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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Build others up (2)
07 AUGUST 2021


‘Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”’
Romans 15:2 MSG


Albert Schweitzer once said, ‘I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.’ Are others naturally attracted to you? Are you well liked? If not, it may be because of: a) Pride. Nobody wants to follow someone who thinks they’re better than everyone else. b) Insecurity.

If you are uncomfortable with who you are, others will be too. c) Moodiness. When people never know what to expect from you, they stop expecting anything. d) Perfectionism. Others respect the desire for excellence but dread unrealistic expectations. e) Cynicism. People don’t want to be rained on by someone who sees a cloud around every silver lining. So, how do you build people up? 1) Change your focus.

If you’re self-centred, you can’t strengthen and encourage others. So observe your interaction with people during the next few days. As you talk to them, notice how much of your conversation is about you, then determine to tip the balance in favour of focusing on others. 2) Try to make a good first impression.

The next time you meet someone, learn their name, focus on their interests, listen to them without interrupting, and be encouraging. If you can do this for one day, you can do it every day. The Bible says, ‘Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”’

Job 32-33, 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Do you want to do right?
08 AUGUST 2021

‘Guard your heart above all else.’
Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Solomon said, ‘Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.’ Note the progression of events that led to David’s downfall: ‘He saw a woman bathing…inquired about the woman…and took her’ (2 Samuel 11:2-4 NKJV).

He saw…he inquired… he took. If you’re hankering after someone who’s not yours, pull your eyes away immediately. ‘Take captive every thought…make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). Police your mind. Instead of filling it with fantasies from magazines, television or the Internet, fill it with God’s Word and memories of your best moments with your spouse.

Work on strengthening your marriage bond. Decide to love even when you don’t feel like it, and your love will begin to blossom. Jesus said, ‘Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart’ (Matthew 5:28 NIV). Why did Jesus say this? Because every lustful glance threatens your relationship. The less you desire your spouse, the more you’ll look for reasons to justify your fantasies. And the saddest part is, you’ll never know how good your relationship could have been.

After David was confronted, cleansed and corrected, he said, ‘Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee’ (Psalm 119:11 KJV). If you have a problem with lust, find a pastor, a counsellor or a friend who can help you. The Bible says, ‘A brother is born for adversity’ (Proverbs 17:17 KJV). Sometimes the difference between victory and defeat is spending a few minutes on the phone talking and praying with someone who understands. The question is – do you really want to do right?

Luke 14:25-35, Psalms 79-80

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Failing in order to succeed
09 AUGUST 2021

‘Have you caught any fish?’
John 21:5 NLT

Sometimes God uses failure to get our attention and draw us closer to Him. In John 21 the disciples ‘went out in the boat, but…caught nothing all night. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!”’ (vv. 3-7). Notice three things: 1) Jesus can do what you can’t do. As long as you think you can handle things on your own, He will let you try. As long as what worked for you in the past is still working, you won’t reach for His help.

It’s only when you run out of answers you discover: ‘“You will not succeed by your own strength or…power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord’ (Zechariah 4:6 NCV). 2) God can do more than you can do. He told the disciples, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!’ It didn’t sound right, but by obeying Him they entered a level of blessing and abundance they never dreamed possible. 3) God wants a relationship with you.

After eating breakfast with the disciples, Jesus told Peter, ‘Take care of my sheep’ (see John 21:17). Now fishermen don’t take care of sheep – shepherds do! So what just happened? Jesus introduced Peter to his true calling – and He will do the same for you!

Job 34-35, 1 Corinthians 8

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Who knows? God knows!
10 AUGUST 2021

‘The secret things belong to the LORD our God.’
Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV


The Bible says: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding’ (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV). That Scripture is easy to quote but hard to live by, especially when tragedy and loss touch our lives and we don’t understand why.

There are times when we pray and God gives us answers, and there are times when we pray and He gives us peace. ‘Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).

In times of pain and loss, here are two Scriptures you can stand on: 1) ‘The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us.’ When it comes to understanding things – we have our territory and God has His. And ours is limited to what He decides to reveal to us. Paul, who wrote half the New Testament by divine revelation, acknowledged, ‘We know in part’ (1 Corinthians 13:9 NKJV).

At best, we will always be limited in our understanding. 2) ‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV). Sometimes God explains things to us, and other times He stamps them ‘Will explain later.’ So when you’re tempted to throw up your hands in despair and say, ‘Who knows?’, remind yourself, ‘God knows!’ And today remind yourself that He’s working things out for your good and His glory

Job 36-37, 1 Corinthians 9

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Make criticism work for you
11 AUGUST 2021


‘Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.’
Proverbs 12:1 NKJV


There are two kinds of criticism: 1) Unfair criticism. There’ll always be people who love to rain on your parade; people who try to build themselves up by tearing others down. Mark Twain said, ‘Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.’ 2) Constructive criticism.

Solomon said, ‘Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear’ (Proverbs 25:12 NIV). There’s a major obstacle you must overcome in order to reach your highest potential. What is it? Our natural reluctance to discover anything unflattering about ourselves. When you erect defences against your inadequacies and try to hide your faults, you close the door to a vital source of self-knowledge. And in so doing, you deny yourself the joy of growing.

Every one of us can improve what we’re doing or the way we’re doing it. In fact, if you’re still celebrating what you did last year – you’re not making enough progress this year. After winning his third world championship, instead of having a big celebration, bull rider Tuff Hedeman moved on to Denver to start a new season – the whole process over again.

His line of reasoning was: ‘The bull in Denver won’t be impressed with what I did last week.’ Whether you’re an untested rookie or a veteran, if you want to be a champion tomorrow, you must be teachable today. Or as Solomon puts it: ‘Whoever learns from correction is wise’ (Proverbs 15:5 NLT).

Job 38-40, 1 Corinthians 10:1-17

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Work on your marriage
12 AUGUST 2021

‘The two are united into one.’
Matthew 19:5 NLT

Dr Joyce Brothers once joked, ‘My husband and I have never considered divorce…sometimes murder, but never divorce!’ Getting married is easy; living together successfully is hard. So how do you do it? By identifying issues that must be resolved, working on them, and learning to live with the rest! Snoring, endless hours of watching TV sports, not communicating, dirty socks on the floor, unmade beds – your partner’s habits can drive you crazy.

And since Jesus said, ‘Let no one split apart what God has joined together’ (v. 6 NLT), how should you handle conflicts when they arise? 1) Attack the problem instead of each other. 2) Keep your voice low, stay calm, and your partner is more likely to pay attention. 3) Choose the best time to address the issue, not when the kids are hungry or you’re both tired. 4) Remember, men and women see things differently.

So, when your spouse expresses their point of view, don’t sigh and roll your eyes.

What marriage therapists refer to as ‘active listening’, calls for affirming your spouse through paraphrasing, validation, and positive feedback. 5) There’ll be times when each of you will have to compromise. 6) Choose your words carefully. ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up’ (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). ‘Encourage one another’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). ‘Forgiving one another’ (Ephesians 4:32 NLT). ‘Pray for each other’ (James 5:16 NIV). ‘Spur one another on towards love and good deeds’ (Hebrews 10:24 NIVUK). ‘Carry each other’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2 NIV). ‘Giving preference to one another’ (Romans 12:10 NKJV). Now work on your marriage!

Job 41-42, 1 Corinthians 10:18-33

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Make things right with God
13 AUGUST 2021


‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’
James 4:10 KJV


In the Old Testament God marked His priests by putting blood on their right ear lobe, their right thumb, and the big toe of their right foot. That meant they were called to honour God in their hearing, their skills, and their daily walk. You can’t just do your own thing; you’re called to walk according to God’s Word. When you don’t, God will call you to repentance.

And if you don’t repent, He will discipline you. ‘Do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves’ (Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV).

Note two important phrases: 1) ‘Do not make light of the Lord’s discipline.’ Your ‘Nobody’s-going-to-tell-me-what-to-do!’ attitude will rob you of God’s best and prevent Him from using you effectively. ‘God opposes the proud, but shows favour to the humble’ (James 4:6 NIVUK). 2) ‘Do not lose heart when he rebukes you.’ Instead of seeing God’s correction as rejection, see it as proof that you’re His child…that He has a plan for your life…and that it begins when you humble yourself and do what He tells you.

God’s patience is amazing – but He won’t wait forever. He said of Jezebel, ‘I gave her time to repent…and she did not…I will cast her into a sickbed’ (Revelation 2:21-22 NKJV).

On the other hand, when Ahab, Jezebel’s wicked husband, humbled himself, God healed and restored him. Humbling yourself before God will turn things around in your life when nothing else will work. So, the word for today is: make things right with God!

Proverbs 1-2, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Are you struggling with temptation?
14 AUGUST 2021


‘Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.’
1 Peter 5:8 NIV


Your areas of vulnerability will change as the seasons of your life change, but the truth is that you’ll always be tempted in some way. But the good news is that you can be tempted and triumphant. Jesus showed us how to do it. When He faced the tempter in the wilderness He stood on God’s Word.

Here are some Scriptures you can stand on when you’re tempted. 1) ‘The Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials’ (2 Peter 2:9 NLT). 2) ‘This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.

There we will receive his mercy, and…find grace to help us when we need it most’ (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT). 3) ‘Put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm’ (Ephesians 6:13 NLT). 5) ‘The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet…the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you’ (Romans 16:20 NLT). 6) ‘I give unto you power…over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you’ (Luke 10:19 KJV). 7) ‘The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful.

He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure’ (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).

Proverbs 3-5, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Does your loved one need a miracle today?
15 AUGUST 2021


‘Four people came, carrying a paralysed man.’
Mark 2:3 NCV


‘Jesus was teaching them God's message. Four people came, carrying a paralysed man. Since they could not get to Jesus because of the crowd, they dug a hole in the roof right above where he was speaking. When they got through, they lowered the mat with the paralysed man on it. When Jesus saw the faith of these people, he said to the paralysed man...“stand up, take your mat, and go home”’ (vv. 2-5, 11 NCV).

If your loved one needs a miracle today: 1) Use your faith. Even though you’re praying for someone who may have little or no faith of their own, God will honour your faith on their behalf. ‘When Jesus saw the faith of these people, he said to the paralysed man...“stand up.”’ 2) Refuse to give up. Do what these four friends did. The crowd was a problem – so they went around it. The roof was a problem – so they broke through it.

They refused to give up or get discouraged. Bottom line: if what you’ve tried so far hasn’t worked, ask God and He will show you the way. Doctors can treat people, but only God can heal them within and without, so bring your loved one to Him in prayer. 3) Look for faith partners.

It took four people to get this man to Jesus, so don’t do it alone. Find someone who’ll agree with you in prayer. Jesus said, ‘I promise…when any two of you on earth agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you’ (Matthew 18:19 CEV). So, keep praying and believing God for a miracle!

Luke 15:1-10, Psalms 81-83

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY[

God wants you to succeed
16 AUGUST 2021


‘God gave him success.’
2 Chronicles 26:5 NIV


Think about these questions and answer them honestly. 1) Do you believe you can be successful and spiritual at the same time? Some folks equate poverty with humility and conclude that successful people can’t be humble. Not so. ‘As long as [Uzziah] sought the Lord, God gave him success.’ Success doesn’t give you the right to look down on others but, when successful people speak, others listen. Leaders like Joseph and Daniel influenced entire nations for God. The fact is, we’ve a message of hope others need to hear, but without adequate resources, how will they hear it? (See Romans 10:14-17.)

If you’ve been settling for less, pray for greater faith and start aiming higher in life. 2) Are you afraid of success? Perhaps you fear the pressures and the price tag that accompany it. Leadership is lonely; maybe you’d rather be with the crowd. Or maybe you’ve been knocked down and you’re afraid to get up again. When Thomas Edison was asked about his success, he replied, ‘I start where other men leave off!’ John Foster Dulles, former U.S. Secretary of State said, ‘The measure of success isn’t whether you’ve a tough problem to deal with, but whether it’s the same problem you had last year.’ Paul wrote, ‘We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going’ (2 Corinthians 4:9 TLB). 3) Are you satisfied with the way things are right now? If you’re not, accept responsibility for your life and take a step of faith.

Ultimately the only one who can stop you from becoming the person God intended you to be – is you! Bottom line: God wants you to succeed.

Proverbs 6-7, 1 Corinthians 12