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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Dealing with Difficult People
‘Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.’

James 1:19
The UCB Word for Today - 27 Jul 2016


The only way to avoid having to deal with difficult people - is to move to another planet.


Human beings are a mixture of vices and virtues, and unless you understand that, you won’t be able to work or live with them successfully.

The story’s told of a monk who joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. Once a year he was invited to appear before the abbot, and he was permitted to say one thing.


After the first year when he was asked what he had to say, he replied, ‘The bed’s too hard!’ At the end of the second year when he was asked, he responded, ‘The room’s too cold.’ At the end of the third year he was asked the same question. He replied, ‘The food’s terrible.


I quit.’ At that point the abbot smiled with relief and said, ‘Thank goodness! Because you’ve done nothing but complain since you got here!’ Think about it: even if you joined a monastery you’d still have to deal with difficult people! So what can you do? Learn from the farmer.


He plants, pulls weeds, and cultivates, knowing the harvest will eventually come if he patiently keeps doing these things.


It’s one of the reasons James writes, ‘My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires’ (vv. 19-20 NIV 1984 Edition).


There are no shortcuts. The only way to have a good relationship is to work at it and be patient. When you do, God will bless that relationship.


Job 5-7, Rom 15: 1-13

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The Process of Peace
‘Great peace have they who love your [word], and nothing can make them stumble.’

Psalm 119:165
The UCB Word for Today - 28 Jul 2016


One of the last things Jesus told His disciples before leaving this world was, ‘In this world, you will have trouble’ (John 16:33 NIV 2011 Edition).

And He was right, wasn’t He? We all experience stress, occupational demands, deadlines, expectations, personal pressures ganging up on us and constantly trying to rob us of the peace we desperately desire.


No one is immune to stress, frustration, and the feeling that we’re on the ‘autobahn of life’. What is all this but the absence of peace? And the answer can’t be found in a pill, a possession, or a pleasure. All those things wear off or wear out.

The Bible talks about three different kinds of peace. Let’s look at them: 1) Peace with others. ‘As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone’ (Romans 12:18 NIV 2011 Edition).

This is external peace, and it’s necessary for human relationships to flourish. 2) Peace with yourself. ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts’ (Colossians 3:15 NIV 2011 Edition).


This is internal peace, a rest of mind and soul that escapes most of us. 3) Peace with God. ‘Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 5:1 NIV 2011 Edition).

This is eternal peace, and it comes from knowing you’ve a right relationship with God.


So here’s how it works: when you’re at peace with God you’ll be at peace with yourself, and when you’re at peace with yourself you’ll be at peace with others. That, in a nutshell, is The Process of Peace!


Job 8-10, Rom 15:14-33

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Honesty on Three Levels
‘Each of you must … speak truthfully to your neighbour.’

Ephesians 4:25
The UCB Word for Today - 29 Jul 2016


Telling the truth sounds simple, but it takes commitment on three levels: 1) Verbally. When you’re found out in a lie, it undermines the confidence others have in you.


For example, when a husband or wife denies blowing the family budget, or covers up a drinking problem, inevitably there’s trouble.

But when each knows that the other ‘will hold to the truth in love’, the relationship becomes stronger and more likely to weather the storm (Ephesians 4:15 NLV). 2) Behaviourally. ‘Unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be in large ones.

If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities’ (Luke 16:10 TLB).

Cheryl Richardson says, ‘Integrity is the key to living an authentic life.’ You become known as a person of integrity by keeping your word.

So when you make a commitment, follow through – even when it costs you, and even when you get a better offer. 3) In actuality. Why is telling the truth such a big deal?

Because every relationship in your life is based on trust.

When you don’t deal truthfully: a) You end up losing your influence and the respect of others. b) You live in fear of being found out, which makes you insecure and forces you to live on two levels: public perception and private struggle. c) You have to worry about what you’ve said, and to whom. d) You get to where you can’t trust or believe others because ‘as you live your life, you judge your neighbour’. e) You make yourself feel better by rationalising, ‘Everybody lies.’ The trouble with that line of thinking is – you can’t trust them either!


Job 11-13, Rom 16

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Set ‘Rules of Life’ for Your Children
‘What will be the boy’s rule of life, and his work?’

Judges 13:12
The UCB Word for Today - 30 Jul 2016
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When God told Samson’s father Manoah that he would have a son in his old age, he asked, ‘What will be the boy’s rule of life, and his work?’ He was a wise father.
He knew that in order for his son to fulfil his destiny, he must be raised by certain rules.

Children feel more secure and tend to flourish when they know what the boundaries are.

Imagine driving your car over a bridge that’s suspended hundreds of feet up in the air. For first-time travellers, it can be a scary experience.

One little fellow was so awed by the view that he said, ‘Wow, Daddy! If you fell off here it would kill you constantly!’ Suppose there were no guardrails on the side of the bridge; where would you steer the car? Right down the middle of the road! Even though you don’t plan to hit those protective railings, you just feel more secure knowing they’re there.

And it’s the same with your children.

They need to know what the ‘rules of life’ are, and that you’ll enforce them consistently.

When the rules are clear at home, children live in safety.

As long as he or she stays within those reasonable, well-marked guardrails there’s joy, freedom, and acceptance.

Your children may not admit that they want you to be the boss, but they breathe more easily when you are.

Bottom line: when God gives you a child, it’s a twenty-one-year project, at a minimum.

During that time you train them either for failure or for success.
The choice is yours.

Job 14-16, 1 Cor 1

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Learning to pray
'...the Spirit...makes intercession for us...'

Romans 8:26
The UCB Word for Today - 31 Jul 2016

Prayer isn't natural to us. Our natural inclination is to depend on ourselves. Some of us haven't learned how to pray yet. Others don't pray enough to be comfortable with it.

Still others don't yet understand enough of God's Word to pray biblically and get results. Whatever the case, we've no excuse not to pray.

The Holy Spirit who lives within us can clarify and, correct and change our prayer so that by the time it reaches God it's all sorted out.

The Bible says, '...the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.

For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us...Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

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 8:26-28 NKJV).

Who do 'all things work together for good' for? Just anybody and everybody who believes? No, those who 'love God.'

And more importantly, those who have learned to allow the Holy Spirit within them to pray, because what He asks for will always be in line with God's will.

Learning to pray is like learning a foreign language. The best way to learn it is to spend time in an environment where the language is spoken.


So if you want to learn to pray you must a) take the time to do it b) spend time with those who know how to do it c) allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you.


Luke 14:25-35, Ps 79-80

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Always Do More than What’s Expected
‘Live generously and graciously toward others.’

Matthew 5:48
The UCB Word for Today - 1 Aug 2016

Jesus said, ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over’ (Luke 6:38 KJV).

Notice, He didn’t say, ‘Only give to those who can give back to you.’ John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, said, ‘You haven’t lived today until you’ve done something for someone who can never repay you.’ In the days of Jesus, a Roman soldier could legally force a Jewish civilian to carry his heavy backpack for up to a mile.

That was his right, and you refused to do so at your peril. So to walk the first mile was to do only what was required.

Then Jesus came along and said, ‘If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two’ (Matthew 5:41 NIV 1984 Edition). Why? Because ‘extra-mile service’ gives you an opportunity to impact the lives of others.

A person with an extra-mile attitude is someone who cares more than others think is wise, risks more than others think is safe, dreams more than others think is practical, believes more than others think is possible, and gives more than others think is necessary.


Here’s how Jesus bottom-lines it: ‘If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus?

Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up.

You’re kingdom subjects … live like it. Live out your God-created identity … generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you’ (vv. 46-48 MSG). So always do more than is expected.


Job 20-21, 1 Cor 3

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Has God Given You a Vision?
‘Write the vision and make it plain … that he may run who reads it.’

Habakkuk 2:2
The UCB Word for Today - 2 Aug 2016


When God gives you a vision for your life, write it down, keep it before you at all times and run with it.

You say, ‘But I see no way for it to come to pass.’ The Bible says, ‘The vision is yet for an appointed time … wait for it; because it will surely come’ (v. 3 NKJV).

You may not know how to get from where you are right now to where the vision will ultimately take you - but God does. So ask Him to reveal the next step to you.


Whether you’re in prison like Joseph, in a soup kitchen in the inner city, or at home taking care of small children, God will fulfil the vision He placed in your heart.

The more you see yourself leading in the boardroom, launching your own business, serving in ministry, writing your first book, or helping others through your gifts, the sooner it’ll become a reality.

Before a vision becomes clear, God gives us glimpses of it - like a picture developing from a soft hue into sharp resolution. So take your vision and run with it.

Let it motivate you to perform to the best of your ability in your present position, while staying in communication with the One who knows and loves you best.

Today pray: ‘Lord, I know that where I am right now, isn’t where You’re taking me. Give me glimpses of Your vision for my future, so that my understanding may grow in accordance with Your timing.

Give me patience along the way and faith to trust that You’re always working for my good. Amen.’


Luke 14:25-35, Ps 79-80

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Start Looking Forward
‘Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.’

Philippians 3:13
The UCB Word for Today - 3 Aug 2016


There are things inside you that must be dealt with before you can move ahead.

Every experience you’ve had from birth until the present moment has helped shape who you are.

The things that happen to you, good and bad, are instrumental in determining how you’ll act and react for the rest of your life.

Paul talks about ‘forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead’. You ask, ‘What did Paul have to forget?’ A lot! On Paul’s orders Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death while he looked on.

Before he met Christ on the Damascus road, Paul routinely imprisoned and put Christians to death.

The fact is, if he hadn’t overcome his past he would never have written half the New Testament and helped establish a church that would last two millennia.

Was Paul perfect? Not even close! That’s why he said: ‘I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be…I am still not all that I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing:

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us’ (vv. 12-14 TLB).

The only place the past can live is in your memory; and the only power it has over you is the power you give it. So the word for you today is: Start looking forward.


Job 22-24, 1 Cor 4

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Trusting God Brings Joy and Peace
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.’

Romans 15:13
The UCB Word for Today - 4 Aug 2016


Trusting God is so much simpler than not trusting Him. When you doubt God, His Word, and His promises, you’re left to your own devices and reasoning when it comes to working things out.

And as a result you get stressed out. Take a moment and read the following three verses, then think carefully about what they mean: ‘But the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.


Now we who have believed enter that rest’ (Hebrews 4:2-3 NIV 1984 Edition). ‘He who has once entered [God’s] rest … has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labours’ (Hebrews 4:10 AMP Classic Edition). ‘Come to Me, all you who labour and are … overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls]’ (Matthew 11:28 AMP Classic Edition). How are you supposed to approach God? In faith! The Bible says: ‘Without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him.


For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that … He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]’ (Hebrews 11:6 AMP Classic Edition).

That means when you come to God, you must do the believing. And when you do, you’ll receive His joy and peace.

These two things are God’s will for you; they were bought and paid for at the cross.

Christ’s work is already finished, and the only thing that remains to be accomplished is for you to believe. When you do that, God will respond and bless you every time!


Job 25-27, 1 Cor 5

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Healthy Confrontation (1)
‘When Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face.’

Galatians 2:11
The UCB Word for Today - 5 Aug 2016


When Peter showed partiality to Jews over Gentiles, Paul confronted him over it! Why? To keep unity in the church. Sometimes you’ve no option but to confront someone.

The question is, ‘How?’ None of us are born with the innate ability to do this; it’s a skill only learned through practice and patience.

And the reason we’re not good at it, is because we avoid it like the plague.

As a result, our relationships suffer and our problems don’t get resolved.

The first step in preparing for a confrontation is to establish the right purpose for putting the issue on the table.

The focus should be on achieving a better relationship. This can either involve getting someone to stop doing something, or start doing something.

At no time should your goal be to tell someone off, or get something off your chest, or lay a guilt trip on them.

So it’s important that you first confront yourself. Be honest about why you’ve decided to confront the issue.

Do you have an ulterior motive such as resentment or wounded pride, or do you want to see a genuine change in behaviour? You need to ask yourself, ‘When this confrontation is over, what behaviour do I want to see the offender change?’ Remember, in effective confrontation you are looking for a desired outcome and a win-win for both sides. ‘A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city’ (Proverbs 18:19 KJV).

If a person knows you truly care about them and are seeking to glorify God in the situation, you’re more apt to get the response you seek.

Job 28-29, 1 Cor 6