   A newspaper cartoon was drawn of two fields divided by a wire fence. Both were the same size, each with plenty of lush, green grass. Each field had a mule whose head stuck through the wire fence, eating grass from the other's pasture. Although each mule was surrounded by grass, the neighbouring field seemed more desirable - even though it was harder to reach. In the process the mules' heads became caught in the fence, and they panicked and brayed uncontrollably at being unable to free themselves. The cartoonist described the situation with one caption: 'Discontent'. 

   There's a lesson here... When we focus on what we don't have, or what someone else has, we become blinded to the blessings that surround us. David wrote: 'Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things' (Psalm 103:2-5 NLT). 

   Goal setting, achieving great things and desiring more are good things if: (1) You look to the Lord to help you get there: 'The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right' (Psalm 84:11 NLT); and (2) while God is working on it, you enjoy what he's already given you: 'Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For he himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you"' (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). So, be content!





— SCRIPTURE —

    'May I never forget the good things he does for me.' Psalm 103:2 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

    1 Ki 10-11, Luke 11:45-54, Ps 53, Pro 6:9-11
    

A newspaper cartoon was drawn of two fields divided by a wire fence. Both were the same size, each with plenty of lush, green grass. Each field had a mule whose head stuck through the wire fence, eating grass from the other's pasture. Although each mule was surrounded by grass, the neighbouring field seemed more desirable - even though it was harder to reach. In the process the mules' heads became caught in the fence, and they panicked and brayed uncontrollably at being unable to free themselves. The cartoonist described the situation with one caption: 'Discontent'. There's a lesson here... When we focus on what we don't have, or what someone else has, we become blinded to the blessings that surround us. David wrote: 'Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things' (Psalm 103:2-5 NLT). Goal setting, achieving great things and desiring more are good things if: (1) You look to the Lord to help you get there: 'The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right' (Psalm 84:11 NLT); and (2) while God is working on it, you enjoy what he's already given you: 'Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For he himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you"' (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). So, be content! 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'May I never forget the good things he does for me.' Psalm 103:2 NLT 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 1 Ki 10-11, Luke 11:45-54, Ps 53, Pro 6:9-11

The Word For Today is a daily devotional by authors Bob and Debby Gass. Every day, tens of thousands of people across New Zealand are encouraged and uplifted by its relevant insights.

The daily readings resonate with people as they often speak into their current circumstances. Often readers express wonder at how a particular day’s devotion appeared to be ‘written just for me’

The Word For Today is a daily devotional by authors Bob and Debby Gass. Every day, tens of thousands of people across New Zealand are encouraged and uplifted by its relevant insights.
The daily readings resonate with people as they often speak into their current circumstances. Often readers express wonder at how a particular day&rsquo;s devotion appeared to be &lsquo;written just for me&rsquo;

The Word For Today

Be content

   After his indiscretion with Bathsheba, King David was finally honest and confessed his sin to Nathan the prophet. 'Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However...by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme"' (2 Samuel 12:13-14 NKJV). Later, David would write in the Psalm 39:8 NCV: 'Save me from all my sins. Don't let wicked fools make fun of me.' 

   Let's consider the repercussions of immorality when it's found out: (1) A partner experiences shame, rejection, betrayal and heartache. No amount of repentance or asking forgiveness can soften the blow. Suspicion replaces trust. (2) The innocence and trust of children are dealt a devastating blow. Their healthy outlook on life is likely to be severely damaged. (3) The heartache experienced by parents, family and peers is indescribable. And the guilty person is likely to be embarrassed in facing other Christians, especially those who've openly appreciated, respected and trusted them. (4) The fall may be perceived by others as a licence for them to do the same. (5) Their inner peace will be gone. (6) Their confidence before God will be forfeited. (7) Their enemies will have further reason to jeer and sneer, and any cause represented will suffer harm. What a high price to pay. 

   What's the answer? Be filled and stay filled with the Holy Spirit. Here's why: 'The fruit of the Spirit is...self-control' (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV).





— SCRIPTURE —

    'The fruit of the Spirit is...self-control.' Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

    1 Ki 18:16-20:43, Luke 12:35-48, Ps 66:13-20, Pro 6:23-25
    

After his indiscretion with Bathsheba, King David was finally honest and confessed his sin to Nathan the prophet. 'Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However...by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme"' (2 Samuel 12:13-14 NKJV). Later, David would write in the Psalm 39:8 NCV: 'Save me from all my sins. Don't let wicked fools make fun of me.' Let's consider the repercussions of immorality when it's found out: (1) A partner experiences shame, rejection, betrayal and heartache. No amount of repentance or asking forgiveness can soften the blow. Suspicion replaces trust. (2) The innocence and trust of children are dealt a devastating blow. Their healthy outlook on life is likely to be severely damaged. (3) The heartache experienced by parents, family and peers is indescribable. And the guilty person is likely to be embarrassed in facing other Christians, especially those who've openly appreciated, respected and trusted them. (4) The fall may be perceived by others as a licence for them to do the same. (5) Their inner peace will be gone. (6) Their confidence before God will be forfeited. (7) Their enemies will have further reason to jeer and sneer, and any cause represented will suffer harm. What a high price to pay. What's the answer? Be filled and stay filled with the Holy Spirit. Here's why: 'The fruit of the Spirit is...self-control' (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV).
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'The fruit of the Spirit is...self-control.' Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 1 Ki 18:16-20:43, Luke 12:35-48, Ps 66:13-20, Pro 6:23-25

The case for self-control

   When someone we love hurts, we hurt. One of the greatest things we can do is intercede in prayer for those who need healing. God can use us as agents of healing: 'Pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God - it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]' (James 5:16 AMP). We see this principle throughout the Bible. 

   A Roman centurion went to Jesus for the healing of his servant, and Jesus did not disappoint him (see Matthew 8:5-7). Four people tore the roof off a house to get their sick friend into the presence of Jesus so he could be healed of palsy. And Jesus said to him, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk' (Mark 2:1-11 NKJV). A concerned father went to Jesus when his daughter was at the point of death. Because Jesus was delayed, the little girl died. But then Jesus walked to her bedside and said: '"Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked...And they were overcome with great amazement' (Mark 5:41-42 NKJV). 

   One of the last promises Jesus gave us before leaving this earth was: 'These signs will follow those who believe: In my name they will...lay hands on the sick, and they will recover' (Mark 16:17-18 NKJV). Confession: 'As a believer in Christ, I have the authority to pray, to lay hands on the sick, and see them recover because the Spirit of God lives in me.'





— SCRIPTURE —

    'Pray for one another and be healed.' James 5:16 CEV
— SOULFOOD —

    Gal 5:22-23, 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Tim 1:7, Jam 1:19-20
    

When someone we love hurts, we hurt. One of the greatest things we can do is intercede in prayer for those who need healing. God can use us as agents of healing: 'Pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God - it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]' (James 5:16 AMP). We see this principle throughout the Bible. A Roman centurion went to Jesus for the healing of his servant, and Jesus did not disappoint him (see Matthew 8:5-7). Four people tore the roof off a house to get their sick friend into the presence of Jesus so he could be healed of palsy. And Jesus said to him, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk' (Mark 2:1-11 NKJV). A concerned father went to Jesus when his daughter was at the point of death. Because Jesus was delayed, the little girl died. But then Jesus walked to her bedside and said: '"Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked...And they were overcome with great amazement' (Mark 5:41-42 NKJV). One of the last promises Jesus gave us before leaving this earth was: 'These signs will follow those who believe: In my name they will...lay hands on the sick, and they will recover' (Mark 16:17-18 NKJV). Confession: 'As a believer in Christ, I have the authority to pray, to lay hands on the sick, and see them recover because the Spirit of God lives in me.'
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'Pray for one another and be healed.' James 5:16 CEV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 Gal 5:22-23, 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Tim 1:7, Jam 1:19-20

Healing for someone you love

   Good credit establishes your future buying power. But when you misuse debt, you experience anxiety each month as you pull the envelope from the letterbox with the credit card bill that says you've spent more than you can afford. And what about the unexpected challenges of life? Your car needs a new gearbox, or you need a house repair not covered by your insurance. 

   The things you buy don't just cost you money; they cost you your peace of mind and your sense of security. You forfeit these things when you live beyond your means and throw good money after bad debt by taking out 'interest-only' loans and other seemingly 'easy' financing options. Like a juggler, you keep the plates in the air by making minimum payments each month. But eventually, the plates begin to fall. You borrow money to stay afloat and then spend sleepless nights wondering how you'll be able to keep up with the payments. Your embarrassment only compounds the situation as you hide your financial problems and put on a good face, cutting yourself off from the help you desperately need. 

   If you're in debt, what's the solution? (1) Identify the emotions that led you to purchase items you couldn't afford in order to fill an unnamed hole within you. (2) Live on a budget. 'There is desirable treasure...in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it' (Proverbs 21:20 NKJV). (3) Develop a plan for getting out of debt and staying out of it!





— SCRIPTURE —

    'The borrower is servant to the lender.' Proverbs 22:7 TLB
— SOULFOOD —

    1 Ki 16:1-18:15, Luke 12:22-34, Ps 66:1-12, Pro 6:20-22
    

Good credit establishes your future buying power. But when you misuse debt, you experience anxiety each month as you pull the envelope from the letterbox with the credit card bill that says you've spent more than you can afford. And what about the unexpected challenges of life? Your car needs a new gearbox, or you need a house repair not covered by your insurance. The things you buy don't just cost you money; they cost you your peace of mind and your sense of security. You forfeit these things when you live beyond your means and throw good money after bad debt by taking out 'interest-only' loans and other seemingly 'easy' financing options. Like a juggler, you keep the plates in the air by making minimum payments each month. But eventually, the plates begin to fall. You borrow money to stay afloat and then spend sleepless nights wondering how you'll be able to keep up with the payments. Your embarrassment only compounds the situation as you hide your financial problems and put on a good face, cutting yourself off from the help you desperately need. If you're in debt, what's the solution? (1) Identify the emotions that led you to purchase items you couldn't afford in order to fill an unnamed hole within you. (2) Live on a budget. 'There is desirable treasure...in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it' (Proverbs 21:20 NKJV). (3) Develop a plan for getting out of debt and staying out of it!
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'The borrower is servant to the lender.' Proverbs 22:7 TLB 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 1 Ki 16:1-18:15, Luke 12:22-34, Ps 66:1-12, Pro 6:20-22

Be content

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