Word for Today ~ Thursday 5 March

Live by the principles of God's Word

Joshua 23:6 NIV

Entering the Promised Land, God told Joshua: "Be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses." You must identify your core values - and live by them. Swiss philosopher Henri-Frederic Amiel said, "The man who has no inner life is a slave to his surroundings." Your core values are the governing principles you live by. They're the light that guides you. They give stability and structure to your inner world.

When that's in order, you can navigate your way through almost anything. Have you ever wondered why God refers to His Word as "laws"? Because they govern your thoughts and actions, guide you in the right direction, and guard you from trouble. They bring order to your life; without that, you're left with chaos and confusion. Imagine living in a world where twelve inches don't equal one foot, and two plus two doesn't make four. God established His laws for our good. When we disobey them, we suffer; when we honour them, we succeed. Unlike dining al a carte, you can't pick what you want and forget the rest. God says, "Do everything written... Then you will be... successful" (Joshua 1:8 NIV).

Many talented people who make it into the limelight don't stay there long. Why? Because they failed to develop strong character. Their lack of integrity toppled them because they couldn't climb beyond the limitations of their character. Talent may take you to a higher level of success, but without character, you won't be able to handle the pressures that accompany success. That's why it's so important to live by the principles of God's Word.

Soul food: 2 Thes 1-3; Luke 9:46-56; Ps 145:14-21; Prov 4:23-24

Fly together

Hebrews 10:25

It’s easy to do life on our own and think we don’t need any help. But you won’t reach your highest potential by yourself. God has ordained people to help strengthen you, to encourage you, to push you toward your purpose. Over thirty times in the Scripture, it says “one another.” “Love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, comfort one another.” You need others around you. Don’t isolate yourself and think, “Well, I’m strong enough. I’m tough enough. I’m talented enough.” You may be for what you have in mind, but not for what God has in mind. He has something bigger, something more rewarding, that you can’t do by yourself.
Are you flying solo? Or do you have a community of faith? Are people flying with you, watching over you, encouraging you, inspiring you? There’s power in connectivity. Others’ faith makes you stronger. Their praise helps you fight your battles. Their joy gives you joy. It’s not only refueling you, but your faith is helping others. You won’t become all you were created to be without the right people around you.

Father, thank You that You ordained me to be in a community of faith so that my faith can be joined to others’ faith. Thank You that there is a power released when I’m connected to others that gives strength to fight my battles. Help me to fly together with other believers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”