[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

God speaks through our thoughts

‘You have an anointing…and you know all things.’
1 John 2:20 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 12 FEB 2020

Have you ever held a conversation with someone in your mind? You took one side of the issue and then the other.

So think about this: if you can have a conversation with yourself in your mind, don’t you think God can have a conversation with you in your mind too? The trouble is, our minds often prove to be unreliable because we’ve polluted them with so much junk; therefore, we doubt His ability to speak through our thoughts.

Once God redeems you, He starts renewing your mind (see Romans 12:2). Paul writes, ‘“Who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV).

Did you get that? When God saves you, He starts thinking His thoughts through you.

He speaks through many different channels – your mind is just one of them. The Bible says, ‘God…works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose’ (Philippians 2:13 NIVUK 2011 Edition).

Note the phrase ‘to will and to act’. God will actually direct your will and create a desire in you to do the thing that pleases Him.

And there’s persistence in His leading. When you have a desire to do something that keeps recurring, it may be God directing you.

That’s why it’s crucial to monitor your mind and screen the thoughts you entertain. Jesus said, ‘You are already clean because of the word…I have spoken to you’ (John 15:3 NKJV).

Bathe your mind every day with God’s Word, and fine-tune your ‘receiver’ to hear what He’s saying to you.

Exodus 39-40, Matthew 23:23-29

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Let them go (1)

‘Pick me up and throw me into the sea.’
Jonah 1:12 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 13 FEB 2020

It’s a mistake to cling to someone when God is telling you to let them go. Until you obey God, the storm you’re in will keep getting worse, as in the case of Jonah.

The Bible says: ‘The sea was growing more tempestuous. And [Jonah] said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you.

For I know…this great tempest is because of me.” Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous…

Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging’ (vv. 11-15 NKJV).

God has a plan for the ‘Jonahs’ you’re dealing with, and it may require them to hit the bottom before they rise again. And as long as you keep trying to rescue them, God’s plan is being thwarted and delayed.

Jonah’s problem wasn’t that he didn’t love God, it was that he didn’t want to do God’s will. So God resorted to extreme measures to get his attention, push him towards his destiny, and save the city of Nineveh.

You have no idea what God has in mind for the person He’s asking you to let go of. If they are His redeemed children, He wants to prosper them (see Jeremiah 29:11).

That’s why He wants to save them – so let them go!

Leviticus 1-3, Matthew 24:1-28

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Let them go (2)

‘None of them belonged to us.’
1 John 2:19 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 14 FEB 2020

There are some people in life we get along with well, and others we don’t. And in some cases, we’re not supposed to!

Now let’s be clear: we’re not talking about being unloving, insensitive, or divisive. Paul says, ‘Do all…you can to live in peace with everyone’ (Romans 12:18 NLT).

We’re talking about people God specifically tells us to break away from. When it comes to those who don’t belong in your life, here are two things to consider.

First, there’s the revelation. The Bible says: ‘They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us…if they had…they would have remained…but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.’ Just like you can’t fit a square peg in a round hole, or mix oil and water, there are people who simply don’t belong in your life.

Second, there’s the separation. Paul said: ‘Do not be yoked together with unbelievers…what fellowship can light have with darkness?

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?…what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.

As God has said: “I will live with them…walk among them…be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate…and I will receive you.”… “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters”’ (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NIV 2011 Edition).

Bottom line: when God tells you a relationship is not right for you, listen, and obey Him.

Leviticus 4-5, Matthew 24:29-51

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Don’t be a complainer

‘Do everything without complaining.’
Philippians 2:14 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 15 FEB 2020

In an old Peanuts comic strip, Lucy announces, ‘Boy, do I feel crabby today.’ Her little brother Linus, always the peacemaker, responds, ‘Maybe I can help.

Why don’t you just take my place in front of the TV and I’ll fix you a nice snack? Sometimes we all need a little pampering to make us feel better.’

A few minutes later, Linus brings Lucy a sandwich, some chocolate-chip cookies, and milk. ‘Is there anything else I can get you?

Anything I haven’t thought of?’ he asks. ‘Yes,’ snaps Lucy, ‘There’s one thing you haven’t thought of.

I don’t want to feel better!’ The truth is that some people don’t want to feel better – they just want attention, and complaining is how they get it.

Do you know anyone like that? The Bible repeatedly tells us to stay away from complaining. It takes gut-level honesty to ask yourself: ‘How much of what I say focuses on complaining about the situation instead of trying to improve it?

Have I built my life around people who feel the same, people who’d probably be upset if I decided to grow and adopt a better attitude? Am I living in the past, nursing old wounds, refusing to forgive others and myself?’

Time alone doesn’t heal – insight does! Jesus said knowing the truth sets us free (see John 8:32).

Once you’re willing to face the truth about your attitude and do something about it, your life will start to improve. And one more thought: Paul says, ‘Rejoice always…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV 2011 Edition).

This is God’s will – so do it!

Leviticus 6-7, Matthew 25:1-30

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

‘Rush hour’

‘The Lord will bless His people with peace.’
Psalm 29:11 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 16 FEB 2020

Why is evening drive time called ‘rush hour’, when nothing moves? The real rush hour occurs when we arrive home.

Early evening is a time when everyone is hungry and tempers are short. Two working parents usually come home irritable and tired, but their children are unsympathetic and need immediate attention.

It’s a setup for conflict. There are some things you can do to help defuse this rush hour time bomb.

First, call your children before you leave work in the afternoon. This can give you a head start in dealing with any troubles that might be brewing at home.

Second, make a conscious effort during the commute home to disengage from the responsibilities of the job and the cares of the day. Third, concerning the dinner meal, it’s wise to do as much as possible in the morning or the night before.

Slow-cooker type dinners that have simmered all day, or those that can go straight from the refrigerator to the oven, will relieve pressure at a time when stress is the greatest. The quicker everyone can eat and raise their blood sugar, the better.

Then spend some time with the kids before homework and bath time begins. You might take the dog out on a neighbourhood walk or play football in the garden.

Finally, get the kids in bed and reserve a few moments of tranquillity for yourselves. There’s no easy way to get through rush hour five nights a week, but with a little planning, it can be less stressful.

And here’s a rush hour promise: ‘The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.’

Luke 3:1-19, Psalm 18-19

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to win life’s battles (1)

‘We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.’
2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 17 FEB 2020

With God’s help, King Jehoshaphat overcame not just one army, but three! And his victory teaches us how we can win life’s battles.

First, identify the enemy. Many of us have no clue who the real enemy is.

We think it’s the person who is interested in taking our job, our spouse, or our money. But many times the enemy is our own attitude!

It’s not so much what’s happening that gets us down, it’s our response to the situation. Before you can win on a personal level, you must identify the enemy.

Note how Jehoshaphat reacted when he heard ‘a vast army’ was coming against him. He was ‘alarmed’ (vv. 2-3 NIV 2011 Edition).

It’s a fairly typical human response. We see a big problem, panic, and become fearful about what’s going to happen to us.

And in truth, fear isn’t all bad unless we deal with it in the wrong way. We can use it to motivate us to conquer the problem and drive us closer to God.

It’s when we get discouraged, give up, get angry, and start asking, ‘Why me, Lord?’ that fear defeats us. If you’re in a situation that’s filling you with fear and anxiety today, remember – God doesn’t respond to need; He responds to faith.

So stake your faith on His unshakeable Word and stand on His promise: ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand’ (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).

Unshakeable trust in God’s Word is what brings His help.

Leviticus 8-10, Matthew 25:31-46

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to win life’s battles (2)

‘We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’
2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 18 FEB 2020

Second, admit your own inadequacy. The only people God can’t help are those who don’t think they need His help.

King Jehoshaphat said, ‘We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’

Often our eyes are on everything and everyone – except God – the One who can solve our problems. Your circumstances are like a mattress: if you’re on top you can rest easy, but if you’re underneath you can suffocate.

Keep your eyes on the Lord and you’ll win out over your circumstances. Remember, it’s ‘not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord’ (Zechariah 4:6 NIV 2011 Edition).

You can’t live the Christian life in your own strength because you have a power shortage. You need the power that comes from letting God’s Spirit live through you.

Try to imagine a glove. On its own, it is limp and powerless.

But once a hand fills that glove it becomes useful and effective. Jesus said, ‘You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you’ (Acts 1:8 NKJV).

Jesus often spoke of the Holy Spirit as ‘the Helper’, so when you don’t know what to do, stand on His promise: ‘The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name…will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you’ (John 14:26 NKJV).

If you fight in your own strength, you’ll lose. But when you draw on the power of God’s Spirit that’s within you, you’ll win.

Leviticus 11-12, Matthew 26:1-25

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to win life’s battles (3)

‘Jehoshaphat…set himself to seek the Lord.'
2 Chronicles 20:3 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 19 FEB 2020

Third, take your problems to the Lord. In the midst of his crisis, Jehoshaphat ‘set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast’. Prayer is often the last thing we think of.

Why? Because we want to work our problems out on our own.

A deacon approached the pastor one day and said, ‘Pastor, we’ve got a problem we can’t solve. We’ve tried everything and nothing works.’ The pastor said, ‘Well, I guess all we can do is pray about it.’

The deacon replied, ‘Pastor, has it really come to that?’ When you’re facing life’s battles, prayer should be your first resort, not your last!

And sometimes when the problem doesn’t yield to prayer alone, God leads you to add a second element: fasting. Ever tried it?

Fasting isn’t something mystical and mysterious; it’s about focus! It’s saying: ‘Lord, I can do without many things, but I can’t solve this problem without You.

So instead of being preoccupied with TV, or food, or social media, I’m going to spend time seeking Your face.’ Cornelius, a Gentile, fasted and prayed for four days, asking God for direction.

As a result, God sent Peter to his house to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and in the process changed the course of history (see Acts 10). In order to know whom to appoint to leadership positions, the New Testament church fasted, prayed, and asked God for guidance.

And as a result, one of the most dynamic evangelistic teams of all time, Paul and Barnabas, was born (see Acts 13:2-3). When you get serious enough to fast and pray about your problem, God will show you the solution.

Leviticus 13, Matthew 26:26-46

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to win life’s battles (4)

‘The battle is not yours, but God’s.’
2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 20 FEB 2020

Fourth, learn to relax in faith. Notice how God responded to Jehoshaphat’s prayer: ‘The battle is not yours, but God’s.’

Many of us wear ourselves out trying to fight God’s battles in our own strength. In the initial flush of becoming Christians, we’re eager to win the world to Jesus, and want to go out and single-handedly bring about His kingdom.

That’s because we don’t realise what’s involved. Then after we’ve worked hard under our own steam, reality sets in.

We end up crawling back on our hands and knees, disappointed, because we think we’ve let God down. But He reassures us, ‘You didn’t let Me down, because you weren’t holding Me up.’

The truth is, we don’t hold God up – He holds us up! We don’t have Him in our hands, He has us in His hands!

And He’s telling us to relax in faith and let Him do the work through us. Paul wrote, ‘As you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him’ (Colossians 2:6 NIV 2011 Edition).

In other words, remember how you first became a believer – by simple faith in the finished work of Christ – and continue to live by simple faith. You didn’t become a Christian by striving for perfection and doing good works.

Good works have nothing to do with it! Salvation is a free gift.

God doesn’t need us to micromanage things; He has everything under control, and He wants us to relax and let Him live through us. Bottom line: victory in life is a gift from God!

‘Thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ’ (2 Corinthians 2:14 GWT).

Leviticus 14, Matthew 26:47-75

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to win life’s battles (5)

‘Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.’
2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 21 FEB 2020

Fifth, stand firm. Notice what God told Jehoshaphat: ‘Stand firm.’

What does it mean to ‘stand firm’ when you’re in a crisis? It’s a mental attitude of quiet confidence that says, ‘I’m going to trust God.’

One pastor writes: ‘This is something I’m slowly learning; it’s never God’s will for me to run from a difficult situation. If I do, the situation will only follow and catch up with me a little further down the line.

It may not look the same, but it will be the same. Why? Because God wants to teach me that He is sufficient for any problem.

If we don’t learn this today, we may learn it next week. If we don’t learn it next week, we may learn it next year.

But eventually we’ll learn it – and the sooner the better. We can save ourselves problems by standing firm and waiting on God in quiet confidence.’

So what do we stand firm on? ‘Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful’ (v. 20 NIV 2011 Edition). First, we need to stand firm on the character of God.

God is faithful, and we can depend on Him. Second, we need to stand firm on the writings that He has given us through His prophets – in other words, the truth of the Bible.

The Bible is God’s Word, and we need only rely in quiet confidence on His written promises. So the word for you today is: stand firm on the unchanging character of God and the unchanging promises of His Word.

Leviticus 15-16, Matthew 27:1-26