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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Healthy Confrontation (2)

‘A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.’

Ecclesiastes 3:7
The UCB Word for Today - 6 Aug 2016


Confronting at a time when the person is most receptive takes wisdom.

If you approach someone when they’re busy or focused on another task, they won’t be in the right frame of mind to deal with the confrontation effectively.

Wait until they are able to listen and can give you their full attention.

And you should make every effort to confront a person when he or she is alone, just as Jesus commanded: ‘If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private’ (Matthew 18:15 NASB).

Confronting someone in the presence of others can cause them to become defensive in order to save face.

Your goal is reconciliation, not embarrassment.

If you have something ‘heavy’ to tell someone, it’s not a good idea to have the confrontation at their house or yours - select a neutral location.


That way it will be easier for the person being confronted to leave the scene if he or she becomes belligerent. And there’s always the possibility that this could happen.


Sometimes you have to temporarily lose people, to win them later. ‘He who rebukes a man will find more favour afterward than he who flatters with the tongue’ (Proverbs 28:23 NKJV).

Note the word ‘afterward’. If you don’t get the immediate response you desire, you can still win - especially if you pray and allow the Holy Spirit to work in a person’s heart.

But you must be willing to take the risk and confront the situation in order to bring about the change you desire. If you don’t, things will remain the same - or get worse.


Job 30-31, 1 Cor 7:1-19

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Healthy Confrontation (3)
‘LORD, you have searched me and you know me … you perceive my thoughts.’

Psalm 139:1-2
The UCB Word for Today - 7 Aug 2016


Just as a bodybuilder develops a great physique by using the correct weightlifting techniques, you must apply the right techniques to achieve the desired results in resolving your conflict.


No athlete attempts to lift heavy weights or engage in intense exercise without first warming up his or her muscles.


The warm up is crucial to the workout, as it minimises the risk of injury and increases overall muscle performance.


Similarly, preparing for confrontation is almost as important as the confrontation itself. Confronting someone spontaneously or without preparation can have disastrous results.


Preparation allows you to look at the situation more clearly and not in the midst of an emotional moment, and will most likely lead to a more effective encounter.


This would be a good time to pray: ‘LORD, you have searched me and you know me … you perceive my thoughts from afar … Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely’ (vv. 1-4 NIV 1984 Edition). It’s important that you first deal with your negative emotions, such as anger or resentment.


While you may deem them justifiable, if you don’t ‘release them’ by the power of the Holy Spirit they will become a roadblock to achieving harmony.


And you must also refuse to succumb to the fear of addressing the issue, lest you abandon the entire notion of initiating a confrontation.


God can work on both ends of the line. While you are praying and preparing your heart, He can prepare the other person’s heart. ‘There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace’ (Proverbs 12:20 NIV 1984 Edition).


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

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Don’t Give Up - Go Through
‘Pursue … overtake … and … recover all.’

1 Samuel 30:8

The UCB Word for Today - 8 Aug 2016


When King David and his men returned home from battle, they discovered that the Amalekites had burned their homes to the ground and taken their families prisoner.


They were devastated. They wept until they’d no tears left. Then God spoke to them and said, ‘Pursue … overtake … and … recover all.’ And with His help they did! So no matter how bad your situation looks right now, don’t give up.

Cry if you have to, then dry your tears and go out in God’s strength and take back what the Enemy has stolen from you. If necessary, take it an inch at a time, drawing on His strength and not your own.

Paul writes: ‘Let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint’ (Galatians 6:9 AMP Classic Edition).

God won’t quit on you, so don’t quit on Him! He has promised in His Word: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God’ (Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV 2011 Edition).

Don’t give up - go through! It’s easy to quit, but it takes faith to go through.


When your faith honours God, He honours your faith! And with Him on your side you’ll come out stronger than you were when you went in.

So the word for you today is: ‘Pursue … overtake … and … recover all.’


Job 34-35, 1 Cor 8

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Parenting and the Battle for Control
‘Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.’

Ephesians 6:4
The UCB Word for Today - 9 Aug 2016


If your teenagers don’t like you telling them what to do, relax; they’re normal. And it’s not peculiar to teenagers; it starts much earlier.


One psychologist tells about the mother of a tough little four-year-old girl who was demanding her own way.


The mother said, ‘I’m your boss, I have the responsibility to lead you, and that’s what I intend to do!’ Little Jenny thought over her mother’s words for a minute, then said, ‘How long does it have to be that way?’ Already, at four years of age she was yearning for the day when nobody could tell her what to do.


That’s a God-given instinct. One of the first things God said to Adam and Eve was, ‘Take control over the earth.’ So the task for you as a parent is to hang on to the reins in the early days and gradually begin to grant independence as maturity is demonstrated.


This is one of the most delicate responsibilities of parenting. Power granted too early produces folly, but power granted too late brings rebellion.


Knowing when to let out the rope, and by how much, requires wisdom, and God is the giver of wisdom (see James 1:5).

If you pray, observe, and listen carefully, you’ll begin to see the critical milestones in your child’s life. Paul writes, ‘Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.


Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.’ And as a parent, that’s some of the best advice you’ll ever get.


Luke 15:1-10, Ps 81-83

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Reach for Help

‘The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.’

Exodus 18:18
The UCB Word for Today - 10 Aug 2016


God has placed people within your reach who are willing to help you.

If you don’t accept their help, you will be frustrated and they will be unfulfilled because they’re not using their gifts.


God hasn’t called you to do everything, for everybody, in every situation.

You can’t be all things to all people all the time! You yourself have legitimate needs, and when they are not met you suffer and so do the people around you.

There’s nothing wrong with needing help and asking for it; in fact, it’s wrong to need help and be too proud to ask.


Because the children of Israel looked to Moses for everything, he tried to be ‘all things to all people’. And that’s when he reached a breaking point.


So his father-in-law suggested he delegate some of his authority and let others make the less important decisions while he made the more important ones. It worked! Moses did what Jethro suggested and it enabled him to succeed in his assignment.


Plus, those under his leadership got to enjoy a sense of accomplishment too. It was a win/win and the job got done right! Question: Are you complaining that people are placing too many demands on you and you’ve too much to do? Are you reluctant to let others help because you don’t think anyone can do the job as well as you? Look out! The Scriptures caution about developing ‘an exaggerated opinion of [your] own importance’ (Romans 12:3 AMP Classic Edition). Reach for help. You’ll last longer and enjoy life more if you do!


Job 36-37, 1 Cor 9

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


‘Does This Person Belong in My Life?’

‘Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?’

Amos 3:3
The UCB Word for Today - 11 Aug 2016


A toxic relationship is like a limb with gangrene: unless you amputate it the infection can spread and kill you. Without the courage to cut off what refuses to heal, you’ll end up losing a lot more.

Your personal growth - and in some cases your healing - will only be expedited by establishing relationships with the right people.


Maybe you’ve heard the story about the scorpion who asked the frog to carry him across the river because he couldn’t swim. ‘I’m afraid you’ll sting me,’ replied the frog.

The scorpion smiled reassuringly and said, ‘Of course I won’t.

If I did that we’d both drown!’ So the frog agreed, and the scorpion hopped on his back.


Wouldn’t you know it: halfway across the river the scorpion stung him! As they began to sink the frog lamented, ‘You promised you wouldn’t sting me.


Why’d you do it?’ The scorpion replied, ‘I can’t help it. It’s my nature!’ Until God changes the other person’s nature, they have the power to affect and infect you.

For example, when you feel passionately about something but others don’t, it’s like trying to dance a foxtrot with someone who only knows how to waltz.

You picked the wrong dance partner! Don’t get tied up with someone who doesn’t share your values and God-given goals.

Some issues can be corrected through counselling, prayer, teaching, and leadership.

But you can’t teach someone to care; if they don’t care they’ll pollute your environment, kill your productivity, and break your rhythm with constant complaints.

That’s why it’s important to pray and ask God, ‘Does this person belong in my life?’


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

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


When You Are Criticised

‘He did not retaliate when he was insulted.’

1 Peter 2:23
The UCB Word for Today - 12 Aug 2016


When it comes to constructive criticism, try to learn from it and grow wiser.

When it comes to unjustified criticism, remind yourself that Jesus was criticised too, so you’re in good company.

And when you’re tempted to give in to resentment and strike back, read these Scriptures: ‘If you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.

He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.


He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly’ (vv. 20-23 NLT). There’s an interesting story about Abraham Lincoln.


During the American Civil War he signed an order transferring certain regiments, but Secretary of War Edwin Stanton refused to execute it, calling the president a fool.

When Lincoln heard he replied, ‘If Stanton said I’m a fool then I must be, for he’s nearly always right, and he says what he thinks.


I’ll step over and see for myself.’ He did, and when Stanton convinced him the order was in error, Lincoln quietly withdrew it.


Part of Lincoln’s greatness lay in his ability to rise above pettiness, ego, and sensitivity to other people’s opinions. He wasn’t easily offended.


He welcomed criticism, and in doing so demonstrated one of the strengths of a truly great person: humility. So, have you been criticised? Make it a time to learn, not lose.


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

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Pray for Self-Control

‘Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.’

Romans 6:12
The UCB Word for Today - 13 Aug 2016


Self-control is one of the great keys to success in life. And since God’s Word has a lot to say about it, if you ask Him He will help you to cultivate it.


What you struggled with when you were young will be different from the things you struggle with when you’re older, but you’ll face temptation in one form or another as long as you live.


Self-control is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit listed in the Bible (see Galatians 5:22-23). It calls for bringing every aspect of your life under the mastery of the Holy Spirit.

It’s a lifestyle characterised by discipline, not impulse.


The Greek word for ‘self-control’ comes from a root word meaning ‘to grip’. It calls for getting a grip on your spending so that you don’t go into debt for things you don’t need and can’t pay for.


It calls for getting a grip on your temper and not saying things you’ll later regret: ‘Better … a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city’ (Proverbs 16:32 NIV 1984 Edition). It calls for getting a grip on your desires.


If Joseph had failed to say no to the repeated advances of his boss’ wife, he’d never have seen his life’s dream fulfilled and sat on the throne of Egypt.


Understand this: Satan has discerned your destiny and he’s out to stop you from reaching it. So pray for self-control, and practise it on a daily basis.


Prov 1-2, 1 Cor 11:1-16

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Bible Study: Make It Personal


‘The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you.’

Mark 4:24
The UCB Word for Today - 14 Aug 2016


Martin Luther said studying the Bible was like picking apples.

First you shake the trunk, then you shake the limb, then you shake the branch, then you shake the twig, then you look under every leaf. There’s no other book in the world like it.

You can read the same Bible verse a dozen times and get a dozen different insights. That’s because it’s ‘God-breathed’ (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV).

Here’s what Jesus said about studying God’s Word: ‘[Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.]
For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known’ (Mark 4:22 AMP Classic Edition).
Then He adds: ‘Be careful what you are hearing.


The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you - and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.’ Do you want to grow spiritually? Build better relationships?

Succeed in your career? Conquer anxiety and find peace? Break a bad habit? Be healed from the emotional wounds of your past? Then meditate on, ponder, think about, practise mentally, and verbalise the Word of God.

Instead of living off someone else’s spiritual insight, study God’s Word for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to bless you with life-transforming insights. Jesus said, ‘The Spirit takes my message and tells it to you’ (John 16:15 CEV).

And you’ll experience the truth of those words when you personalise the Scripture you’re reading.


Prov 3-5, 1 Cor 11:17-34

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Spirit-Filled Living
‘When the Spirit has his way with us.’

Galatians 5:17
The UCB Word for Today - 15 Aug 2016


Always remember that no matter how long you walk with God, your carnal nature never improves.


It never becomes more like Jesus, even over time. That’s why we’re told to ‘crucify’ it daily (see v. 24).


Even the apostle Paul struggled with his lower nature: ‘We naturally love to do evil things … opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires.


These two forces within us are constantly fighting … to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures … But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control’ (vv. 17, 22-23 TLB).

You ask, ‘Is such a lifestyle even possible?’ Yes, but you must do these four things: 1) Remember that Satan never takes a day off.


You’re constantly in his cross hairs, so you must protect yourself with God’s Word and prayer. 2) Identify the sin you’re most prone to.


The Bible says, ‘Lay aside … the sin which so easily ensnares’ (Hebrews 12:1 NKJV). Why? Because the area of your greatest weakness is the one in which you’ll constantly be attacked. 3) Keep your spiritual tank full. ‘The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace’ (Romans 8:6 NIV 1984 Edition). 4) Walk in God’s strength, not your own.


Does the fight ever end? No, but God’s power plus your choice to obey and keep fighting, always lead to clear and lasting victory.


Prov 6-7, 1 Cor 12