[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Surrender to God (5)

‘Not what I will, but what you will.’
Mark 14:36 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 18 Mar 2019

Because surrender is so closely connected to our wills, often a price is attached. You can feel devoted to God, yet when it comes time to act you discover that your surrender is only skin-deep.

Anticipating this, Jesus often identified the particular area where surrender was needed in a person’s life. To the woman caught in adultery He said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more’ (John 8:11 NKJV).

That means you must surrender your sexual drives and desires to God. Many times surrender will involve money, because money is all about trust and control.

To a rich businessman who wanted to follow Him, Jesus said, ‘Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor’ (Mark 10:21 TLB). But the man was unwilling to do it.

Often surrender will involve an act of self-disclosure about a grudge, attitude, habit, or sin. When you’re with a trusted friend, God may prompt you to talk about a matter in which you have struggled or even failed.

Don’t be surprised when your immediate response is ‘No way!’ Other times you may be with someone and feel the need to confront them about something, and it makes you uncomfortable.

So here’s the question: will you surrender, when surrender means doing something uncomfortable? If it were comfortable, it wouldn’t be surrender!

The supreme example of surrender is Christ in Gethsemane, praying, ‘Not my will, but yours be done’ (Luke 22:42 NIV 2011 Edition). It was the hardest prayer He ever prayed, and the one that launched Him into His destiny.

Amazingly, the prayer that brings God’s power – is the prayer of surrender.

Numbers 35-36, Mark 10:1-31

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Cry out to God!

‘In my distress I cried out to the LORD.’
Psalm 18:6 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 19 Mar 2019

There are times in life when the best thing you can do is cry out to God from the depths of your being. Don’t worry about looking undignified, or having people think you have no faith.

The psalmist said, ‘In my distress I cried out to the Lord…[and] He heard me.’ Every parent knows that cry.

It’s different; it’s not a temper tantrum or a whine for attention, it’s a cry of distress. And though it comes in the dead of night, before you know it your feet hit the floor and you’re at your child’s side holding them, changing them, feeding them, and comforting them.

That’s how God feels about you. When you get so low that you’re reaching up just to touch bottom, cry out to God! David said: ‘He reached down…and drew me out of my great trials.

He rescued me…On the day…I was weakest, they attacked. But the Lord held me steady.

He led me to a place of safety, for he delights in me’ (vv. 16-19 TLB). David discovered that God was his ‘high tower’ (v. 2 KJV).

In Bible times a high tower was a place of safety where the enemy couldn’t get to you. Proverbs 18:10 says, ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe’ (NKJV). It represents a place of security in God where you’re lifted above the threat and the circumstances.

It’s where you regain your perspective; a place where you can look ahead and know this trial will soon be over. Go ahead, cry out to God and He will answer you.

Deuteronomy 1-3, Mark 10:32-52

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

We’re all on the same team!

‘The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.’
Luke 6:38 CEV

The UCB Word for Today - 20 Mar 2019

Jesus said, ‘Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticise their faults…That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging’ (Matthew 7:1-2 MSG). Think about it.

Do you really want to live your life judging and being judged? One Christian author puts it this way: ‘We were created to be in community…[Not] treat each other with a spirit of judgment…There’s something in us that permits us to vie for a better impression of ourselves by belittling someone else.

It rages through the teenage years, and should end when we ‘grow up’, but instead it mutates…We judge each other’s relationships when our own are crumbling …or their parenting skills when our own are hanging by a thread…

Someone who never exercises is “lazy”…Someone who hides their feelings is “cold”…we judge who has what job, who’s busier, who has more stress, who has it “rougher”. Someone tells us bad news and we secretly rejoice that it’s not us…someone shares good news and we call them arrogant.

But no one wins because we’re all on the same team.’ Instead of judging and criticising, Paul says, ‘When we have the opportunity to help…we should do it’ (Galatians 6:10 NCV).

So:
a) Look for a way to bless somebody who is not in a position to reciprocate.
b) Identify someone you can encourage today.
c) Go out of your way to make someone feel special.

Jesus said: ‘If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return…The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.’

Deuteronomy 4-6, Mark 11:1-19

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Don’t give ground to the devil

‘Do not give the devil an opportunity.’
Ephesians 4:27 NASB

The UCB Word for Today - 21 Mar 2019

The Bible says, ‘Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity’ (vv. 26-27 NASB). The word translated ‘opportunity’ is the Greek word topos, the same term from which we get the English noun topography.

It means territory or ground. And anger gives ground to the devil.

Bitterness invites him to occupy a space in your heart. And when you do, he will move in and stink up the place with things like gossip, slander, temper – any time you see these, you have given ground to Satan.

What should you do? Evict him. Don’t give him the time of day. In the name of Jesus tell him to pack his bags and hit the road.

Begin the process of forgiveness. Keep no list of wrongs. Pray for your antagonists rather than plot against them. Hate the wrong without hating the wrongdoers.

Turn your attention away from what they did to you and begin to dwell on what Jesus did for you. Outrageous as it may seem, He died for them too.

And if He thinks they are worth forgiving, then they are. Does that make forgiveness easy? No. It comes in fits and starts, has good days and bad.

Some days when you think your old wound has healed and you’ve gotten over it, someone will knock the scab off it and the pain will return. This is okay.

When it comes to forgiveness all of us are beginners. As long as you are trying to forgive, you are forgiving.

It’s only when you no longer try that you give ground to the devil.

Deuteronomy 7-9, Mark 11:20-33

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Stay in the chariot

‘No one will be able to stand against you.’
Joshua 1:5 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 22 Mar 2019

Standing on the threshold of the Promised Land, Joshua realised there were seven nations and forty kings to be conquered before he could possess it. So God told him, ‘No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life…I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.’

When you’re in God’s will the forces and resources of heaven are behind you, and that means you’ll ultimately win. It doesn’t mean you won’t have to fight, but it means you’ll win!

The movie Ben Hur won more Academy Awards than any other movie in history. Charlton Heston, who played the hero in this movie, had to drive a chariot for his role.

He was supposed to win the climactic chariot race, but there was a problem: he was having trouble learning to drive the chariot. He walked over to his director, William Wyler, and said, ‘Mr Wyler, I can barely stay on the chariot.

I can’t win this race.’ Wyler looked at Heston and said, ‘Son, your job is to stay on the chariot; my job is to make sure you win.’

Every time you head to the office, or walk into a pressure-packed meeting, or job interview, trust God. When you make that dreaded doctor’s appointment, or confront a friend who has done you wrong, trust God.

Stay on the chariot. Don’t quit on God and don’t stop trusting in Him.

Your job is to obey; His job is to make sure you win. And when you do your part, you can be sure that He will do His.

Deuteronomy 10-12, Mark 12:1-27

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Overcoming failure

‘My flesh…may fail, but God is the strength of my heart.’
Psalm 73:26 NIV

The UCB Word for Today - 23 Mar 2019

As you drive towards your destiny, you’re sure to hit potholes along the way, or take some wrong turns, or forget to check your fuel gauge and run out of fuel. The truth is, the only way to avoid failure is not to leave your driveway!

In the words of author William Saroyan: ‘Good people are good because they’ve come to wisdom through failure.’ The real issue in life isn’t whether or not you’re going to fail, but whether you’re going to learn from your experience and turn it into the wisdom needed to succeed.

In a survey of successful people, not one of them viewed their mistakes as failures. They considered them ‘learning experiences’, or ‘tuition paid’, or ‘opportunities for growth’.

That’s the winning attitude! Henry Ward Beecher said: ‘It’s defeat that turns bone to flint…gristle into muscle…and makes men invincible. Do not then be afraid of defeat.

You are never so near victory as when you’re defeated in a good cause.’ So the next time you fail at something, stop and ask yourself, ‘What have I learned?

Am I grateful for this experience? How can I turn it into success?

Where do I go from here? Who else has failed like this, and how can they help me?

How can my experience help others? Did I actually fail, or just fall short of an unrealistically high goal?

Where did I succeed as well as fail?’ Then go one step further, and ask God for greater insight.

If you do, you’ll grow stronger and wiser because of what you’ve been through (see James 1:5).

Deuteronomy 13-15, Mark 12:28-44

[ebankole]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

You are special


24 MARCH 2019

‘I will praise You, for I am…wonderfully made.’
Psalm 139:14 NKJV
Sarah Hupp writes: ‘Did you know you started out as a single cell, and within that cell was enough DNA to hold the equivalent of 1,000 volumes of coded blueprints? Or that [the DNA in that one cell] determined the colour of your hair and eyes, the shape of your nose, and the size of your ring finger? Did you know nobody else has your fingerprints…the same sparkling eyes…the same laugh…or looks at things the way you do?

You’re an original, and it didn’t happen by accident. God designed your DNA. He made you the way He wanted you to be. He gave you your voice, your smile, your freckles, your curly hair, all those things that make you who you are.

And because God made you, you’re special to Him and to others…in fact, the world wouldn’t be complete without you.’ No wonder the psalmist said, ‘I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.’ Maybe you’re thinking, ‘Yeah, but you don’t know the limitations I live with.

And when it comes to my self-image, I struggle every day to feel like I measure up.’ Pastor Jim Penner says: ‘I’ve talked with and prayed for many who are dealing with physical issues…disease, diabetes, cancers, struggles with weight, muscular and autoimmune disease.

The limitations the human family deals with on a daily basis are endless. Yet Ephesians 2:10 says, “You are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.” God knew exactly what He was doing when He made you. You’re unique in all the world. And that makes you special.’

Luke 5:17-39, Psalm 31-32

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Vengeance is God’s job, not yours

‘“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.’
Romans 12:19 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 25 Mar 2019

Vengeance is God’s job, not yours. He will repay – whether on the Day of Judgment or in this life. He can discipline your abusive boss, soften your angry parent, bring your ex to his knees or her senses.

Forgiveness doesn’t diminish justice; it entrusts it to God. He guarantees the right amount of retribution.

We give too much or too little, but He has the precise prescription. And unlike us, He never gives up on a person. (And you should be glad about that.)

Long after we have moved on, God is still there probing the conscience, stirring conviction, orchestrating redemption. Fix your enemies?

That’s God’s job. Forgive your enemies? Ah, that’s where you come in. ‘Never pay back evil with more evil.

Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to…God.

For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead…“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good’ (vv. 17-21 NLT). Author Max Lucado says: ‘Revenge builds a lonely, narrow house.

Space enough for one person. The lives of its tenants are reduced to one goal: Make someone miserable.

They do – themselves. No wonder God insists we “Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent” (Hebrews 12:15 MSG).’

Deuteronomy 16-18, Mark 13:1-20

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Let the healing begin

‘O LORD my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.’
Psalm 30:2 NKJV

The UCB Word for Today - 26 Mar 2019

We talk so easily about things that don’t matter. But when it’s time to talk about our fears, our loneliness, our guilt, or our need to be loved, we clam up like oysters.

Sometimes we act like we don’t even hear, when the truth is we don’t like what we hear. You heard your mate say they needed more of your time, or your child say, ‘I love you.’

And you also heard them sigh when you didn’t say anything in return. You ran and hid because either you don’t know how to give them what they’re asking for, or you don’t want to pay the price.

We all have hiding places – like our jobs, our habits, or relationships that require no emotional honesty. And as a result we feel bottled up inside.

But every one of our escape mechanisms traps us deeper in the cycle of silence. God created you with a need to feel, to touch, and to express emotions.

How long are you going to hide behind the mask and deny your unmet needs and unexpressed fears? God said, ‘It is not good that…man should be alone’ (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

If you keep denying your emotions, you’ll never experience the joy of a good relationship. David wasn’t afraid to admit to God that he felt weak, or sad, or angry, or needed love.

He said, ‘I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed’ (Psalm 61:2 NKJV). If you can’t express yourself to others, start by talking to God.

What He did for David, He can do for you. So turn to Him today and let the healing begin.

Deuteronomy 19-21, Mark 13:21-37

[Gracemohau]

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Show God’s love (1)

‘God showed his great love…by sending Christ to die…while we were still sinners.’
Romans 5:8 NLT

The UCB Word for Today - 27 Mar 2019

Human love says, ‘I’ll love you as long as you meet my expectations, agree with my politics, attend my church, or fit into my social circle.’ God isn’t like that.

He didn’t wait for us to become worthy before making the first move. ‘God showed his great love…by sending Christ to die…while we were still sinners.’

And when He did, He changed all the rules. Jesus said, ‘Now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you’ (John 13:34 NLT); ‘Love others as much as you love yourself’ (Matthew 22:39 CEV); ‘Love…without hoping to get anything back’ (Luke 6:35 NCV).

Pastor Bill Hybels says: ‘When I set about the task of loving, I usually end up giving instead of receiving. Love inevitably costs me the three commodities most precious to me – my time, my energy, and my money…When you’re concerned about the well-being of others, you usually have to sacrifice.’

Another author adds: ‘For a while I was angry at love…it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. It didn’t last.

It wasn’t worth it. The deeper it went, the more it hurt.

Love was irrational, complicated, elusive and unreliable. And I was done with it.

Little by little the Lord healed my heart. My anger…began to fade…Now I…see it’s humanity that scars and strangles love…“Love comes from God” (1 John 4:7 NIV 2011 Edition), and it’s worth it, whatever the cost.

No matter what damage has been done in the name of love, we’re incomplete without it.’

Deuteronomy 22-24, Mark 14:1-26