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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Instead of worrying, pray

‘Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.’
Philippians 4:6 CEV

The UCB Word for Today - 26 Feb 2018

One Bible teacher writes: ‘The pressures of our times have many of us caught in a web of the most acceptable, yet energy-draining sin in the Christian family: worry. Chances are good you woke up this morning, stepped out of bed, and before doing anything, strapped on your well-worn backpack of anxiety.

You started the day not with a prayer on your mind, but loaded down by worry. What a dreadful habit! Jesus challenged His followers with the question, “Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27 NASB).

Worry solves nothing. It creates unrest and uneasiness, and if left unchecked it can churn our waves of anxiety into a perfect storm of emotions.

Add a little imagination and creativity, and our worst fears come to life in Technicolor brilliance. The stress from worry drains our energy and preoccupies our minds, stripping us of our peace…We fret over big things and little things.

Some of us have a laundry list of concerns that feed our addiction to worry. It’s a very unattractive addiction, yet we somehow manage to make a joke out of it.

I’ve heard people say with a smile, “If I don’t have something to worry about, I get worried about not having something to worry about.” Anxiety has become a favourite pastime we love to hate.

And worse, we’re passing it on to our children. As they see the worry on our faces and hear it from our lips, we’re mentoring them in the art of anxiety.’ So, what’s the answer?

‘Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.’

Leviticus 23-24, Mark 1:1-22

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Rules of engagement

‘A gentle response defuses anger.’
Proverbs 15:1 MSG

The UCB Word for Today - 27 Feb 2018

Even in the best of marriages arguments will arise from time to time. With two people of differing temperaments, tastes, and ways of thinking, how could it be otherwise?

So here are a few rules of engagement: 1) Think before you speak. Ask yourself if fear, stress, or worry may have provoked your mate’s response.

Is it bothering you right now because you are feeling insecure and unappreciated? Could you be misreading or exaggerating the problem? Take time to try and identify what’s really happening.

(2) Ask for what you need. It’s okay to admit that some days you are needier than others.

Dr Gary Oliver says: ‘When a woman feels panicked every time her husband comes home late because her previous husband had an affair…it’s okay to say, “I know it’s irrational, but I’m having a panicky day.”
That kind of honesty strengthens a relationship.’

3) Never threaten. Threats just make your mate defensive and insecure. As a result, they can’t hear what you’re saying and nothing gets resolved.

4) Ditch the baggage from previous relationships. The Bible says, ‘Love…always looks for the best, never looks back’ (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 MSG).

It’s wrong to make your mate keep ‘proving’ themselves over and over again. Don’t assume that old relationship problems are destined to keep repeating themselves. They won’t if you’re communicating and growing.

5) Say something nice to your mate every day. Any time you think something good about your spouse, stop and tell them. And when they reciprocate, respond graciously to what they’re saying.

Remember, sharp words can create wounds, but ‘a gentle response defuses anger’.

Leviticus 25, Mark 1:23-45

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Secrets of self-control (1)

‘A man’s temptation is due to the pull of his own inward desires.’
James 1:14 PHPS

The UCB Word for Today - 28 Feb 2018

For the next few days let’s look at how to develop self-control. Here’s the first step: accept responsibility for your lack of self-control. Admit your problem. ‘A man’s temptation is due to the pull of his own inward desires, which can be enormously attractive.’

The main reason you do things – is because you like to! When you know something’s bad for you but you still do it, it’s because you want to. Sometimes we try to ignore the problem of self-control or deny it: ‘What problem?

I don’t have a problem,’ or ‘It’s just the way I am,’ or ‘Everybody else is doing it.’ Sometimes we blame others: ‘If I just had different parents,’ or ‘The devil made me do it.’

As long as you waste your energy making excuses, you can’t make progress. James points out that we like to take the path of least resistance, and giving in to temptation is usually the easiest course.

The starting point for developing self-control is to face what God has already said in His Word: ‘Everyone who sins is a slave to sin’ (John 8:34 NIV 2011 Edition). Do you want more self-control?

Then admit you have a problem, and be specific about it: ‘I have this problem. This is where I need help.’

You may have a problem with food, drink, drugs, words, your temper, money, exercise, sex, TV, clothes, time – all these areas need self-control. So today get down on your knees and talk to God about the problem, believing that with His help you’ll be able to solve it.

Leviticus 26-27, Mark 2

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Secrets of Self-Control (2)

‘With the Lord’s help, they will stand.’ Romans 14:4 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 01 Mar 2018

Put your past behind you. ‘One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal.’ (Philippians 3:13–14 NIV)

This Scripture exposes a misconception that will keep you from gaining self-control: once a failure, always a failure! You may say, ‘Oh, I tried to quit my bad habit.

In fact, I have tried over and over. I guess I’ll never be able to get control of this.’ That is a misconception. Paul says, ‘We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.’ (2 Corinthians 4:9 TLB)

Have you watched a baby learning to walk? They fall down a lot, but they don’t stay down. They keep on trying, and ultimately they succeed.

How far do you think they’d get if they just gave up and said, ‘Some people were meant to be walkers, and some were not’? Failure in the past does not mean you’ll never be able to change.

But focusing on past failures, however, does guarantee their repetition. It is like driving a car while looking in the rear-view mirror.

You’re going to collide with what’s ahead of you. You have to put your past behind you. Few people had more failures than Thomas Edison, inventor of the electric light bulb.

Most of us would have given up, but not him. He once said, ‘Don’t call it a failure, call it an education! Now I know what doesn’t work!’

When you realise sin doesn’t work, it’s a defining moment and your springboard to victory. A winner is simply someone who gets back up one more time than they fall down. So, the word for you today is: ‘With the Lord’s help, you will stand.’

SoulFood: 1 Ki 16:1–18:15, Mt 19:1–14, Ps 61, Prov 6:16–19

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Secrets of self-control (3)

‘The grace of God…teaches us to say “No.”’
Titus 2:11-12 NIV (2011 Edition)

The UCB Word for Today - 02 Mar 2018

Talk back to your feelings. We put far too much emphasis on our feelings.

We think everything has to feel good or it’s not worthwhile. We say things like, ‘I don’t feel like studying…I don’t feel like working…I don’t feel like reading my Bible.’

Or, ‘I feel like having another drink…I feel like sleeping until noon.’ Don’t give your feelings so much authority.

Feelings are highly unreliable; if you allow them, they will control and manipulate you. God doesn’t want you to be controlled by your feelings.

He wants you to master your moods. With Christ as the Master of your life, you can master your feelings.

Talk back to them. God says He wants you to learn how to challenge your emotions.

‘The grace of God…teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives’ (vv. 11-12 NIV 2011 Edition). God’s grace gives you the power to do what’s right.

It gives you the ability to say no to that feeling, to that desire, to that impulse. Are you battling a weight problem?

Before you ever walk into the kitchen and open the refrigerator door, you have already begun to talk to yourself about eating. If you are serious, you will have to challenge some of those subconscious attitudes about food.

When you hear your mind saying, ‘I just have to have a snack or I’ll die,’ you have to say, ‘No, I’m not going to die.

In fact, I will be healthier if I don’t have a snack.’ Bottom line: God’s supernatural power can help you to master your moods, thoughts, and desires.

Numbers 3-4, Mark 3:20-35

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Secrets of self-control (4)

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’
Philippians 4:13 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 03 Mar 2018

Start believing you can change. Your beliefs control your behaviour.

The way you think determines the way you feel. And when your feelings become strong enough, they determine the way you act.

The person who says, ‘I can’t do it,’ and the person who says, ‘I can do it,’ are both right. Much of the time you set yourself up to be defeated by what you’re saying.

Your words reinforce either your right or wrong belief system. Three times in First Peter, God reminds us to be clear-minded and self-controlled. Why?

Because a clear mind is essential to self-control. God gave us the power to change our habits when He gave us the power to choose our thoughts.

Does Romans twelve verse two tell us to be transformed by working hard or by sheer willpower? No. What are we transformed by?

The renewing of the mind. When your self-control is being tested, you need to fill your mind with the promises of God.

Here’s one: ‘When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV 1984 Edition). You must believe God when He says there’s ‘a way out’ for you.

Paul writes, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ That means you can change, and you can be different.

Stop setting yourself up for failure by constantly criticising yourself: ‘I’m no good. I simply have no control over my life.’

Nagging doesn’t work – on yourself or on anyone else! Instead say, ‘Everything is possible for him who believes’ (Mark 9:23 NIV 1984 Edition). ‘And I believe.’

Numbers 5-6, Mark 4:1-20

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Secrets of self-control (5)

‘Share each other’s burdens.’
Galatians 6:2 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 04 Mar 2018

Make yourself accountable to someone. Alcoholics Anonymous has a ‘buddy system’ in which you are encouraged to call someone whenever you feel the pressure building to return to an old, destructive pattern. And it’s scriptural: ‘Share each other’s troubles’ (v. 2 TLB).

You may not like this step, but if you are fighting a losing battle you need it. Find someone who will check up on you, pray with you, and encourage you in areas where you want more self-control.

‘Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12 GNT). Every church needs ‘buddy’ relationships in which people are accountable to each other; relationships in which people encourage one another in the Lord.

Having someone hold you accountable is tough, but it works. What should you look for in a ‘buddy’?

First, they should be the same gender as you. You don’t need to place another temptation in your path by sharing personal problems with someone of the opposite sex.

Second, you should look for someone you can depend on to follow through on this commitment – someone who is faithful. Third, look for someone who will keep your problem confidential.

Don’t choose someone who is known to talk too much. Fourth, tell your buddy that he or she has permission to check up on you from time to time and ask, ‘How are you doing with your problem?’

Knowing that someone will be asking about your problem is an additional incentive not to give in to temptation. That may be the extra push you need to get you moving on the road to victory and self-control.

Luke 4:1-30, Psalm 23-25

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Secrets of self-control (6)

‘Don’t give the devil a chance.’
Ephesians 4:27 GNT

The UCB Word for Today - 05 Mar 2018

Avoid the things that tempt you. Stay away from situations that weaken your self-control. If you do not want to be stung, stay away from bees.

Plan in advance to avoid situations that you know are going to cause temptation in your life. Don’t keep chocolate in the cupboard if you are trying to diet.

Don’t acquire credit cards if you are an impulse spender. Get rid of your access to pornography if you are struggling with it.

If you are a teenager, the time to begin thinking about self-control is not when you’re in the back seat of a car with someone who turns you on. Question: what do you need to avoid? Or get rid of? Magazines? Books? DVDs? A relationship?

The Bible says, ‘Bad company corrupts good character’ (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV 2011 Edition). Avoid people and situations that tempt you.

You may need to change your job because a relationship there is wrong and harmful to you. That’s a drastic measure, but you may need to do something that drastic in order to avoid whatever is tempting you at this particular time.

If you have lived through years of repeated failure, then it’s time to get honest. And humble.

It’s time to pray: ‘Lord, I’m not strong enough to resist this temptation by myself. Help me!’ He will! ‘I patiently waited, Lord, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm…Many will see this, and they will honour and trust you, the Lord God’ (Psalm 40:1-3 CEV).

Numbers 7-8, Mark 4:21-41

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Secrets of self-control (7)

‘Let the Spirit direct your lives.’
Galatians 5:16 GNT

The UCB Word for Today - 06 Mar 2018

Depend on Christ’s power to help you. ‘Let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.’

The sequence in this Scripture is very important. ‘Let the Spirit direct your life’ – that’s the first part – ‘and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.’

Notice, it doesn’t say you won’t have those desires. Spirit-filled people still experience the desires of the flesh, it’s just that they won’t satisfy them.

We usually get the sequence backwards. We say, ‘I’m not good enough to have God’s Spirit in my life. Once I get my act together, then I’m going to let the Holy Spirit control my life.’

God doesn’t say, ‘Get your act together and then I will help you.’ He says, ‘Let my Holy Spirit control you while you are still struggling with the problem.

I will help you change.’ The sequence makes all the difference. You wouldn’t say, ‘I’m going to get well first, then I’m going to go see the doctor.’ That’s absurd!

You need Christ in your life now! He has the power to help you change. You say, ‘But I enjoy doing what I do.’ That’s because there are ‘pleasures of sin for a season’ (Hebrews 11:25 KJV).

None of us would sin if it immediately made us miserable. Don’t look for God to nullify the appeal of sin; ask Him for the power to overcome its appeal.

‘For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants’ (Philippians 2:13 TLB). You’ll receive the desire and the power to do what’s right.

Numbers 9-10, Mark 5:1-20

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Doodlebugs and gossips

‘The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles.’
Proverbs 18:8 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 07 Mar 2018

The doodlebug lives at the bottom of a little cone-shaped hole that he burrows in the sand. He gets down as low as possible so he’s always looking up at everything else.

When the ant comes around and gets on the side of this carefully prepared cone, the doodlebug feels a few grains of sand slide down, which signals him that ‘food’ is up there. At that point he begins to throw dirt on his victim.

What he’s trying to do is drag the ant down to his level. And that’s what we do when we gossip.

We throw dirt on others, hoping to bring them down to our level. It’s why Solomon warned: ‘The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.’

The ear craves gossip like a hungry stomach craves food. Solomon goes on to give this warning: ‘He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips’ (Proverbs 20:19 NKJV).

So, if you have gossipy lips or greedy ears, God says, ‘Don’t do it!’ Here’s something you may not have considered: while you can never be known and judged by what others say about you, you can be known and judged by what you say about them.

In most cases it’s illegal to steal or receive stolen goods. That’s why the apostle Paul admonished, ‘Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses’ (1 Timothy 5:19 NKJV).

And one more thought: a gossip must always have an accomplice to commit the crime. So, the word for you today is: don’t receive or repeat gossip.

Numbers 11-12, Mark 5:21-43