[ebankole]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Myths about child-rearing (2)
05 NOVEMBER 2020
‘Teach them to your children and to their children after them.’
Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV

In his book Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right from Wrong, William Kilpatrick identifies two more child-rearing myths that parents mistakenly fall for: 1) The myth that all moral problems are psychological in nature. In this view, behavioural problems are seen as issues related to self-esteem or unmet psychological needs.

The old-fashioned idea that behavioural problems can be the result of ‘wilfulness’ on the part of children doesn’t seem to occur to the average child-raising expert.

If you look in the index of a typical child-rearing book you will find a great many pages devoted to ‘self-esteem’, but you’re not likely to find the word ‘character’ very often. 2) The myth that parents don’t have a right to instil their values in their children.

Once again, the standard dogma is that children must create their own values. But children have precious little chance to do that, since the rest of the culture has no qualms about imposing its values on them.

Does it make sense for parents to remain neutral bystanders when everyone else from scriptwriters to entertainers, and advertisers to sex educators, insist on selling their values to our children?

When it comes to child-raising, this is what God told His people: ‘Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.

Teach them to your children and to their children after them.’ Parent, when it comes to instilling spiritual values into your children, ask yourself this: if not you, then who? If not now, then when?

Ezekiel 8-10, Hebrews 8

[ebankole]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Have you been born again?
06 NOVEMBER 2020

‘You must be born again.’
John 3:7 NKJV

The Anglican clergyman George Whitefield was as much responsible for the transformation of England and the Great Awakening in America as John and Charles Wesley. In a letter to Benjamin Franklin, who delighted in coming to hear Whitefield speak, he said: ‘As I find you growing more and more famous in the learned world, I would recommend to your diligent and unprejudiced study the mystery of the new birth.


It is a most important study, and when mastered, will richly answer all your pains. I bid you, my friend, remember that One at whose bar we shall both presently appear, hath solemnly declared that without it we shall in no wise see His Kingdom.’ That was a very wise recommendation to a man who is noted in the history of the world as being wise.


Jesus said, ‘You must be born again,’ and there has never been a person who earnestly sought the new birth and didn’t find it. Even our seeking is created by the Spirit of God (see John 6:44).


Are you tired of the emptiness and purposelessness of your life? Are you tired of the filthy rags of your own righteousness? Are you willing to trust someone other than yourself? Then look to the cross of Christ.


Place your trust in Him and ask Him to come in and be born in you today. You can be born once and die twice, but if you’re born twice, you will only die once.


Jesus said, ‘He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life’ (John 3:36 NKJV).

Ezekiel 11-13, Hebrews 9

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Laughter – God’s prescription for stress!

‘A cheerful disposition is good for your health.’
Proverbs 17:22 MSG

The UCB Word for Today - 07 NOV 2020

Author Barbara Johnson said, ‘Laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper. It doesn’t permanently solve the problem, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.’

One day, comedian/author David Brenner was signing books. A young man handed him a newly purchased copy to be signed and said, ‘I want to thank you for saving my life.’

Without giving it much thought, Brenner replied flippantly, ‘That’s okay.’ But the young man stood his ground and said, ‘No, I really mean it!’

Brenner stopped signing and looked at him. The young man continued: ‘My father died.

He was my best friend. I loved him and couldn’t stop crying for weeks, so I decided to take my own life.

The night I was going to do it, I happened to have the television on and you were hosting The Tonight Show. I listened to your opening monologue, and the next thing I knew I was laughing hysterically.

I realised then that if I was able to laugh, I was able to live. So I want to thank you for saving my life.’

Humbled and grateful, Brenner shook his hand and said, ‘No, I thank you.’ The Bible says, ‘A cheerful disposition is good for your health.’

Experts confirm that laughter boosts your immune system, enhances your memory and learning abilities, relieves tension, slows your pulse rate and blood pressure, releases endorphins that reduce pain, decreases anxiety and stress, puts people at ease, and brings unity. Furthermore, the effect lasts for eight to twelve hours.

It promotes emotional healing, and best of all – it’s fun. That’s why laughter is God’s prescription for stress!

Ezekiel 14-15, Hebrews 10

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Rules for being a good guest

‘Don’t visit your neighbours too often, or you will wear out your welcome.’
Proverbs 25:17 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 08 NOV 2020

Sometimes as Christians, we fall into the trap of focusing exclusively on big stuff like world evangelism, spiritual gifts, and the second coming of Christ. As a result, we end up neglecting the seemingly small things like common courtesy.

But the Bible speaks about courtesy – and if it’s in there, it’s important! Someone quipped, ‘Fish and company stink after three days.’

This may explain why Solomon said, ‘Don’t visit your neighbours too often, or you will wear out your welcome.’ When your host yawns for the tenth time, looks at his wife and says, ‘Well, darling, let’s go to bed so these nice people can go home,’ you know you’ve outworn your welcome.

‘Surely everybody knows that!’ you say. No, they don’t; that’s why God addresses it in His Word.

Here are ten rules for being a good guest:
1) Be considerate of the other person’s time.
2) Don’t interrupt when someone else is talking.

3) Don’t dominate the conversation.
4) Don’t arrive too early or stay too late.

5) Set appointed times for visits. (Even good friends like advance notice.)
6) Be courteous and congenial without being patronising.

7) Be honest about time limits for your visits, and make sure it coincides with other people’s schedules.
8) Help your host or hostess clean up after the meal.

9) For visits lasting more than a day, take your hosts out to eat at least one meal.
10) Send a thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation for the gift of their time and kindness.

If you want to make friends and keep them – abide by these rules.

Luke 21:20-38, Psalms 116-118

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Forgive them

‘Love your enemies! Do good to them…you will truly be acting as children of the Most High.’
Luke 6:35 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 09 NOV 2020

In his book Beneath the Cross of Jesus, A. Leonard Griffith tells the story of a young Korean exchange student who was a leader in Christian circles at the University of Pennsylvania. He left his apartment on the evening of 25th April 1958, to post a letter to his parents.

As he turned from the postbox he was met by eleven leather-jacketed teenage boys. Without a word, they beat him with a club, a lead pipe, their boots and fists – and left him lying dead in the gutter.

The population of Philadelphia cried out for vengeance, and the district attorney announced on television that he was going to seek the death penalty. Then the following letter arrived, signed by the boy’s parents and twenty other relatives in Korea:

‘Our family has met together and we have decided to petition that the most generous treatment possible within the laws of your government be given to those who have committed this criminal action…In order to give evidence of our sincere hope contained in this petition, we have decided to save money to start a fund to be used for the religious, educational, vocational, and social guidance of the boys when they are released…

We have dared to express our hope with a spirit received from the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ who died for our sins.’ This story takes forgiveness to a whole new level, doesn’t it?

It also teaches that when you forgive, you relinquish the seat of the victim and sit in the seat of the victor. And that’s what Jesus has in mind for you today!

Ezekiel 16-17, Hebrews 11

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Show them you care

‘To empathise with our weaknesses.’
Hebrews 4:15 NIVUK

The UCB Word for Today - 10 NOV 2020

Although the Native Americans had no formal written alphabet before they met Europeans, their language was anything but primitive. The vocabulary of many native languages was as large as that of their French and English conquerors, and often their expressions were far more eloquent.

In one tongue, for example, the concept of the word ‘friend’ is beautifully stated as ‘one who carries my sorrows on his or her back’. What a great definition!

When someone comes to you for solace, or even claiming to seek advice, very often they want nothing more than your presence, a listening ear, and a willingness to share in their sorrow. And when your answer sounds like a ‘quick fix’, they sometimes conclude that you have no time for them.

One of the most beautiful things ever said about Jesus in the Bible is that He is able ‘to empathise with our weaknesses’. Sometimes what a person wants most from you is simply to know that you understand what they’re going through, and that you care.

So here’s how you can help:
1) Listen with an open heart, instead of trying to talk away their problem.

2) If they’re crying, share their tears. If they’re silent, share their silence.
3) Let them know you’re available, ready to help, and that you will always have time for them.

4) Remind them that human beings can only do so much, but God can do the impossible.
5) If they will allow you to, pray for them and with them.

That way, you help lift the burden off their shoulders and place it on God’s (see Psalm 55:22).

Ezekiel 18-19, Hebrews 12

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to overcome discouragement (1)

‘I looked things over.’
Nehemiah 4:14 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 11 NOV 2020

First, find a better way. While rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah said, ‘I looked things over.’ Realising there were enemies to be defeated and obstacles to be overcome, he ‘stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows’ (v. 13 NIV).

In order to overcome discouragement, Nehemiah realised they’d have to start doing things differently. They needed a new system.

So he organised the people according to their gifts and strengths. Insanity has been defined as doing the same thing over and over again and hoping for different results.

And there’s wisdom in that. When you get discouraged, don’t give up on your goals.

Instead, devise a new approach! Question: was it wrong for the Jews to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem?

No, they were just going about it in the wrong way! There’s a lesson here for us all.

For example, do you have a problem in your marriage? Don’t give up; try a new attitude. Do you have a problem in your business?

Don’t throw in the towel; look for a new approach, reorganise your schedule, and refocus on your goal. Have you ever heard of the 80/20 principle?

That’s where 80 per cent of your time is spent on the 20 per cent of activities that aren’t productive and, as a result, you get frustrated. What you need to do is devote 80 per cent of your time to the 20 per cent that produces the highest results.

Business managers call this ROI time – ‘return on investment’. So practise devoting the majority of your time and energy to the things you know bring results.

Ezekiel 20-21, Hebrews 13

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to overcome discouragement (2)

‘I stood up and said…“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.”’
Nehemiah 4:14 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 12 NOV 2020

Don’t just think about the problem, think about the Lord. Nehemiah said: ‘After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles…officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them.

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.”’ What specifically should you remember? Three things:

1) Remember God’s goodness to you in the past. When you start thinking about all the good things He’s already done in your life, your spirit will be lifted and your anxiety eased.

2) Remember God’s closeness in the present. What is He doing in your life right now? The truth is, He is with you whether or not you feel His nearness. He said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

3) Remember God’s power for the future. He will give you strength for your needs. When you get discouraged, get your mind off your circumstances and focus on the Lord, because circumstances can depress and discourage you.

Chances are, if you’re feeling disheartened it’s because you are thinking gloomy thoughts. If you want to feel uplifted, make a concerted effort to think uplifting thoughts.

Choose some encouraging Bible verses to memorise and quote them to yourself: ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’ (Philippians 4:13 NIV). ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (Romans 8:31 NIV).

‘Everything is possible for one who believes’ (Mark 9:23 NIV). Keep in mind that it’s your thoughts that determine your feelings, and by filling your mind with promises from God’s Word you can overcome discouragement.

Ezekiel 22-23, James 1

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to overcome discouragement (3)

‘Fight for your families…sons…daughters…wives and your homes.’
Nehemiah 4:14 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 13 NOV 2020

Fight a gloomy outlook. Attitude is a little thing, but it makes a big difference.

Depression, gloom, pessimism, despair, and discouragement stop more people than all the world’s combined illnesses. The truth is, enthusiasm will take you where talent alone can’t.

Think about it: every day talented people give in to discouragement and quit, while people with less talent and ability keep going and succeed. Winston Churchill once quipped, ‘I’m an optimist.

It doesn’t seem too much use being anything else.’ If you really, really, really believe that God is on your side, you’ll be optimistic even in the face of overwhelming obstacles and discouragement.

In the Old Testament, a group of former slaves rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just fifty-two days, and went on to prosper. How did they do it?

Because their leader said, ‘Don’t surrender to discouragement. Don’t give it an inch. Fight every step of the way!’

And that prescription still works today! One of Satan’s favourite weapons is discouragement. He knows you can never be defeated unless you’re defeated in your thinking.

But you have the power to overcome him. The Bible says, ‘Submit…to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7 KJV). When Satan brings discouragement to your door, what should you do?

Don’t open the door! Don’t invite him in! Don’t accept the package!

Don’t sign the receipt! Instead, submit to God – and resist him!

From time to time we all experience fatigue, frustration, failure, and fear. But by standing on God’s promises and drawing on His strength, you can choose not to get discouraged.

The choice is yours!

Ezekiel 24-26, James 2

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Be sure to praise God!

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

The UCB Word for Today - 14 NOV 2020

The psalmist said, ‘I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth…magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together’ (vv. 1-3 NKJV). Observe three things in this Scripture:

1) Praise comes from an act of your will. ‘I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.’

It’s not an impulse; it’s a decision you make regardless of your feelings. The word hallelujah is a command form of the word ‘praise’.

It’s an expression of worship, but it’s also an order to start praising the Lord.

2) Praise stirs your emotions. ‘My soul [emotions] shall make its boast in the Lord’ (v. 2 NKJV).

First, David praised the Lord because he was commanded to. Second, he praised Him because he wanted to.

That’s the order of things. If you want to change your feelings – change your focus. Before it was over, David was singing, ‘The Lord redeems the soul of His servants…none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned’ (v. 22 NKJV).

3) Praise rubs off on others. ‘Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.’

Praise is contagious; it changes the atmosphere around you. When you get together with people of praise, decorum gives way to delight, and you find yourself lifted to a realm of joy you never knew.

And praise has many forms of expressions. Psalm 150 outlines nine different ways to praise God. You can speak, shout, sing, clap your hands or raise them.

You can play musical instruments, you can stand, kneel, or dance. The point is – be sure to praise God!

Ezekiel 27-29, James 3