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The Word For Today-A Daily Update
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to receive God’s forgiveness


‘You forgave me! All my guilt is gone.’
Psalm 32:5 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 13 JAN 2020

When God forgave David for adultery and murder, he wrote: ‘Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.

My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.

I said…“I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone’ (vv. 1-5 NLT).

Unconfessed, unforgiven sin will make you miserable. But after you’ve acknowledged it and received God’s forgiveness, you shouldn’t continue to feel miserable.

So why do we feel miserable? Many times it’s because of how we were raised.

We grew up hearing words like, ‘I hope you feel bad about what you’ve done!’ or ‘Shame on you!’

And if our offence was great, like wrecking the family car, we may even have been put on probation! In other words, we’re programmed for long-term guilt.

The good news is, God’s forgiveness doesn’t work that way. The moment that brings conviction and confession of sin also brings cleansing of sin, and leads to restored confidence before God.

Don’t let Satan keep condemning you. Refuse to walk around feeling guilty and ashamed.

Today say with the psalmist, ‘You forgave me! All my guilt is gone.’ Now go out and live freely, confidently, and with joy!

Genesis 27-28, Matthew 8:18-34
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Use the power of praise


‘His praise shall continually be in my mouth.’
Psalm 34:1 KJV

The UCB Word for Today - 14 JAN 2020

You can praise God too little, but you can never praise Him too much. David writes, ‘From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised’ (Psalm 113:3 KJV).

‘Seven times a day do I praise thee’ (Psalm 119:164 KJV). ‘His praise shall continually be in my mouth.’

When you are overwhelmed by circumstances, the last thing you feel like doing is praising God. But it’s the first thing you should do, because praise gets your attention off yourself and onto God’s miraculous power.

Jehoshaphat faced an army he had no hope of defeating. But when he started to praise God, his enemies destroyed each other while he looked on in amazement.

When Paul and Silas praised God in prison, their chains broke and the doors opened. It’s normal to focus on the problem and forget to praise God, but praise solves problems.

Peter writes: ‘The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ’ (1 Peter 1:7 KJV). Start to acknowledge the power of praise and choose to exalt God regardless of how you feel.

Praise brings you into God’s presence and positions you for His favour and blessing. You say, ‘But I don’t understand how praise works.’

Think about it like this: you don’t have to understand aerodynamics in order to fly. You just get on the plane and the pilot takes you where you need to go. It’s the same when you praise God – just do it and you’ll get results.

Genesis 29-30, Matthew 9:1-17
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Try less and trust more!


‘He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.’
Philippians 1:6 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 15 JAN 2020

If you want God’s will to be done in your life, don’t rush things. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, did that.

As a result Ishmael was born, and that brought all sorts of strife and family complications. Remember: ‘Flesh gives birth to flesh…the Spirit gives birth to spirit’ (John 3:6 NIV 2011 Edition), so be sure your plans are conceived by God’s Spirit.

Don’t try to salvage anything flesh-based. God said, ‘My covenant will I establish with Isaac’ (Genesis 17:21 KJV). Isaac was born as a result of God’s will, done God’s way, in God’s time.

Everything that’s conceived in you comes from one of two sources: the flesh or the Spirit. So be careful.

People will try to involve you in all kinds of schemes to promote yourself. God doesn’t need anybody’s help to bless you; He can do it all by Himself!

That’s why whenever Satan attacks you, you need to be able to point him to your spiritual birthplace and remind him that you didn’t begin this project and you don’t have to finish it. ‘He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.’

And here’s another thought. If God’s dealing with you about carnality, pride, or some other obstacle in your path, don’t resist, don’t run, and don’t get in His way.

Like a drowning man frantically trying to save himself – until you stop flailing around God can’t do anything for you. So the word for you today is: ‘Try less and trust more!’


Genesis 31-32, Matthew 9:18-38
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Looking for a lifetime partner


‘Do not be yoked together with unbelievers…what fellowship can light have with darkness?’
2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 16 JAN 2020

An ox and a donkey each have a tail, two eyes, and four legs. But if you harness them together, they won’t get along or work well together.

Actually, they will pull in different directions. That’s because God made them with very different natures and attributes!

With that picture in your mind, here’s some advice on dating you’d be wise to heed. Looks soon fade, so choose someone who has other, less obvious attributes.

For example:
1) Consider their manners and how they treat the waiter at the restaurant.
2) What type of interests do they have?
3) Do they share your spiritual values and beliefs?
4) Do they show genuine interest in what you have to say?
5) How do they treat people they’re not trying to impress?

Once the newness of the initial attraction wears off, there must be something more, or the relationship is doomed. And make sure you’re the chooser, and not the chosen.

Think about what you really want, and don’t entrust your heart to someone without first ascertaining their suitability. The only way to do that is to ask questions and ask God for discernment so you can learn to read their motives through their mannerisms.

If you’re going to make an informed decision about sharing your life with this person, and share the most intimate, vulnerable parts of yourself literally and figuratively, you must open your eyes, along with all your senses, and really see the other person. Stop. Look. Listen. Pray.

That’s the Bible’s formula for making a wise decision when it comes to choosing a mate for life.

Genesis 33-35, Matthew 10:1-16
 
The right mind-fuel?
17 JANUARY 2020

‘Be changed within by a new way of thinking.’
Romans 12:2 NCV

What we consume determines our performance. That’s why you need to be careful what you feed your body, your children, your pets, and even your car.

But what you feed your mind is equally important, especially when you consider these two laws that operate in life: 1) The law of cognition.

Your thoughts influence your emotions and your behaviour. The Bible says, ‘For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). Jesus said a good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit (see Matthew 7:18).

In other words, good thinking can’t produce bad results, just as bad thinking can’t produce good results. 2) The law of exposure.

The Bible says, ‘Do not…be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.’ You’ll always think about what you are exposed to the most.

And given the violence, lust, and greed portrayed by the media, it’s not surprising that crime and immorality are on the rise.


You can’t just say, ‘I’m going to read this magazine, watch this programme, listen to this music, but it won’t affect me.’ Social science now confirms what God said all along – it does affect you! Where you go, what you read (or don’t read), what you watch, and the dreams you entertain all shape your mind. Paul writes, ‘Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise’ (Colossians 3:16 TLB).

So when you need the right mind-fuel, remember: ‘God whose gracious Word can make you into what He wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need’ (Acts 20:32 MSG).

Genesis 36-38, Matthew 10:17-42
Prophet Ebankole

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The right mind-fuel?

17 JANUARY 2020

‘Be changed within by a new way of thinking.’
Romans 12:2 NCV

What we consume determines our performance. That’s why you need to be careful what you feed your body, your children, your pets, and even your car.

But what you feed your mind is equally important, especially when you consider these two laws that operate in life: 1) The law of cognition.

Your thoughts influence your emotions and your behaviour. The Bible says, ‘For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). Jesus said a good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit (see Matthew 7:18).

In other words, good thinking can’t produce bad results, just as bad thinking can’t produce good results. 2) The law of exposure.

The Bible says, ‘Do not…be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.’ You’ll always think about what you are exposed to the most.

And given the violence, lust, and greed portrayed by the media, it’s not surprising that crime and immorality are on the rise.


You can’t just say, ‘I’m going to read this magazine, watch this programme, listen to this music, but it won’t affect me.’ Social science now confirms what God said all along – it does affect you! Where you go, what you read (or don’t read), what you watch, and the dreams you entertain all shape your mind. Paul writes, ‘Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise’ (Colossians 3:16 TLB).

So when you need the right mind-fuel, remember: ‘God whose gracious Word can make you into what He wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need’ (Acts 20:32 MSG).

Genesis 36-38, Matthew 10:17-42
Prophet Ebankole

[Image: 728x90.gif]
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to raise a secure adult


‘The children of your people will live in security.’
Psalm 102:28 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 18 JAN 2020

When you ask parents about their future hopes for their kids, you’ll hear words like happy, secure, and self-confident. Those are nice sentiments, but not guarantees.

But what makes that kind of adult? A childhood filled with trophies and good grades?

A life in the country, far away from the crime-ridden city? Enriching pastimes like travel and music?

The truth is, not one of these things predicts later happiness. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t encourage children to study and excel; having parents who value knowledge makes a difference.

The important qualities, however, aren’t external, they’re internal. Psychologist Dr Edward Hallowell says to feel secure, your children need to develop two crucial skills:

1) The ability to overcome adversity.
2) The capacity to sustain joy.

He says, ‘Life is full of disappointments. Only by failing the first time and learning to try, try, and try again will a person get the most out of their abilities.’

But how do you teach your kids to be joyful in the face of adversity? There’s only one way to do it: introduce them to the source of joy.

Isaiah said, ‘My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with…salvation’ (Isaiah 61:10 KJV). David said, ‘In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore’ (Psalm 16:11 KJV).

Jeremiah said, ‘Thy word was unto me the joy…of mine heart’ (Jeremiah 15:16 KJV). God never promised us a life without problems, but His Word says, ‘The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…joy’ (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

Genesis 39-40, Matthew 11
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

That’s how it works!


‘The Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain…he had not.’
Genesis 4:4-5 KJV

The UCB Word for Today - 19 JAN 2020

Cain cultivated the ground, planted the seed, gathered the harvest, and offered God the fruits of his labours. He thought God would be impressed, and that He would feel obligated to bless him.

But that’s not how it works! Abel, on the other hand, told God, ‘I did nothing.

You created the lamb I’m offering. I’m just giving You back what’s Yours, and asking You to bless it.’ And God did!

You can tell a lot about somebody by how they approach God. Some of us act like God owes us something.

Others among us are so impressed with our spiritual status and accomplishments that we feel the need to approach Him with lofty phraseology and high-sounding ‘thees’ and ‘thous’. But God isn’t impressed, so let’s get real!

‘The Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering.’ That’s because unlike his brother, Abel wasn’t seeking credit for anything.

He wanted God to have all the glory. That’s the kind of offering that moves God’s heart and invites His richest blessing upon our lives.

So what are you offering God today? Your achievements? Your denominational credentials? Your self-reliance? Your shallow emotion?

If you are, don’t bother! The only thing He asks is that you humbly open your heart and let Him recreate you in the likeness of Jesus. When you do that, something wonderful happens.

By downplaying your own self-interests and giving God an acceptable offering, not only will He receive and respect it, He will bless you and equip you to bless others too. That’s how it works!

Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 7-9
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Make your relationships a win-win


‘Look out…for the interests of others.’
Philippians 2:4 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 20 JAN 2020

If your only motive for giving to someone is to see what you can get back, you will be disappointed. The Bible says, ‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’

When you give yourself to another person for that person’s development and well-being, you are truly giving and God will bless you for it. If you’re married or a parent, you know this from personal experience.

What does your husband or wife value most highly? Money in the bank, or your time freely given?

What would your children rather have? A toy, or your undivided attention?

The people who love you would rather have you than what you can give them. It’s wise to invest in yourself and your career, but never at the expense of those who matter most.

If you succeed in your career but fail with your loved ones, your success will be hollow and your regrets real. Solomon was famous for his wealth and wisdom.

Yet he wrote, ‘As I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless – like chasing the wind’ (Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT). Learn from his mistakes.

Don’t invest in things, invest in relationships. Here is how most relationships often play out: ‘I win, you lose – I win only once. You win, I lose – you win only once. We both win – we win many times.’

When you seek the good of others, God promises that good things will come to you (see Ephesians 6:8).

Genesis 41-42, Matthew 12:1-21
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Stand on God’s Word (1)


‘I am ready to perform My word.’
Jeremiah 1:12 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 21 JAN 2020

When you are facing danger. David said: ‘This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety…my God and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you…If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up…so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone…

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honour them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation”’ (Psalm 91:2-16 NLT).

Note the phrase, ‘This I declare about the Lord.’ When you speak God’s Word over your life, you release the power contained in it.

So stand firm today, and expect God to honour His Word!

Genesis 43-45, Matthew 12:22-50