14-09-2016, 01:47 PM
...the past me. I definatly will get there!
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The Word For Today-A Daily Update
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15-09-2016, 12:32 PM
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Bound by a Commitment to Love
‘Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it.’
Song of Solomon
The UCB Word for Today - 15 Sep 2016
The story’s told of a wedding where the minister said to the groom, ‘Do you take this woman for better or for worse?
For richer or for poorer? In sickness and in health?’ And the groom said, ‘Yes, no, yes, no, no, yes.’ We all want the better, richer, and healthier parts of marriage, but that’s not the way relationships work.
In some modern marriage ceremonies the bride and groom pledge to stay together ‘as long as love shall last’. Let’s hope they both know a good divorce lawyer, because they’re probably going to need one.
The truth is that relationships which are based on feelings don’t last.
The only real stability in marriage is produced by a firm commitment that holds two people steady when emotions are fluctuating wildly.
Can you imagine a parent saying to a child, ‘I’ll care for you as long as I shall love you?’ No, and neither does a wishy-washy expression of love hold much promise for the future of a marriage.
Think about it this way: emotion is like the guard’s van on a train, but commitment is the engine that pulls the relationship through all the ups and downs of everyday living.
Solomon puts it this way: ‘Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.’ And one more thought - the theme of the Bible is resurrection.
That means even though your love may feel dead, God can cause it to live again if you’re both willing to let Him work in your heart.
Is 23-25, Eph 1
Bound by a Commitment to Love
‘Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it.’
Song of Solomon
The UCB Word for Today - 15 Sep 2016
The story’s told of a wedding where the minister said to the groom, ‘Do you take this woman for better or for worse?
For richer or for poorer? In sickness and in health?’ And the groom said, ‘Yes, no, yes, no, no, yes.’ We all want the better, richer, and healthier parts of marriage, but that’s not the way relationships work.
In some modern marriage ceremonies the bride and groom pledge to stay together ‘as long as love shall last’. Let’s hope they both know a good divorce lawyer, because they’re probably going to need one.
The truth is that relationships which are based on feelings don’t last.
The only real stability in marriage is produced by a firm commitment that holds two people steady when emotions are fluctuating wildly.
Can you imagine a parent saying to a child, ‘I’ll care for you as long as I shall love you?’ No, and neither does a wishy-washy expression of love hold much promise for the future of a marriage.
Think about it this way: emotion is like the guard’s van on a train, but commitment is the engine that pulls the relationship through all the ups and downs of everyday living.
Solomon puts it this way: ‘Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.’ And one more thought - the theme of the Bible is resurrection.
That means even though your love may feel dead, God can cause it to live again if you’re both willing to let Him work in your heart.
Is 23-25, Eph 1
16-09-2016, 01:54 PM
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Divine Guidance (1)
‘He … sends them in the right direction.’
Psalm 25:8
The UCB Word for Today - 16 Sep 2016
Throughout Scripture God talked to ordinary people, and He’ll talk to you too!
He told Abraham when to leave home (see Genesis 12:1), and Jacob when to go back home (see Genesis 31:3). He told Elijah where to find food in the middle of a famine (see 1 Kings 17:1-5).
On two different occasions He stopped Paul from walking through what appeared to be a door of opportunity because He had something better in mind for him.
The Bible says: ‘God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, and leads them step-by-step.
From now on every road you travel will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; read the charted directions’ (Psalm 25:8-10 MSG).
Nothing is more important in life than being led by God.
Other people’s input should confirm and clarify what God’s already telling you.
But until you’ve heard from Him, you’ll be tempted to think other people’s ideas are God’s leading - and that can hurt you.
You’re unique, and God has a unique plan and purpose for you.
When you’re not sure which way to go, stand on His promise: ‘I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going. I’ll be a personal guide … directing them through unknown country. I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.
These are the things I’ll be doing for them - sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute’ (Isaiah 42:16 MSG). It doesn’t get any better than that!
Is 26-27, Eph 2
Divine Guidance (1)
‘He … sends them in the right direction.’
Psalm 25:8
The UCB Word for Today - 16 Sep 2016
Throughout Scripture God talked to ordinary people, and He’ll talk to you too!
He told Abraham when to leave home (see Genesis 12:1), and Jacob when to go back home (see Genesis 31:3). He told Elijah where to find food in the middle of a famine (see 1 Kings 17:1-5).
On two different occasions He stopped Paul from walking through what appeared to be a door of opportunity because He had something better in mind for him.
The Bible says: ‘God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, and leads them step-by-step.
From now on every road you travel will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; read the charted directions’ (Psalm 25:8-10 MSG).
Nothing is more important in life than being led by God.
Other people’s input should confirm and clarify what God’s already telling you.
But until you’ve heard from Him, you’ll be tempted to think other people’s ideas are God’s leading - and that can hurt you.
You’re unique, and God has a unique plan and purpose for you.
When you’re not sure which way to go, stand on His promise: ‘I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going. I’ll be a personal guide … directing them through unknown country. I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.
These are the things I’ll be doing for them - sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute’ (Isaiah 42:16 MSG). It doesn’t get any better than that!
Is 26-27, Eph 2
17-09-2016, 12:04 PM
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Divine Guidance (2)
‘God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.’
Philippians 2:13
The UCB Word for Today - 17 Sep 2016
Underline these words: ‘God is working in you.’ He does this as you engage your mind, open your mouth, move your feet, and use your hands to do what He’s already put into your heart.
The moment you say yes to His will, He gives you the ability to perform it. Notice, He doesn’t reveal His will to you, then call you.
He calls you, and as you step out in faith and obey Him, He reveals His will to you step by step, empowering and equipping you as you go.
If you’re thinking you’d like a little more detail before you make a commitment, take note.
First: God may make you uncomfortable where you are. ‘Like an eagle that stirs up its nest … The LORD … led him’ (Deuteronomy 32:11-12 NIV 2011 Edition). To teach her children to fly, a mother eagle literally pushes them out of the nest.
Talk about being out of your element! Can you imagine what they are thinking? ‘It’s my mother doing this to me.’ But until a baby eagle is forced out of its comfort zone, it doesn’t realise it was born to fly, spread its wings, release its power, and take its place in the heavens.
Is God stirring up your comfort zone today? Second: God’s direction is impossible to follow without His help. He plans it that way. Jesus said, ‘Without Me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5 NKJV).
Third: there’s persistence in His leading. Human ideas go away, but God’s direction stays. That means time is on your side - so stay in step with God and don’t get ahead of Him.
Is 28-29, Eph 3
Divine Guidance (2)
‘God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.’
Philippians 2:13
The UCB Word for Today - 17 Sep 2016
Underline these words: ‘God is working in you.’ He does this as you engage your mind, open your mouth, move your feet, and use your hands to do what He’s already put into your heart.
The moment you say yes to His will, He gives you the ability to perform it. Notice, He doesn’t reveal His will to you, then call you.
He calls you, and as you step out in faith and obey Him, He reveals His will to you step by step, empowering and equipping you as you go.
If you’re thinking you’d like a little more detail before you make a commitment, take note.
First: God may make you uncomfortable where you are. ‘Like an eagle that stirs up its nest … The LORD … led him’ (Deuteronomy 32:11-12 NIV 2011 Edition). To teach her children to fly, a mother eagle literally pushes them out of the nest.
Talk about being out of your element! Can you imagine what they are thinking? ‘It’s my mother doing this to me.’ But until a baby eagle is forced out of its comfort zone, it doesn’t realise it was born to fly, spread its wings, release its power, and take its place in the heavens.
Is God stirring up your comfort zone today? Second: God’s direction is impossible to follow without His help. He plans it that way. Jesus said, ‘Without Me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5 NKJV).
Third: there’s persistence in His leading. Human ideas go away, but God’s direction stays. That means time is on your side - so stay in step with God and don’t get ahead of Him.
Is 28-29, Eph 3
18-09-2016, 01:45 PM
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Divine Guidance (3)
‘We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.’
2 Corinthians 1:10
The UCB Word for Today - 18 Sep 2016
Paul writes: ‘We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in … Asia.
We were crushed and overwhelmed … we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die.
But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.
And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again’ (vv. 8-10 NLT). For Paul, what looked like the end of the road was just the beginning of a fresh infusion of God’s power and favour into his life.
As a result he went on to say that through it all he learned not to trust in himself, but in God ‘who raises the dead’. It’s when your plans look dead that God’s resurrection power begins to operate in your life in greater measure.
As long as you have a loving heavenly Father to call on, a word from the Lord to stand on, and faith to activate it, you have every reason to rejoice.
So come on - start calling on God today! And do it in faith - not doubt. Expect Him to release His power on your behalf; then watch as He turns your situation around.
Why? Because now you’re starting to trust the One who can really do something about it!
Always remember that no matter how strong or successful you are, there’ll never be a time in your life when you don’t need God’s grace and guidance.
And the sooner you learn that, the better off you’ll be.
Is 30-31, Eph 4
Divine Guidance (3)
‘We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.’
2 Corinthians 1:10
The UCB Word for Today - 18 Sep 2016
Paul writes: ‘We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in … Asia.
We were crushed and overwhelmed … we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die.
But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.
And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again’ (vv. 8-10 NLT). For Paul, what looked like the end of the road was just the beginning of a fresh infusion of God’s power and favour into his life.
As a result he went on to say that through it all he learned not to trust in himself, but in God ‘who raises the dead’. It’s when your plans look dead that God’s resurrection power begins to operate in your life in greater measure.
As long as you have a loving heavenly Father to call on, a word from the Lord to stand on, and faith to activate it, you have every reason to rejoice.
So come on - start calling on God today! And do it in faith - not doubt. Expect Him to release His power on your behalf; then watch as He turns your situation around.
Why? Because now you’re starting to trust the One who can really do something about it!
Always remember that no matter how strong or successful you are, there’ll never be a time in your life when you don’t need God’s grace and guidance.
And the sooner you learn that, the better off you’ll be.
Is 30-31, Eph 4
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Be Joyful!
‘You shall go out with joy.’
Isaiah 55:12
The UCB Word for Today - 19 Sep 2016
Every morning say, ‘Today, I will go out with joy.’ That’ll set your attitude straight! Generally speaking, there are three kinds of people: 1) Those who feel bad about feeling good.
They believe we’re not supposed to be happy, just ‘responsible’. 2) Those who rain on your parade because your joy bothers them.
Often these folks have been hurt by life and anger simmers just beneath the surface. 3) Those who lift your spirit and breathe life into you.
You say, ‘But doesn’t the Bible tell us believers are supposed to be different from nonbelievers?’ Yes, but not negatively different - positively different! And unless you commit yourself to walking in the joy of the Lord, you’ll find negative ways of distinguishing yourself from nonbelievers.
Paul writes, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ (Philippians 4:4 NIV 2011 Edition). If you’re thinking, ‘That’s easy for Paul to say; he doesn’t have my problems,’ think again!
When Paul wrote those words he was in prison with no chance of getting out. For him joy was a decision, not a reaction to circumstances.
You ask, ‘How could Paul be joyful in prison?’ Because he understood that true joy comes from devoting yourself to something bigger than your own interests.
The Bible says, ‘The joy of the LORD is your strength’ (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV). True joy calls for three things: a) Making a conscious choice to focus on God’s goodness every single day. b) Reaching out to bless others every chance you get. c)
Understanding that joy produces strength, which explains why your joy is the devil’s primary target. When you lose your joy you lose your strength and he wins - so be joyful!
Is 32-33, Eph 5:1-16
Be Joyful!
‘You shall go out with joy.’
Isaiah 55:12
The UCB Word for Today - 19 Sep 2016
Every morning say, ‘Today, I will go out with joy.’ That’ll set your attitude straight! Generally speaking, there are three kinds of people: 1) Those who feel bad about feeling good.
They believe we’re not supposed to be happy, just ‘responsible’. 2) Those who rain on your parade because your joy bothers them.
Often these folks have been hurt by life and anger simmers just beneath the surface. 3) Those who lift your spirit and breathe life into you.
You say, ‘But doesn’t the Bible tell us believers are supposed to be different from nonbelievers?’ Yes, but not negatively different - positively different! And unless you commit yourself to walking in the joy of the Lord, you’ll find negative ways of distinguishing yourself from nonbelievers.
Paul writes, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ (Philippians 4:4 NIV 2011 Edition). If you’re thinking, ‘That’s easy for Paul to say; he doesn’t have my problems,’ think again!
When Paul wrote those words he was in prison with no chance of getting out. For him joy was a decision, not a reaction to circumstances.
You ask, ‘How could Paul be joyful in prison?’ Because he understood that true joy comes from devoting yourself to something bigger than your own interests.
The Bible says, ‘The joy of the LORD is your strength’ (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV). True joy calls for three things: a) Making a conscious choice to focus on God’s goodness every single day. b) Reaching out to bless others every chance you get. c)
Understanding that joy produces strength, which explains why your joy is the devil’s primary target. When you lose your joy you lose your strength and he wins - so be joyful!
Is 32-33, Eph 5:1-16
20-09-2016, 12:52 PM
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
What it Means to Really Love
‘Love cares more for others than for self.’
1 Corinthians 13:4
The UCB Word for Today - 20 Sep 2016
Some of the greatest insights on what it means to love someone come from the pen of the apostle Paul: ‘No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.
Love never dies’ (vv. 3-8 MSG). John had been married to Mary for fifty years.
One night in bed she said, ‘When we were young you used to hold my hand.’ A little irritated, he slowly reaches out his hand. ‘When we were young you used to snuggle up to me,’ Mary said.
Even more slowly, John’s body creaks and turns, nestling against hers. ‘When we were young you used to nibble on my ear,’ she whispered.
Abruptly he throws back the covers and jumps out of bed. Bewildered, Mary asks, ‘Where are you going?’ ‘To get my teeth!’ he grumbles.
To nibble on an ear when you’re full of romance and bubbling hormones is one thing.
To nibble on that same ear years later when it holds a hearing aid, when the scent in the air is vapour rub, and when you have to get up to get your teeth - that’s love!
Luke 18:1-17, Ps 97-99
What it Means to Really Love
‘Love cares more for others than for self.’
1 Corinthians 13:4
The UCB Word for Today - 20 Sep 2016
Some of the greatest insights on what it means to love someone come from the pen of the apostle Paul: ‘No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.
Love never dies’ (vv. 3-8 MSG). John had been married to Mary for fifty years.
One night in bed she said, ‘When we were young you used to hold my hand.’ A little irritated, he slowly reaches out his hand. ‘When we were young you used to snuggle up to me,’ Mary said.
Even more slowly, John’s body creaks and turns, nestling against hers. ‘When we were young you used to nibble on my ear,’ she whispered.
Abruptly he throws back the covers and jumps out of bed. Bewildered, Mary asks, ‘Where are you going?’ ‘To get my teeth!’ he grumbles.
To nibble on an ear when you’re full of romance and bubbling hormones is one thing.
To nibble on that same ear years later when it holds a hearing aid, when the scent in the air is vapour rub, and when you have to get up to get your teeth - that’s love!
Luke 18:1-17, Ps 97-99
21-09-2016, 12:31 PM
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Staying Power (1)
‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.’
2 Corinthians 4:8
The UCB Word for Today - 21 Sep 2016
Here’s a saying that has proven to be true: ‘What doesn’t destroy us makes us stronger.’ And here are four sayings that have proved to be false: 1) ‘When you become a Christian all your problems are over.’ Whoever told you that didn’t get it from Scripture.
Paul said, ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed’ (vv. 8-9). 2) ‘All the problems you’ll ever encounter are addressed in the Bible.’ God tells us many things in His Word, but He still requires us to ‘walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).
That means receiving guidance from His Word, from the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and from the counsel of godly friends. 3) ‘If you’re having problems you must be unspiritual.’ The opposite is true.
Satan’s attack is proof that you haven’t been conquered, that you represent a threat to the kingdom of darkness, and that you’re doing the will of God.
And the greater the attack, the greater the level of blessing that awaits you beyond it, so keep going. 4) ‘Being exposed to sound Bible teaching automatically solves every problem.’ It will certainly help you solve your problems, but it won’t solve them for you.
You must be a ‘doer’ of the Word and not a ‘hearer only’ (see James 1:23). Paul writes, ‘Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies [and tricks] of the devil’ (Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT). In other words, you need ‘staying power’.
Is 34-36, Eph 5:17-33
Staying Power (1)
‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.’
2 Corinthians 4:8
The UCB Word for Today - 21 Sep 2016
Here’s a saying that has proven to be true: ‘What doesn’t destroy us makes us stronger.’ And here are four sayings that have proved to be false: 1) ‘When you become a Christian all your problems are over.’ Whoever told you that didn’t get it from Scripture.
Paul said, ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed’ (vv. 8-9). 2) ‘All the problems you’ll ever encounter are addressed in the Bible.’ God tells us many things in His Word, but He still requires us to ‘walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).
That means receiving guidance from His Word, from the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and from the counsel of godly friends. 3) ‘If you’re having problems you must be unspiritual.’ The opposite is true.
Satan’s attack is proof that you haven’t been conquered, that you represent a threat to the kingdom of darkness, and that you’re doing the will of God.
And the greater the attack, the greater the level of blessing that awaits you beyond it, so keep going. 4) ‘Being exposed to sound Bible teaching automatically solves every problem.’ It will certainly help you solve your problems, but it won’t solve them for you.
You must be a ‘doer’ of the Word and not a ‘hearer only’ (see James 1:23). Paul writes, ‘Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies [and tricks] of the devil’ (Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT). In other words, you need ‘staying power’.
Is 34-36, Eph 5:17-33
22-09-2016, 12:16 PM
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Staying Power (2)
‘Here on earth you will have many trials.’
John 16:33
The UCB Word for Today - 22 Sep 2016
Two more reasons you need to develop staying power are: 1) It overcomes prolonged illness.
When sickness saps your physical, emotional, and mental strength - that’s when you need staying power.
The Bible says, ‘The strong spirit of a man [or woman] sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?’ (Proverbs 18:14 AMP Classic Edition).
Charles Spurgeon was known to multitudes as ‘the prince of preachers’. His ministry impacted London and much of the British Isles.
Yet he was so sick that he had to spend a lot of his time resting in Southern France.
His wife, who became an invalid after the birth of their twin sons, transcended her physical limitations with staying power.
Though paralysed, she directed from her bed an unprecedented book distribution effort.
And it’s largely because of her staying power that Spurgeon’s books are on the shelves of more people around the world than the books of most other ministers. 2) It overcomes financial limitations.
George Müller, who founded homes for orphans in Bristol, is a prime example of staying power.
He saved the lives of thousands of children, and he did it by faith. Many times he didn’t have the money to buy food for their next meal, but he never complained. Instead he prayed.
And in response to his faith, money poured in from all over the world, much of it from people he never knew.
Müller lived by the scriptural principle: ‘Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer’ (Romans 12:11-12 NIVUK 2011 Edition).
Is 37-38, Eph 6
Staying Power (2)
‘Here on earth you will have many trials.’
John 16:33
The UCB Word for Today - 22 Sep 2016
Two more reasons you need to develop staying power are: 1) It overcomes prolonged illness.
When sickness saps your physical, emotional, and mental strength - that’s when you need staying power.
The Bible says, ‘The strong spirit of a man [or woman] sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?’ (Proverbs 18:14 AMP Classic Edition).
Charles Spurgeon was known to multitudes as ‘the prince of preachers’. His ministry impacted London and much of the British Isles.
Yet he was so sick that he had to spend a lot of his time resting in Southern France.
His wife, who became an invalid after the birth of their twin sons, transcended her physical limitations with staying power.
Though paralysed, she directed from her bed an unprecedented book distribution effort.
And it’s largely because of her staying power that Spurgeon’s books are on the shelves of more people around the world than the books of most other ministers. 2) It overcomes financial limitations.
George Müller, who founded homes for orphans in Bristol, is a prime example of staying power.
He saved the lives of thousands of children, and he did it by faith. Many times he didn’t have the money to buy food for their next meal, but he never complained. Instead he prayed.
And in response to his faith, money poured in from all over the world, much of it from people he never knew.
Müller lived by the scriptural principle: ‘Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer’ (Romans 12:11-12 NIVUK 2011 Edition).
Is 37-38, Eph 6
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Staying Power (3)
‘Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses.’
Numbers 12:1
The UCB Word for Today - 23 Sep 2016
Staying power overcomes family opposition. When Moses’ sister Miriam and his brother Aaron complained about his relationship with God, Moses remained gentle and humble in the face of their opposition.
When faced with the challenge to ‘fold up or hold up’, David Livingstone demonstrated staying power.
His wife, Mary, gave him so much trouble, always complaining and criticising, that she made his life’s work almost impossible.
The tension between them became so great that Livingstone sent her home to England for a period of more than twelve years while he suffered, bled, and ultimately died in Africa for the cause of Christ.
When Jesus went home to Nazareth to minister to the people He grew up around, some of them tried to throw Him off a cliff.
And in spite of His teachings and miracles, His family thought He was mad. Did that hurt Him? Of course.
But He didn’t let it stop Him. He said: ‘Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters - yes, more than his own life - otherwise, he cannot be my disciple.
And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me…don’t begin until you [first] count the cost’ (Luke 14:26-28 TLB).
When your family opposes you, love them and pray for them because God can change their hearts. And until He does, keep serving Him.
Is 39-40, Phil 1
Staying Power (3)
‘Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses.’
Numbers 12:1
The UCB Word for Today - 23 Sep 2016
Staying power overcomes family opposition. When Moses’ sister Miriam and his brother Aaron complained about his relationship with God, Moses remained gentle and humble in the face of their opposition.
When faced with the challenge to ‘fold up or hold up’, David Livingstone demonstrated staying power.
His wife, Mary, gave him so much trouble, always complaining and criticising, that she made his life’s work almost impossible.
The tension between them became so great that Livingstone sent her home to England for a period of more than twelve years while he suffered, bled, and ultimately died in Africa for the cause of Christ.
When Jesus went home to Nazareth to minister to the people He grew up around, some of them tried to throw Him off a cliff.
And in spite of His teachings and miracles, His family thought He was mad. Did that hurt Him? Of course.
But He didn’t let it stop Him. He said: ‘Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters - yes, more than his own life - otherwise, he cannot be my disciple.
And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me…don’t begin until you [first] count the cost’ (Luke 14:26-28 TLB).
When your family opposes you, love them and pray for them because God can change their hearts. And until He does, keep serving Him.
Is 39-40, Phil 1