[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Show God’s love (2)

‘If you love only the people who love you…you are no better than other people.’
Matthew 5:46-47 NCV

The UCB Word for Today - 28 Mar 2019

Jon Walker writes: ‘Send picture and I’ll reply…it’s a common message in personal ads and it makes sense in this day and age to exercise caution…

But when it comes to loving others, do you find yourself saying: Send picture first? We all say it in different ways…

“I have to see if you’re good enough…I’m not sure you’re worthy of my love…You need to act the way I expect before I’ll love you.”’

It’s time we stopped ‘evaluating [people] by what the world thinks’ (2 Corinthians 5:16 TLB). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, ‘Your Father in heaven…causes the sun to rise on good people and…evil people…he sends rain to those who do right and…those who do wrong.

If you love only the people who love you, you will get no reward. Even the tax collectors do that.

And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than other people. Even those who don’t know God [do that]…you must be perfect [mature] just as your Father in heaven is’ (Matthew 5:45-48 NCV).

God’s love towards us is ‘perfect’ because it is unconditional, non-judgmental, and comes with no strings attached. The Bible says when we were His enemies, ‘[He] showed his great love…by sending Christ to die for us’ (Romans 5:8 NLT).

So, is there someone in your life who hurt you and now you’re having a hard time loving them? If so, pray: ‘Father, I’m struggling to love [fill in the name].

Help me to let go of judging and blaming, and begin to love them the way You love me.’

Deuteronomy 25-27, Mark 14:27-52

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

A positive, faith-filled outlook (2)

‘With thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’
Philippians 4:6 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 29 Mar 2019

It happens so easily, especially in the company of the wrong people. Before you know it, you’re criticising and complaining, and the atmosphere becomes negative.

That’s because words are like clouds or sunshine; they create a climate. You say, ‘But I only say these things because I’m so worried.’

Then read this: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds’ (vv. 6-7 NIV 2011 Edition).

You rise above anxiety by giving thanks, not by complaining. Never let your level of thanksgiving be determined by your situation, because God is greater than any situation you face.

So how can you overcome your inclination to be negative, and instead develop a positive, faith-filled outlook?

1) Decide to.
Abraham Lincoln told the truth when he said, ‘Most folks are as happy as they make up their mind to be.’ Refuse to spend another moment criticising and complaining.

2) Start now.
Change doesn’t come easily, but unless you make a start it won’t come at all. Try to be more aware of what you say.

Catch yourself in the act! When your first few sentences are negative, self-correct and steer the conversation back towards what’s positive. Resolve that from now on if you can’t say something helpful, you’ll refrain from saying anything at all.

3) Look for what’s good. ‘Whatever is true…noble…right…pure…lovely… admirable…think about such things’ (Philippians 4:8 NIV 2011 Edition). Make this your prayer: ‘Lord, give me a positive, faith-filled outlook.’

Deuteronomy 28-29, Mark 14:53-72

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Don’t yield an inch to fear

‘The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.’
Psalm 118:6 KJV

The UCB Word for Today - 30 Mar 2019

You’ll always have to deal with fear in one form or another. And your fears will be different at different seasons of life.

Once you accept that, you can make progress. For example, Julius Caesar conquered the world but he was terrified of thunder.

Peter the Great of Russia cried like a child when he had to cross bridges. The celebrated British writer Dr Samuel Johnson wouldn’t enter a room left foot first.

If he accidentally did, he backed up and re-entered with his right one. (Talk about putting your best foot forward!) If you let it control you, fear will keep you from living to the fullest.

Fear breeds inaction, inaction breeds lack of experience, lack of experience breeds ignorance, and ignorance breeds fear. It’s a cycle, and if you’re caught in it here are some Scriptures that can help you:

1) ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee’ (Isaiah 26:3 KJV).

2) ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid’ (John 14:27 KJV).

3) ‘When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him’ (Proverbs 16:7 KJV).

4) ‘In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me’ (Psalm 56:4 KJV).

5) ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind’ (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

Personalise these Scriptures in prayer, stand on them, and don’t yield an inch to fear.

Deuteronomy 30-31, Mark 15:1-24

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The dangers of ‘super parenting’

‘What a pleasure to have children who are wise. So give your father and mother joy!’
Proverbs 23:24-25 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 31 Mar 2019

Your goal as a parent should not be to raise perfect children, but to impart to them the wisdom needed for successful living. This raises two challenges: parental neglect and parental obsession.

The second one is prevalent among parents who become obsessed with their children, leaving them no time for recreation, romance, or rest. These folks probably wouldn’t even consider Mother Teresa to be qualified as their babysitter!

The motives of obsessive parents may be good, but their preoccupation can lead to three serious problems:

1) Making children the centrepiece of life, which is not in their best interests. If you make children the centre of the universe, they are in for a rude awakening when they get out into the real world.

2) Emotional and physical fatigue produces what is known as ‘parental burnout’. Just as a battery cannot continually be drained, you need time to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

When you don’t get it, you run on your nerves and everybody around you feels the negative effects.

3) ‘Super parenting’ can be destructive to a marriage, especially when the mother is the one so inclined. A father may come to resent the children for taking his wife away from him, or she may think her husband is selfish because he doesn’t match her commitment to the kids.

Either way, a wedge is driven between them that could eventually destroy the family. The Bible says, ‘Let your moderation be known unto all men’ (Philippians 4:5 KJV).

Moderation, or balance, is the key to a healthy and happy family life.

Luke 6:1-26, Psalm 33-34

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

He’s working all things out for your good

‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.’
Romans 8:28 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 01 April 2019

Paul begins this verse by saying: ‘And we know.’ There are so many things in life we don’t know.

We don’t know if the economy will dip or how our kids will turn out. We don’t even ‘know what we ought to pray for’ (v. 26 NIV 2011 Edition).

But we can ‘know’ these four things:
1) ‘God works.’ Even though you can’t see Him, He’s busy behind the scenes.

He hasn’t checked out or moved on. He’s ceaseless, tireless, and He never stops working.

2) ‘God works for the good.’ Not for our comfort, pleasure, or entertainment, but for our ultimate good.

But then again, He is the ultimate good, so would you expect anything less?

3) ‘God works for the good of those who love Him.’ Behold the benefit of a loving God!

Make His story your story, and your story takes on a happy ending. Guaranteed!

4) God works ‘in all things’. God works, not just in a few things, or the good things, or the best things, or the easy things.

He works in ‘all things’. And He doesn’t make the plan up as He goes along.

The Bible says, ‘In him we were also chosen…according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will’ (Ephesians 1:11 NIV 2011 Edition). And the best part is – God’s plan includes you!

So stop fretting, stressing out, and losing sleep. Turn it over to God and believe that He’s working ‘all things’ out for your good and His glory.

Deuteronomy 32-34, Mark 15:25-47

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Start thanking God for it

‘The land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’
Joshua 1:11 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 02 April 2019

When God tells you He has ‘given’ you something, it means your name is on the title. When He tells you to ‘possess’ it, it may mean you have to fight for it.

If you don’t, you won’t receive what He promised. Right now lots of people may be living in your ‘dream house’ and working in your ‘dream job’.

Don’t resent them, rejoice! God can do the same for you!

If you’re tired of talking about the things you don’t possess, get up and go after them. And when you get them, remember that it wasn’t because you’re so wise and wonderful, but because God gave them to you (see Deuteronomy 8:18).

The Bible says He gives us ‘all things that pertain unto life’ (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). But you must receive the promise inwardly before you can experience it outwardly.

For example, your challenge may be believing in your spirit that you’re being healed before you see it begin to happen physically. Just because something’s not immediately evident doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

For example, when we ask God for an oak tree, He gives us an acorn. At this point we may think God didn’t hear and answer our prayer.

No, the oak tree is in the acorn; it’s just a matter of time before what’s inside bursts out. Whatever God has promised you, the seeds are already within you.

Water them, nurture them, and don’t let anyone uproot them through unbelief. In other words, begin thanking God for what He’s going to do in your life.

Joshua 1-3, Mark 16

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The gospel is exciting

‘The gospel…is the power of God unto salvation.’
Romans 1:16 KJV

The UCB Word for Today - 03 April 2019

One Sunday a lady fell asleep in church. Pointing to the man sitting next to her, the pastor said, ‘Please wake that lady up.’

The man replied, ‘Sorry, Pastor. You put her to sleep – you wake her up!’

Seriously, Paul tells us ‘the gospel…is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes’ (NKJV). The Greek word for ‘power’ is dynamis, from which we get the word dynamite.

Talk about impact! The gospel changes people profoundly.

Chuck Swindoll says: ‘The gospel is like a sword sharpened on the stone of Scripture and tempered in the furnace of reality, relevance, and need. Of all the reactions a person may have to it, I can think of none worse than a yawn, a sleepy “so what”, or a bored “who cares?”

Jesus met people where they were. His word touched raw nerves.

His preaching was a lot more “here-and-now” than it was “there-and-then”. He attacked hypocrisy and prejudice.

He met people where they were, not where they ought to be. Angry young men, blind beggars, proud politicians, loose-living prostitutes, ignorant fishermen, naked victims of demonism, and grieving parents – He related to them all.

His enemies misunderstood Him, but they couldn’t ignore Him. They hated Him, but they were never bored around Him.

Do you want a new definition of failing the Lord? Here it is – using the gospel to bore people!

The gospel isn’t some vague religious concept; it’s an exciting relationship with God that works in everyday life.’ And the people around you need it, so share it with them.

Joshua 4-6, John 1:1-28

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Getting through what you’re going through

‘God…will…provide a way out.’
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 04 April 2019

Some people stay in hopeless situations their whole lives without ever making a decision to seek God’s power to get through them. Being ‘long-suffering’ doesn’t mean living in misery any longer than necessary.

Paul says, ‘Be not conformed to this world: but be…transformed by…renewing…your mind, that ye may prove what is that good… acceptable…perfect, will of God’ (Romans 12:2 KJV). When you renew your mind with God’s Word, He’ll show you His will and strengthen you to get through – once and for all – what you’ve been going through for years.

Instead of complaining about your circumstances, determine to get through them. Author John Mason says: ‘Don’t accept your present temporary situation as your future permanent situation…determine to get on with life and fulfil your purpose…Paul says, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

We’re not to be moved by the obvious, but by the actual. If you’ve been saying for years, “I’m going through this situation,” stand up and declare, “I’ve had enough.

It’s time to get through this mess!” The enemy wants you to believe you’ll never be victorious…or overcome your present circumstance.

But God’s Word says, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But…will…provide a way out” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV 2011 Edition).

Take this verse and stand on it. God is faithful. He will provide “a way out”.’ Your circumstances may not change right away, but as far as God’s concerned, you’re already out on the other side.

Joshua 7-9, John 1:29-51

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Give your children values

‘No one can lay any foundation.’
1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 05 April 2019

A child without values is at the mercy of everybody else’s values. Paul writes, ‘We are co-workers in God’s service…no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ’ (vv. 9, 11 NIV 2011 Edition).

When the adult role models in your children’s lives let them down, point them to Jesus. Tell them how He handled things, and what He has to say about the problems they will face in life. Jesus said, ‘For this cause I was born’ (John 18:37 NKJV).

Let your children know they were born for a special purpose, and as they walk with God He’ll reveal it to them. Anything less, regardless of how rich or famous it makes them, doesn’t satisfy.

Peer pressure would be less effective if our children were taught to hold on to their own values and respect their own opinions. Having others exercise too much influence over them is downright dangerous!

And don’t just teach your kids, solicit their opinions – and respect them. Home is where children learn to practise expressing how they feel, and if you’ve laid the right foundation you have nothing to worry about.

You simply need to guide them in forming the right opinions. If you don’t, they won’t learn to think for themselves or face life with confidence.

Moses told the Israelites: ‘Think constantly about these commandments…teach them to your children…talk about them when you are at home…out for a walk…at bedtime and the first thing in the morning’ (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 TLB). There you have it, Mum and Dad – the job is yours! So get on with it and God will bless you and your family.

Joshua 10-12, John 2

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

What are your goals?

‘I’ve got my eye on the goal…I’m off and running.’
Philippians 3:13-14 MSG

The UCB Word for Today - 06 April 2019

One day Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes lost his train ticket. As he searched for it, obviously irritated, the conductor said, ‘It’s okay, Your Honour; just mail it in.

We all know you and trust you.’ Holmes replied, ‘I’m not concerned about finding my ticket – I just want to know where I’m going!' Having goals lets you know where you’re going in life.

Fifty per cent of the people around you have no idea where they’re going. Another 40 per cent will go in any direction they’re led.

The remaining 10 per cent know where they’d like to go – but fewer than half of them are prepared to pay the price to get there. What enabled Jesus to endure the shame of the cross was His vision of the resurrection and a church that would one day change the world (Hebrews 12:2).

Moses relinquished the comforts of Pharaoh’s palace because he envisioned the Promised Land (Hebrews 11:24-27). Store owner J.C. Penney said, ‘Give me a stock clerk with a goal, and I’ll give you someone who’ll make history.

On the other hand, give me someone without a goal, and I’ll give you a stock clerk.’ The truth is, while you are working on your goals, your goals are working on you.

And the reward you get for reaching them isn’t nearly as important as what you become in pursuit of them. So, do you have goals?

Are they clear enough to write down, short enough to fit into a paragraph, strong enough to help you persevere, and valuable enough to make you pay the price? If so, you’ll live to see them fulfilled.

Joshua 13-15, John 3:1-21