• Welcome to Dream Torchlight Forum
  • This forum is for the discussion and interpretation of dreams
  • This is a FREE service
  • No profanity or personal insults will be tolerated on any of these forums
  • Thank you Jesus!
Hello There, Guest! Login Register


Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
The Word For Today-A Daily Update
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Dealing with depression


‘Your words…were my joy and my heart’s delight.’
Jeremiah 15:16 NIV (2011 Edition)

The UCB Word for Today - 16 Feb 2018

People in Bible times dealt with depression too. Elijah said, ‘I have had enough, Lord…Take my life’ (1 Kings 19:4 NIV 2011 Edition).

Job said, ‘I loathe my very life’ (Job 10:1 NIV 2011 Edition). David wrote, ‘My soul is downcast’ (Psalm 42:6 NIV 2011 Edition).

Now, when you’re clinically depressed you should seek professional help. But the kind of depression we’re talking about here is when your motivation is drained, your desire to pursue God is gone, your conversations have turned sour, you’re blind to your blessings, your enthusiasm is forced, and you’re in a daze regarding the future.

Here are some possible causes:
1) Sin. Sin is like a stone in your shoe; you’ll have no peace until you get it out. No holiday, job change, relationship change, or doctor will heal it. But the blood of Jesus will cleanse it (see 1 John 1:7).

2) Greed. King Ahab’s obsession with owning Naboth’s vineyard made him miserable and affected his entire family (see 1 Kings 21:4).

3) Comparisons. Constantly comparing yourself to others will depress you (see 2 Corinthians 10:12).

4) Speaking negatively. ‘The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences’ (Proverbs 18:21 NLT).

5) Fatigue. Jesus called His disciples aside to rest. Why? Because He recognised that when fatigue walks in, faith walks out (see Mark 6:31).

6) Unforgiveness. When you refuse to forgive someone, you carry them like an albatross around your neck. So, what’s the remedy for depression?

Often it starts with prayer and Bible reading. Jeremiah, who battled depression, wrote, ‘When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.’

Leviticus 8-10, Matthew 25:31-46[/color]
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Seven seconds (1)


‘Let your light…shine before men.’
Matthew 5:16 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 17 Feb 2018

Jesus said, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ When you’re in darkness, you see the light before you see the carrier of the light, right?

The old saying, ‘First impressions are lasting impressions,’ is true. One communications expert says: ‘You’ve got just seven seconds to make the right first impression.

As soon as you make your entrance, you broadcast verbal and nonverbal signals that determine how others see you. In business those crucial first seven seconds can decide whether you win that new account, or succeed in a tense negotiation.

Are you confident? Comfortable? Sincere? Glad to be there? In that first seven seconds, you shower your audience with subtle “clues”.

And whether people realise it or not, they respond immediately to your facial expressions, gestures, stance, and energy. They react to your voice – the tone and pitch.

Audiences, whether one or one hundred, instinctively size up your motives and attitudes.’ Whether you’re speaking, selling, interviewing, or dating, your appearance, attitude, and approach make all the difference in the world.

People can tell a lot in seven seconds. They may decide they don’t want to hear anything you have to say, or they may be struck by how much they’re drawn to you.

Henry Ward Beecher said: ‘There are persons so radiant, so genial, so kind, so pleasure-bearing, that you instinctively feel in their presence that they do you good, whose coming into a room is like bringing a shining lamp there.’

Leviticus 11-12, Matthew 26:1-25
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Seven seconds (2)


‘Who is wise…among you? Let them show it by…wisdom.’
James 3:13 NIV (2011 Edition)

The UCB Word for Today - 18 Feb 2018

In the first seven seconds people often decide they do or don’t want to hear what you have to say. It may not be fair – but it’s a fact.

In How to Talk So People Listen, communication expert Sonya Hamlin says when it comes to hearing and seeing, sight is the more important and powerful sense. She writes: ‘We remember 85 to 90 per cent of what we see, but less than 15 per cent of what we hear.

Countless numbers of people have lost sales opportunities, ruined job interviews, or been turned down for dates because their appearance didn’t match someone else’s expectations. If you’re wise you’ll ask your family and friends if you’re inclined to display nonverbal cues that capture their attention and take the focus off what you’re trying to communicate.’ One pastor says: ‘I never realised how many nonverbal mistakes I was making until I saw myself on video.

Now it’s my regular practice to go back and watch myself to determine not only what I said, but also how I said it. The tape doesn’t lie.’

Great actors can tell a story without saying a word, simply by using facial expressions. And whether you are aware of it or not, you convey a message by the expression on your face.

Even people who pride themselves on ‘playing with a poker face’, and on their ability to not let other people know what they’re really thinking, convey an unspoken message of detachment. And that makes meaningful connection with other people well-nigh impossible.

If your face is going to ‘talk’ – and it is – make sure you’re communicating the right thing.

Luke 3:1-19, Psalm 18-19
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Seven seconds (3)


‘I am the good shepherd.’
John 10:11 KJV

The UCB Word for Today - 19 Feb 2018

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Your message may be wonderful and much needed by the hearer, but the look on your face can turn people off before you open your mouth.

Ever notice how many people have bad memories of growing up in church? They recall stern, severe, strange-looking people who passed condemnation on the world at large.

What a disservice to God! A little girl once saw a mule looking over a fence.

Patting him on the head, she said, ‘It’s okay; my aunt is religious too!’ Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd.’

The word ‘good’ comes from the Greek word kelos, which means ‘winsome’ [attractive, pleasant, engaging]. Jesus’ attitude won people over every time! What we say accounts for 7 per cent of what people believe.

How we say it accounts for 38 per cent. What they see accounts for 55 per cent.

Amazingly, more than 90 per cent of the nonverbal cues we give off have nothing to do with what we actually say! So, if you think communication is just about words, you’re missing the boat, and the chances are you’ll have a hard time connecting with others.

A member of his staff once asked Abraham Lincoln to give a friend of his a job. After interviewing the man, Lincoln turned him down.

Asked why, he replied, ‘Because I didn’t like the look on his face.’ The White House staffer protested, ‘That’s not fair! Nobody’s responsible for the look on their face.’

Lincoln replied, ‘That’s where you’re wrong. Everyone over forty is responsible for the look on their face.’ So…what does your facial expression say to others?

Leviticus 13, Matthew 26:26-46
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Handling panic attacks


‘Do not be afraid of sudden fear.’
Proverbs 3:25 NASB

The UCB Word for Today - 20 Feb 2018

In the Bible panic attacks are referred to as ‘sudden fear’. You can’t breathe, your palms sweat, your chest gets tight, and you feel weak.

If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you’ll recognise these symptoms. Doctors estimate that in our stress-filled world, about a third of us experience at least one panic attack a year.

If you are one of them, here are some things you can do to help yourself:

1) Breathe deeply. Panic makes you breathe in short, shallow bursts, whereas breathing deeply helps to calm and relax you.

So, when you start to feel overwhelmed, stop and breathe the name of Jesus. Try it; it works!

2) Talk to yourself. Say, ‘By God’s grace I can handle this’ (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). If you respond with more panic you’ll just end up in double trouble.

Allowing yourself to feel panic without reacting to it may sound difficult at first, but it helps you break the cycle and take control of your thinking.

3) Do something calming. This may be the last thing you feel like doing, because panic attacks make you instinctively think thoughts that feed your fear.

So, take a minute and whisper a prayer, quote a Scripture, listen to inspirational music, or talk to a friend. And if your panic attacks continue, there’s no shame in getting professional help.

After all, it’s God who gives doctors the skills and abilities to intervene. Here’s a Scripture you should write down and keep handy: ‘You can go to bed without fear…and sleep soundly.

You need not be afraid of sudden disaster…for the Lord is your security’ (Proverbs 3:24-26 NLT).

Leviticus 14, Matthew 26:47-75
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Where are you living today?


‘To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…be glory…forever.’
Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 21 Feb 2018

Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land illustrates three different places you can choose to live:

1) The place of ‘not enough’. As slaves in Egypt they were forced to depend on Pharaoh for everything. And when you have to keep relying on anyone but God, you’re not truly free.

Until you understand that God is your provider, you’ll live with a ‘not enough’ mentality. Elijah was living by a stream in the middle of a famine, and ravens brought him meat each day.

Then one day the ravens didn’t show up, and the brook dried up. Why?

God dried up a temporary source to drive Elijah back to his true source. Understand this: regardless of what or whom He uses – God is your source. He is called ‘Jehovah Jireh’, which means ‘the Lord will provide’.

2) The place of ‘just enough’. In the wilderness Israel had just enough manna for each day.

It’s no fun struggling to just get by. But we appreciate what we have to struggle for, and we learn to trust God more.

Plus, living through such seasons builds into us a tenacity to keep moving towards better things.

3) The place of ‘more than enough’. God’s plan for Israel was ‘a land in which you…will lack nothing’ (Deuteronomy 8:9 NKJV). And His goal for you is abundance in every area of life (see 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV).

Is that so you can hoard it? No, it’s so you can bless others and fulfil your assignment in life.

So, stand on this Scripture: ‘To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…be glory…forever.’

Leviticus 15-16, Matthew 27:1-26
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Remember those who have helped you


‘You sent help more than once.’
Philippians 4:16 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 22 Feb 2018

Charles Swindoll tells the story of the giving tree: ‘When the boy was young he swung from the tree’s branches, ate her apples, and slept in her shade…But as he grew up he spent less and less time with the tree. “Come on, let’s play,” said the tree.

But the young man was only interested in money. “Then take all my apples and sell them,” said the tree.

The man did, and the tree was happy. He didn’t return for a long time, but the tree smiled when he passed by one day.

“Come on, let’s play!” But the man, older and tired of the world, wanted to get away from it all. “Cut me down.

Take my trunk, make a boat, then you can sail away,” said the tree. The man did, and the tree was happy.

Many seasons passed – and the tree waited. Finally the man returned, too old to play, or pursue riches, or sail the seas. “I have a pretty good stump left.

Sit down here and rest,” said the tree. The man did, and the tree was happy.’

Swindoll continues: ‘I stared into the fire, reviewing my life as I grew older with the tree and the boy. I identified with both – and it hurt.

How many giving trees have there been? How many people have given themselves so I might grow, accomplish my goals, and find wholeness and satisfaction?

Thank you, Lord, for each one. That night I crawled into bed. I had wept, now I was smiling.

“Good night, Lord.” I was a humble man. Thankful I’d taken time to reflect.’ Paul remembered those who helped him – and so should you.

Leviticus 17-18, Matthew 27:27-50
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Strengthen your faith (1)


‘The act of faith…set them above the crowd.’
Hebrews 11:2 MSG

The UCB Word for Today - 23 Feb 2018

The Bible says: ‘The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.

The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd’ (vv. 1-2 MSG). The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews chapter eleven were far from perfect.

Noah believed God, built the ark, and saved his family. But when he came out of the ark he got drunk.

Abraham was known as a ‘friend of God’, yet he lied to save his own neck and ended up compromising his wife’s safety. When God told Sarah she’d give birth to a child at ninety years old, she laughed – and you’d probably have done the same.

And how about Joseph? He was a slave with a prison record who ended up second in command when it came to ruling Egypt.

Then there’s Rahab the harlot; we wouldn’t let her sing in the church choir, yet God listed her as a woman of great faith. And how about Jacob, who duped his brother and deceived his father-in-law in business in order to enrich himself?

Would you do business with him? Then there was King David, whose womanising led to murder and national scandal. Even Gideon and Samuel, two spiritual giants, raised children who went astray spiritually.

Every one of these people was as human as you are. They faltered, fumbled the ball, and went through times of failure.

Their only claim to fame is they believed God and He honoured their faith – and He will do the same for you each time you put your trust in Him.

Leviticus 19-20, Matthew 27:51-66
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Strengthen your faith (2)


‘Position yourselves, stand still and see the [deliverance] of the LORD, who is with you.’
2 Chronicles 20:17 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 24 Feb 2018

When you doubt God you disappoint Him, because He deserves better. So, you must seek to strengthen your faith, because faith honours God and God honours faith.

And He will send opportunities disguised as problems designed to strengthen your faith. When Job lost his health, his wealth, and his children, the Bible says he ‘fell to the ground and worshipped’ (Job 1:20 NKJV).

Job didn’t worship God because of his circumstances, but in spite of them. Notice the two things he did:

1) He looked up. He recognised God’s sovereign right to decide all things. He trusted God’s loving character and believed He would ultimately do what was best for him. And you must do that too!

2) He listened for a word. He realised this testing time was also a teaching time, so he declared, ‘He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold’ (Job 23:10 NKJV).

Like gold being processed by the refiner, Job trusted God to bring out the best in him. Was it easy to do? No.

We want to cling to the familiar and return to the safety of yesterday, even though we know it’s not what God wants for us. The fears, surprises, and adversity that lie around the bend make us want to cut and run.

But if you do, you’ll short-circuit God’s plan for your life. What should you do instead?

Position yourself in faith: ‘Stand still and see the [deliverance] of the Lord, who is with you.’ Whatever you are going through right now, remember that God is ‘with you’.

Leviticus 21-22, Matthew 28
 
TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Strengthen your faith (3)


‘Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.’
Psalm 56:3 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 25 Feb 2018

Faith is like a muscle; trouble may strain it, but in the end it grows stronger. David understood this truth.

He was continually hounded by his enemies. Even as he was being anointed to sit on the throne of Israel, Saul was still occupying it.

But instead of losing faith in God’s promise, David declared that ‘the Lord has chosen everyone who is faithful to be his very own, and he answers my prayers’ (Psalm 4:3 CEV). When the Philistines captured him, he prayed, ‘There are many who fight against me, O Most High. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You’ (Psalm 56:2-3 NKJV).

When he ended up in a cave fleeing from Saul’s jealous rage, he said, ‘I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this…is past’ (Psalm 57:1 TLB). During the third century when St Felix of Nola was running from his enemies, he took refuge in a cave.

Eventually a spider began to weave a web across the small opening, sealing it off and making it look like nobody had been inside for months. Consequently, his pursuers passed by.

Stepping out into the sunshine, Felix declared, ‘Where God is, a spider’s web is a wall. And where God is not, a wall is a spider’s web.’

Jesus said you’d have problems in life; people will disappoint you, and you’ll even disappoint yourself. Sometimes you’ll end up in a cave because of something you did, or because of circumstances over which you have no control.

But with God on your side, you can say, ‘Whenever I’m afraid, I will trust in You.’

Luke 3:20-38, Psalm 20-22