[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

What’s in a name? Everything! (6)

‘The name of the city…shall be, The LORD is there.’
Ezekiel 48:35 KJVI

The UCB Word for Today - 08 Sep 2018

During Israel’s twenty-fifth year of captivity, Ezekiel the prophet received from God His name Jehovah-Shammah: The Lord is there. God described Israel’s future home, Jerusalem, saying, ‘And the name of the city…shall be, The Lord is there [Jehovah-Shammah].’

It applied not only to the Lord of the old covenant, but equally to Jesus, the Lord of the new covenant. His name, ‘Immanuel’, like Jehovah-Shammah, means, ‘the Lord is with us’ (see Isaiah 7:14). And it means at all times, in all places, under all circumstances, and for all of us, God is ever available and ever present!

David proclaimed: ‘I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me and your strength will support me’ (Psalm 139:7-10 NLT).

Do you remember how fear, loneliness, and helplessness disappeared when you were in your mum’s or dad’s presence? In Israel’s deepest despair God’s response was always, ‘I am with you.’

Those words guaranteed that their needs would always be met! And today God is saying to you, ‘I’m with you’, and ‘neither death, life, angels, spirit-powers, present or future fears, height, depth, nor anything else in all creation will ever separate us’ (see Romans 8:38-39).

That promise extends to all God’s redeemed children – reach out and grasp it.

Isaiah 9-10, Galatians 2

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Let God be seen – not you

‘Take care not to do your good deeds publicly or before men, in order to be seen by them.’
Matthew 6:1 AMPC

The UCB Word for Today - 09 Sep 2018

Jesus reserved His harshest condemnation for those who did good deeds ‘in order to be seen’. He flipped on the spotlight and exposed every self-righteous mole and pimple.

He called them hypocrites, the original Greek for ‘actor’. First-century actors wore masks.

So a hypocrite is someone who puts on a mask, a false face, and performs for the applause of others. Jesus didn’t say, ‘Don’t do good works.’

Nor did He say, ‘Don’t let your good works be seen.’ We must do good works, and some of them must be seen in order to have impact.

So let’s be clear. To do a good thing is a good thing. To do good to be seen is not.

In fact, to do a good thing to be seen is a serious offence. Here’s why. Hypocrisy turns people away from God.

When God-seekers see singers strut like Las Vegas entertainers…when they hear the preacher – a man of slick words, dress, and hair – play to the crowd and exclude God…

When church attendees dress to be seen and make much ado over their gifts and offerings…When people enter a church to see God yet they can’t see God because of the church, don’t think for a second that God doesn’t react.

Jesus was clear on this issue: ‘Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theatre, but the God who made you won’t be applauding’ (Matthew 6:1 MSG).

Today let God be seen – not you.

Luke 17:1-19, Psalm 91-93

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Relationships and reflections

‘Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord.’
2 Peter 3:18 KJV

The UCB Word for Today - 10 Sep 2018

There are two things that help determine personal growth:
1) Your relationships. The Bible says, ‘Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?’ (Amos 3:3 NLT).

The company you keep will lift you, level you, or lower you. A lady wrote this letter to an advice columnist: ‘In my last year of school my English teacher took an essay I’d written and tore it apart in front of the class.

I was humiliated – I felt dumb. That was years ago, and I’ve never forgotten it.’ In a few short seconds the wrong person diminished this woman’s sense of self-worth for a lifetime.

2) Your reflections. When a Sunday school teacher asked a little girl, ‘Who made you?’ she replied, ‘God made part of me.’

The teacher asked, ‘What do you mean?’ The little girl replied, ‘God made me little – and I growed the rest of myself.’

God holds us responsible for our personal growth. The psalmist wrote, ‘I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation’ (Psalm 119:99 NKJV).

The word ‘meditation’ means ‘reflective thinking’. Like a slow cooker, meditation allows your thoughts to slowly simmer until they’re done.

Most of us would rather act than think. But as Socrates observed, ‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’

Reflective thinking is uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. For instance, we have difficulty staying focused.

We find the process dull, and we don’t particularly enjoy spending time reflecting on difficult issues. But if you don’t carve out time for reflection and meditation, you won’t mature.

You won’t grow in the ‘grace and…knowledge’ you need to succeed. It’s that simple.

Isaiah 11-13, Galatians 3

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The way up is down

‘He took the humble position.’
Philippians 2:7 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 11 Sep 2018

Jerusalem was surrounded by walls, and one of the ways into it was through Valley Gate. When Nehemiah rebuilt the walls, we’re told: ‘The people…rebuilt Valley Gate’ (Nehemiah 3:13 CEV).

In the Christian life there has to be a place for both ‘mountaintop experiences’ and ‘valley experiences’. Let’s take another look at a well-known Scripture: ‘They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles [that’s elevation]; they shall run, and not be weary [that’s acceleration]; and they shall walk, and not faint [that’s duration]’ (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).

And when you don’t have the strength to do any of these things, Paul says, ‘Having done all…stand’ (Ephesians 6:13 KJV). There’s a season in your life for all these experiences and you must embrace it.

The Bible says Jesus ‘took the humble position…Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour’ (vv. 7-9 NLT). Luke records that Jesus ‘took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them’ (Luke 24:30 KJV).

Blessed and broken – that’s still God’s pattern. Why? So you can handle His blessings and remain humble.

You’re in trouble when you’re more conscious of your image than of your need for God. That’s why He allows you to walk through situations that bring you to the place of utter dependence on Him.

You have to be taken, blessed, and broken, before you can be given away in service to others. In God’s Kingdom the way up is down!

Isaiah 14-16, Galatians 4

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The comparison trap (1)

‘Don’t compare yourself.’
Galatians 6:4 CEV

The UCB Word for Today - 12 Sep 2018

Nothing will destroy your peace of mind faster than comparing. It shows a lack of understanding and makes you ‘behave unwisely’ (2 Corinthians 10:12 AMPC).

Cain measured himself against his brother Abel, and it ended in murder. When the disciples compared notes to see who among them would suffer and who would be spared, Jesus told them, ‘That is not your business’ (John 21:23 NCV).

Observe: 1) Comparisons can make you feel superior, which leads to pride. Remember the Pharisee who made a great show of thanking God because he was better than everybody else? (see Luke 18:11).

Pride was Satan’s downfall; that’s why he loves it when you struggle in the same trap.

2) Comparisons can make you feel inferior, which leads to low self-esteem and keeps you focused on yourself. You overlook the truth that ‘God doesn’t play favourites’ (Acts 10:34 GWT) and start believing He’s withholding things that are rightfully yours.

Society creates a sense of entitlement; then Satan reminds you of all the people who’ve already attained what you want, which propels you further down the road to discontentment. Anne Peterson says: ‘Satan’s lies have a little truth mixed in, which makes them harder to recognise.

We need to refute them by saturating ourselves with the truth…it’s only by learning the Scriptures that we can sort them out.’

3) We attempt to bring God down to our level by comparing how He’s working now with how He worked in the past. Stop trying to figure God out, and trust Him!

‘The way [God] work[s] surpasses the way you work, and the way [He] think[s] is beyond the way you think’ (Isaiah 55:9 MSG). Instead of comparing, start using and appreciating what God has blessed you with.

Isaiah 17-18, Galatians 5

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

The comparison trap (2)

‘In…comparing and grading and competing, they…miss the point.’
2 Corinthians 10:12 MSG

The UCB Word for Today - 13 Sep 2018

If you’ve lost your joy in serving the Lord, maybe it’s because you’re comparing yourself to others and trying to be like them. Paul said, ‘Do your own work well…don’t compare yourself’ (Galatians 6:4 CEV).

Paul continually dealt with critics. And his response was always the same: avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only God’s commendation.

He refused to be distracted by criticism, or compare his ministry, or engage in fruitless debates. Author John Bunyan said if his life was fruitless it didn’t matter who praised him, and if it was fruitful it didn’t matter who criticised him.

Speaker and writer Anne Peterson adds: ‘Kill the dragons of comparison…When I see something that ruffles my feathers I pray for that person. It’s easier when I’m honest with God – He knows how I feel anyway.

Then I begin to praise Him…I sing old hymns…they’re loaded with truths about the Lord. Instead of wondering when I’ll attain the thing I’m working towards, I dwell on the wonderful things God has already done.

Contentment is available as long as we keep our eyes on the King of Kings.’ An unknown poet wrote: ‘The stick I made for measuring, I used most every day.

It helped me to compare myself with others on my way. I watched all those behind me, or further down the road, and I would readjust my pace or lighten up my load.

The most important drawback with how I ran my race, was watching everything around – except my Saviour’s face!’

Isaiah 20-22, Galatians 6

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Try to make peace

‘If…possible…live at peace with everyone.’
Romans 12:18 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 14 Sep 2018

Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God’ (Matthew 5:9 NKJV). Notice, God promised to bless peacemakers, not peace lovers.

There’s a difference. Peacemakers pay the price; peace lovers enjoy the benefits.

Sometimes you’ve got to confront people before you can comfort them. Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple because they were charging unfair exchange rates to those who bought lambs and turtle doves to offer as sacrifices to God.

In most cases these were people who could least afford it, so Jesus decided to get involved. One of the names given to God is Jehovah-Shalom, ‘The Lord is our peace’ (see Judges 6:24).

‘Shalom’ doesn’t denote the absence of trouble, but the peace of God in the midst of it. When we have an issue with someone, Jesus said we should take certain steps.

First, go and try to resolve it privately. If that doesn’t work, take someone with you who can help. If that fails, take it to the church leadership.

And if the person still refuses to be reconciled, then love them and leave them in God’s hands (see Matthew 18:15-17). It may not be a How-to-Win-Friends-and-Influence-People approach to conflict resolution, but it’s God’s way.

Paul said, ‘If…possible…live at peace with everyone.’ For example, Paul was willing to forego eating certain foods that were offensive to others (see 1 Corinthians 8:13), but he wasn’t willing to tolerate troublemakers in the church (see Romans 16:17).

So you must know when to make waves, and when to make peace.

Isaiah 23-25, Ephesians 1

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

You have the power – use it!

‘I pray that…he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.’
Ephesians 3:16 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 15 Sep 2018

Until you realise the power of God that’s within you, you won’t use it. One of the greatest healing forces in the world is God’s Word, and it’s at your fingertips!

For example, when you or a loved one gets sick, the Bible says, ‘These signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will…lay hands on the sick, and they will recover’ (Mark 16:17-18 NKJV). That’s a power-filled promise.

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, the Bible says, ‘It was noised that he was in the house’ (Mark 2:1 KJV). And before He left there, a paralysed man got up and walked.

So: if Christ lives in you, shouldn’t people feel His presence when they’re in your presence? If you’re on the church board, shouldn’t the church be blessed?

Shouldn’t you be a change agent solving problems and helping the church grow? The church isn’t perfect.

Nobody said it was. It’s a hospital, not an elite club.

But whatever is wrong with the church is man’s doing, not God’s. When God is behind even the smallest thing it becomes mighty; it must succeed because His power is absolute, unchanging, and available!

It’s time to ‘use God’s mighty weapons…to knock down the strongholds’ (2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT). It’s time to force the issue by telling the devil to take his hands off everything that concerns you!

Jesus said, ‘All power is given unto me…Go ye therefore’ (Matthew 28:18-19 KJV). He has given you the power – use it!

Isaiah 26-27, Ephesians 2

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Don’t rush to judgment

‘Do not make…premature judgments.’
1 Corinthians 4:5 AMPC

The UCB Word for Today - 16 Sep 2018

Prejudice – is pre-judging. It makes you see those who don’t endorse what you believe as enemies.

You attribute commendable qualities to the circle you move in, and negative ones to those outside it. That’s not what Jesus did.

He befriended and fellowshipped with sinners and societal outcasts – without compromising who He was or endorsing their lifestyle. The Bible cautions against ‘hasty…premature judgments’, and reminds us that ‘the Lord…will…bring to light…things that are […hidden]…aims, (motives and purposes) of hearts’ (v. 5 AMPC).

He’s the only one qualified to ‘discern the thoughts and intents of the heart’ (Hebrews 4:12 ASV). So if you’re inclined to jump ‘to conclusions…before all the evidence is in’ (1 Corinthians 4:5 MSG), here’s some food for thought:

1) Face your prejudice.
List all the people you don’t count as friends, people you actually go out of your way not to have a relationship with, and start loving them ‘by…actions and true caring’ (1 John 3:18 NCV).

2) Drop the mask. Look inside your heart and ask yourself what it is about the other person that bothers you.

Are there similarities between you? Are they expressing something you’re hiding from?

3) Get to know the other person. Paul said, ‘I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some’ (1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT). Whether or not you decide to continue the relationship, you’ll discover the power of your mind to obstruct, delude, and turn something into what it’s not.

Plus you’ll have a better chance of winning others to Christ, because ‘love never fails’ (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV).

Luke 17:20-37, Psalm 94-96

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

If you persist you’ll win

‘We never give up.’
2 Corinthians 4:8 CEV

The UCB Word for Today - 17 Sep 2018

Before you quit and walk away, read the story of how Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just fifty-two days: First, he sought God’s help. ‘We prayed to our God’ (Nehemiah 4:9 NIV 2011 Edition).

Second, he protected his vision. ‘We…posted a guard day and night to meet this threat’ (v. 9 NIV 2011 Edition). Third, he refused to quit. ‘Should a man like me run away?…I will not’ (Nehemiah 6:11 NIV 2011 Edition).

Gandhi said, ‘You may never know what results come from your action, but if you do nothing there will be no results.’ In spite of the obstacles, the enemy, and the pressure – Nehemiah refused to give up.

And God honours people with such a spirit. Paul said, ‘Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up.

In times of trouble, God is with us’ (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 CEV). Thomas Edison gave the world electric light, microphones, storage batteries, sound films, phonographs, and a thousand other inventions.

Here are the principles he lived by:
1) Work to obtain all the knowledge you can about what you want to achieve.
2) Fix your mind on your purpose. Persist! Seek! The trouble with most people is they quit before they start.
3) Keep searching, no matter how many times you meet with disappointment.
4) Refuse to be influenced by the fact that someone else tried the same thing and failed.
5) Stay ‘sold’ on the idea that somewhere a solution to the problem exists, and you’ll find it.

Isaiah 28-29, Ephesians 3