   Let's begin with three short stories that spell out the challenge of building a strong and happy marriage. First story: A man was observing a couple and said to his wife, 'Look at them, they look so happy.' She said, 'Don't be so sure, they're probably saying the same thing about us.' Second story: A woman once said, 'My husband and I have a very happy marriage. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him, and there's nothing he wouldn't do for me. So we've gone through life doing nothing for each other.' Third story: A husband told his friend, 'My wife and I have decided never to go to bed angry.' His friend asked, 'How's that working?' He replied, 'We haven't slept in a month.' 

   Seriously, the biggest challenge in marriage is selfishness. When two people each put their own desires and interests first, their relationship is headed for trouble and possibly a divorce court. What's the answer? 

   These inspired words were written almost two thousand years ago, but they are still God's formula for a stable and successful marriage: 'Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. Love never ends...So these three things continue forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love' (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13 NCV). 





— SCRIPTURE —

    'Love is patient and kind...not selfish.' 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

    Lev 26-27, Luke 2:41-52, Ps 74:12-23, Pro 2:7-8
    

Let's begin with three short stories that spell out the challenge of building a strong and happy marriage. First story: A man was observing a couple and said to his wife, 'Look at them, they look so happy.' She said, 'Don't be so sure, they're probably saying the same thing about us.' Second story: A woman once said, 'My husband and I have a very happy marriage. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him, and there's nothing he wouldn't do for me. So we've gone through life doing nothing for each other.' Third story: A husband told his friend, 'My wife and I have decided never to go to bed angry.' His friend asked, 'How's that working?' He replied, 'We haven't slept in a month.' Seriously, the biggest challenge in marriage is selfishness. When two people each put their own desires and interests first, their relationship is headed for trouble and possibly a divorce court. What's the answer? These inspired words were written almost two thousand years ago, but they are still God's formula for a stable and successful marriage: 'Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. Love never ends...So these three things continue forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love' (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13 NCV). 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'Love is patient and kind...not selfish.' 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NCV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 Lev 26-27, Luke 2:41-52, Ps 74:12-23, Pro 2:7-8

The secret: unselfishness

   Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica and says, 'Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do' (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NCV). 

   Consider these twenty-first-century realities: (1) Some pastors feel so disheartened that they would exit the ministry if they could, but they don't know any other way to make a living. (2) Some ministers starting out won't continue very many years in the ministry. (3) Very few ministers will retire as ministers in some capacity. (4) Statistics from America showed that a few years ago hundreds of pastors exited the ministry every month. There are many reasons why pastors leave the ministry. One reason is inadequate financial support and stress on the family. Paul addresses this: 'Let the elders [pastors] who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The labourer is worthy of his wages"' (1 Timothy 5:17-18 NKJV). Some pastors leave the ministry because they are the target of frequent criticism. Paul addresses this: 'Do not receive an accusation against an elder [pastor] except from two or three witnesses' (1 Timothy 5:19 NKJV). 

   So, pray for your pastor, and make it a point to show them your appreciation. God will bless you for it. 





— SCRIPTURE —

    'Appreciate those...who lead you in the Lord.' 1 Thessalonians 5:12 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

    Lev 23:26-25:55, Luke 2:34-40, Ps 74:1-11, Pro 2:6
    

Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica and says, 'Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do' (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NCV). Consider these twenty-first-century realities: (1) Some pastors feel so disheartened that they would exit the ministry if they could, but they don't know any other way to make a living. (2) Some ministers starting out won't continue very many years in the ministry. (3) Very few ministers will retire as ministers in some capacity. (4) Statistics from America showed that a few years ago hundreds of pastors exited the ministry every month. There are many reasons why pastors leave the ministry. One reason is inadequate financial support and stress on the family. Paul addresses this: 'Let the elders [pastors] who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The labourer is worthy of his wages"' (1 Timothy 5:17-18 NKJV). Some pastors leave the ministry because they are the target of frequent criticism. Paul addresses this: 'Do not receive an accusation against an elder [pastor] except from two or three witnesses' (1 Timothy 5:19 NKJV). So, pray for your pastor, and make it a point to show them your appreciation. God will bless you for it. 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'Appreciate those...who lead you in the Lord.' 1 Thessalonians 5:12 NCV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 Lev 23:26-25:55, Luke 2:34-40, Ps 74:1-11, Pro 2:6

Appreciate your pastor

   Jesus, who was known in the Bible as 'the Great Physician', spent much of his ministry healing the sick. Read these four Scriptures: 

   (1) 'Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching...preaching... and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then his fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments...and he healed them' (Matthew 4:23-24 NKJV). (2) 'When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them...And when he had called his twelve disciples to him, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease' (Matthew 9:36; 10:1 NKJV). (3) 'They came to the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognised him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to him all who were sick, and begged him that they might only touch the hem of his garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well' (Matthew 14:34-36 NKJV). (4) 'A great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon... came to hear him and be healed of their diseases...And the whole multitude sought to touch him, for power went out from him and healed them all' (Luke 6:17-19 NKJV). 

   Since Jesus Christ is 'the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV) that means you can pray with faith and confidence, believing God to heal you and your loved ones. 





— SCRIPTURE —

    'Jesus...the same yesterday, today, and forever.' Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

    Lev 21:1-23:25, Luke 2:21-33, Ps 71:17-24, Pro 2:3-5
    

Jesus, who was known in the Bible as 'the Great Physician', spent much of his ministry healing the sick. Read these four Scriptures: (1) 'Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching...preaching... and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then his fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments...and he healed them' (Matthew 4:23-24 NKJV). (2) 'When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them...And when he had called his twelve disciples to him, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease' (Matthew 9:36; 10:1 NKJV). (3) 'They came to the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognised him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to him all who were sick, and begged him that they might only touch the hem of his garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well' (Matthew 14:34-36 NKJV). (4) 'A great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon... came to hear him and be healed of their diseases...And the whole multitude sought to touch him, for power went out from him and healed them all' (Luke 6:17-19 NKJV). Since Jesus Christ is 'the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV) that means you can pray with faith and confidence, believing God to heal you and your loved ones. 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'Jesus...the same yesterday, today, and forever.' Hebrews 13:8 NKJV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 Lev 21:1-23:25, Luke 2:21-33, Ps 71:17-24, Pro 2:3-5

The healing ministry of Jesus

   The Bible says: 'The Philistines went and made a raid on the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?" The Lord said to him, "Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand." So they went up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there. Then David said, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water"' (1 Chronicles 14:9-11 NKJV). Notice how David likened God's power to the 'breakthrough of water'. He is saying that when God shows up and releases his power, it will be like a flood of his goodness, power, favour, healing, wisdom,  resources, and whatever else you need. 

   Think about how powerful water is: only a few feet of water can lift a huge vehicle and push it all around. On the news we've seen entire houses and buildings carried downstream in torrents of water. Nothing can stop it. Nothing is allowed to stand in its way. That's what happens when God gives you a breakthrough and releases a flood of his power on your behalf. 

   And God has not changed. His power has not diminished. 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you' (Jeremiah 32:17 NKJV). God is able to move on your behalf. And he is willing - so ask him for a breakthrough.





— SCRIPTURE —

    'God broke through them like a mighty flood.' 1 Chronicles 14:11 CEV
— SOULFOOD —

    Gal 5:22-23, Neh 8:10, Heb 12:1-2, Jam 1:2-3
    

The Bible says: 'The Philistines went and made a raid on the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?" The Lord said to him, "Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand." So they went up to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there. Then David said, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water"' (1 Chronicles 14:9-11 NKJV). Notice how David likened God's power to the 'breakthrough of water'. He is saying that when God shows up and releases his power, it will be like a flood of his goodness, power, favour, healing, wisdom, resources, and whatever else you need. Think about how powerful water is: only a few feet of water can lift a huge vehicle and push it all around. On the news we've seen entire houses and buildings carried downstream in torrents of water. Nothing can stop it. Nothing is allowed to stand in its way. That's what happens when God gives you a breakthrough and releases a flood of his power on your behalf. And God has not changed. His power has not diminished. 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you' (Jeremiah 32:17 NKJV). God is able to move on your behalf. And he is willing - so ask him for a breakthrough.
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'God broke through them like a mighty flood.' 1 Chronicles 14:11 CEV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 Gal 5:22-23, Neh 8:10, Heb 12:1-2, Jam 1:2-3

God's breakthrough

   The Bible says: 'While he was preaching...four men arrived carrying a paralysed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof...Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralysed man..."Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!" And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, "We've never seen anything like this before"' (Mark 2:2-5, 11-12 NLT)! Notice the words 'Jesus, seeing their faith'. 

   Do you have faith God can see? What are you doing to show God you truly believe him and are taking him at his word? It's important to pray and believe, but you must also do something to demonstrate your faith. For the four men who carried their sick friend to Jesus, demonstrating their faith meant refusing to let the crowd get in their way, or the roof stop them from getting to Jesus. 

   Sometimes you're closest to victory when you face your greatest obstacles or opposition. A lot of people give up too easily. You say, 'I've tried, but nothing I have done has worked.' You must be more determined than that. If you can't get through the crowd, climb up and come down through the roof. Be relentless. That's what these men did, and Jesus rewarded them with a miracle. And when you are willing to demonstrate a determined faith, he can do the same for you too. 





— SCRIPTURE —

    'Seeing their faith, Jesus said... "Stand up."' Mark 2:5, 11 NLT 
— SOULFOOD —

    Lev 18-20, Luke 2:8-20, Ps 71:1-16, Pro 2:1-2
    

The Bible says: 'While he was preaching...four men arrived carrying a paralysed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof...Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralysed man..."Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!" And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, "We've never seen anything like this before"' (Mark 2:2-5, 11-12 NLT)! Notice the words 'Jesus, seeing their faith'. Do you have faith God can see? What are you doing to show God you truly believe him and are taking him at his word? It's important to pray and believe, but you must also do something to demonstrate your faith. For the four men who carried their sick friend to Jesus, demonstrating their faith meant refusing to let the crowd get in their way, or the roof stop them from getting to Jesus. Sometimes you're closest to victory when you face your greatest obstacles or opposition. A lot of people give up too easily. You say, 'I've tried, but nothing I have done has worked.' You must be more determined than that. If you can't get through the crowd, climb up and come down through the roof. Be relentless. That's what these men did, and Jesus rewarded them with a miracle. And when you are willing to demonstrate a determined faith, he can do the same for you too. 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'Seeing their faith, Jesus said... "Stand up."' Mark 2:5, 11 NLT 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 Lev 18-20, Luke 2:8-20, Ps 71:1-16, Pro 2:1-2

Demonstrate your faith

   Studies suggest that just three per cent of life events are highly memorable. So, over the course of an average year, approximately seventeen experiences will make it into your long-term memory. The other 97 per cent fades into the black hole called the subconscious. But if any of the three per cent are negative, we can hurt every day if we cannot or will not forget. This tiny per cent can make us prisoners to our past. Even if we've confessed our sin, we can still feel condemned. And the condemnation undermines the fact that God is for us (see Psalm 56:9). We keep beating ourselves up. We keep sabotaging ourselves. We keep believing the self-defeating lies that come from Satan 'the accuser' (see Revelation 12:10). 

   How can you overcome the accuser and silence him? Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) says: 'And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony'. Push back! Testify to Satan the accuser. Tell him what the blood of Jesus Christ has done on your behalf. Remind him that 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:1 NKJV). None. 

   Instead of defining yourself by what you've done wrong, define yourself by what Jesus has done right on your behalf. Instead of defining yourself by the hurtful things done to you, begin to declare what Jesus has done for you. If you are in Jesus, you are not in sin. If you have been forgiven, you are no longer guilty.





— SCRIPTURE —

    'So there is now no condemnation.' Romans 8:1 TLB
— SOULFOOD —

    1 Thes 4:1-5, 2 Cor 5:14-21, Ps 77:11-20 , Pro 9:10-12
    

Studies suggest that just three per cent of life events are highly memorable. So, over the course of an average year, approximately seventeen experiences will make it into your long-term memory. The other 97 per cent fades into the black hole called the subconscious. But if any of the three per cent are negative, we can hurt every day if we cannot or will not forget. This tiny per cent can make us prisoners to our past. Even if we've confessed our sin, we can still feel condemned. And the condemnation undermines the fact that God is for us (see Psalm 56:9). We keep beating ourselves up. We keep sabotaging ourselves. We keep believing the self-defeating lies that come from Satan 'the accuser' (see Revelation 12:10). How can you overcome the accuser and silence him? Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) says: 'And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony'. Push back! Testify to Satan the accuser. Tell him what the blood of Jesus Christ has done on your behalf. Remind him that 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:1 NKJV). None. Instead of defining yourself by what you've done wrong, define yourself by what Jesus has done right on your behalf. Instead of defining yourself by the hurtful things done to you, begin to declare what Jesus has done for you. If you are in Jesus, you are not in sin. If you have been forgiven, you are no longer guilty.
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'So there is now no condemnation.' Romans 8:1 TLB 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 1 Thes 4:1-5, 2 Cor 5:14-21, Ps 77:11-20 , Pro 9:10-12

The past is in the past

   Have you ever watched a hamster running on a wheel? The hamster looks outside his glass cage and sees freedom, so he decides to make a run for it. But after a while, he realises that he is not getting anywhere, so he runs faster. He runs until he is exhausted and can run no more. 

   Can you identify with the hamster? You have been trying for years to break a habit, yet today you're still in the same place, or worse. You have made New Year's resolutions to give up your bad habits or have a better marriage or work on getting fit or improving your finances. Yet, you're still in the same position. Why? Because you're using the wrong method! You cannot change yourself. The only way for a hamster to find freedom is if his owner reaches down inside the cage and lifts him out. He needs somebody bigger than himself, with greater power. 

   David said: 'I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord' (Psalm 40:1-4 NLT). The way to get off the wheel is to cry out to God, and he will set you free. 





— SCRIPTURE —

    'He lifted me out of the pit.' Psalm 40:1 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

    Rom 13:12-14:19, John 1:1-14
    

Have you ever watched a hamster running on a wheel? The hamster looks outside his glass cage and sees freedom, so he decides to make a run for it. But after a while, he realises that he is not getting anywhere, so he runs faster. He runs until he is exhausted and can run no more. Can you identify with the hamster? You have been trying for years to break a habit, yet today you're still in the same place, or worse. You have made New Year's resolutions to give up your bad habits or have a better marriage or work on getting fit or improving your finances. Yet, you're still in the same position. Why? Because you're using the wrong method! You cannot change yourself. The only way for a hamster to find freedom is if his owner reaches down inside the cage and lifts him out. He needs somebody bigger than himself, with greater power. David said: 'I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord' (Psalm 40:1-4 NLT). The way to get off the wheel is to cry out to God, and he will set you free. 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'He lifted me out of the pit.' Psalm 40:1 NLT 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 Rom 13:12-14:19, John 1:1-14

Lifted out

   In some of the world's greatest success stories, you'll find chapters of failure and discouragement. Dr Seuss' first children's book was turned down by twenty-seven publishers. The twenty-eighth publisher sold six hundred million copies, and Dr Seuss' perseverance resulted in helping millions of children learn to read. In their first year of business, the Coca-Cola company usually sold only nine servings of its drink a day. But they persevered, and today they are the leading soft drink seller in the world. Henry Ford went bankrupt twice in his initial three years in the car industry. But he persevered, and today Ford is the second-largest American-based motor company and the fifth biggest worldwide. In 1905 the University of Bern in Switzerland rejected a PhD dissertation by a student named Albert Einstein, describing it as 'irrelevant and fanciful'. Was he disappointed? Of course - wouldn't you be? Did he give up? No, he kept on writing. 

   Consider this: as a redeemed child of God, you have a plus factor; God is on your side. 'God is for me' (Psalm 56:9 NKJV). That changes the equation and tilts the odds in your favour. Paul writes: 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us' (Romans 8:35, 37 NKJV). 

   With God, despite whatever you're facing, it's always too early to give up. Hold on because his grace and strength are always on their way. 





— SCRIPTURE —

    'We are more than conquerors through him.' Romans 8:37 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

    1 Cor 16, Matt 3:7-10, Ps 75, Pro 31:31
    

In some of the world's greatest success stories, you'll find chapters of failure and discouragement. Dr Seuss' first children's book was turned down by twenty-seven publishers. The twenty-eighth publisher sold six hundred million copies, and Dr Seuss' perseverance resulted in helping millions of children learn to read. In their first year of business, the Coca-Cola company usually sold only nine servings of its drink a day. But they persevered, and today they are the leading soft drink seller in the world. Henry Ford went bankrupt twice in his initial three years in the car industry. But he persevered, and today Ford is the second-largest American-based motor company and the fifth biggest worldwide. In 1905 the University of Bern in Switzerland rejected a PhD dissertation by a student named Albert Einstein, describing it as 'irrelevant and fanciful'. Was he disappointed? Of course - wouldn't you be? Did he give up? No, he kept on writing. Consider this: as a redeemed child of God, you have a plus factor; God is on your side. 'God is for me' (Psalm 56:9 NKJV). That changes the equation and tilts the odds in your favour. Paul writes: 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us' (Romans 8:35, 37 NKJV). With God, despite whatever you're facing, it's always too early to give up. Hold on because his grace and strength are always on their way. 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'We are more than conquerors through him.' Romans 8:37 NKJV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 1 Cor 16, Matt 3:7-10, Ps 75, Pro 31:31

Winners never quit

   When it comes to your life's calling, here are two more myths that can sabotage: 

   (1) Making the wrong choice can somehow thwart God's will. You don't have to worry on this score because the Bible tells us that the God, '...the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it' (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV). It's commendable to want to make the best choice you can. But the fact remains that at some point you have to go ahead and make a choice, and no choice you make is outside of God's control. Even if you don't know where the path you have chosen will eventually lead, you can rest assured in the knowledge that 'all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28 NKJV). 

   (2) Your calling is settled. Finding your calling isn't necessarily what you do once or twice in a lifetime. It's not something you check off a list and move on. The life of a Christian is a continual process of discovering your calling. And because God has called you to a specific purpose at a specific time doesn't mean his plans for you won't change. Who knows what the next stage of your life will bring? Everyone's calling is going to look distinct, and every chapter of your life will bring a fresh process of discernment. The important thing to remember is that God's in charge, he loves you, and his will is always to draw you closer to him. 





— SCRIPTURE —

    'The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.' 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

    Heb 11:1-6, Matt 21:18-22, Matt 8:5-13 , Mark 6:1-6
    

When it comes to your life's calling, here are two more myths that can sabotage: (1) Making the wrong choice can somehow thwart God's will. You don't have to worry on this score because the Bible tells us that the God, '...the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it' (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV). It's commendable to want to make the best choice you can. But the fact remains that at some point you have to go ahead and make a choice, and no choice you make is outside of God's control. Even if you don't know where the path you have chosen will eventually lead, you can rest assured in the knowledge that 'all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28 NKJV). (2) Your calling is settled. Finding your calling isn't necessarily what you do once or twice in a lifetime. It's not something you check off a list and move on. The life of a Christian is a continual process of discovering your calling. And because God has called you to a specific purpose at a specific time doesn't mean his plans for you won't change. Who knows what the next stage of your life will bring? Everyone's calling is going to look distinct, and every chapter of your life will bring a fresh process of discernment. The important thing to remember is that God's in charge, he loves you, and his will is always to draw you closer to him. 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.' 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 Heb 11:1-6, Matt 21:18-22, Matt 8:5-13 , Mark 6:1-6

Know your calling (2)

   If you're questioning your calling, author Diane Paddison identifies two thought patterns that may be sabotaging your thinking. 

   (1) It's all about you. Your calling isn't about self-fulfilment; it's about submission to God's will for your life. Many people experience satisfaction from exercising their God-given gifts. But it's a result of being in God's will, not the goal. To discern God's will, you must develop your relationship with him through prayer and Bible study. You must also develop relationships with peers and mentors who will pray for you and speak truth into your life. 

   (2) If it's uncomfortable, it can't be your calling. Knowing what you're meant to be doing is often just the start of the journey. Some of the most successful people endured overwhelming failure in pursuit of their paths. Moses' calling didn't seem all that wonderful to him. His response? 'Who am I that I should go?' He questioned God, but God responded, 'I will be with you.' Still, Moses continued to question: 'But what if they don't believe me?' Even when God provided him with miraculous signs, they weren't enough. He came back with, 'But I'm slow of speech.' Clearly Moses was called to a task God designed for him - and it didn't feel good to him. Moses tried to prove to God that he had the wrong man for the job. And when that didn't work, he asked God to send someone else (see Exodus 4:1-13). Can you relate? If so, keep this thought in mind: discomfort doesn't automatically mean you're on the wrong path. The truth is discomfort usually precedes growth. 





— SCRIPTURE —

    'God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.' Romans 11:29 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

    1 Cor 15, Matt 3:1-6, Ps 116, Pro 31:30
    

If you're questioning your calling, author Diane Paddison identifies two thought patterns that may be sabotaging your thinking. (1) It's all about you. Your calling isn't about self-fulfilment; it's about submission to God's will for your life. Many people experience satisfaction from exercising their God-given gifts. But it's a result of being in God's will, not the goal. To discern God's will, you must develop your relationship with him through prayer and Bible study. You must also develop relationships with peers and mentors who will pray for you and speak truth into your life. (2) If it's uncomfortable, it can't be your calling. Knowing what you're meant to be doing is often just the start of the journey. Some of the most successful people endured overwhelming failure in pursuit of their paths. Moses' calling didn't seem all that wonderful to him. His response? 'Who am I that I should go?' He questioned God, but God responded, 'I will be with you.' Still, Moses continued to question: 'But what if they don't believe me?' Even when God provided him with miraculous signs, they weren't enough. He came back with, 'But I'm slow of speech.' Clearly Moses was called to a task God designed for him - and it didn't feel good to him. Moses tried to prove to God that he had the wrong man for the job. And when that didn't work, he asked God to send someone else (see Exodus 4:1-13). Can you relate? If so, keep this thought in mind: discomfort doesn't automatically mean you're on the wrong path. The truth is discomfort usually precedes growth. 
 
 — SCRIPTURE — 
 'God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.' Romans 11:29 NIV 
 — SOULFOOD — 
 1 Cor 15, Matt 3:1-6, Ps 116, Pro 31:30

Know your calling (1)

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

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