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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Pray Every Day
‘Ask … seek … knock.’

Matthew 7:7
The UCB Word for Today - 17 Jun 2016


The famous evangelist R.A. Torrey said two of the greatest secrets to effective prayer lay in: 1) Studying the Word of God and finding His will as revealed in the promises. 2) Taking these promises and spreading them out before God in prayer, with the unwavering expectation that He will do what He said.

Don’t tolerate prayerlessness in your life.


Don’t allow the stress of so-called progress to dictate how much time you will sit at the feet of your Saviour. Crave those times. Schedule those times. Protect those times.


Grace L. Naessens puts it like this in her poem, The Difference. ‘I woke early one morning, and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish, that I didn’t have time to pray.


Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task. “Why doesn’t God help me,” I wondered; He answered, “You didn’t ask.” I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak.


I wondered why God didn’t show me; He said, “But you didn’t seek.” I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock.” I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day.


I had so much to accomplish, that I had to take time to pray.’ If you are wise you will stay ‘prayed up’ and prepared for the inevitable crises of life.


It’s foolish to wait until trouble shows up at your doorstep to begin this essential spiritual discipline.


1 Chron 19-21, Acts 17:16-34

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Be Loyal to Your Friends
‘Do not forsake your own friend.’

Proverbs 27:10
The UCB Word for Today - 18 Jun 2016


Chuck Colson, President Richard Nixon’s ‘hatchet man’, went to prison for his part in the Watergate cover-up. In his book Born Again, he tells how he was invited to speak at a university soon after his release from prison.


At the time there was still much hostility towards the entire Watergate crowd, especially Richard Nixon. Questions were coming at Colson rapid-fire, and the students were becoming increasingly hostile.


One stood up and referred to a criticism Henry Kissinger had levelled at Richard Nixon. ‘Mr Colson,’ he demanded, ‘do you agree with this criticism?’ Colson said he scanned the room and could tell every ear was listening to hear what he would say.

Here’s how he replied: ‘We all know Mr Nixon’s negative qualities.


He has been dissected in the press like no one in history. I could tell you his good points, but I don’t believe I could persuade you to accept them.

But when it comes down to it, no, I don’t go along with Henry Kissinger’s comments.


Mr Nixon is my friend, and I don’t turn my back on my friends.’ Colson said for a moment he thought the roof would fall in - and in a way, it did; but not as he expected.

There was a moment of silence, followed by a thunderous standing ovation. The reason? Even hostile students could appreciate loyalty to a friend.


If you want to find out who your true friends are, just make a mistake! Many of those you thought were your friends will desert you like rats from a sinking ship.

That’s why the Bible says, ‘Do not forsake your own friend.’


1 Chron 22-24, Acts 18

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Dad, Start a Tradition
‘Fathers … bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.’

Ephesians 6:4
The UCB Word for Today - 19 Jun 2016



Dad, your children deserve a father who will model the Christian life before them, teach them the truth of God’s Word, and show them how to receive the gift of eternal life.

And it could be that in your family this beautiful tradition will begin when you commit your life to Jesus Christ.

Author and Bible teacher Gordon MacDonald tells the story of three mediaeval stonemasons who were working on a building project, when a passer-by asked them what they were doing. ‘The first replied that he was laying bricks. The second described his work as that of building a wall.


But it was the third stonemason who demonstrated genuine esteem for his work when he said, “I’m raising a great Cathedral.” Pose that same question to any two fathers concerning their role in the family and you are liable to get the same kind of contrast.


The first may say, “I’m supporting a family.” But the second may see things differently and say, “I’m raising children.” The former looks at his job as putting bread on the table.


But the latter sees things from God’s perspective: he’s participating in the shaping of lives.’ R.A. Torrey, the great Bible teacher, once said, ‘A man’s success as a Christian leader cannot be determined until one sees his grandchildren.’ Dad, think about that - you’re not just raising sons and daughters, you’re raising future fathers and mothers.


You’re shaping lives today that tomorrow will be shaping the lives of generations to come.

And in order to succeed you must take God with one hand and your children with the other.


Luke 11:29-54, Ps 66-67

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY
Dad, Start a Tradition


‘Fathers … bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.’

Ephesians 6:4
The UCB Word for Today - 19 Jun 2016


Dad, your children deserve a father who will model the Christian life before them, teach them the truth of God’s Word, and show them how to receive the gift of eternal life.


And it could be that in your family this beautiful tradition will begin when you commit your life to Jesus Christ.



Author and Bible teacher Gordon MacDonald tells the story of three mediaeval stonemasons who were working on a building project, when a passer-by asked them what they were doing. ‘The first replied that he was laying bricks. The second described his work as that of building a wall.


But it was the third stonemason who demonstrated genuine esteem for his work when he said, “I’m raising a great Cathedral.” Pose that same question to any two fathers concerning their role in the family and you are liable to get the same kind of contrast.


The first may say, “I’m supporting a family.” But the second may see things differently and say, “I’m raising children.” The former looks at his job as putting bread on the table.



But the latter sees things from God’s perspective: he’s participating in the shaping of lives.’ R.A. Torrey, the great Bible teacher, once said, ‘A man’s success as a Christian leader cannot be determined until one sees his grandchildren.’ Dad, think about that - you’re not just raising sons and daughters, you’re raising future fathers and mothers.


You’re shaping lives today that tomorrow will be shaping the lives of generations to come.

And in order to succeed you must take God with one hand and your children with the other.


Luke 11:29-54, Ps 66-67

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Raising Compliant and Defiant Children (2)
‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.’

James 1:5
The UCB Word for Today - 21 Jun 2016


Yesterday we talked about children who are compliant, compared to those who are defiant.

Every parent with two children or more is probably blessed with at least one of each.


When one child is a stick of dynamite and the other is an all-star sweetheart, the cooperative, gentle one can easily be taken for granted.


If there’s an unpleasant job, they’re expected to do it because Mum and Dad don’t have the energy to fight with the tiger.

When it’s necessary for one child to sacrifice or do without, there’s a tendency to pick the one who won’t complain as loudly.

Under these circumstances, the compliant child gets the short end of the stick.


The consequences of such inequity should be obvious. The responsible child becomes angry over time. They have a sense of powerlessness and resentment that simmers below the surface.


They’re like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11-32). He didn’t rebel against his father, but he resented the attention given to his irresponsible brother.


That’s typical! So you must try to balance the scales in dealing with your compliant child. Make sure they get their fair share of attention.


Help them find ways to cope with their overbearing sibling. And, within reason, give them the right to make their own decisions.


There’s nothing simple about raising kids. Even the ‘easiest’ of them need our very best effort - and God’s wisdom.

And it’s available: ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.’


1 Chron 28-29, Acts 19:23-41

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Acknowledge Your Hidden Biases
‘God shows no favouritism.’

Acts 10:34
The UCB Word for Today - 22 Jun 2016


A lot of us are like the lady in the prayer meeting who said, ‘I love everybody.’ The problem is - she had her eyes closed! Discrimination makes us accept without question the opinions and biases we’ve heard growing up, and the pronouncements of narrow-minded people.

Rarely do we stop and ask, ‘Is this right?’ Or more importantly, ‘Is it Christlike?’ Discrimination relegates people to second-class citizenship because of their colour, gender, economic status, church denomination, or the circumstances of their birth.

Sometimes our biases are so ingrained that we can’t see them in ourselves and we react in anger when confronted with them.

But God doesn’t let us off the hook.

Paul challenged Peter, the future head of the church, over the sin of discrimination: ‘He [Peter] used to eat with the Gentiles.

But when they [the Jews] 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 2011 Edition).

Paul didn’t give Peter a free pass because he had other redeeming qualities.

No, his behaviour was hurting people and reflecting badly on the church.


One of the most frequently quoted texts in the Bible is: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16 KJV). Note the words ‘whosoever believeth’. That means we’re all equal at the foot of the cross. There God makes no distinctions.


And before you can deal with the prejudice in someone else’s life, you’ve first got to deal with it in your own. So acknowledge your hidden biases and deal with them.



2 Chron 1-3, Acts 20:1-16

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Mountain-Moving Prayers
‘Whoever says to this mountain.’

Mark 11:23
The UCB Word for Today - 23 Jun 2016


Does the problem you’re facing seem like a mountain to you? Jesus said: ‘Assuredly … whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and … cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.


Therefore … whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.


And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive … your trespasses.

But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father … forgive your trespasses’ (vv. 22-26 NKJV).


Here Jesus gives us three keys to answered prayer. 1) Keep speaking God’s Word over your problem. ‘My word … shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and … prosper in the thing for which I sent it’ (Isaiah 55:11 NKJV). 2) Keep feeding your faith and starving your doubts. ‘Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them’ (Mark 11: 24 NKJV). 3) Keep forgiving. ‘Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him’ (v. 25 NKJV).

The mountain in your life can’t be removed if you’re harbouring unforgiveness.


God’s willingness to answer your prayers depends on your willingness to forgive the person who hurt you.


So ask yourself: is it worth holding on to bitterness? Bernard Meltzer says, ‘When you forgive, you in no way change the past, but you sure do change the future.’ Whether or not you think your offender deserves to be forgiven, do it for your own sake - so that the mountain can be moved.


2 Chron 4-6, Acts 20:17-38

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


How to Become a Good Leader
‘Teach the wise, and they will become even wiser.’

Proverbs 9:9
The UCB Word for Today - 24 Jun 2016


Whether God has called you to be a leader in church, in business, or at home, here are two important principles you must always practise: 1) Reach for people who stretch you.


Solomon said, ‘Teach the wise, and they will become even wiser.’ You can tell a lot about the direction your life is heading by looking at the people with whom you’ve chosen to spend your time and share your ideas.


Their values and priorities impact the way you think and act. If they’re positive and dedicated to growth, their values and priorities will encourage you and reinforce your desire to grow.


It’s not always comfortable to associate with people who are ahead of you in their growth, but it’s always profitable.

So try to cultivate relationships with people who stretch you.


And don’t think only in terms of what you can gain; bring something to the table yourself. Remember, you’ve got to make the relationship a win/win, or it won’t last. 2) Realise there are tradeoffs.


As responsibilities increase, rights decrease. In a world where perks and privileges often accompany the climb to success, sometimes little thought is given to the responsibilities of the upward journey.


As John D. Rockefeller Jr once said, ‘Every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.’ Jesus bottom-lines leadership in these words: ‘To whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more’ (Luke 12:48 NKJV).


2 Chron 7-9, Acts 21:1-17

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


God Wants to Meet Your Financial Needs
‘You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.’

2 Corinthians 9:11
The UCB Word for Today - 25 Jun 2016


When you give to fulfil the Lord’s Prayer, ‘Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth’ (Matthew 6:10 KJV), He will make sure you have everything you need when you need it.


That’s His guarantee, and it should dispel your fears about giving. In fact, there’s really only one thing you should be concerned about when it comes to giving: holding back to the extent that God is no longer involved in your finances.


There’s nothing you can do to earn or deserve God’s love, but you must exercise faith and follow His instructions if you want to walk in His blessing.


So here’s the question you should ask yourself: ‘Who’s better able to meet my needs, God or me?’ If you’re generous with God, He’ll make sure you have more than enough so that you can continue to be generous.


But first He wants to see you investing more in His kingdom - not in order to get what you want from Him, but because you value His eternal purposes more than your own interests.


Are you prepared to step out in faith and take advantage of the law of the harvest by inviting God to get involved in your finances? Money is often the last door we open to God because we think it represents our security.


If you really want to become secure financially, get God involved in your finances as soon as possible.


The sooner you start sowing seeds, the sooner you’ll begin reaping harvests. And when that happens, you’ll never go back to doing things the way you used to.


2 Chron 10-12, Acts 21:18-40

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Beauty Is, as Beauty Does
‘Be beautiful in your heart.’

1 Peter 3:4
The UCB Word for Today - 26 Jun 2016


Princess Diana was considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Yet she disliked what she saw in the mirror.


This led to an eating disorder known as bulimia, which is caused by self-loathing. And the ‘beauty cult’ has infected many of us with a similar sense of inadequacy and inferiority.


The problem is - we’re looking in the wrong mirror. It’s a good thing to stay physically fit and dress in a way that compliments you.


But it’s a bad thing to base your worth on your physical appearance. Why? Because you are fighting a losing battle against Mother Nature and Father Time.

Here are three Scriptures you need to think about: 1) ‘A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout’ (Proverbs 11:22 NLT).

That Scripture could be reduced to one sentence: ‘Beauty is, as beauty does.’ 2) ‘Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the LORD deserves to be praised’ (Proverbs 31:30 CEV).

That Scripture could be reduced to one sentence: ‘Beauty may attract attention, but only character will earn you respect.’ 3) ‘Be beautiful in your heart … This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special’ (1 Peter 3:4 CEV).


That Scripture could be reduced to one sentence: ‘God measures by a different yardstick; with Him, beauty is an inside job.’ And here is one more thought: people will treat you according to how you treat yourself.


So as you begin to appreciate the ‘beauty’ God has placed within you, others will begin to appreciate it too.


Luke 12:1-31, Ps 68-69