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WORD FOR YOU!

Pray for discernment (1)
18 DECEMBER 2021

‘They knew what Israel should do, and they knew the right time to do it.’
1 Chronicles 12:32 NCV

William Orton, the president of Western Union, rejected an offer to buy the patents for the first telephone. The University of Southern California’s film school rejected an application (possibly several times) from Steven Spielberg. The technology company HP was offered the design of the first Apple computer, but chose not to take it up. What did all of these people and organisations have in common? They showed a lack of discernment and missed some great opportunities as a result. When it comes to seeing life’s opportunities and solving life’s problems, we need discernment. It enables us to see what others don’t, fill in the missing pieces, and get to the heart of the matter. If we can see the root cause of a problem, we have a much better chance of solving it. That means when we stay in the area of our core gifts, our discernment will be stronger. So if we want to tap into our discernment potential, we should try to work from the areas of our strengths and giftings. But there’s something else we can do: pray for discernment. It’s one of the nine ‘gifts of the Spirit’ promised to us in Scripture (see 1 Corinthians 12:7-10). Some of Israel’s greatest victories were won when David was king. And when we take a look at some of those who were part of his army, we read, ‘There were two hundred leaders from Issachar. They knew what Israel should do, and they knew the right time to do it.’ Discernment enables us to see doors of opportunity where others can only see brick walls. It will show us what we should do. So let’s ask God for the gift of discernment.

What Now?

Each day for the next week (and longer if you can), start your morning by praying, ‘Lord, help me to face everything that happens today with discernment. Help me to perceive opportunities, discover solutions to problems, and apply your wisdom in every situation.’

Nahum 1-3, Revelation 11

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Pray for discernment (2)
19 DECEMBER 2021

‘I ask that you give me a heart that understands.’
1 Kings 3:9 NCV

‘The Lord appeared to [Solomon] in a dream during the night. God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you”’ (v.5 NCV). Solomon said, ‘I ask that you give me a heart that understands, so I can rule the people in the right way and will know the difference between right and wrong’ (v.9 NCV). Next, we read, ‘The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked this (v.10 NCV). But God hadn’t finished talking to Solomon: ‘I will also give you what you did not ask for: riches and honour. During your life no other king will be as great as you’ (v.13 NCV). Discernment made Solomon one of the greatest kings who ever reigned. You’ve probably heard the saying ‘Go with your gut feeling.’ But discernment is much more than that. It doesn’t rely only on intuition, intellect, or experience. The writer of Proverbs says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths’ (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV).
There are two kinds of discernment: natural discernment and spiritual discernment. The first can fail us; the second never will. When natural discernment can’t take us any further, spiritual discernment enables us to keep going with faith and confidence. How do we recognise the difference? James tells us, ‘The wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help those who are troubled and to do good for others. It is always fair and honest’ (James 3:17 NCV). That’s what we’re aiming for, and that’s what God will give us when we ask Him for discernment.

What Now?

Read some Bible verses that talk about discernment, and ask God what He wants you to learn from them.

Luke 24:1-35, Psalms 136-142

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Pray for discernment (3)
20 DECEMBER 2021

‘They are mature enough to know the difference between good and evil.’
Hebrews 5:14 NCV

In the 1940s, Switzerland manufactured 80 per cent of the world’s watches. Then in the 1960s, when an inventor presented his idea for a new type of watch to the leaders of a Swiss company, they rejected it. All the other Swiss companies he approached did the same. They lived by the philosophy, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ But the inventor believed in his design, and took it to a company in Japan. The name of the company was Seiko, the design of the watch was digital, and guess what? Sales of digital watches soon outstripped the traditional analogue ones. One discernment-driven decision can change the course of our entire life. And our discernment can also end up blessing others. Here are two things we need to know about God-given discernment: 1) It’s shaped by Scripture. ‘Anyone who lives on milk is still a baby and knows nothing about right teaching. But solid food is for those who are grown up. They are mature enough to know the difference between good and evil’ (v.13-14 NCV). Spending time in God’s Word, reading it, studying it, reflecting on it, and asking questions about it will help us develop our level of discernment. 2) It’s sharpened by use. The more we use it, the more competent we become. We’ll sometimes make mistakes when it comes to exercising discernment, but just like a muscle, the more we flex and stretch it, the stronger it grows. And here’s one last thought about discernment: the Bible refers to ‘discerning of spirits’, or attitudes and motivations (see 1 Corinthians 12:10). What a great advantage to have! Let’s pray for the gift of discernment and use it at every opportunity.

What Now?

Every time you see a clock or a watch today, pray, ‘Father, help me to exercise my spirit of discernment.’

Habakkuk 1-3, Revelation 12

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God’s wisdom about work and money (1)
21 DECEMBER 2021

‘The LORD’s blessing brings wealth, and no sorrow comes with it.’
Proverbs 10:22 NCV

There are about five hundred Bible verses on prayer, and more than two thousand on handling money and possessions. It’s an important issue. Money-related problems can often be the cause of family tension and mistrust. And there’s a reason for this: money and stress often go hand in hand. God isn’t necessarily opposed to us having money, but there are right and wrong ways to earn it. The Bible teaches that money should come through hard work. ‘All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty’ (Proverbs 14:23 NIV). ‘Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but he who gathers gradually by [honest] labour will increase [his riches]’ (Proverbs 13:11 AMP). God expects those who ‘labour’ to give a good day’s work, just as He expects those in management to pay a good day’s wage. The workforce enables the management to make a profit, while the management enables the workforce to make a salary. An honestly made profit and a well-earned salary are pleasing to God. But our money must also be made through honest work. ‘A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty’ (Proverbs 22:16 NLT). Eugene Peterson puts the issue this way: ‘Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things God hates’ (Proverbs 20:10 MSG). ‘The Lord’s blessing brings wealth, and no sorrow comes with it.’ When we earn money dishonestly or in a way that God doesn’t approve of, eventually we’ll face the consequences. But if the way we earn money honours God, we’re doing it right.

What Now?

When it comes to earning money, ask God to fill your heart with a desire to earn it in a way He approves of, even if that means taking a longer, harder, or seemingly less profitable route.

Zephaniah 1-3, Revelation 13

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God’s wisdom about work and money (2)
22 DECEMBER 2021

‘God…gives you the ability to produce wealth.’
Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV

Moses spoke these words to the Israelites: ‘You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today’ (v.17-18 NIV). As we saw in yesterday’s reading, the right way to earn money is through hard work and honest work, not through cheating or ungodly methods. But Moses’ words remind us that we must always remember the ultimate source of our money – God. We need to give Him the gratitude and glory for blessing us with the skills that enable us to do a good job, and for guiding us in the right way to go. There’s a great feeling of satisfaction that comes from a job well done, and it isn’t necessarily wrong to feel proud about what we’ve done. Paul encouraged Timothy by saying, ‘Be a worker who is not ashamed’ (2 Timothy 2:15 NCV). If we stop caring, we won’t be inclined to put the effort into doing a good job. But what we need to watch out for is the type of pride that makes us shine the spotlight only on ourselves while forgetting God’s involvement. So if we realise that we’ve been neglecting God’s part in our work, what can we do? A good starting point is to try and keep in mind the words of Colossians 3:23: ‘In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people’ (NCV). When we realise that God’s the source for everything we have, we’ll want to praise Him more and more for His blessings.  

What Now?

If you have to face a task you don’t like doing, start it by being honest with God and pray, ‘Father, I really don’t like this job, but I thank You for blessing me with the ability to do it. Help me to turn it into an act of praise for Your glory.’

Haggai 1-2, Revelation 14

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God’s wisdom about work and money (3)
23 DECEMBER 2021

‘He who profits unlawfully brings suffering to his own house.’
Proverbs 15:27 AMP

Paul wrote these words to Timothy: ‘People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows’ (1 Timothy 6:9-10 NLT). This is often misquoted as ‘money is the root of all evil,’ but what the Bible actually says is quite different. If money was inherently evil, God wouldn’t have blessed Solomon with it (take a look at 1 Kings 3:13). There’s nothing wrong with having money. The real problem starts when we let a love for money become more powerful than our love for God. Then money can control us, and our desire for more can lead us to acquire it in the wrong way. ‘He who profits unlawfully brings suffering to his own house, but he who hates bribes [and does not receive nor pay them] will live’ (Proverbs 15:27 AMP). We might think one small lapse won’t matter because nobody will be hurt by it. But the impact of dishonesty can be wide ranging, and we probably won’t realise the total effect that it can have in the long run. When it comes to having a healthy relationship with money, we should pay attention to our desire for more. If we find that money is our main driving force, the only thing that motivates us, we need to check in with God to make sure we’re not letting it replace Him in our lives, and that we’re not allowing it to lead us towards a path of dishonesty. When we’re honest with Him and listen to His wisdom, He’ll help us get back on track.

What Now?

Have an honest assessment of your love for money compared to your love for God. If you find that money holds a higher place, have a chat with God about how you’re feeling, and ask Him to help you realign your priorities and motivations.

Zechariah 1-2, Revelation 15

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The best gift ever!
24 DECEMBER 2021

‘Good news…great joy for all the people.’
Luke 2:10 NIV

Are you excited for Christmas? Or do you secretly wish that it were all over already? For many people, Christmas is filled with dread instead of delight. Author Jon Walker writes this: ‘There’s a darker side to Christmas we rarely acknowledge. We create this fantasy that seldom matches reality, even in the best of homes…many Christmas memories are full of tension, not tinsel…yet another reminder that the one we love is far away or perhaps never coming back…more people hurt at Christmas than we initially imagine.’ We may dread strained family gatherings, parties where we have to put on a happy face in spite of how we’re feeling, or reminders of painful past Christmases. Even if we enjoy this time of year, we might find the preparations stressful. Relatively trivial things like wondering if we’ve chosen the right present for someone or mentally calculating if we have enough wrapping paper can take tiny bites out of the joy of Christmas. But whatever is stealing our joy, let’s reclaim it back. Jon Walker continues with these words of encouragement: ‘For those tired of the hollow hope…of Christmas, the good news is, God is with us. Jesus came to earth to “bring…good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Regardless of your situation, Christmas is the best gift you’ll ever get, because: 1) it’s the costliest you’ll ever receive because it cost Jesus His life; 2) it’s the only gift that lasts forever; 3) it’s one you can enjoy for the rest of your life.’ We can get so weighed down by all the things we’ve made Christmas about – the food, the parties, the decorations, and so on – that we sometimes lose sight of what it’s really about. This year, let’s try to focus on the true meaning – the gift of Jesus.

What Now?

How do you feel about Christmas? If you dread it and find it too stressful, share your feelings with God. Read about Jesus’ birth in the Bible, asking Him to help you rediscover your joy. And if you love Christmas, why not offer a sincere and gentle word of encouragement or some practical help to someone who’s struggling.

Zechariah 3-4, Revelation 16

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Celebrate Christmas! (1)
25 DECEMBER 2021

‘I am like an evergreen tree, yielding my fruit to you throughout the year.’
Hosea 14:8 TLB

The word ‘celebrate’ means to rejoice, delight in, honour, and appreciate. Jack Hayford writes: ‘There is so much done in the name of Christmas that is neither pleasing nor honouring to Christ. Even so, I find myself doing battle…with…religious superstitions which argue against almost every observation of Christmas…against giving…against decorations, trees, or just plain fun, as though such participation defiled something holy. Such harsh debunking is nothing more than “holy humbug”. A Christmas tree…is a specific statement…By means of this tree we are saying: We believe in celebration. We serve the God who “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV) and who through history assigned…sacred appointments of feasting and rejoicing…“great gladness” (1 Chronicles 29:22 KJV)…Although no one can make a “biblical case” for Christmas trees, we gather around ours with joy. We see in its living branches a symbol of everlasting life given us because of Jesus’ death on the tree – whose naked crossbars Xed out death and ushered in forgiveness…and eternal hope. The lights…gleam a testimony of His Light-of-the-world glory. The ornaments reflect the decorative splendour with which His kindnesses adorn our lives. The star beams hope, with a heavenward ray, reminding us that from there He shall come again to receive us.’ Whether we’re celebrating by gathering around a tree, attending parties, tucking in to a feast, or however we choose to do Christmas, let’s not forget to celebrate the One who said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me…will have the light of life’ (John 8:12 NIV).

What Now?

However you’re celebrating Christmas this year, make sure you take time to thank God for the gift of Jesus, and praise Him for welcoming us to celebrate with Him.

Zechariah 5-6, Revelation 17

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Celebrate Christmas! (2)
26 DECEMBER 2021

‘This day is holy.’
Nehemiah 8:9 KJV

The word holiday comes from the Old English word haligdæg, which means ‘holy day’. But today, overindulgence and overspending have become associated with Christmas, making some Christians hesitant to celebrate. Jack Hayford writes: ‘Often it is from those newly associated with our fellowship who have allowed themselves – perhaps for the first time – to enter into the wonder and fullness of Christmas joy and celebration…Christmas is more than merely “merry”. Christmas is mighty. Celebration – unfettered enjoyment, love…laughter…gifts and giving, trees and tinsel,…carols and bells…all of it – has an inherent potential for mightiness. The qualifying factor is the presence of the Holy Spirit.

When He is present, the accoutrements of Christmas…can bless, strengthen, heal, [and] restore…When He is absent, carols ring hollow. Greetings, wishes and smiles lie on the surface, like glitter glued on a flat card. Lights and decorations…can leave the heart more desolate than ever. But where the Holy Spirit is there is power…to change entrenched habits…transform cold hearts…grudges and expectations…lift lives out of the shadow…This Christmas, let Him come upon you.

Welcome the…Holy Spirit…to move upon your life, and then make your own move…into the season’s best opportunities to bask in the wonder of it all…Reach out to those around: encourage, bless, bake, give, visit, invite, share, and lift hearts wherever you can. By…New Year…you’ll find Christmas to…have been marvellously, and even miraculously, mighty.’ However we choose to celebrate Christmas, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to be a part of it, and watch expectantly for God to move in mighty ways.

What Now?

In the days between Christmas and New Year, try each day to reach out to a friend or neighbour who’s struggling this Christmas. You could call them for a chat, invite them round for coffee, bake them a cake, offer to pray with them…there are so many things we can do to help lift one another's spirits!

Luke 24:36-53, Psalms 143-150

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Forgive yourself
27 DECEMBER 2021

‘I…will blot out your sins…and will never think of them again.’
Isaiah 43:25 NLT

God says in His Word: ‘I – yes, I alone – will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. Let us review the situation together, and you can present your case to prove your innocence’ (v.25-26 NLT). Today, if you’re condemning yourself because you think your sins are too big to deserve God’s grace, go back and reread those Scriptures carefully. God said He would forgive our sins for His own sake. What we need to do is ‘present [our] case to prove [our] innocence.’ Why do we have such a hard time accepting God’s forgiveness? Here are some possible answers: 1) Because in some cases we feel like we’re reaping what we have sown. 2) Because we have condemned someone else for doing the very thing we ourselves did. 3) Because we think God likes to keep us twisting in the wind for a while so we will think twice before committing the same sin again. 4) Because growing up, when we disobeyed our parents, they took away certain privileges until we had proven ourselves. 5) Because we think we have to be ‘worthy’ of God’s mercy. But when we refuse to forgive ourselves, we’re implying that our mistakes are beyond the scope of God’s grace. And that’s a bigger sin – pride! And here‘s another thought. When we always have ‘issues’ with other people, it may be that we’re looking for someone to offend us, so we can point to how bad the other person is and feel better about ourselves. When we adopt a humble attitude and work on forgiving ourselves because we know God has forgiven us, it’ll be much easier to forgive other people’s mistakes.

What Now?

If there’s anything, big or small, that you haven’t forgiven yourself for, know that God has already forgiven you. With that in mind, tell Him that you’re struggling to forgive yourself, and ask Him to give you a fresh awareness of His amazing love for you.

Zechariah 7-8, Revelation 18