[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Lessons from God’s creatures (2)

‘Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him.’
1 Peter 1:8 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 03 MAR 2020

In his book, Talking Dogs, Sam Mason continues: ‘During the last couple of years of his life, Tigger, one of our dearly loved Italian greyhounds, gradually lost his sight. He’d developed cataracts.

They robbed him of his vision, but they couldn’t steal his precious relationship with his masters. My wife Carol often referred to Tigger as her “lovey-dovey boy”.

He would stand (not sit!) on our laps, putting his paws on either side of our necks, then affectionately tuck his head under our chins. It was adorable.

Blind though he was, Tigger’s desire for the ones he could no longer see was unaffected. In spite of the cataracts that blurred our features, somehow he still managed to look us in the face.

His diminished capacities may have hampered his movements, but his love and trust towards his masters remained rock solid. All of us who have placed our trust in the Lord possess handicaps…even spiritual ones.

Do we use them as excuses for not pursuing God as intensely as we ought? Do we allow these hindrances to ration our love for Him?

Or do we, with God’s help, find the strength to reach past our limitations to experience the unbounded joy of His presence, and fulfil the calling He’s placed on our lives? Yes, we may sometimes grope about in darkness every now and then, even stumbling and falling.

But we can trust the One who understands our seasons of blindness. We can open our hearts to His love and love Him back…sight unseen!’

Numbers 3-4, Mark 3:20-35

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

It’s yours – if you fight for it

‘Take possession of the land…God is giving you.’
Joshua 1:11 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 04 MAR 2020

God told Joshua, ‘You will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.’ As far as God was concerned, the promised land already belonged to His people.

But when He told them to ‘take possession’, that meant they would have to fight for it. There were thirty-one kings living there – warlords, each with their own tribal armies.

There were seven major cities to conquer, and giants to overcome. So here are the questions:

1) Do you believe God has given you the gifting, resources, and strength to fulfil your destiny?
2) Are you willing to fight for it? You won’t win in your own strength, but the good news is, you don’t have to.

God said, ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you’ (v. 9 NIV 2011 Edition).

Whatever God calls you to do, He will give you the ability to do, but you must work to develop that ability. Sometimes He will answer your prayer immediately and give you what you’re asking for.

Other times, the onus is on you to pursue what He promised – and that calls for passion, patience, and persistence. Has it occurred to you that you may be waiting for God to bring you something, and He’s waiting for you to go and get it?

He doesn’t respond to our wishes, or even to our pleading; He responds to faith-in-action! So the word for you today is – it’s yours, if you’re willing to fight for it!

Numbers 5-6, Mark 4:1-20

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The path of pressure

‘But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure).’
Matthew 7:14 AMPC

The UCB Word for Today - 05 MAR 2020

If you’re at a crossroads in life today, you have two options:

1) Turn right or left.
2) Go forward or back.

There’s no doubt what way God wants you to go – forward! If you have any doubts about that, read and meditate on these Scriptures: ‘Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would increase abundantly’ (Job 8:7 NKJV).

‘They go from strength to strength’ (Psalm 84:7 NKJV). ‘The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day’ (Proverbs 4:18 NKJV).

‘Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all’ (1 Timothy 4:15 NKJV). God will give you the grace and strength to go forward and pursue the path ahead, but understand this: it’s not always an easy path.

Jesus said: ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it’ (Matthew 7:13-14 AMPC).

Here Jesus was preaching His famous Sermon on the Mount, where He outlined how you’re supposed to live as a citizen of His kingdom. It’s the difference between the ‘many’ and the ‘few’.

The first group chooses the path of ease, but the second chooses the path of ‘pressure’, realising that tough as it may be, it forms the character of Christ in us.

Numbers 7-8, Mark 4:21-41

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Don’t pray yourself out of faith

‘When ye pray, believe.’
Mark 11:24 KJV

The UCB Word for Today - 06 MAR 2020

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, ‘The Prince of Preachers’, said: ‘Believe God until…you can thank Him for the answer. If the answer still tarries outwardly, do not pray in such a way that it’s evident you’re not believing for it.

Such a prayer in place of being a help will be a hindrance; and when you are finished praying you’ll find that your faith has weakened, or has entirely gone. The urgency that you felt to offer this kind of prayer is clearly from self…It may not be wrong to mention the matter in question to the Lord again, if He is keeping you waiting, but be sure you do it in such a way that it implies faith.

Do not pray yourself out of faith. You may tell Him that you’re waiting…still believing Him and therefore praise Him for the answer.

There is nothing that so fully clinches faith, as to be so sure of the answer that you can thank God for it. Prayers that pray us out of faith deny both God’s promise in His Word, and His whisper “Yes”, that He gave us in our hearts.

Such prayers are but the expression of the unrest of one’s heart, and unrest implies unbelief…“For we which have believed do enter into rest” (Hebrews 4:3 KJV). This prayer that prays ourselves out of faith frequently arises from centring our thoughts on the difficulty rather than on God’s promise.

Abraham “considered not his own body…he staggered not at the promise of God” (Romans 4:19, 20 KJV). May we watch and pray that we enter not into the temptation of praying ourselves out of faith.’

Numbers 9-10, Mark 5:1-20

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Your ‘benefits package’

‘You have said, “What’s the use of serving God?”’
Malachi 3:14 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 07 MAR 2020

In the last book in the Old Testament, Malachi, the Israelites asked, ‘What’s the use in serving God?’ It’s a question nonbelievers and sometimes even believers ask, particularly when times are hard and our faith is sorely tested.

The psalmist gives us the answer: ‘Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression…happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.

His children shall be honoured everywhere, for good men’s sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten.

When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful – and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.

Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it.

He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him.

That is why he is not afraid, but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need.

His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honour’ (Psalm 112:1-9 TLB).

Notice that the benefits of serving God include happiness, children you can be proud of, success, influence, and honour. Note in particular the words: ‘He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen.

For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him.’ These blessings are all part of your ‘benefits package’.

Numbers 11-12, Mark 5:21-43

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Does your wife know you love her? (1)

‘Husbands, love your wives.’
Ephesians 5:25 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 08 MAR 2020

Why does the Bible say, ‘Husbands, love your wives…as Christ…loved the church and gave Himself for her’? Because your wife needs to know you love her, think about her, include her in your plans, and that you consider her opinions, needs, and desires.

And if you don’t tell her, she won’t know it! So let’s look at how Jesus loved the church, which began with twelve disciples who were flawed human beings, and learn how you should love your wife.

1) He loved them unconditionally. Was it always easy? No.

But instead of nagging His disciples about what they were or were not, He rejoiced, thinking about what they would become when His grace had worked in their lives. Stop and remember the qualities you saw in your wife that initially attracted you to her.

Over the years she may have gained a few pounds, added a few new wrinkles, and sometimes seems to be buried under a mountain of housework. But she’s still the same wonderful person you fell in love with.

That’s easy to forget, so you must constantly remind yourself – and her – of it. When roses are exposed to frost, they wither and die, but given the right amount of sunshine and rain – they flourish.

Describing an ideal wife, Solomon writes, ‘Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her’ (Proverbs 31:28 NKJV). Why did these children praise their mother?

Because they saw their father do it! So if you’ve been too busy, too self-absorbed, or too distracted, change your ways – and tell your wife how much you love her.

(And by the way, ladies – that principle works both ways!)

Luke 4:31-44, Psalm 26-28

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Does your wife know you love her? (2)

‘He shall…bring happiness to his wife.’
Deuteronomy 24:5 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 09 MAR 2020

The Bible says, ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her’ (Ephesians 5:25 NKJV). And since the disciples were the original church founders, let’s look again at how Jesus treated them.

He spent time with them, talking and listening. Old Testament law required: ‘When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife’ (Deuteronomy 24:5 NKJV).

Imagine, a whole year of doing nothing but loving and getting to know each other! Why did God plan it that way?

Because no battle you’ll ever fight, and no business you’ll ever be involved in, is more important than building a lasting relationship with your spouse. A leading cause of divorce today is among couples who don’t set aside time at the end of the workday to sit down together, free from the TV and telephone, and share their thoughts and feelings.

Do you know what never grows old? Caring, communicating, assuring your spouse that of all the places you could be right now, you’d rather be with them.

Many times your wife will share problems with you, but it’s not because she wants you to ‘fix’ them. Truth be told, some of the problems she discussed with you months ago remain unfixed, and she’s okay with that!

What she’s looking for is empathy, understanding, and support. When you listen attentively to her concerns, she feels loved and valued, and nine times out of ten, the problem fades into obscurity.

It’s a big return – on a small investment!

Numbers 13-14, Mark 6:1-29

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Does your wife know you love her? (3)

‘Rejoice with the wife of your youth.’
Proverbs 5:18 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 10 MAR 2020

The Bible says, ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ…loved the church’ (Ephesians 5:25 NKJV), so let’s take another look at how Christ loved the founders of the church, His twelve disciples. He recognised their gifts.

He rejoiced in their successes. He supported and encouraged them to grow to their full potential.

Are you willing to do that? When you truly love someone, you won’t try to hold them back or seek to control them because of your insecurities.

You’ll recognise their gifting, help them become everything God called them to be, release them, and celebrate their successes. And should their light shine brighter than yours, become their biggest cheerleader.

If this wasn’t modelled in your family of origin, chances are, you’ll have to work at it. And if you had an unfaithful partner in a previous relationship, you may need to ask God to heal your heart and give you a new level of trust.

Building this kind of relationship calls for a level of humility and honesty you’re probably not used to. It may require overcoming your male ego, admitting your fears, and saying to your wife, ‘I love you and I really want to trust you.

Will you please help me?’ Until you get through this stage and feel more secure about your relationship, a marriage partner who truly loves you will go the extra mile when it comes to telling you where they’ve been and who they spent time with during the day.

The truth is, sometimes you have to fight for your marriage – but it’s worth it, because in the end, you both win!

Numbers 15-16, Mark 6:30-56

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Does your wife know you love her? (4)

‘He loved them to the very end.’
John 13:1 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 11 MAR 2020

Let’s look again at how Jesus loved His disciples and how you should love your wife. He never stopped loving them.

The Bible tells us that Jesus ‘had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth…and now he loved them to the very end’. Do you remember the marriage vows you took?

‘For better, for worse…for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death us do part’? If the magic has left your marriage and you feel like you’ve fallen out of love with your mate, pray: ‘Father, my love for my spouse is at an all-time low.

I know Your Word says unfailing love is patient, kind, humble, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-5). I confess that I’ve kept records of offences and had little patience with my mate’s shortcomings.

Forgive me for my spiritual immaturity. I ask You to permeate my heart and love my spouse through me.

Help me to let go of resentment and make our marriage a model of how You loved the church and gave Yourself for it. Work in us, Lord, both to will and to do Your good pleasure (see Philippians 2:13).

Heal and restore our relationship for Your glory. Guide us as we follow the pattern established in Your Word for regenerating and restoring lost love: remembering the things we used to do together, repenting of our failings, and rekindling the fire of love we had in the beginning (see Revelation 2:5).

Only You can change a person’s heart, and I submit my heart and emotions to You now. “Turn…me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God” (Jeremiah 31:18 KJV).

In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.’

Numbers 17-19, Mark 7:1-16

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Never compromise your character and convictions

‘Buy the truth, and do not sell it.’
Proverbs 23:23 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 12 MAR 2020

In the early 1970s, the Iraqi government arrested a group of American students on trumped-up espionage charges. In order to elicit admissions of guilt, they tortured them.

They were told that if they confessed they were spies, they would go free. In other words: ‘Compromise the truth – admit to a lie.’

One by one, as the pressures and the pain mounted, they all confessed to crimes they had not committed – except for one student. The torture intensified and the loneliness of isolation became unbearable, and he came close to breaking.

But he didn’t. Finally they announced that they were finished with his case, and that he could simply confess or die.

A confession lay before him as they raised a pistol to his head, cocked the hammer and started the countdown. He had heard executions from his cell and knew what his captors were capable of.

‘Sign your name,’ he was told, ‘and you will live,’ but he refused. He closed his eyes, grimaced and prepared to die.

They pulled the trigger. When he heard the click, he thought he was dead.

The gun, however, had not been loaded. The student was eventually released, but he discovered afterward that every other prisoner who had confessed was hanged in the public square.

He was the only survivor. That day he learned a valuable lesson about facing tough times: compromise represents a far greater risk than courage.

So the threefold word for you today is:
1) It is always right to do right.
2) It is never wrong to do right.
3) It is never right to do wrong.

Numbers 20-22, mark 7:17-37