Acts of kindness (2)
30 JULY 2021

‘I will draw water for your camels also.’
Genesis 24:19 NKJV


The story of Rebekah teaches us a very important truth about life: when opportunity comes, make sure you’re ready to embrace it. Rebekah didn’t think about the extra effort and time required to give water to ten thirsty camels. She didn’t say, ‘It’s going to take ages, it’s tiring, and it’s not my job, so I’m not getting involved.’ She lived by the principle: ‘Whatever work you do, do your best' (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NCV). She didn’t suddenly develop a work ethic or become servant-hearted when Eliezer showed up, she lived that way every day. Rebekah didn’t quote the Torah or ask Eliezer what his religion was. Instead of trying to be ‘super spiritual’, she chose to simply be kind. And her faithfulness in the small things was rewarded with something beyond what she could expect or imagine. God watches our attitude and actions in small things; He notices faithfulness in small moments, in daily routines, and in unglamorous service. It’s not just about who we are when other people are around, it’s about who we are when nobody else knows or notices what we’re doing and when there’s no chance of getting recognition or reward from them. When Rebekah took Eliezer home to meet her family, they wanted her to wait for ten days before going to meet Isaac. That was customary. But Rebekah said, ‘I will go’ (Genesis 24:58 NKJV). When God opens the door of opportunity for us and invites us to step through it, we shouldn’t delay, or think, ‘Other people are more qualified for this than me.’ If God calls us, we can be certain it’s right for us, so we can confidently move in the direction He’s leading.



What Now?

Try to do an act of kindness for someone today that they may not notice, and that you probably won’t get recognition or thanks for. Try to let the opportunity to help be your reward.

Job 14-16, 1 Corinthians 1

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU

Don’t meddle
31 JULY 2021

‘Some of you are…meddling in other people’s business.’
2 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT

We can come across people who seem to like to interfere and meddle in other people’s lives. Whereas people who gossip tend to gain a lot of their information indirectly, and talk about others behind their backs, people who meddle like to draw out personal information directly from their subjects. They might try to get information about our relationships, our money, what we eat, what we’re planning to do about something, and so on. Some people ask out of a genuine desire to help or to pray for us, but those who just want to interfere might ask to satisfy their curiosity, to make themselves feel better about their own lives, or to tell us what they think we should be doing. We’re called to help, encourage and pray for others, but we need to be careful that we’re not crossing the line into meddling. We don’t need to know every little detail about a person’s situation to be able to do those things for them. Even if God prompts us to give a word of advice or share a Bible verse with them, we don’t have to know why. Proverbs 26:17 says: ‘Interfering in someone else’s quarrel as you pass by is like grabbing a dog by the ears’ (NCV). A dog’s ears are very sensitive, and if someone pulls them, they’re likely to get bitten. God classes meddling as a sin: ‘If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs’ (1 Peter 4:14-15 NLT). So let’s make sure we’re keeping our curiosity within the bounds of what’s appropriate.



What Now?

Do you know someone who tends to try and interfere in your life? Today, pray for them and ask God to help them realise their boundaries and consider their motives.

Job 17-19, 1 Corinthians 2

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU


Communicating with your family
01 AUGUST 2021

‘A house is built by wisdom.’
Proverbs 24:3 NLT

Families should be sources of love and comfort, but the reality is that they can also be sources of tension and misunderstanding. One of the important things we can do to address this is to try and improve how we communicate. Here are four questions we should ask ourselves: 1) How well do I communicate with the people I love? We might have unknowingly started using a communication style that doesn’t work well. For example, we might retaliate, use intimidating language, or ridicule others. But if we communicate from a place of love, we’ll encourage and build up our family members. 2) What are my communication killers? We should consider what external things prevent us having meaningful conversations with our family. Things like spending lots of time on social media and watching TV are just a couple of examples. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy these things, but we should check if we’re using them to excess. 3) Do I encourage everyone to be honest? And taking this a step further, when people do say what they’re really thinking, do we then criticise, retaliate, or turn moody? Differences of opinion can be healthy. The Bible says, ‘Iron sharpens iron’ (Proverbs 27:17 ESV). When they’re handled respectfully, different opinions can make things better for everyone. 4) Do I think creatively? It might seem strange to suggest an ice-breaker, but doing something like arranging a board game night, a fun quiz night, or a family book club could help to get everyone talking and spending time together.

What Now?

Have a think about something fun and creative you could organise to bring your family together, if you can. Take a look at some of the suggestions in today’s reading for ideas, or try and come up with your own thing!

Luke 14:1-24, Psalms 77-78

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU

Confession
02 AUGUST 2021


‘If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins.’
1 John 1:9 NCV

We don’t have to tell others about our sins, but we do have to tell God. When we keep silent and try to hide them, they can eat away at us and steal our peace. David said, ‘When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat’ (Psalm 32:3-4 NLT). Confession can do four things for us: 1) It lets us experience God’s forgiveness. He already knows about our sins, but we can’t experience His forgiveness if we make excuses or try to shift the blame onto someone else. ‘If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins.’ It’s up to us to make the first move. 2) It restores our emotional and physical energy. Hiding or denying our sins is very draining, but confession and true repentance lift the weight of guilt off our shoulders. David said, ‘My strength has failed because of my guilt’ (Psalm 31:10 NASB). But he also went on to write: ‘Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt…And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone’ (Psalm 32:5 NLT). 3) It lets us move on. Receiving God’s forgiveness wipes the slate clean and lets us make a fresh new start. 4) It helps us grow. We can learn a lot from our mistakes. When we confess them to God and accept His forgiveness, we can begin to make them work for us instead of against us by seeing them as learning opportunities rather than failures.

What Now?

Do you have any unconfessed sins? Today, make the first step to moving on from them by making some time to tell God about them and receiving His forgiveness.

Job 20-21, 1 Corinthians 3

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU



Focus on what’s good
03 AUGUST 2021


‘Think about things that are…worthy of praise.’
Philippians 4:8 NLT


We don’t have to look very far to find things to complain about. God placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Paradise where they had everything they needed to be happy. But they chose to focus on the one tree they couldn’t have. God miraculously divided the Red Sea, guided the Israelites through the wilderness and provided food from heaven each day so they’d never go hungry. And they appreciated it…for a while: ‘They…sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done’ (Psalm 106:12-13 NIV). That’s why Paul wrote, ‘Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise…Then the God of peace will be with you’ (Philippians 4:8-9 NLT). When life is good, having a positive outlook feels quite straightforward. But when things aren’t going so well for us, we have to make a conscious choice to focus on faith over fear, hope over despair, or solutions over problems. It’s not easy, but we can do it by keeping our eyes lifted towards God. When Paul and Silas were in prison, they could have given in to discouragement and hopelessness. But they didn’t even complain about their situation – instead they chose to focus on God by ‘praying and singing hymns’ (Acts 16:25 NIV). Even if our problems aren’t solved in the way we’d like, when we focus on God and all that’s good, He’ll lift us above our circumstances and give us peace in the midst of them.

What Now?

Whenever you feel like complaining today, try to stop yourself and switch your focus to something good that you can see – it might be a photo, the view from your window, a shelf full of books – anything that brings a spark of joy.

Job 22-24, 1 Corinthians 4

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU


God will guide you
04 AUGUST 2021

‘You shall not go out with haste.’
Isaiah 52:12 NKJV

When we’re under pressure and feeling tempted to move too quickly, if we stop and pray we’ll hear God saying: ‘You shall not go out with haste…for the Lord will go before you, and…be your rear guard.’ What an awesome promise! God goes before us to prepare the way and comes behind us to correct our mistakes and redirect our steps. When we’re about to make a wrong turn, His Word says, ‘We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps’ (Proverbs 16:9 NLT). If we trust God and allow His will to rule us, He’ll reroute us if we head off in the wrong direction. When we think we don’t have what it takes to finish a task, His promise is: ‘The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring…you will be known as a rebuilder…and a restorer’ (Isaiah 58:11-12 NLT). When we’ve run out of answers and don’t know what to do, He reassures us: ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you’ (Psalm 32:8 NLT). When the load we’re carrying is too much to bear, we’ll hear His voice saying: ‘Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall’ (Psalm 55:22 NLT). In order to hear His voice, we have to put Him first, sacrifice things that aren’t from Him, and tune out other voices. It can be difficult, but we must do these things, because nothing is more important and peace-bringing than knowing God’s guiding every step we take.

What Now?

Is there anything in your life that’s getting in the way of God’s voice? Today, make a decision to discard it and allow God to speak into everything you do.

Job 25-27, 1 Corinthians 5

[ebankole]

WORD FOR YOU

Grace and mercy
08 SEPTEMBER 2021

The LORD does what is right and fair for all who are wronged by others.’
Psalm 103:6 NCV

When life seems unfair, when people who have hurt us seem to get away with it, or when we’ve been wronged and those responsible don’t face any consequences, in despair we might begin to cry out, ‘Where are you, God?’ We want justice immediately. We struggle, we question, and we doubt. The psalmist wrote: ‘Lord, why are you so far away? Why do you hide when there is trouble?’ (Psalm 10:1 NCV). Then later, David, who’d been forgiven and restored after committing adultery and murder, writes: ‘The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly…The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love towards those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are’ (Psalm 103:6-14 NLT). Just as God shows grace and mercy to us when we hurt others or do something wrong, He offers that same grace and mercy to those who have hurt us. The Bible tells us, ‘God will judge everything, even what is done in secret, the good and the evil’ (Ecclesiastes 12:14 NCV). We need to trust God to judge as He sees best, and allow His love and restoring power to soothe our disappointments, break down our bitterness, and heal our wounds.

What Now?

Has someone hurt or wronged you, and you feel you haven’t seen justice? Today, talk to God about the situation and try to pray for the person who hurt you.

Isaiah 7-8, Galatians 1