[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The rewards of generosity

‘Be generous, and someday you will be rewarded.’

Ecclesiastes 11:1

The UCB Word for Today - 6 Nov 2017

The Dead Sea has such high mineral concentrations that even non-swimmers can stay afloat in it. The only problem is the smell. Because it has no outlets, any fresh water that comes in quickly becomes contaminated.

There’s an important biblical principle at work here: ‘The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed’ (Proverbs 11:25 NLT). God never intended you to be a reservoir that just takes in, but a river of blessing that flows out to others.

The Bible says: ‘A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.

“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others’ (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT).

So if you need a job, volunteer at a soup kitchen while you’re looking for work. If you’re praying for an increase in your business, pour your best into someone else’s business and ask God to prosper them.

Solomon writes, ‘Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many, for in the days ahead you yourself may need much help’ (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 TLB).

Even if you don’t have a specific need right now, sow a seed of kindness anyway. God knows what the future holds, and one day when you need it most, it will come back to you as a harvest.

Ezek 11-13, Heb 9

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Learn to meditate

‘On his law he meditates day and night.’

Psalm 1:2

The UCB Word for Today - 7 Nov 2017

Butterflies cover more ground, but bees gather more honey. That’s because the butterfly just flies over the flowers, whereas the bee lands on each one and stays there long enough to extract the nectar.

That’s the difference between merely reading your Bible for a few hurried minutes, and taking time to meditate on what you’re reading. Meditation isn’t something difficult and mysterious that only scholars and ‘spiritual’ people do.

It’s just thinking deeply and continuously about a passage of Scripture, memorising it, letting it take root, and ‘owning it’ until it becomes a life force operating within you each day.

The point isn’t how much Scripture you memorise, it’s what happens to you in the process. Meditating on God’s Word clarifies your understanding and corrects your conduct.

It enriches your thinking and equips you by making you think different thoughts than if you were watching TV, for example, or texting, or talking on your mobile phone, or shopping.

The psalmist writes: ‘The Law of the LORD makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do’ (vv. 2-3 CEV).

Meditating on God’s Word is the cure for moral and spiritual weakness; for a life with no focus; for a lack of intimacy with God; for chronically weak faith that causes you to fail and keep missing God’s best.

So open your Bible, read it, and pray, ‘Lord, what are You saying to me?’ Then meditate on His answer.

Ezek 14-15, Heb 10

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Righteous anger (1)

‘Be angry, and do not sin.’

Ephesians 4:26

The UCB Word for Today - 8 Nov 2017

There’s a right way and a wrong way to handle your anger. Moses handled his anger the wrong way and it cost him the Promised Land. Jesus handled His anger the right way, and those who took advantage of the poor were exposed and thrown out of the temple.

The Scripture, ‘Be angry, and do not sin,’ means instead of just complaining about the problem, you’re supposed to do something about it. Instead of walking around on a slow burn and keeping those around you on pins and needles, get to the core of your anger and express it the right way.

Pastor and author Dr Jack Hyles wrote about how his child was assigned to read a book in school – one that was filled with foul language and questionable situations. The more Dr Hyles perused the book, the angrier he got.

Eventually he marched up to the principal’s office and politely but firmly said, ‘My son is not going to read this book: he’ll be assigned a different book to read, and he will not be marked down because of it.’

The principal, taken aback and attempting to argue with Dr Hyles, said, ‘But…’ Dr Hyles interrupted and said softly but sternly, ‘No ifs, ands, or buts about it. He will not be forced to read this book, and he will be assigned another one. Is that clear?’

The principal replied, ‘All right, Dr Hyles, but I don’t understand the fuss. After all, the language in that book is no worse than what’s written on the bathroom walls.’ Dr Hyles smiled and said, ‘Yes, and when that becomes required reading – I’ll be back!’

Ezek 16-17, Heb 11

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Righteous anger (2)

‘Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.’

Isaiah 5:20

The UCB Word for Today - 9 Nov 2017

Did you know that God Himself gets angry? The Bible says, ‘The LORD became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the LORD God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice’ (1 Kings 11:9 NKJV).

Often change begins with righteous anger. Aristotle once said: ‘Anybody can become angry; that’s easy. But to be angry with the right person…to the right degree…at the right time…for the right purpose, and in the right way …that’s not easy.’

But it is possible! A person who always gets angry is a fool, but a person who never gets angry is lacking in moral courage. Henry Ward Beecher said: ‘A man who doesn’t know how to be angry, doesn’t know how to be good.

A man who doesn’t know how to be shaken to his heart’s core with indignation over things evil, is either a fungus or a wicked man.’ Here are four things that we ought to get angry over:

1) A sex-crazed, profanity-filled movie and television industry that’s polluting the minds of young and old alike.

2) Cowardly politicians who do what’s politically expedient instead of what’s morally right.

3) Injustice done to others because of the colour of their skin or their economic status.

4) Your children when they openly defy you.

However, a word of warning: ‘Don’t go to bed angry’ (Ephesians 4:26 CEV). So, clearly explain the rules of the house, consistently enforce those rules, but make sure that your child knows you love them and have only their best interest at heart. They may not understand it at the time, but they will appreciate it later.

Ezek 18-19, Heb 12

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Teach your child God’s Word

‘From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures.’

2 Timothy 3:15

The UCB Word for Today - 10 Nov 2017

There’s a story about a woman who came to her pastor and said, ‘How early should I start the spiritual training of my child?’ The pastor asked, ‘How old is the child?’ She answered, ‘Five.’ He replied, ‘Lady, get busy – you’re already five years late!’

Psychologists confirm that your child’s capacity and hunger for knowledge begins at infancy. So while they are in the listening stage, you should be in the teaching stage.

Take every opportunity to read the Bible to them. Use everyday experiences to teach them what God’s Word has to say about the Golden Rule, how to be polite, how to forgive, and how to confess and repent of sin.

Never underestimate God’s ability to develop spiritual character and teach spiritual truths to your children, even at a very early age. While their heart is still young and tender, introduce them to Jesus.

Some of the greatest Christians in history were saved at an early age. Jonathan Edwards, whose ministry shook New England for God, was saved at the age of eight.

Charles Spurgeon, ‘the prince of preachers’, was saved at the age of twelve. Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator, was saved at the age of eleven.

Timothy was an apostle by the time he was seventeen. Paul writes, ‘From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.’

Yes, your child can understand the basic truths about salvation. And they can come to know Christ at an early age.

Ezek 20-21, Heb 13

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Overcoming your fears (1)

‘You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.’

Job 11:18

The UCB Word for Today - 11 Nov 2017

Famous people throughout history have suffered from phobias. Napoleon was crippled by ailurophobia, an irrational fear of cats. Queen Elizabeth I was terrorised by anthophobia, an abnormal fear of flowers (she particularly feared roses).

Billionaire Howard Hughes was practically incapacitated by mysophobia, a pathological fear of germs. Edgar Allen Poe and Harry Houdini suffered from claustrophobia.

Even the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, grappled with agoraphobia, a fear of crowds and public places. The trouble is that many of us deny dealing with any kind of overwhelming fear, and rarely consider it a serious problem.

But the fact remains that our fears hinder us on our journey towards change, and unless we face them we’ll never reach our God-given potential. Maybe you don’t view the thing that’s bothering you as a fear at all.

It could be a feeling or situation you habitually avoid, or leave to others to handle. Whatever it is, the only way to overcome it is to call it what it is, confront it, draw on God’s strength, and make a decision to change.

And today He offers you His strength to do it. Here’s a promise you can stand on: ‘You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and…rest in safety.’ Where does that promise originate?

The Bible – God’s infallible Word! And here’s another ‘fear not’ promise: ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand’ (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).

Ezek 22-23, James 1

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Overcoming your fears (2)

‘They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.’

Psalm 112:7

The UCB Word for Today - 12 Nov 2017

Let’s take a look at some of our most common fears and how we can overcome them. Fear of failure.

This is the most common fear of all, and it keeps us from fulfilling any vision God may give us. If you look closely at the actual consequences of failure, chances are you’ll laugh at the power it wields.

Not only are your mistakes survivable, they’re teaching tools that sharpen and make you a better person. So what if you make a mistake during your presentation? Nobody’s going to shoot you, right?

So what if you miss the mark on the project, or make a mistake in your calculations? We all want to be perfect, but the fact is we’re all flawed. In reality, your irrational fear of failure and your refusal to embrace mistakes create far more errors in the long run.

When people refuse to accept the possibility of making a mistake, often they’re reluctant to have someone else check their work or review the project they’re working on. Consequently they end up making more poor choices and mistakes, which in turn feeds their existing insecurities.

The path to success is through multiple failures. Failing doesn’t make you a failure, quitting does; not learning from it does; refusing to get back up when you fall does.

The psalmist says, ‘They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.’ Using the gifts God has given you, step out and take a risk based on faith, trusting Him for success. If you do, ‘You will have good success’ (Joshua 1:8 NKJV).

Luke 21:20-38, Ps 116-118

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Overcoming your fears (3)

‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’

Hebrews 13:6

The UCB Word for Today - 13 Nov 2017

Let’s look at two more common fears:

1) Fear of not being good enough. It’s not about being as good as others; it’s about being yourself! Stop comparing yourself to other people and instead spend your time discovering your God-given strengths. You were born for a purpose, and that purpose may be unlike anything you’ve ever encountered.

2) Fear of not being accepted. This is one of the greatest sources of loneliness in society today. And the Internet hasn’t solved the problem because deep down we all long for intimacy, not information.

You’d be surprised at how many people go home to an empty flat, eat dinner for one, watch television, and climb into bed alone. Even when we’re surrounded by a crowd we still feel isolated – like an island in the middle of the sea.

But, in truth, it doesn’t have to be that way – particularly if you’re a member of God’s redeemed family. The key to being accepted is to reach out and accept other members of your family.

When you allow them into your private world, you’ll find they welcome you into theirs. Take a look at your life today. Nobody’s looking, and the person who’ll benefit most from it is you!

Insecure people can be the most difficult to reach because they’re desperate to hide what they perceive as inadequacies and failures. If you need the help of a professional counsellor, doctor, or pastor, reach out and get it! You owe it to yourself! Rise up today and say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid of rejection, or of not being good enough.’

Ezek 24-26, James 2

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Pray for them!

‘Remember…those who are mistreated.’

Hebrews 13:3

The UCB Word for Today - 14 Nov 2017

The Bible tells us, ‘Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters’ (v. 1 NIV 2011 Edition). Then it gets specific: ‘Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.’

On April 18, 2007, three Christians in Turkey were killed for their beliefs. Necati Aydin was one of them. He was a thirty-five-year-old pastor in the city of Malatya, and Max Lucado tells his story:

‘By the time Necati reached the office, his two colleagues had already received visitors; five young men who’d expressed an interest in the Christian faith. But the inquisitors brought more than questions.

They brought guns, bread knives, ropes, and towels. The attackers brandished their weapons and told Necati to pray the Islamic prayer of conversion: “There is no God except Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.”

When Necati refused, the torture began. For an agonising hour the assailants bound, interrogated, and cut Christians. Finally, with the police pounding on the door, they sliced the throats of their victims.

The last word heard from the office was the cry of an unswerving Christian: “Messiah! Messiah!” Such stories have a way of silencing us. This morning’s traffic jam is no longer worth the mention…

Such stories make us ask ourselves: “Would I make the sacrifice? Would I cry out, Messiah! Messiah? Would I give up my life?”’ When we complain about frivolous things, you have to wonder.

The Bible says you’re to pray for your fellow Christians around the world who are suffering ‘as if [you yourself] were suffering.’

Ezek 27-29, James 3

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Why go to church?

‘Christ loved the church.’

Ephesians 5:25

The UCB Word for Today - 15 Nov 2017

The story’s told of a mother, who woke her son one Sunday morning and said, ‘Get up – you’re late for church!’ He replied, ‘I don’t want to go. I’ve no friends there, the music’s awful, and the sermons are boring!’ The woman replied, ‘You’ve got to go – you’re the pastor!’

Seriously, why should you go to church? Because ‘Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish’ (vv. 25-27 NIV 2011 Edition).

Pastor and President Emeritus of Taylor University Dr Jay Kesler gives us five reasons for going to church: 1) It’s the only organisation that still deals with issues like salvation, death, judgment, grace, purpose, heaven, and hell.

2) It adds value and dignity to human life. We live in a secular culture that contributes to our sense of inner worthlessness. The church counteracts this negative message by preaching God’s love and acceptance.

3) It provides a moral and spiritual compass. Society has revised, resisted, and rejected absolutes, embracing relativism, but the church stands on the timeless bedrock of God’s Word.

4) It’s where you find compassion, healing, and community. There – we’re all on par. There – God’s Spirit is working to knit us together as believers, guaranteeing us all ‘equal access to the Father’ (Ephesians 2:18 MSG).

5) Unlike other institutions, it has motivated the most lasting, unselfish, essential, courageous endeavours on earth. Things like missions, schools, hospitals, food pantries, rehab centres, and orphanages. Why go to church? Because Jesus loves the church – and so should you.

Ezek 30-32, James 4