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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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Protect Your Life Source
‘Come and drink the Water of Life.’

Revelation 22:17
The UCB Word for Today - 16 Dec 2015



The Babylonians encircled Jerusalem and cut off its food supply. The question was, how long could they hold out? That’s what the Babylonians kept wondering.


But a month passed, then two, then an entire year, and still they held out.

The secret of Jerusalem’s survival lay in a water supply from a spring outside the city walls where Hezekiah had cut a 1,777-foot tunnel through solid rock.


From there water passed under the city walls to a reservoir inside called the Pool of Siloam.

Without it God’s people would have gone down in defeat.

But it’s not just another Bible story; there’s an important lesson here for you. To live victoriously you must: 1) know your life’s true source; 2) protect it; 3) draw from it daily.

If your security, your strength, your self-worth, or your strategy for living comes from any other source but God, the enemy can defeat you.


Everything you need comes from God, so protect and nurture your relationship with Him, for it will always be the focal point of Satan’s attack.


A day without reading God’s Word isn’t merely a slip; it’s a set-up for failure. Prayerlessness isn’t carelessness; it’s foolishness in the extreme. You say, ‘Well, I’m doing okay and I don’t pray or read the Bible very much.’ Maybe you haven’t reached your hour of testing yet.


When that comes, without an established source to draw from you’ll struggle more and succeed less. Is that really how you want to live? If not, the word for you today is: ‘Come and drink the Water of Life.’

Micah 4-5, Rev 9

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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The Benefits of Reading God’s Word
‘Your words…[are] my joy and my heart’s delight.’

Jeremiah 15:16
The UCB Word for Today - 17 Dec 2015



God promises certain things to those who take time each day to get to know Him through His Word.

Let’s look at some of them: 1) Joy. ‘When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.’ 2) Strength. ‘Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified’ (Acts 20:32 NIV 2011 Edition). 3) Peace. ‘Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble’ (Psalm 119:165 NIV 2011 Edition). ‘If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river’ (Isaiah 48:18 NIV 2011 Edition). 4) Stability. ‘I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.


Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure’ (Psalm 16:8-9 NIV 1984 Edition). 5) Success. ‘Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.



Then you will be prosperous and successful’ (Joshua 1:8 NIV 1984 Edition). 6) Answered prayer. ‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you’ (John 15:7 NIV 2011 Edition).


Joy, strength, peace, stability, success, and answered prayer – these are the things everybody wants.


Don’t you? Well, look no further. God has promised them to you when you spend time with Him in His Word each day.


Micah 6-7, Rev 10

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Pastor, How Are You Doing? (1)
‘If a [shepherd] has a hundred sheep, and one…is lost…Won’t he… search for the lost one?’

Matthew 18:12
The UCB Word for Today - 18 Dec 2015



When a traveller was robbed and left to die on the Jericho Road, Jesus said, ‘A… priest…Likewise a Levite…passed by on the other side’ (Luke 10:31-32 NKJV).


That sounds cold, doesn’t it? But what if they overlooked the man not because they lacked compassion, but because they were late for a Bible study or a board meeting? Would they have been justified?

One pastor writes: ‘This parable didn’t register until I’d been in the ministry for years. I’d walked past so many people who could’ve used my help, but because I was too distracted by church programmes, broken lives by the roadside rarely fitted into my agenda.


Love isn’t efficient; it can’t be scheduled. This hurting man couldn’t have waited three weeks for an appointment, or for the Samaritan to launch a ministry of care to similar victims.’ Life’s most rewarding experiences rarely come in neat little packages.


They’re found in unexpected encounters, and at critical times in the lives of people.
In fact, some people who can’t remember your last sermon can tell you in detail what you said to them in the hospital, or over coffee last year, because it touched them so personally.

Nothing in ministry is more seductive than thinking your work on behalf of the multitudes justifies ignoring those who can only be reached individually.

Jesus said, ‘If a [shepherd] has a hundred sheep, and one…is lost…Won’t he…go…search for the lost one?’ When Peter said, ‘Lord…I love you,’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep’ (John 21:16 NIV 2011 Edition). And today He’s saying that to you, Pastor!


Nahum 1-3, Rev 11

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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Pastor, How Are You Doing? (2)
‘The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’

John 10:11
The UCB Word for Today - 19 Dec 2015



Sometimes pastors hide behind their busy schedules to avoid having to say ‘no’ to people. Jesus knew when to get involved, and when not to. Learn from Him.


You’ll never be able to respond effectively if you feel obligated to meet every need all the time. And God’s not asking you to.


He only expects you to respond to what He sends your way.

One pastor says: ‘I’ll never forget my guidance counsellor’s face when she heard I was going into the ministry. “But you don’t even like people!” she exclaimed.


I remember thinking, “So what? Ministry’s about preaching and leading a congregation to greater heights. I don’t have to worry about individuals.” But that’s a myth.


We dare not become so programme-focused that we flee from the next person God sends our way. I’m amazed how far bureaucracies will go to make systemic change, rather than making an exception that would easily fix the problem.


Personal needs are too significant to commit to the rigidity of any programme. Some of us think the problem with handling needs personally is that they can multiply like rabbits.

Plus, programmes exist to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, right? Wrong! The “ministry myth” that says, “What you do for one you must do for all,” is a recipe for burnout.’ Jesus spent much of His time ministering to individual needs. And He said, ‘The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’

But in order to do that you must make room in your life for the unexpected.


Habakkuk 1-3, Rev 12

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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Pastor, How Are You Doing? (3)
‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.’

Isaiah 30:15
The UCB Word for Today - 20 Dec 2015



God said, ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.


But you would have none of it.’ When you’re emotionally and spiritually drained by people’s expectations, it’s easy to grow numb to the full range of human emotions.


And while it may seem like a relief to be free from negative emotions, the positive ones also become elusive because you don’t feel much of anything – good or bad.


When that happens you’re likely to end up being directed by things like: 1) over-scheduling; 2) poor time management; 3) performance anxiety; 4) having few boundaries; 5) tolerating toxic relationships and bad habits; 6) unresolved grief or pain; 7) wrong goals. So what’s the answer? ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.’ Instead of pushing on and struggling to keep going, stop and talk to God about what’s happening in your life.



Rather than feeling isolated and weighed down by the impossibility of your situation, include Him in the equation by praying: ‘Lord, help me to keep my mind stayed on You.


During this time of busyness and stress help me to reorder my priorities according to Your will, to think Your thoughts, and to let the mind of Christ have its rightful authority in my life.


Your Word says You’ve ordained peace for me. Because You are my fortress and my deliverer, I will not allow myself to be troubled or afraid.

Thank You for keeping my heart and mind at rest through Christ Jesus. Amen.’


Luke 24:1-35, Psalm 129-139

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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Pastor, How Are You Doing? (4)
‘Come aside by yourselves…and rest a while.’

Mark 6:31
The UCB Word for Today - 21 Dec 2015

There are two kinds of ‘tired’. And the dissimilarity is like the difference between puffy spring rain clouds and the clouds that precede a tornado.


One is temporary and normal. It comes from a job well done, and after a period of rest you bounce back.


The other is a chronic inner fatigue that accumulates over months, and doesn’t always manifest itself in physical exhaustion.


In fact, it’s often masked by frenetic activity and impulsive behaviours such as: 1) You can’t relax over a meal or coffee. 2) You keep checking and rechecking your voice messages and emails. 3) Your bedside table is piled high with publications designed to keep you ‘ahead of the game’. 4) Taking a day off seems impossible. 5) You don’t take breaks and you work every holiday. 6) You can’t sleep. 7) Any free time you have is spent in ‘escapist’ behaviour like eating, drinking, spending, and mindlessly watching TV.


Wayne Muller said: ‘Because we don’t rest, we lose our way. Poisoned by the belief that good things come only through unceasing determination and tireless effort…for want of rest our lives are in danger.’ The truth is, while you’re busy working hard and looking important, you can lose your ability to hear the voice of the One who called you to your position initially.


Yes, God expects you to work hard, but not by endangering your health, your family, or your time with Him. If that’s the shape you’re in right now, Jesus is saying, ‘Come aside…and rest a while.’

If you’re wise and you want to go the distance – you’ll pay attention and do what He says.


Zepheniah 1-3, Rev 13

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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Godly Parents, Godly Children
‘He will direct his children.’

Genesis 18:19
The UCB Word for Today - 22 Dec 2015



Speaking about Abraham, God said, ‘He will direct his children…to keep the way of the Lord.’ Can God say that about you? When you get serious about raising godly children, God puts the focus where it belongs – on you! If you want to see important truths sail right over your children’s heads, try teaching them something you’re not personally committed to.


Do you think your children are just being difficult? No, they’re watching you like a hawk! If your actions demonstrate that what you’re teaching them isn’t important to you, it’ll never be important to them either.


And can you blame them? If you’re devoted to chasing material things, they will be too. But if you devote yourself to serving the Lord, they’ll be drawn to Him as well.


Do you want to enjoy a long, happy life? Pass God’s teaching on to your children, and to their children after them (See Deuteronomy 6:2).


Notice, your love for the Lord comes first: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart’ (Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV). Surprised? You shouldn’t be. When your lifestyle demonstrates your love for Christ, He’ll attract your children like nothing else on earth.


Do your children see you reading the Bible? Do you discuss its truths with them in an engaging way? When behaviours and values come into question, do you lead them to the Scripture for answers? Why is this so important? Because the Bible says, ‘Another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord’ (Judges 2:10 NKJV).


In order to raise godly children you must teach them God’s principles, and practise them yourself.


Haggai 1-2, Rev 14

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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Don’t Boast
‘Because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am.’

1 Corinthians 15:10
The UCB Word for Today - 23 Dec 2015



If you’ve been blessed with success, read these words from Paul and take them to heart: ‘Because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am.’


Every good thing you have right now, plus every good thing you’ll enjoy in the future, comes from God. Try never to forget that! You say, ‘Wait a minute, I worked hard for this.



Don’t I deserve a little credit?’. Yes, you do; the Bible says, ‘Give honour and respect to all those to whom it is due’ (Romans 13:7 TLB).


But praise by its very nature can be intoxicating. The human body is a remarkable piece of chemistry; pat a man or woman on the back – and their head starts to swell!



Someone said ‘Praise is like perfume; if you consume it, it’ll kill you!’ That’s why Paul gives us this timely reminder: ‘Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God?


So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing?’ (1 Corinthians 4:7 MSG). One day King Nebuchadnezzar’s head got too big for his hat, and he boasted, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built’ (Daniel 4:30 NLT).


But God interrupted his proud moment and stripped him of his kingdom, and he ended up losing his mind and living like a wild beast.


Only when he repented and acknowledged that God was the ruler over everything, did God restore his sanity and his kingdom.


Corrected, humbled, and enlightened, he knelt down and prayed, ‘I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes towards heaven, and my sanity was restored’ (v. 34 NIV 2011 Edition). Boasting is a form of insanity – don’t do it!


Zech 1-2, Rev 15

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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This Christmas, Look for Jesus
‘They saw the child…and worshiped him.’ Matthew 2:11

NIV
The UCB Word for Today - 24 Dec 2015



The Wise Men couldn’t have imagined humbler circumstances than those surrounding the birth of Jesus. Max Lucado paints the picture: ‘The ground is hard, the hay scarce. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling…Mary looks into the face of her Son.


Her Lord. His Majesty. At this point the human being who best understands who God is and what He’s doing is a teenage girl…She remembers the angel’s words, “His kingdom will never end.” Majesty in the midst of the mundane.


Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable. This baby had once overlooked the universe. His robes of eternity were exchanged for the rags keeping Him warm.


His golden throne room abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. Worshiping angels replaced with shepherds. Meanwhile the city hums, unaware that God has visited their planet.


The innkeeper would never believe he’d just sent God out into the cold. And people would scoff at anyone who told them the Messiah lay in the arms of a teenager on the outskirts of their village. They were all too busy to consider the possibility.


But those who missed His Majesty’s arrival that night missed it not because of acts of evil or malice. No, they missed it because they weren’t looking for Him!’

This Christmas, in the midst of the toys, the tinsel, and the tumult, stop and look for Jesus. If you know Him as your Lord and Saviour, take time to worship Him.


And if you don’t, make Him your Lord and Saviour. If you do, it’ll be the best Christmas you’ve ever had.


Zech 3-4, Rev 16

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

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Born, Growing and Living in You
‘Let it be to me according to your word.’

Luke 1:38
The UCB Word for Today - 25 Dec 2015



The story of the virgin birth illustrates how close God wants to get to us. In a sense He’s asking you the same question He asked Mary: ‘Are you willing to let Me in?’.


Just as Mary conceived the Christ Child, Jesus can be born in you and live His life through you. What an amazing thought. What a privilege! Paul prayed ‘…that Christ may dwell in your hearts…’ (Ephesians 3:17 NIV 2011 Edition). John said, ‘Those who obey…live in him, and he in them’ (1 John 3:24 NIV 1984 Edition).


Jesus promised, ‘If anyone…opens the door, I will come in’ (Revelation 3:20 NIV 2011 Edition). All God asks is an invitation and an open heart. God was with Adam in the garden.


He was with Abraham and called him His friend. But as a redeemed child of God, Jesus is in you. And He will keep growing in you until He comes out in your words, your attitudes, your lifestyle, and the choices you make each day.



Are you struggling with bitterness? Or worry? Or unforgiveness? Or bad habits? Since Jesus lives in you, you have access to His awesome power.



That’s why Paul talks about ‘striving according to His power, which mightily works within me’ (Colossians 1:29 NASB). God isn’t looking for great talent, He’s looking for simple trust.



Mary must have felt overwhelmed and inadequate when she heard what God had in mind for her. Nevertheless she said, ‘Let it be to me according to your word.’ Do you want to have a great Christmas? Make that your prayer too.


Zech 5-6, Rev 17