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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Set free to fulfil your destiny
27 MAY 2021

‘He has sent Me…to proclaim liberty to the captives.’
Luke 4:18 NKJV

Michelangelo’s masterpiece David is in a gallery in Florence, Italy. Thousands of tourists wait for hours every day to get a glimpse. But many of them fail to notice the series of unfinished sculptures that line the corridor on the way to David.

Their forms are identifiable – a hand here, a torso there. The statues were intended to adorn the tomb of Pope Julius ll, but they were never finished.


It’s almost as if these sculptures are trying to break free and become what they were intended to be, but they are stuck in stone. Michelangelo called them captives. Have you ever felt like a captive? You can’t seem to break free from habitual sins that have held you back.

You know who you want to be, what you want to do, and where you want to go, but you can’t seem to get there. Regardless of how long you’ve been stuck, God wants to finish what He started in your life. Jesus said His mission was to set captives free (see Luke 4:18).


We tend to think of that statement in judicial terms; salvation is our get-out-of-jail-free card. But it’s much more. Maybe we should think of that statement in artistic terms. Jesus also died to resurrect the person we were destined to be before sin distorted the image of God in us.


We are held captive by our imperfections and insecurities; by our guilt and anxieties. Jesus died to set us free from all the above. And He doesn’t just set us free from who we were, He sets us free to become who we were meant to be.

1 Kings 19-20, Acts 7:23-43

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Marital Happiness
28 MAY 2021

‘Blessed (happy, to be envied…) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant).’
Matthew 5:3 AMPC

When the rosy glow diminishes and reality sets in, what makes some marriages happy while others slide into misery? Luck? Good genes? Hanging tough? Hardly! Marital happiness that transcends changing circumstances is built on the qualities Jesus taught.

Let’s look at them: 1) Happy are the humble. ‘Blessed (happy…) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant).’ Pride that’s self-promoting and always demanding its rights brings misery, while humility, self-denial and considering your mate’s needs brings happiness. 2) Happy are the meek: the gentle, patient and kind.


Handling your spouse’s struggles with kindness, sensitivity and long-suffering is an expression of love that brings healing into the painful chapters of life and marriage. 3) Happy are the merciful. Sooner or later we’ll inflict injury on one another.

Hurt, disappointment and anger will rise up, followed by a desire to make them pay. But just as revenge begets revenge, mercy begets mercy.


Mercy isn’t ‘letting them get away with it.’ Treating your spouse mercifully is reciprocal. It creates an atmosphere, where, when you fail, you ‘shall obtain mercy.’ Mercy ends disputes when nothing else works! 4) Happy are the peacemakers.


The need to be ‘right’ and ‘win’ only intensifies conflict. In marriage, when one ‘wins,’ both lose! Giving up personal victory to be a peacemaker is ultimate victory.

You’d be eternally lost if Jesus hadn’t willingly surrendered His rights for your wrongs. The ring is not the sole symbol of Christian marriage, but the cross superimposed on the ring. Christ-like surrender of our uncrucified self promotes marital happiness!

1 Kings 21-22, Acts 7:44-60

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Getting beyond ‘the splat’
29 MAY 2021

‘Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’
Hebrews 12:1 NIV

The story is told of a traveller who met a guru along the road and asked him, ‘Where’s the road to success?’ The bearded sage didn’t speak but instead pointed to a place off in the far distance.

The man, thrilled at the prospect of quick and easy success, rushed off in the appropriate direction. Splat! Down he went! He limped back, bruised and stunned. Assuming he must have misinterpreted the message, he repeated his question, and again the philosopher pointed silently in the same direction.


So the traveller took off once more. This time the splat was deafening. Crawling back bloody, broken, and irate, he shouted at the guru, ‘I asked you which way is success! I followed the direction you indicated, and all I got was splattered!

No more pointing – talk!’ Only then did the sage speak. ‘Success is that way. It’s just a little beyond the splat.’ The fact is, all of us have experienced ‘the splat’. There’s no way to avoid it. But it’s what we do after the splat that makes all the difference.


And perseverance always wins. The Bible says: ‘Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ Champion racer Rick Mears is attributed with saying: ‘To finish first, you must first finish.’ So if you’ve fallen, get up again and keep going.


American educator Hamilton Holt said: ‘Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Half effort does not produce half results. It produces no results. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last.’ So the word for today is – keep persevering and you’ll win.

2 Kings 1-3, Acts 8:1-25

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Don’t worry, God is faithful
30 MAY 2021


‘The Lord is faithful,…he will strengthen…and protect you.’
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV


Most of our worries can be summed up in two words: ‘What if?’ What if the medical tests are bad…what if the economy plummets…what if my spouse walks out…what if I lose my job…the list is endless. ‘Fear involves torment’ (1 John 4:18 NKJV), and by focusing on your worries instead of God’s faithfulness, you’re letting Satan torment you.

But you don’t have to! Jesus tells us not to be ‘fearful…and unsettled’ (John 14:27 AMPC). Paul says, ‘Leave no…room…for the devil [give no opportunity to him]’ (Ephesians 4:27 AMPC).

And Solomon writes: ‘The days of the…afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]’ (Proverbs 15:15 AMPC).

If you’re afraid of what lies ahead, stop and look back at God’s faithfulness. He’s ‘utterly trustworthy…He will…[fulfil His call by hallowing and keeping you]’ (1 Thessalonians 5:24 AMPC).

So if you’re plagued by worry, here are some Bible promises you can stand on. ‘Praise…the Lord, who has given rest to his people…just as he promised.

Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave’ (1 Kings 8:56 NIV). You say, ‘But I’ve failed God. Can I really expect Him to help me?’ Yes, because even ‘if we are faithless, he remains faithful’ (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV).


Before God redeemed you and made you His child, He was aware of all your faults, flaws, and failures. Nevertheless, His Word says He’s ‘faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.’ So the word for you today is – don’t worry, God is faithful.

Luke 9:37-62, Psalms 54-56

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Keep on persevering
31 MAY 2021


‘The testing of your faith produces perseverance.’
James 1:3 NIV


Perseverance keeps you going when friends fail you, discouragement whispers, ‘Give up,’ and doubt says, ‘It can’t be done.’ It’s your anchor in life’s storms, your compass when you’re lost, and the head of steam that gets you up the next hill. James says, ‘The testing of your faith produces perseverance.’ Perseverance, which means to ‘keep on keeping on’, develops your faith. When the process is complete, God will end the trial, and not before.

Meanwhile, here are three Scriptures you need to stand on: 1) ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you’ (Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV). 2) ‘God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV). 3) ‘People are watching us as we stay at our post…working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth…when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honoured; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognised by God;…immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy;…having nothing, having it all’ (2 Corinthians 6:1-10 MSG).

So persevere; everything you’re going through right now will be more than worth it in the end.

2 Kings 4-6, Acts 8:26-40

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Always be honest
01 JUNE 2021



‘A fortune made by a lying tongue is a…deadly snare.’
Proverbs 21:6 NIV


One day a clergyman was walking down the street when he saw a group of boys surrounding a dog. ‘What are you doing?’ he demanded.

One of the boys replied, ‘He’s a neighbourhood stray. We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we’ve decided whoever can tell the biggest lie will get to keep him.’ The preacher declared, ‘You boys shouldn’t be having a contest that involves lying!’ Then he launched into a sermon beginning with, ‘It’s a sin to lie,’ and ending with, ‘When I was your age, I never told a lie.’ There was dead silence for a minute.

Then just as he was beginning to think he’d got through to the boys, one of them gave a deep sigh and said, ‘All right, give the preacher the dog!’ Seriously, here’s the downside of lying: 1) You always have to remember what you said, and your memory just isn’t that good, so chances are you’ll be exposed. 2) You have to live with yourself knowing you lied and violated your character.


That’s hard to do. 3) When you decide to pray, the first thing that will come to your mind is the last thing you’ll want to discuss with God: your lies. 4) Contrary to what you may think, forbidden fruit isn’t sweet, it’s sour. ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit’ (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV). You’ll have to live with the taste of that lie in your mouth. Wouldn’t it be better just to be honest?

2 Kings 7-9, Acts 9:1-22

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


How to strengthen your marriage
02 JUNE 2021

‘Enjoy life with your wife.’
Ecclesiastes 9:9 NIV


To strengthen your marriage you must realise three things: 1) Marriage is one of Satan’s favourite targets. He was angry because Job’s family was a source of delight to God.

So when your home is harmonious and blessed, he’ll try to attack it. He wants to be the third party in your relationship; to agitate and disappoint, using your weaknesses.

He inspires unrealistic expectations and diverts your focus from servanthood to self-absorption. He fuels your imagination through unhealthy relationships until God’s presence ceases to be the goal of your union and the prevailing atmosphere in your home. Beware of his inroads and become protective over your family. 2) Your mind-set determines your mood.

Thoughts have presence. The moment someone walks into a room, you can sense conflict or contentment, jealousy or joy, etc. Attitudes are contagious; like a thermostat, they determine the climate in your home.

One man noticed that certain TV shows nurtured a sexual restlessness within him, to the point where he found himself comparing his wife with the sensuality of the performers.

A woman identified the timing of unexplainable jealousy towards her husband after watching her favourite soap opera. Every emotion has a birthplace, so be sensitive to any changes in your home environment and inner life. 3) Understanding comes by listening.

Love is about listening more and talking less. Listen long enough for hidden emotions to be expressed. Listen carefully enough to gain understanding.

Listen accurately so you can assess your spouse’s true needs. The questions you ask can reveal how much you care, so ask them softly and repeatedly, and pray and process before you respond. That’s how to strengthen your marriage.

2 Kings 10-12, Acts 9:23-43

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Give God the first moments of your day
03 JUNE 2021

‘Early will I seek thee.’
Psalm 63:1 KJV

What are the first moments of your day like? Do you turn on the TV, or rush into the bathroom, or allow your ‘to do’ list to come rushing in? Instead, try lying there quietly and allowing God to speak to you. With your mind a blank slate and your heart open, He will give you insights, ideas, solutions to problems, and the knowledge that He will be with you today.

Author Colleen Townsend Evans writes: ‘Silence need not be awkward or embarrassing, for to be with one you love without the need for words is a beautiful and satisfying form of communication. I remember times when our children used to come running to me, all of them clattering at once about the events of their day – it was wonderful to have them share their feelings with me.

But there were also times when they came to me wanting only to be held, to have me stroke their heads and caress them into sleep. And so it is, sometimes, with us and God our Father. At times your most powerful prayers will be thoughts rather than words. Your words are limited by your vocabulary, but your thought life is an arena of infinite capacity in which God can give you life-changing concepts.’ Paul writes, ‘We have the mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:16). So be still and let Him think His thoughts through you. John writes, ‘You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things’ (1 John 2:20 NKJV). God can cause you to ‘know’ what you need to do, so give Him the first moments of your day.

2 Kings 13-14, Acts 10:1-23

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Approval addiction
04 JUNE 2021

’Fear of man will prove to be a snare.’
Proverbs 29:25 NIV

You can be addicted to a lot of different things like alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, and even food. But did you know you can also be addicted to approval? When Moses chose seventy leaders to help govern Israel, he told them, ‘Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike.

Do not be afraid of any [man]’ (Deuteronomy 1:17 NIV). That is advice Peter should have taken. ‘Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group’ (Galatians 2:12 NIV).

When your identity is wrapped up in other people’s acceptance, you set yourself up for approval addiction, because your sense of self-worth is always on the line. A notable French author said, ‘We’re so accustomed to wearing a disguise before others, that eventually we’re unable to recognise ourselves.’ That’s not how God wants you to live! No one’s approval or disapproval can affect you – unless you give it credibility.

Jesus spoke without feeling the need to create an impression; therefore, He was free to speak the truth in love. Someone wisely pointed out, that when we are young we worry about what people think and try to please them. When we are middle-aged, we get tired of trying to please everybody.

And as we get older and wiser, we realise, most of the time, they weren’t even thinking about us at all! Guess what? There are times when pleasing God means you won’t be able to please people – and you must accept that!

2 Kings 15-16, Acts 10:24-48[/i]

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Seek God’s ‘peace’ concerning it
05 JUNE 2021

‘For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace.’
Isaiah 55:12 KJV


God reveals His will in several ways. One is by giving us a sense of ‘peace’ that we are doing the right thing. Paul writes, ‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts’ (Colossians 3:15 NKJV). That means you should follow ‘the peace rule’. Again he writes, ‘The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds’ (Philippians 4:7 NKJV).


You don’t need all the answers to have peace about it. General Eisenhower was faced with the responsibility of making one of the most far-reaching decisions ever posed to a single man: changing the date of D-Day at the last moment. If he got it wrong, thousands of Allied soldiers could die.

Talk about pressure! But he was the supreme commander and the only man who could make the decision. Looking back on it, he wrote: ‘I knew I did not have the required wisdom, and turned to God.


I asked Him to give me wisdom. I yielded myself to Him, and He gave me clear guidance.

He gave me insight to see what was right, and He endowed me with the courage to make my decision. And finally He gave me peace of mind in the knowledge that, having been guided by God to a decision, I could leave the results to Him.’ Are you feeling anxious because you are being called upon today to make a decision; one that will not only affect you but others too? The word for you today is – pray, trust God for guidance, ask Him for peace, act, and trust Him for the right result.

2 Kings 17-18, Acts 11

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Conquering your toughest enemy – yourself!
06 JUNE 2021

‘Follow in the footsteps of Christ.’
1 Peter 2:21 CEV

Richard C. Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate, said: ‘Want to be a winner? Compete against yourself, not somebody else…Outrunning your rival doesn’t mean you ran your best race.

You can win over another and still not fulfil your potential…To be your best, you must compete with yourself. It’s life’s biggest contest. A loser is a winner – however many his losses – if he conquers himself.

A winner is a loser – however many his victories – if he loses the battle with himself. Alexander the Great conquered the world, and cursed his own lack of self-control. Victory over others may in fact be the very thing that contributes to the winner’s failure to conquer self.

Winning makes him proud, arrogant, independent, thoughtless – and sometimes cruel. To put it another way, it isn’t what happens to you that makes the difference, but how you handle it.

The one who stops maturing spiritually because he thinks he knows more Scripture than others or has more success in ministry, is still far from being what Christ planned for him.’ Compared to others you may look good, but God’s plan is to produce in you the character qualities of Christ. ‘This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind…Christ lived.

He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and…how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, not once said anything amiss.

They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right’ (vv. 2:21-23 MSG).

Luke 10:1-24, Psalms 57-59