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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Be ‘wise’ with your money
12 AUGUST 2022

‘There is desirable treasure…in the dwelling of the wise.’
Proverbs 21:20 NKJV

God’s Word says you’re to do two things with your money.

1) Sow some. The Bible says, ‘Whoever sows generously will also reap generously’ (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV). You say, ‘But things are a bit tight for me right now.’ Don’t withhold because you are afraid of not having enough. Give God a seed to work with, and He will make sure you have a harvest when you need it. His ability to provide is not limited by the world’s economy. Do what Isaac did: ‘There was a famine in the land…Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him’ (Genesis 26:1, 12 NKJV). Who blessed Isaac financially? The Lord! When God tells you to give, do it in faith, confident that at the right time, in the right way, and in exactly the right places, you will receive. You say, ‘I’ve never tried that.’ Just one time before you die, try it!

2) Save some. ‘There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise. But a foolish man squanders it’ (Proverbs 21:20 NKJV). Learn to live within your means. Remind yourself that you can live happily without most of the stuff advertised on television. Before you make a purchase, stop and pray. Just because the bank approves the loan doesn’t mean God approves the expenditure. Joseph instructed Pharaoh: ‘Gather all the food of those good years that are coming…Then that food shall be as a reserve for…seven years of famine’ (Genesis 41:35-36 NKJV). Live by the ‘Joseph principle’, and save. And one more thought: if you keep squandering money recklessly, why would God answer your prayer and give you more money to squander?

Job 41-42, 1 Corinthians 10:18-33

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

How to handle disappointment (1)
13 AUGUST 2022

‘The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.’
Proverbs 24:16 NLT

For the next few days, let’s look at five different types of disappointment. Disappointment in yourself. This is the most debilitating kind of disappointment because it can put you into a downward spiral that’s hard to recover from. Peter experienced it. He swore loyalty to Christ saying, ‘Everyone else may abandon you but not me. I’m yours until death!’ (see Matthew 26:33). Yet he denied Christ three times. Later he remembered Christ’s words: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times’ (Matthew 26:34 NIV). Peter, heartbroken by his failure, ‘went outside and wept bitterly’ (Luke 22:62 NIV).

Is that how you feel today? Are you thinking, ‘Lord, how could you possibly use someone like me?’ Jesus wasn’t shocked. He was well aware of Peter’s flaws when He called him. But He also knew that His outspoken disciple had a tender heart, so He chose to extend grace to him rather than cast him aside. When Christ gave His post-resurrection orders to ‘tell his disciples and Peter’ to meet Him in Galilee, He reaffirmed His choice of His failed disciple (see Mark 16:7).

The rest of Peter’s story is one of victory. So when you sin, or fail and disappoint yourself, what should you do? 1) Humble yourself and repent. Confess your sin; don’t excuse, rationalise, or blame circumstances and people. 2) Receive God’s grace and forgiveness by faith, not feelings. Don’t let Satan convince you that you are beyond God’s reach and grace. You’re not. 3) Don’t add insult to injury by letting disappointment mire you in hopelessness and despair. 4) Get whatever help you need to get back on track – sooner, not later.

Proverbs 1-2, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

How to handle disappointment (2)
14 AUGUST 2022

‘When I waited for light, then came darkness.’
Job 30:26 NKJV

When you’re disappointed in leadership. It would be reasonable to assume you could trust Eli, the high priest in Israel. That’s what Samuel’s mother thought when she entrusted her son to him, confident he would mentor him for God’s service. But Eli had a serious character flaw. He was a weak parent, one who stood by while his sons abused their priestly privileges through taking bribes and consorting with prostitutes. Who would have blamed young Samuel for taking a nosedive, when the man he looked up to failed so badly? But no, he fielded his disappointment and kept his eyes on God: ‘Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him’ (1 Samuel 3:19 KJV). As a result, he became one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

How do you handle disappointment in your leader? By keeping your eyes on the Lord! When you’re disappointed in your family. Ask Joseph. When God gave him a vision of future success, he thought his brothers would rejoice. Instead they responded with resentment, selling him into slavery. Far from friends and home, he languished in prison for years for a crime he didn’t commit. What an invitation to bitterness, to rehash the wrongs done to you while plotting your revenge. But if Joseph had done that, he would have died an unknown convict in a foreign prison. Instead, he allowed God to vindicate him. And God will do that for you, too. ‘No weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ (Isaiah 54:17 NLT).

Luke 15:11-32, Psalms 84-86

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

How to handle disappointment (3)
15 AUGUST 2022

‘So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work.’
Ecclesiastes 2:20 NLT

When you’re disappointed in those you work with. You won’t succeed in life without the right people. But when the people you count on fail you, it’s painful. Imagine Moses’ disappointment. He leaves his brother Aaron in charge while he spends forty days on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. When he returns, what does he find? Israel worshipping a golden calf – made by Aaron. When Moses needs him most, Aaron fails miserably. But watch Moses: true leadership shines in disappointment. He confronts Aaron, takes the mess to God, and prays for the forgiveness of Israel. God responds, then reminds Moses of his assignment. ‘Go, lead the people…my angel will go before you’ (Exodus 32:34 NIV). Disappointment doesn’t cancel your assignment – or God’s presence. So do what God has told you to do!

When you’re disappointed in those you have poured your life into. Let’s check in again with Moses, founding pastor of the church in the wilderness. His congregation is made up of former slaves who have been delivered, blessed, and who are en route to the Promised Land, but without a shred of loyalty or gratitude for the man who put everything on the line to make it possible. Fresh out of Egypt, they turn on Moses, accusing, blaming, and berating him (see Exodus 14). Was Moses disappointed and hurt? Yes. But each time he wanted to give up, he would discuss it with God, pray for his complaining flock, get fresh orders from headquarters, and return to work. That’s what God-called men and women do when they’re disappointed and feel like giving up. And it’s what you must do, too.

Proverbs 3-5, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Don’t worry, God will take care of you
16 AUGUST 2022

‘I have not seen the righteous forsaken.’
Psalm 37:25 NKJV

If you’re worried about making ends meet, read on: ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread’ (vv. 23-25 NKJV).

You may be at the cliff’s edge today, but God won’t let you go over it. And if you do, He will catch you. ‘You will have plenty to eat…and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you’ (Joel 2:26 NIV). Stop trying to figure everything out and start leaning on God. ‘Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you’ (Psalm 37:3-5 NLT).

God may not give you everything you want, but He will give you everything you need: ‘Don’t worry about these things, saying, “What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need’ (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT). ‘Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you’ (Psalm 55:22 NLT). Don’t worry, God will take care of you!

Proverbs 6-7, 1 Corinthians 12

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Pray God’s Word
17 AUGUST 2022

‘Strengthen me according to Your word.’
Psalm 119:28 NKJV

The old saying, ‘Prayer changes things,’ takes on new meaning when you use the Scriptures in prayer. Such prayers move God to act on your behalf. More importantly, they change you. When you pray God’s Word, here is what happens: 1) Your faith increases and enables you to receive more of what God has promised. 2) Your mind is renewed, and it causes you to see things differently. 3) You know God’s perfect will. 4) You are able to walk in the truth. 5) You grow into spiritual maturity. 6) You draw closer to the Lord and have a more intimate relationship with Him. 7) You learn God’s ways, and they become your ways. 8) You understand God’s answers to your prayers. 9) You change in positive ways. 10) You behold the Lamb of God who is the very centre of your Bible.

Here are some examples of Scriptures you can pray: ‘Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law’ (v. 18 NKJV). ‘Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I mediate on Your wonderful works’ (vv. 26-27 NKJV). ‘Strengthen me according to Your word’ (v. 28 NKJV). ‘Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me’ (vv. 97-98 NKJV). ‘For I will keep the commandments of my God! Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope’ (vv. 115-116 NKJV). ‘Give me understanding, and I shall live’ (v. 144 NKJV). Today, pray God’s Word.

Proverbs 8-9, 1 Corinthians 13

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Use your gift!
18 AUGUST 2022

‘God has given each of you a gift.’
1 Peter 4:10 NLT

The Bible says: ‘God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God’ (vv. 10-11 NLT).

Some people think that you must have an epiphany, a Damascus Road experience such as Paul had, in order to know you are ‘called’. No, the gift God gave you is the key to knowing what He wants you to do. You can’t always be what you want to be, but you can be what God calls you to be. What do you love doing, and do well? Is music your forte? Crunching numbers? Working with kids? ‘The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving’ (1 Corinthians 12:7 CEV). That means some of the things other people find boring will actually energise and enrich you.

The Bible says that God is building a ‘spiritual house’ (1 Peter 2:5 KJV). And there is a place for you in it. That dispels the misconception that you’re not valuable because you don’t have the same talents other people do. It also defines your actual responsibility by doing away with the myth that you’re supposed to do everything. Your goal should be to stay within the boundaries of God’s plan for you (see 1 Corinthians 12:27 TLB). So today, instead of apologising for skills you don’t have, unpack the gift God has given you and put it to work.

Proverbs 10-12, 1 Corinthians 14:1-19

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Ways to develop resilience
19 AUGUST 2022

‘Though the righteous fall…they rise again.’
Proverbs 24:16 NIV

Like any skill, mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience can be learned. Here’s how:

1) Redefine setbacks as the gateway to something greater. 2) Remember successful people don’t just face adversity, they embrace it. 3) Tune out the critics and focus on doing your best. 4) Wake up every day remembering that prayer and gratitude create a fertile environment for faith. 5) Increase your faith-talk when you’re afraid. 6) Learn from failure, and remember the many times you’ve succeeded.

7) Visualise victory before going into battle. 8) Refuse to dwell on the past or worry about the future; today is where you have the most influence. 9) Identify a solution instead of complaining. 10) Replace self-doubt with faith-talk. 11) When things look hopeless, remember ‘with God all things are possible’ (Mark 10:27 KJV). 12) When you feel alone, think of all those who have helped you and who love and support you.

13) Pray for guidance when you’re in over your head (see James 1:5). 14) Rest when you’re tired, but don’t give up. Finish strong in everything you do. 15) Remember you ‘can do all things through Christ’ when you think you can’t (Philippians 4:13 KJV). 16) Recognise what you can’t control, focus on what you can, and surrender the rest to God. 17) Exercise physically if you can, to give yourself a sense of control and help lift your mood. 18) Laugh to reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, and improve arterial blood flow. 19) Be grateful. Research shows that people who sent a letter or email of thanks to somebody who helped them, stayed in a better mood for up to a month.

Proverbs 13-15, 1 Corinthians 14:20-40

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

How to be blessed at work (1)
20 AUGUST 2022

‘Skilled workers are always in demand.’
Proverbs 22:29 MSG

Solomon writes, ‘Skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone’ (v. 29 MSG). But skilfulness isn’t genetic; you have to work at it. Sometimes that means burning the midnight oil, stretching to your limits, and refusing to settle for less. As you watch true artisans, your esteem for them rises. You notice their attention to detail, refusal to cut corners, patience, dedication, and pride in their work. They inspire confidence and respect. There is not a more practical demonstration of true Christianity! When they speak, people listen. If you doubt that, try sharing your faith with those who see you being dishonest, shoddy, and careless. It would be better to remain silent until you earn the right to be heard.

The Bible says that whatever your work, ‘do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’ (Colossians 3:17 NIV). Because you represent Christ and His Spirit lives within you, you should set the industry standard for excellence. Your employees and customers should have confidence that they will get nothing from you but the best. A skilful worker can’t lose because God promises that their work will inevitably attract the attention of people who will promote and reward them (see Proverbs 22:29). They may start at the bottom, but like cream they rise to the top. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego started out as slaves in Babylon. But they ended up as the king’s closest advisers. Why? ‘Whenever the king asked for advice, he found their wisdom was ten times better than that of any of his other advisors’ (Daniel 1:20 CEV).

Proverbs 16-18, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

How to be blessed at work (2)
21 AUGUST 2022

‘Hard work will reward you.’
Proverbs 13:4 CEV

Here is another key to succeeding on the job: hard work. ‘Hard work will reward you with more than enough.’ Ask any employer and he or she will tell you that their biggest challenge is finding and keeping good people. ‘The hand of the diligent maketh rich’ (Proverbs 10:4 KJV). Diligence means being self-disciplined, motivated, alert, dependable, and following through on something when you start it. And it is priceless because it’s so hard to find (see Proverbs 12:27 NKJV). The Bible teaches that your boss is responsible to pay you a fair day’s wage, and you are responsible to give them a fair day’s work.

The story is told of a man who went for a job interview and was asked if he was responsible. He replied, ‘Yes, every time something went wrong on my last job, the boss said I was responsible!’ Seriously, do you want to prosper? See that your employer prospers! Hard work, not politics and manipulation, is the way forward.

‘Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave’ (Proverbs 12:24 CEV). Instead of looking for ways to improve themselves, lazy employees might try to find fault with their bosses, with the systems they have to use, and with their more diligent colleagues. These people want the privileges others get to enjoy, but they’re not willing to work for them. The Bible says that ‘the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied’ (Proverbs 13:4 NIV). They get it all; the satisfaction of a job well done, a sense of self-worth, a reputation for integrity, the trust of others, job security, profit, promotion, and most importantly, God’s ‘Well done’.

Luke 16:1-15, Psalms 87-88