[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Restoring damaged people (3)

‘He needed to go through Samaria.’
John 4:4 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 12 May 2019

Why does the Bible say Jesus ‘needed to go through Samaria’? To redeem a damaged woman who was called to introduce the gospel to Samaria for the first time.

Think about the situation Jesus faced; the heat was smouldering, the journey was long, and He was on foot. He knew He wouldn’t be welcome there because of a long-standing animosity between Jews and Samaritans.

Women in those days veiled their faces and were forbidden to speak to men outside their own family. This woman was already the talk of the town because she’d been through five divorces.

So why did Jesus feel He ‘needed to go through Samaria’? Because He saw her as a diamond in the rough.

He looked beyond her problem and saw her potential for His kingdom. The Bible says, ‘Many of the Samaritans…believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified’ (v. 39 NKJV).

There’s an important lesson here. The schedule didn’t control Jesus; the will of God and the needs of hurting people did.

He was willing to go out of His way, turn tradition on its ear, and break new ground to do it. Notice what Jesus told His disciples afterwards: ‘Do you not say, “There are still four months and then comes the harvest?”

Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together’ (vv. 35-36 NKJV).

Luke 9:1-17, Psalm 49-50

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Restoring damaged people (4)

‘He wanted to see who Jesus was.’
Luke 19:3 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 13 May 2019

The Bible says, ‘Zacchaeus…was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was…So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree…since Jesus was coming that way’ (vv. 2-4 NIV 2011 Edition).

The story of Zacchaeus teaches us that being rich doesn’t protect us from being damaged. How some wealthy people got damaged is in the story of how they got rich.

When you violate your conscience, it’s hard to live in your own skin. When you trade your core values for money, your success can be hollow and your guilt heavy.

Zacchaeus struggled with this: ‘Lord…if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount’ (v. 8 NIV 2011 Edition). If that’s how you feel today, Jesus is saying to you the three things He said to Zacchaeus:

1) ‘Make haste.’ Don’t put your salvation off a day longer.

At any given moment you’re as close to eternity as a faulty heartbeat or a malignant cell. Don’t gamble with your soul; get right with God while you can.

2) ‘Come down.’ Humble yourself.

Kneel at the feet of the One who loves you and gave His life to redeem you. It doesn’t matter how badly you’ve failed: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

3) ‘Today I must abide at thy house’ (Luke 19:5 KJV). The word ‘abide’ means ‘to take up residence’.

Refuse to live another day without the assurance that Christ lives in your heart, directs your steps, and watches over all that concerns you.

2 Samuel 16-18, John 20

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Move while the door is open

‘But they all alike began to make excuses.’
Luke 14:18 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 14 May 2019

Jesus told the story of a man who planned a banquet and invited several guests. Listen to some of their excuses for not attending.

‘I’ve purchased a field.’ ‘I’ve bought some oxen.’ ‘I just got married.’ So the host said, ‘Not one of those…who were invited will get a taste of my banquet’ (v. 24 NIV 1984 Edition).

Maybe you think you’re different, that you have a good reason for saying no to God. But is it worth missing your destiny for?

When God speaks to you, that’s the moment of truth! At that point you either make a commitment or make an excuse.

There and then you’re deciding your destiny! What is God asking you to do? What’s making you hesitate?

Fear of failure? Fear of being criticised? Fear usually comes dressed up as an excuse. And every time you waver or pull back, you lay another brick in the wall that will ultimately keep you from reaching your God-ordained destiny.

Author John Mason says, ‘Opportunity is often lost in deliberation.’ So if God’s telling you to do something, take His hand and move forward in faith.

You can’t control the direction of the wind, but by God’s grace you can adjust your sails to take you where you need to go.

The great educator and scientist George Washington Carver said, ‘Ninety-nine per cent of failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses.’ Remember, opportunity is a visitor: don’t assume it will be back tomorrow.

Now is the time – move while the door is open!

2 Samuel 19-20, John 21

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Use the ‘praise strategy’

‘Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.’
Psalm 149:6 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 15 May 2019

The Christian life is a battlefield with an enemy who’s out to defeat us every day. But God has given us strategies for winning, and praise is one of them.

When Israel’s army went into battle, the tribe of Judah led the way. The name ‘Judah’ means ‘praise the Lord’.

So when you go into battle, go with ‘the high praises of God’ in your mouth and He will go before you. This is the ‘praise strategy’ that toppled the walls of Jericho for Joshua, and caused Jehoshaphat’s enemies to destroy one other before the battle even began (see 2 Chronicles 20).

It’s a decision to praise God when you face a situation you can’t handle; to focus on Him instead of on your problem. You may not feel worthy – but He is!

You may not feel able – but He is! Remind God of His promises. Nothing moves Him like the sight of His children praising His name and claiming His promises in the face of adversity.

Jesus said, ‘You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door’ (Matthew 16:19 MSG). Praise invites God to intervene, so use it.

And find somebody to join you in praise (see Matthew 18:19). Multiply your impact before the throne of God.

The Bible says, ‘At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God…And suddenly…all the doors were opened’ (Acts 16:25-26 KJV). So, the word for you today is: use the ‘praise strategy’!

2 Samuel 21-22, Acts 1

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Being there in the crisis (1)

‘You’re called to give aid to people in distress.’
Romans 12:8 MSG

The UCB Word for Today - 16 May 2019

You say, ‘It’s not my responsibility. I’m not getting involved!’

Psychologists call this ‘compassionate disengagement’, the tendency to avoid helping someone in trouble. Whether your motivation is inconvenience, self-protection, or indifference, it’s wrong.

‘Being there’ is how you demonstrate your love for God and your neighbour. And helping requires recognising three kinds of crises:

1) Accidental or situational crises. These involve things like sudden threats to our well-being, disruptive events, unexpected losses, the discovery of a serious illness, the death of a loved one, a family breakdown, the loss of livelihood or security.

Job experienced all these events together and wondered why God allowed so many bad things to happen to him.

2) Developmental crises. These occur in the course of everyday life.

Moving house, going away to university, adjusting to marriage, parenting, retirement, ageing, declining health, and the loss of friends. Abraham and Sarah moved many times.

They also endured years of childlessness and family stress, including the challenge of sacrificing Isaac.

3) Existential crises. These are when we face disturbing truths about ourselves.

We may see ourselves as failures, grapple with being divorced or widowed, learn that our illness is incurable, experience rejection because of our race, class, age, or gender, or realise we may be getting too old to fulfil our life goals. True ‘helpers’ understand, get involved, and encourage.

They keep their eyes open, and are quick to ‘give aid to people in distress’.

2 Samuel 23-24, Acts 2:1-21

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Being there in the crisis (2)

‘Offer each other a helping hand.’
Galatians 6:2 CEV

The UCB Word for Today - 17 May 2019

Your aim should be to help people cope with their crisis and grow through it. This means lowering their fear level and helping them to function normally again by:

1) Making contact with them. People in crisis tend to withdraw rather than ask for help.

So you may have to make that first move, showing them understanding and genuine interest. You don’t have to be a professional; two simple steps can make a big difference.

Listen attentively to their concerns and perceptions, and maintain eye contact. These two things will make them feel valued and understood.

2) Helping reduce their anxiety. A calming presence can lower their stress.

Encourage them to talk about their concerns and offer hope. For example, say, ‘There are ways to deal with this situation.’

Chances are the person’s outlook is distorted or overly pessimistic, so gently suggest other perspectives. For example: ‘May I suggest another way of looking at this?’

Whenever possible give them hope for the future: ‘I realise it’s tough, but with God’s help I believe you can handle it.’ Then give them a Bible promise to back it up (see Jeremiah 33:3).

3) Focusing on real issues. In a crisis people are often overwhelmed by the array of confusing facts, potential problems, and necessary decisions.

By offering them assistance in deciding what issues must be faced first, and what problems need to be solved now, you help alleviate their distress. Rather than discussing the past or worrying about the future, concentrating on the present and helping them take action can lessen their anxiety and empower them to cope better.

1 Kings 1-2, Acts 2:22-47

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Being there in the crisis (3)

‘He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so…we can be there for that person.’
2 Corinthians 1:4 MSG

The UCB Word for Today - 18 May 2019

In a crisis people often fail to see the resources that God has made available to them. Here are three types:

1) Spiritual resources. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1 KJV). This ‘very present’ God illuminates our darkness and confusion.

His love is the source of all comfort (see 2 Corinthians 1:3). His presence addresses our loneliness, and His power addresses our helplessness.

2) Personal resources. People in crisis forget that God has given them strengths and abilities which include faith, skills, memories of past triumphs, empowering attitudes, and motivations.

Reminding them of these encourages them to ‘take back their power’.

3) Interpersonal resources. Most people already have support networks; they just need to be activated.

There are family members, friends, business associates, and neighbours willing to pitch in when asked. Community resources are also available for medical, financial, and material assistance.

And the church can find ways to apply the ‘great commandment’ in crisis times (see Matthew 22:36-39). Members can be invited to pray, give money, provide practical assistance like meals, help with the children, transportation, etc.

People are reluctant to ask for help because they’re embarrassed and feel they should be able to handle their own problems, or think they’re failing by ‘accepting charity’. Help them to understand that others are happy to help, and that one day they can ‘return the blessing’.

1 Kings 3-5, Acts 3

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Being there in the crisis (4)

‘I will bless you with a future filled with hope – a future of success, not of suffering.’
Jeremiah 29:11 CEV

The UCB Word for Today - 19 May 2019

Here are three more helpful steps you can take:

1) Encourage action. Sometimes we over-function in crises, making the needy person dependent and undermining the very self-reliance that can strengthen them.

One psychiatrist says, ‘We must do for others what they cannot do for themselves, but we must not do for them what they will not do for themselves.’ Becoming proactive in a crisis arms people against despair and powerlessness.

Encouraging manageable action steps builds emotional and spiritual muscle. Helping them evaluate their actions and validating their efforts rebuilds their confidence.

When the crisis involves irreversible losses (like death or divorce), the work of getting through one day at a time and gradually adjusting to the changes is action enough.

2) Impart hope. Often there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel and a sense that the suffering will go on endlessly.

What people need at that moment is hope. Hope brings relief based on the conviction that things will improve, and provides energy to deal with the crisis. The Bible is a book of hope.

It energises us when we feel like, ‘This is the worst thing imaginable. It will never get better.’

3) Do the follow-up. Crises are seldom resolved instantly.

Life may soon return to a semblance of normalcy, but there may be episodes of relapse into sadness, helplessness, or loneliness. Your words may bring comfort and hope, but it’s your abiding interest that helps people to maintain their faith and progress!

Luke 9:18-36, Psalm 51-53

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

God has set a time to favour you

‘You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her; the appointed time has come.’
Psalm 102:13 NIVUK

The UCB Word for Today - 20 May 2019

All of your life can be training for one season, one God-given assignment, one purpose. You may determine the number of years required to graduate from university with your degree.

You may know the amount of effort and the approximate timeline required to rise to the top of your profession. But when it comes to experiencing the favour of God, He sets the time.

‘But you, O Lord, sit enthroned for ever…You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her; the appointed time has come’ (vv. 12-13 NIVUK 1984 Edition). One moment of God’s favour will do more for you than a lifetime of striving.

In his book Still Standing: 8 Winning Strategies for Facing Tough Times, Dr James Merritt writes: ‘In a meeting that took less than twenty minutes, Pharaoh made Joseph prime minister of the entire country – second in authority only to him! Pharaoh’s act catapulted Joseph from the pit to the palace.

God works, in hindsight, through a beautiful story arc. His way of getting Joseph to the palace was through the pit and the prison.

As with Joseph, what we so often see as stumbling blocks are really stepping stones God uses to accomplish His plan and fulfil His purpose in our lives.’ It’s your obedience to God that brings His favour, and your faithfulness in difficult times: ‘For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.’

So be faithful and press on; God has set a time to favour you!

1 Kings 6-7, Acts 4:1-22

[ebankole]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Recognise your gift, know your goal

21 MAY 2019
‘Do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit.’
1 Samuel 12:21 NKJV
In order to succeed in what God has called you to do in life, you must recognise your gift and know your goal. When you’re clear about and committed to these two things, you need to demonstrate two qualities: discipline and determination.



Fritz Kreisler, one of the greatest violinists of all time, had them. Crowds packed Carnegie Hall in New York to hear him. But the road to success was a bumpy ride. As a boy he wanted to do nothing more than play the violin, so his parents paid for him to have music lessons.



But he didn’t make as much progress as they hoped, and after a few years he quit the lessons. Over the next several years, through college and early adulthood, he studied medicine but failed to complete medical school.


He joined the army and failed to be promoted. He tried and quit many other pursuits. Realising that the one piece of success he had enjoyed in life related to the violin, he went back to his instructor and said, ‘I want to play.’ She said, ‘Fine, I’ll take you back as a student, but only if you acquire the irreplaceable quality that is necessary for you to become a great violinist.

You must exhibit undefeatable determination.’ So once again, here are your steps to success: 1) Recognise your gift. 2) Know your goal. 3) Dedicate yourself to the process no matter how long it takes. 4) Trust God to bless your efforts.



1 Kings 8-9, Acts 4:23-37

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

God will forgive you

‘As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit.’
Psalm 130:4 MSG

The UCB Word for Today - 22 May 2019

The psalmist wrote: ‘Help, God – the bottom has fallen out of my life!…hear my cry for help! Listen hard! Open your ears…to my cries for mercy. If you…kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit…that’s why you’re worshipped’ (vv. 1-4 MSG).

But God’s forgiveness is worthless unless you receive it by faith – and then forgive yourself! You say, ‘But what about my past?’

The moment you receive God’s forgiveness you no longer have a past – you only have a future. However, you must do three things:

1) Realise that everybody fails. Samson failed by getting too close to the wrong woman (see Judges 16).

Jonah failed by trying to run from the assignment God gave him (see Jonah 1:3). Peter failed when he denied Jesus (see Matthew 26:34). Yet God forgave and used each of them for His glory.

2) You must process your emotions. Regret: ‘If only I hadn’t done it.’

Frustration: ‘I did my best. Why wasn’t it good enough?’

Self-pity: ‘Nobody loves me so I’ll just sit here and lick my wounds.’

Paralysis: ‘I’ve done it too often. My mistake is too big.

I’ll never get beyond it.’ Your emotions are lying to you – don’t believe them!

3) When you fall, get back up again. ‘Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again’ (Proverbs 24:16 NIV 1984 Edition).

Notice, the righteous as well as the unrighteous fall. So be like the lady who said, ‘I’m never down.

I’m either up, or I’m getting up!’ How about it – are you ready to get up and try again?

If so, God will work with you.

1 Kings 10-11, Acts 5:1-20