God's Word For Today: Today, Encourage Someone

‘Encourage him, and strengthen him.’

Deuteronomy 3:28

Encouragement can work miracles. In the movie Stand and Deliver, high school teacher Jaime Escalante has two students in his class named Johnny. One is a happy child and an excellent student; the other spends his time messing around and getting into trouble. When the Parent Teacher Association held its first meeting of the year, a mother came up to Jaime and asked, ‘How’s my son, Johnny, getting along?’. Jaime mistakenly assumed she was the mother of the better student, so he replied, ‘I can’t tell you how much I enjoy him. I’m so glad he’s in my class’. The next day ‘problem Johnny’ came to Jaime and said, ‘My mom told me what you said about me last night. I haven’t ever had a teacher who wanted me in his class.’ The result? He completed his assignments that day, and brought in his completed homework the next morning. A few weeks later he had become one of Jaime’s hardest-working students - and one of his best friends. His life had been turned around because of an accidental word of encouragement. 

It works like this: When you look for good in a person and express it, you give them something to live up to. In other words, you motivate them to be better than they are. 

The last thing God told Moses to do was to encourage and strengthen Joshua ‘for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see’ (v. 28 KJV). 

And here’s the great thing about encouragement: You don’t have to be rich, attractive, prominent, or brilliant to give it, and it’s always appreciated. So today, encourage someone.

1 Sam 19-21, John 12:27-50 

God's Word For Today: Bringing People to Jesus (3)

‘When they could not find a way … they went up on the roof.’

Luke 5:19 

When you pick up the weight of another person, it can be a heavy burden to bear. Notice: 

1) It took four people to bring this man to Jesus. Sometimes you have to call in reinforcements. When you’ve prayed for someone and nothing seems to be happening, here’s a great Scripture: ‘If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them’ (Matthew 18:19-20 NIV 1984 Edition). 

2) It was their faith, not the sick man’s faith that Jesus responded to. ‘When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven”’ (Luke 5:20 NIV 2011 Edition). The poor guy had been in this condition for so long that his faith was probably as dead as his limbs. But that’s no problem for God; He’ll respond to your faith by touching your loved one. 

3) They refused to give up on him. You need tenacious faith that refuses to quit. Just because you talked to someone about the Lord before and they didn’t respond, doesn’t mean they won’t respond now. Maybe they weren’t ready back then, and now their circumstances have changed. Maybe you went about it the wrong way, and now you have a better approach. The point is, when you do your part, God will do His. ‘So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit’ (Galatians 6:9 MSG).

1 Sam 17-18, John 12:1-26 

Happy Birthday!!!, Naija Vampire!

Happy birthday to me!!! Yaaay!

LOL!

It's my birthday today and no, it hasn't been as you thought or expected: cake, booze, loud music, beach (maybe), club (maybe), etc... Lol! Naaa. Instead I have been on the move since past 4am this morning, running errands, both personal and otherwise. And dang!!!, it has been hectic and certainly not how I thought it would be.

But first things first, I am superbly and undeniably grateful to God Almighty for another year. It has been something!. If I begin to share with you how the past 1year has been, your jaws would be hanging for as long as long. In all this time, my Father, my Source, my Sustainer, my Helper, my God, my All, my Everything, Jehovah Jireh my Provider has been here for and with me every step of the way. It has been testimony-filled all to God's glory!

Happy + 1 to me :)

I wanna shout out to today's celebrants. Wish you a happy birthday and many more positively fruitful years to come as your needs are met and your heart's desires granted in Jesus Christ's Name, Amen!

God's Word For Today: Bringing People to Jesus (2)

‘They came … bringing a paralytic … carried by four.’

Mark 2:3 

Some people have to be ‘carried’ to Jesus because they can’t get to Him by themselves. Like the man in the story, they are paralysed. ‘Paralysed by what?’ you ask. 

*Paralysed by an out-of-control behaviour. 

*Paralysed by a belief system that tells you you’re too sinful for God to ever love and redeem you. 

*Paralysed by the memory of something that happened in your childhood and now you’re afraid to talk about it. 

*Paralysed by an addiction to illegal substances, prescription drugs, gambling, pornography, alcohol, work, or money. 

Whatever your addiction - one thing is for sure - it’s paralysing. You can be paralysed by fear, anxiety, depression, a bottomed-out sense of self-worth, or a nightmarish childhood of neglect and abuse. On the other hand, you can be a self-made man or woman paralysed by success, materialism, greed, self-absorption - not acknowledging any need in your life for God. 

Is any of this hitting close to home? 

Jesus began His ministry with these words: ‘The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD’ (Luke 4:18-19 NKJV). 

The New Living Translation Bible paraphrases the latter part of verse nineteen by saying, ‘the time of the LORD’s favor has come’. 

Here’s the good news! Life may not always have been good to you, but God’s grace and smile of favour can change all of that - starting today.

1 Sam 15-16, John 11:30-57 

One of the most dangerous diseases in the world

It eats you up so fast that you barely realize you've been infected. It affects every part of you; your body, your mind, all of you. If not handled, it can swallow up your entire existence. 

LAZINESS!!! 

Laziness is a slow killer. Its alliances are Procrastination and Excuses. The funny thing is a lazy person will always feel like they have no choice, like they're doing the right thing. To them, basically everything is too difficult to do or make an attempt for and more than half the time, a waste of time. What doesnt really surprise me but still surprises me is that a lazy person seems to always have the smartest genuine reasons for their laziness. Benjamin Franklin said "idleness is the dead sea that swallows all virtues." 

Lazy people need to know this; while you're busy making excuses and procrastinating, others are moving ahead and making something out of themselves. That idea you've had cooked up in your mind for ages and did nothing about, someone else has thought of and acted on it. There is no gain whatsoever in laziness, instead it takes from you. 

In the world of laziness, 'time' is an enemy in disguise. A lazy person think they have all the time in the world to do that thing they should've done or started ages ago, while in reality time is actually moving like the speed of light, with no brakes. Thankfully, this disease is not contagious and fortunately for lazy people, only they have the cure to this "disease".

So, if you're a lazy person reading this, don't you think its time you cure yourself of your laziness, get off your ass and begin to make efforts??

God's Word For Today: Bringing People to Jesus (1)

‘The power of the Lord was present to heal them.’

Luke 5:17

One day when Jesus was preaching in a certain house, four men brought their paralysed friend so He could heal him. When they couldn’t get through the crowd they climbed up onto the roof, created an opening, lowered the man down to Jesus, and He healed him. 

The Bible says, ‘The power of the Lord was present to heal them’. The Pharisees were sitting nearby, and the power of God was present to heal them too, yet they received nothing. 

It’s amazing, but true; you can be in the presence of Jesus and leave unchanged. Why? Because your attitude and approach determine your results! Pride and preconceived notions - thinking you have God all figured out - can stop you from receiving what you need. 

Paul says, ‘For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it’ (Hebrews 4:2 NKJV). 

These religious leaders had no ‘faith’. They were interested in engaging Jesus in theological arguments, not in seeing the power of God demonstrated and this sick man healed. 

So you can have a head full of theology and a heart filled with doubt, and receive nothing from the Lord! 

Luke Chapter five records: ‘When [Jesus] saw their faith, He said to him … “arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he rose up … and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God … saying, “We have seen strange things today!”’ (vv. 20-26 NKJV).

1 Sam 13-14, John 11:1-29 

God's Word For Today: Knowing Where You Stand with God

‘We are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith.’

Romans 5:1

Until you understand how God views you, you’ll struggle for His approval and worry that you never measure up. 

Is that how you feel today? If so, meditate on the following Scriptures and let them remove your doubts: 

1) ‘Through Him we … become … [acceptable and in right relationship with] [God]’ (2 Corinthians 5:21 AMP). Unworthiness is one of the greatest weapons Satan has against you, so take it out of his hands. In a sense, God has put a screen between you and Himself; it’s the blood of Jesus. And when He looks at you through that screen He sees you as righteous and forgiven of all sins. That’s why we call it ‘amazing grace’. 

2) ‘[Righteousness, standing acceptable to God] will be … credited to us … who believe in (trust in, adhere to, and rely on) God’ (Romans 4:24 AMP). Did you get that? All the righteousness needed to get into heaven - is credited to your account the moment you put your trust in Christ. As a Christian there’s a difference between your position and your condition. When you sin, it affects your condition. But your fixed position is ‘in Christ’ (see Romans 8:1). You say, ‘But what about my shortcomings?’. That’s your condition, and the Holy Spirit is working on it every day (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). Transformation, which means ‘to change form’, is a daily process. And while you’re in that process God views you as righteous! 

In other words, righteousness isn’t a performance but a position. And God put you into that position the moment He saved you. 

Now you know where you stand with God.

1 Sam 10-12, John 10:22-42 

Become a Land Owner with less than N1m

I've always said it and I will continue to say it. Investing in Real Estate never goes wrong. Any investment in real estate ALWAYS appreciates. You probably always wanted a car and the minute you could afford it, you went for it forgetting that it doesn't stop there. You'd have to maintain, service and fuel it and all that. If you had enough money to buy a car, how about buying a plot or 2 or more of land first?

You don't have to be a millionaire before owning a land. You don't even need to be a certain age before becoming a land owner. With less than a million, you can purchase a plot of land in an Estate in Lagos!

Yeah, you read right!

With only N540,000 you can buy a plot of land that is free from any government or "omonile" issues, located in the developing New Lekki and situated within a developing estate. As at February 2016, these lands were initially N450,000/plot and by mid March, the price increased. This shows that land properties don't even need years to appreciate. Whether you're in Nigeria, a Nigerian or a foreigner, this is an opportunity to be a landlord and own property(ies) in Nigeria. You probably have that amount or more sitting in your bank account. How much interest do you think the bank pays you? Compare that to how much you can make after investing that money in a land property.

Let me introduce to you CORNERSTONE ESTATE

Unique advantages of investing in Cornerstone Estate:

1.) Cornerstone Estate is located in Eleranigbe in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos and is 10minutes drive from and to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

2.) The Ibeju-Lekki area is a new city under development in Lagos State, with an annual economic growth rate of about 25%.

3.) The Lekki Free Trade Zone is a model project for intergovernmental corporation between China and Nigeria attracting preferential policies and incentives in the zone.

4.) The area is planned to thrive in production, manufacturing, oil & gas, import & export trade, trans-shipment, tourism and real estate.

5.) 18 months Installment payment plan available.

(6.) The neighborhood includes these developing infrastructures and facilities:
*Lekki Free Trade Zone
*New International Airport,
*New Sea Port
*Pan Africa University
*New Shop rite shopping mail Ajah branch
*Lagos Business School Permanent Site
*Dangote Refinery
*Industrial Estate Eleganza
*The proposed fourth mainland bridge link way.
*The Lagos State housing project scheme
*The NNPC staff mega Estate Ajah
*More than 20 different Gated Estates

Property details:

Plot size: 648sqm
Outright payment: N540k

Monthly installment payment: N660k
*10% initial down payment: N66k
*Continuous monthly payment: N33k (monthly installment payment attracts an extra N120k)

Title docs: Excision

FOR ENQUIRIES AND INSPECTION, CONTACT:

PWAN Homes
Tel: 0708 607 8311
Contact Person: Jennifer

Don't miss this opportunity! Invest now and you'd definitely be glad you did.

How to Argue Constructively

‘As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.’

Proverbs 27:17

Arguments can be either constructive or destructive; it all depends on how you handle them. 

Many times our relationships fall apart or develop into unending chapters of misery because we either fail to recognise or are unwilling to face our problems before they escalate into emergencies. Rather than discuss what’s not working between us, we get into a conflict and argue about whose fault it is. In contrast to discussion that constructively airs the issues, arguments bring charges and appoint blame, which is destructive. They provoke hurt, anger, defensiveness, aggressive feelings, bitterness, and other strong emotions. That’s why the Bible says, ‘It is to a man’s honour to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel’ (Proverbs 20:3 NIVUK 1984 Edition). 

Now let’s get real for a second! This side of heaven none of us will live without differences of opinion and disagreements. Even in the best of relationships you’ll have them. And you must realise that not all conflict stems from wilful behaviour; it often arises through innocent mistakes and simple neglect. Entering into an honest discussion that details the reasons for the conflict helps bring clarity, understanding, and appreciation for the other person’s position. Above all, never go deaf! Pay attention to what the other person is saying. There’s nothing worse than having somebody think you’re not listening to them. It’s through open, loving discussion that our opinions about our relationships are honed and clarified. 

Indeed, the things you refuse to deal with can hurt your relationship more than anything else you do. That’s why the Bible says, ‘As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend’.

Luke 8:1-25, Ps 43-45

God's Word For Today: Don’t Be Rude

‘No one rude … is permitted on this road.’

Isaiah 35:8 

The Bible says, ‘There will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude … is permitted on this road’ (v. 8 MSG). 

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a highway specially designated for kind, considerate people? Instead, look around you; ‘road rage’ is played out every single day. Discourteous drivers yell obscenities at fellow motorists, young and old. What’s making us so rude these days? Overbooked schedules, longer commuting times, demanding bosses, spoiled children, and the stresses of daily living? Showing patience is such a rare occurrence anymore. Ill-mannered, discourteous communication has become standard practice - even among professing Christians. Whatever happened to the Golden Rule Jesus gave us? ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ (Luke 6:31 NIV 2011 Edition). 

Most of the time we’re so absorbed in our own agendas that we don’t have time to even think about others! Shouldn’t our love for Christ and our desire to represent Him well here on earth have an impact on our day-to-day behaviour? The Bible says, ‘Love is not … rude. [Love] does not demand its own way’ (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT). 

There’s never justification for being rude. So when you find yourself being impatient and discourteous, repent and recommit to following the Golden Rule. Realise that when you’re rude, you’ve made the very selfish and ungodly decision that your needs and concerns are of paramount importance. 

Followers of Christ are to be patient, considerate, and kind. Try to remember that today when you encounter somebody whose actions invite you to respond the wrong way.

1 Sam 7-9, John 10:1-21

God's Word For Today: A Sobering Scripture

‘In the same way you judge others, you will be judged.’

Matthew 7:2

Here’s a sobering Scripture: ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged’ (v. 1 NIV 2011 Edition). 

Jesus was hard on the religionists of His day because they spent their time nit-picking. They condemned the disciples for not washing their hands, and Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Consider Jesus’ response: ‘You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me’ (John 8:15-16 NIV 1984 Edition). 

So here are some questions you need to answer: ‘Do I judge others based on their actions, and judge myself based on my intentions? When someone’s behaviour doesn’t reflect a choice or decision you’d have made, are you quick to comment? When people don’t move at your pace or do something the way you want it done, do you peg them as lazy and worthless? When you hear something negative about somebody, do you repeat it before checking to see if there’s any truth in it?’ 

Ben Franklin said, ‘I resolve to speak ill of no man … not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of everybody’. 

If you’ve a genuine concern for someone who’s going in the wrong direction and have earned the right to address it, do it in the spirit of love. And remember, you earn that right by consistently demonstrating love and care for them.

1 Sam 4-6, John 9:24-41

You Can Make a Difference

‘I … am as a sparrow alone upon the housetop.’

Psalm 102:7

Do you feel unqualified for the job God has given you? Do you think He picked the wrong person? Many scriptural heroes felt the same. David, whose psalms encourage millions, ‘a man after [God’s] own heart,’ lamented, ‘I … am as a sparrow alone upon the housetop’. 

It’s hard to imagine a less significant bird, yet Jesus said, ‘Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing’ (Matthew 10:29 NLT). 

One author writes: ‘In our impersonal world it’s easy to underestimate the significance of one. 

With so many who seem more capable, gifted, prosperous, and important, who am I to think my part amounts to much? Aren’t you glad Martin Luther King Jr., Walt Disney, Winston Churchill, Irving Berlin, Abraham Lincoln, Charles Wesley, [and Mother Teresa] didn’t think that way?…How many people did it take to help the victim on the Jericho road? How many were chosen to confront Pharaoh and lead the Exodus? How many lost sheep were of concern to the shepherd? How many did God use to prepare the way for the Messiah? Just one! 

Centuries ago a woman named Esther thought there was nothing she could do. She was the Jewish wife of a Persian king, about to be tricked into making a disastrous decision that would exterminate the Jews … Like everyone who stands in the gap, Esther was willing to get involved to the point of sacrifice, and say, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). 

Today ask yourself, “What should I be doing?” 

You can make a difference.’

1 Sam 1-3, John 9:1-23

God's Word For Today: Constructive Complaining

‘So Moses brought their case before the LORD.’

Numbers 27:5

When you get a reputation as a complainer, people will begin to avoid you. 

There’s an interesting story in the Old Testament about the five daughters of Zelophehad. Here was their problem. Their father had died in the wilderness before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. He had no sons to inherit his land, and the law didn’t allow women to receive it. Consequently, without a father, brothers, husbands, sons, or other men in their immediate family, Zelophehad’s daughters were left out completely. It wasn’t fair, but it was the law. So rather than complaining to others, the sisters presented their ‘petition for an inheritance’ to Moses and the leaders. And When Moses brought their case before God, He agreed with the women and granted their request (see Numbers 27:1-11). 

Now, what do you think the outcome would’ve been if they’d gone around whining to everyone and anyone who’d listen instead of going directly to those who could do something about it, namely Moses and God? It’s doubtful they’d have obtained their inheritance. 

Understand this: God can’t bless complainers! The sin of complaining angered Him to the extent He stopped an entire generation of Israelites from inheriting the Promised Land when they were standing on the very threshold. 

You say, ‘Well, I’ve suffered an injustice, so who should I complain to?’. The Lord, the One who can do something about it! 

The psalmist wrote, ‘I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him’ (Psalm 142:2 NASB). And that’s the best advice you can take!

Ruth 1-4, John 8:28-59

God's Word For Today: If You Don’t Tell Them, Who Will?

‘This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent.’

2 Kings 7:9 

The Syrian army had surrounded the city of Samaria and nothing could get in or out. It was a desperate situation. Eventually the inhabitants began starving to death. Four lepers who’d been quarantined and forced to live outside the city walls decided to go into the Syrian camp hoping to find mercy, and maybe food and water. But when they got there they discovered an army of angels had scattered the Syrians, who fled leaving behind food, water, clothing, and treasure. These four men couldn’t believe their good fortune! They ate, drank, exchanged their rags for fine clothing, gathered treasure and hid it where they could find it later. Then they remembered that in Samaria their own people were hungry, thirsty, needy, sick, and dying. And they were faced with the dilemma: Do we keep this all to ourselves, or share it with those who need it as much as we do? ‘Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.”’ 

Today you will meet someone who’s spiritually hungry, and what they need is Jesus. So what are you going to do about it? If you don’t tell them, who will? If you don’t share the good news they may die spiritually. You say, ‘But I’m timid’. God used four social outcasts to bring good news of deliverance. And if you let Him, today He will use you too.

Jdg 19-21, John 8:1-27 

God's Word For Today: The Importance of Family Time

‘Here am I and the children … the LORD has given me!’

Isaiah 8:18

You don’t have to spend huge amounts of money to have meaningful family life. Children love the most simple, repetitive kinds of activities. They want to be read the same stories hundreds of times, and hear the same jokes long after they’ve heard the punch lines. These interactions with parents are often more fun than expensive toys or special events. Dr James Dobson says: ‘A friend of mine once asked his grown children what they remembered most fondly from their childhood. Was it the vacations they took together or trips to Disney World or the zoo? No, they told him. It was when he would get down on the floor and wrestle with the four of them. They would gang-tackle the “old man” and laugh until their sides hurt. That’s the way children think. The most meaningful activities within families are often those that focus on that which is spontaneous and personal… Busy and exhausted mothers and fathers, especially those who are affluent, sometimes attempt to “pay off” their kids with toys, cars, and expensive experiences. It rarely works. What girls and boys want most is time spent with their parents - building things in the garage or singing in the car or hiking to an old fishing pond. No toy, to be played with alone, can ever compete with the enjoyment of such moments. And those moments will be remembered for a lifetime.’ You say, ‘But I’m so busy’. If you’re too busy to get involved in the lives of your children, you’re too busy! Rearrange your priorities and start making some changes.

Jdg 13-15, John 7:1-27 

God's Word For Today: Don’t Use Profanity

‘Whatever is in the heart overflows into speech.’

Luke 6:45

When you resort to profanity it proves the truth of God’s Word: ‘No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God … and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God’ (James 3:8-9 NKJV). 

Profane language is unbecoming to a redeemed child of God. So why do we do it? 

First: We lack the adequate vocabulary to express ourselves and feel we must swear in order for our words to have impact. 

Second: We resort to profanity to release our frustration with the situation. Either way, we’ve developed an ungodly pattern of expressing our displeasure, and we need to restrain ourselves. 

Jesus said: ‘A good person produces good deeds from a good heart. And an evil [person] produces evil deeds from his hidden wickedness. 

Whatever is in the heart overflows into speech.’ 

Acknowledging that profanity resides in your heart will help you reject the idea that a swear word just ‘slipped’ out of your mouth. The fact is it slipped out of your heart! If you’re ‘profanity-prone’, spend more time with God and ask Him to purify your heart and your mouth! 

Words are just verbal thoughts. So ask Him to help you practice mental discipline by ‘casting down’ profane thoughts, and instead using words that bring life to your innermost being and to the lives of others (see 2 Corinthians 10:5). 

James writes, ‘Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so’ (James 3:10 NKJV).

Luke 7:31-50, Ps 40-42 

God's Word For Today: Business Person, Listen to Jesus!

‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’

John 21:5 

The Bible tells us: ‘Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”’ (vv. 4-7 NIVUK 2011 Edition). 

Is your business failing? Is your back to the wall financially? Look at Peter; he’d fished all night and caught nothing. He was tired and discouraged, just like you. Then Jesus started talking to him, even though Peter didn’t recognise Him at that point. And Jesus gave him an instruction that didn’t seem to make sense. ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ Peter may have thought: ‘Lord, respectfully speaking, you may know a lot about preaching but you don’t know much about fishing! If the fish aren’t biting on the left side of the boat, they certainly aren’t biting on the right side.’ 

When you ask God for a miracle, He may give you an instruction that doesn’t gel with your thinking. And when He tells you to do something different from what you’ve always done, it’ll take you out of your comfort zone, surface your fears, and stretch your faith. But if you obey Him you’ll end up with net-breaking results. And when it happens you’ll say like Peter, ‘It is the Lord at work in my life!’. 

So, business person, listen to Jesus!

Jdg 11-12, John 6:45-71

God's Word For Today: Doorways

‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.’

Proverbs 14:12

Imagine a long, dark hallway with a series of doors on either side. Written on each one is the name of an addiction such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, pornography, gambling, etc. Your teenager must walk down that hallway on their journey to adulthood, and their temptation to open those doors will be great. They can hear the beat of the music and the raucous laughter of their friends echoing from inside. The pressure to join them can be enormous. And it’s very difficult to convince a fun-loving adolescent that they should stay in the dark hallway, which seems so boring and embarrassing. Unfortunately for a certain percentage of individuals who open one or more of these doors, a tragedy begins to unfold. 

If a person is susceptible - and there’s no way to know in advance - he or she only has to crack the door an inch or two and a monster will run out and grab them. And some will be held in its grip for life. 

If you talk to an addict about his or her addiction you’ll learn that it probably began casually - with no hint that life was about to take a tragic turn. It all started with opening a door. 

Solomon bottom-lines it in two Scriptures: 

1) ‘My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us” … do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path’ (Proverbs 1:10-11, 15 NKJV). 

2) ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.’

Josh 7-9, John 1:29-51

God's Word For Today: Coping with Grief (2)

‘The LORD is close to the broken-hearted.’

Psalm 34:18 

One woman said, ‘I’d no idea grieving involved so many “firsts”. My first night alone, the first time I attended church alone, my first anniversary alone. And when I didn’t think things could get worse, I find myself bracing for the holidays alone - I’d give anything to boycott them.’ 

In such moments we can stand on the promise, ‘The LORD is close to the broken-hearted’. He offers us the comfort of His presence and His Word, the support of loving friends and family, plus the passage of time to help heal us. 

In the meantime there are some things you can do for yourself: 

1) Draw on God’s strength. Grief is physically and emotionally draining. So ask God to protect you from being consumed by it, and to strengthen you when you’re feeling down. ‘He gives strength to the weary … those who hope in the LORD … renew their strength’ (Isaiah 40:29, 31 NIV 1984 Edition). 

2) Have reasonable expectations about what you can handle. Don’t expect too much too soon. Treat yourself like you’d treat your best friend; be kind, considerate, and nurturing. 

3) Try to plan ahead. When you’re grieving there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to handle special events like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Some people decide to do something totally different instead of trying to maintain old traditions that reinforce their sense of loss. Do what feels best to you. 

4) Allow others to help you. Going it alone usually means going nowhere; reach out to friends and loved ones. Ask them to pray with you and for you. 

Remember, others don’t necessarily know what you need unless you tell them.

Josh 4-6, John 1:1-28

God's Word For Today: Coping with Grief (1)

‘Jesus wept.’

John 11:35 

Dr Colin M. Parkes said, ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’. The more you love someone, the more you grieve their death. Shock, disbelief, confusion, depression, emptiness, and anger are all part of the process. 

When Jesus arrived at the home of Lazarus, His friend had been dead for four days and his sister Martha was upset. She wanted to know why Jesus hadn’t come sooner, or prevented it altogether. ‘Why, Lord?’ It’s a question we ask when we’re overwhelmed with grief. And what was Jesus’ response? The Bible says that seeing Mary and the other mourners, ‘Jesus wept’. And when He did, He made it okay for you to grieve too! 

Tears don’t represent a lack of faith; they just mean you’re human. The One who gave you the ability to love understands sorrow and loss - that’s why He gave you tears. 

How do we mourn? One counsellor says: ‘Awkwardly. Imperfectly. Usually with a great deal of resistance. Often with anger and attempts to negotiate … We flounder through kicking and screaming, until we reach that peaceful state called acceptance.’ But acceptance doesn’t mean giving in to despair, because ‘the parting is for a moment and the reunion is for eternity’. 

Paul says: ‘We will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality … then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory”’ (1 Corinthians 15:51-54 NIV 2011 Edition).

Luke 6:27-49, Ps 35-36