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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Either rule, or be ruled
17 JUNE 2021

‘Then God said,…“Let them rule.”’
Genesis 1:26 GWT



At creation God said something interesting about us: ‘Let them rule.’ In other words, He invested you with full authority for managing your life.

You serve as His agent on earth to make sure His will is done. But beware. Satan will try to get you to hand your rule over to him, or deceive you into believing you have no power and he has it all. Or else he’ll encourage you to rule your life based on your own skewed judgments and distorted views.

It’s not until you rule with wisdom and walk according to the precepts of God’s Word, that you enter into a complete and comprehensive realisation of His design for your life.

God reigns over all, but He has given you dominion in your sphere of influence. ‘The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the sons of mankind’ (Psalm 115:16 NASB). God empowers you to make right choices and decisions, and tailors His reactions to your actions. Sometimes we sit around waiting for God to act, when the truth is, He’s waiting for us to make a move.


One pastor writes that God ‘has maintained a base of sovereign boundaries, a sphere He will not allow [people] to trespass on…[but] simultaneously opened up a field where we get to call the plays, leaving Him to respond accordingly.’ For example, if you want to reap bountifully, you must sow generously.

If you want to be forgiven, you must forgive others. And if you want to walk in His blessings, you must walk in obedience. You are called to ‘reign in life by…Jesus Christ’ (Romans 5:17 KJV).

1 Chronicles 19-21, Acts 17:16-34

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Be generous
18 JUNE 2021

‘You shall open your hand wide.’
Deuteronomy 15:8 NKJV

God instructed the Israelites, ‘If there is among you a poor man…you shall open your hand wide to him’ (vv. 7-8 NKJV). Giving is the loftiest level of living. Generous people focus their time and effort on what they can give to others, not what they can get from them. And the more you give, the better your attitude becomes. Many people don’t understand this concept.

They think the amount you possess determines the amount you should share. It’s not what you have that matters; it’s what you do with what you have. And that’s determined by your attitude. A famous saying puts it this way: we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

And serving others is something you can start doing today. Whether it means spending more time with your family, mentoring an employee who shows potential, helping people in your church or community – it’s about putting your own desires on hold to bless someone else.

The Bible says, ‘Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!’ (Proverbs 31:9 MSG). The only way to maintain an attitude of generosity is to make a habit of giving of your time, attentiveness, money, and resources.

Author Richard Foster says, ‘Just the very act of letting go of money, or some other treasure, does something within us. It destroys the demon [of] greed.’ Think about what you’re already giving, what you’ve been asked to give, and what you would like to give.

Your reasons for granting or denying a request for financial help may be valid, but are they godly? Think about how it feels when you give, and let that be your guide.

1 Chronicles 22-24, Acts 18

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Putting ‘self’ on the altar
19 JUNE 2021


If we have built an altar for ourselves to turn away from the LORD.’
Joshua 22:23 NLT

In the Bible an altar represented different things. It represented sacrificing to God by giving Him the best of the sheep in your flock. It represented worshipping God and putting Him above all else in life. It represented humility, acknowledging your need of God and your total dependence on Him.


But it’s also possible to build an altar ‘for ourselves’. By doing so, we rob God of His rightful place in our lives and begin to put ourselves first. In other words, we build an altar to self-interest, self-promotion, self-preservation, self-aggrandisement, and self-exaltation. That’s why Jesus sets the following standard for discipleship, and it’s a high standard: ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’ (Matthew 16:24 NKJV).

Your ‘cross’ has only one purpose, and that’s for ‘self’ to die on. Paul writes: ‘For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live’ (Romans 8:13 NKJV). Note the words ‘put to death’. Your flesh, or your ego and carnal nature, will not willingly roll over and die; it must be crucified each day.

And the power to do this can only be accessed by spending time in prayer with God and renewing your mind constantly with the Word of God. So today the choice is yours; to build an altar to the Lord, you must first put ‘self’ on the altar. Are you ready to do that?

1 Chronicles 25-27, Acts 19:1-22

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Dad, Start a Tradition
20 JUNE 2021

‘Fathers … bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.’
Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Dad, your children deserve a father who will model the Christian life before them, teach them the truth of God’s Word, and show them how to receive the gift of eternal life. And it could be that in your family this beautiful tradition will begin when you commit your life to Jesus Christ.

Author and Bible teacher Gordon MacDonald tells the story of three mediaeval stonemasons who were working on a building project, when a passer-by asked them what they were doing. ‘The first replied that he was laying bricks. The second described his work as that of building a wall.

But it was the third stonemason who demonstrated genuine esteem for his work when he said, “I’m raising a great Cathedral.” Pose that same question to any two fathers concerning their role in the family and you are liable to get the same kind of contrast. The first may say, “I’m supporting a family.” But the second may see things differently and say, “I’m raising children.” The former looks at his job as putting bread on the table.

But the latter sees things from God’s perspective: he’s participating in the shaping of lives.’ R.A. Torrey, the great Bible teacher, once said, ‘A man’s success as a Christian leader cannot be determined until one sees his grandchildren.’ Dad, think about that – you’re not just raising sons and daughters, you’re raising future fathers and mothers.

You’re shaping lives today that tomorrow will be shaping the lives of generations to come. And in order to succeed you must take God with one hand and your children with the other.

Luke 11:1-28, Psalms 63-65

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Answering the big questions (1)
21 JUNE 2021

‘We are looking forward to a new…earth.’
2 Peter 3:13 NIV

What about suffering – doesn’t that prove there isn’t a loving God? Adam was given a choice: to obey God or disobey Him. He chose disobedience, and God said, ‘Cursed is the ground [earth] because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life’ (Genesis 3:17 NIV). Note the word ‘painful’. Think how many people are living with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, and other debilitating illnesses.

Did God ‘blow it’ when He created humanity? Sadly, many use the issue of suffering as an excuse to reject any thought of God, when its existence is the very reason we should believe in Him. In the beginning God created perfect humans, and they lived in a perfect world without suffering – it was heaven on earth. When sin came into the world, death and misery came with it. What’s the ultimate answer? ‘We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found…at peace with him’ (2 Peter 3:13-14 NIV). Suffering reached its zenith when Jesus said from the cross, ‘It is finished.’ Those words mean ‘paid in full’. They mean when you accept Jesus as your Saviour, you will go to heaven when you die, and you will live in a glorious earth made new without sin or suffering. ‘No eye has seen…no ear has heard…no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love him’ (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV). If you’re not sure this is true, today put your trust in Jesus.

1 Chronicles 28-29, Acts 19:23-41

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Answering the big questions (2)
22 JUNE 2021


‘Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?’
Romans 2:4 NLT


Isn’t the church full of hypocrites? The word hypocrite comes from the Greek word for ‘actor’. Hypocrisy is ‘the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold’. The true church of Jesus Christ is made up of true believers; hypocrites are ‘pretenders’ who sit among God’s people. Jesus even had one among His twelve disciples – Judas.

Let’s be honest; people have left the church because of hypocrisy. There are more actors in the church than in Hollywood. Hypocrisy runs rampant in the modern church – but be careful if you judge it.

Remember the old bumper sticker: ‘Christians are not perfect, just forgiven’? Before you take it upon yourself to pass judgment upon people who make mistakes and struggle with weaknesses, read these words: ‘You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.


And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?’ (vv. 1-4 NLT). Don’t worry about the hypocrites in the church; God will sort them out, the ‘wheat’ from the ‘tares’ (see Matthew 13:30).

2 Chronicles 1-3, Acts 20:1-16

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

Answering the big questions (3)
23 JUNE 2021


‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.’
2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV


How can we trust the Bible when men wrote it? Answer: Do you write the letter or does the pen? The pen is merely the instrument you use. In the same way, God used men as instruments to write His ‘letter’ to humanity.

That’s why Sir Isaac Newton said, ‘I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible, than in any profane history whatsoever.’ That’s why Billy Graham said of Scripture: ‘If I didn’t believe that the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ held the answer to this world’s baffling problems, I would go back to the farm and the rural life that I love and spend my days in peaceful solitude.’ There’s a reason why Abraham Lincoln said, ‘I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man.’ Josh McDowell, a Christian apologist says: ‘Here’s the picture: 1,500 years, 60 generations, 40 authors, different walks of life, different places, different times, different moods, different continents, three languages, writing on hundreds of controversial subjects.

Yet when they are brought together there is absolute harmony from beginning to end…There is no other book in history to even compare to the uniqueness of this continuity.’ You can trust your Bible. Its prophecies have been fulfilled, its promises have been time tested, and its principles for living really work.

Do you know why the Bible was written? John gives us the answer: ‘These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life’ (1 John 5:13 NKJV).

2 Chronicles 4-6, Acts 20:17-38

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Answering the big questions (4)
24 JUNE 2021

‘Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.’
Romans 9:5 NIV


Some people say that Jesus Christ never existed. A Christian minister writes: ‘While sceptics may choose to reject the Bible’s moral message, they cannot deny its historical accuracy. Over 25,000 archaeological finds demonstrate that the people, places, and events mentioned in the Bible are real and are accurately described [25,000, no less!].

No archaeological finding has ever refuted the Bible. In fact, the descriptions in the Bible have often led archaeologists to amazing discoveries.

Non-Christian journalist Jeffrey Sheler, author of the book Is The Bible True?, concluded, “In extraordinary ways, modern archaeology is affirming the historical core of the Old and New Testaments, supporting key portions of crucial biblical stories.”’ Jesus’ birth, ministry, death and resurrection are irrefutable historical facts.

Josephus, among the most renowned of Jewish historians, is attributed as writing this: ‘Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works – a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure.

He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this date.’ Jesus not only lived, but He died that you might have eternal life. Receive Him today as your Saviour.

2 Chronicles 7-9, Acts 21:1-17

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


Don’t doubt God’s Word
25 JUNE 2021


‘Faith comes from hearing.’
Romans 10:17 NIV


You may doubt your own ability, but never doubt God’s – or His promises and His willingness to fulfil them. The psalmist wrote, ‘You have magnified Your word above… Your name’ (Psalm 138:2 NKJV). The only thing in the universe that God has placed above His name is His Word. So fill your mind with it, speak it daily, and don’t ever question it.


Doubt often originates from our inclination to portray ourselves as self-confident. Self-confidence is a concept touted by the world; it encourages us to rely on our own skills and abilities.

But the Bible says, ‘Those who trust in themselves are fools’ (Proverbs 28:26 NIV). Reportedly, the verse at the centre of the Bible is: ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man’ (Psalm 118:8 NKJV). So centre your confidence around God, not yourself or anybody else.

Do you doubt yourself and your own worth? Do you question your ability to pursue your career? Do you doubt your aptitude to form healthy relationships? Despite having lived with Jesus for almost three years and hearing His promise that He’d rise again from the dead, Thomas still said, ‘Unless I can see his wounds and touch him, I will not believe’ (see John 20:25).

Did Jesus turn His back on Thomas because of his doubts? No, He never rejects a sincere, doubting heart! Jesus showed up in person and resolved all of Thomas’ doubts. And as you read His word and seek His face, He will alleviate your misgivings and qualms too.

When you stop living in the ‘sense’ realm and learn to ‘walk by faith’, your doubts will begin to die (see 2 Corinthians 5:7).

2 Chronicles 10-12, Acts 21:18-40

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY


How to handle disagreements (1)
26 JUNE 2021

‘Barnabas…wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly.’
Acts 15:37-38 NLT

Paul and Barnabas were a great missionary team. On their first tour, a young man named John Mark had joined them.

But it seems he had grown homesick and returned to Jerusalem. On their second missionary tour, Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them again, but Paul said no. ‘Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark…Paul chose Silas’ (vv. 39-40 NLT).

Can you imagine it; two spiritual giants couldn’t resolve their conflict!

Yes, it happens in the best of circles. Paul was the totally focused, no-nonsense type. Barnabas, whose name means ‘son of encouragement’, was the long-suffering and lovable type who believed in reconciliation and refused to strike anybody off his list.

There are two valuable lessons in this story about handling disagreements. 1) When it comes to our friends and family members, we all have blind spots. Rare is the leader who has the objectivity to look beyond a blood bond and focus on what is best for the organisation.

As a result, the vision God gave them often suffers. 2) Sometimes you need a wise and trusted third party to help resolve the problem. When it comes to trouble in the church, Jesus laid down clear guidelines.

First, you must go privately, one on one, and deal with the issue. Second, if that doesn’t work, you should take one or two others with you and try to resolve it.

Third, you must take the situation to mature spiritual leaders and get their input (see Matthew 18:15-18). That’s the scriptural way to handle disagreements, and it must be our way too.

2 Chronicles 13-14, Acts 22

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

How to handle disagreements (2)
27 JUNE 2021


‘Peacemakers…shall be called the children of God.’
Matthew 5:9 KJV


Lesson one: sometimes the best resolution to a conflict is a separation, even if it’s temporary. When emotions run high, you need space to think clearly. And God can use this time of separation for His glory. Because Paul and Barnabas parted, the gospel was preached in even more cities. But when a temporary separation is the best option, you need to agree on how long it will be.

In some friendships, one person may have outgrown the relationship. But this should be handled with love and wisdom, realising that we can all learn from our mistakes and grow through them.

Later Paul wrote, ‘Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry’ (2 Timothy 4:11 NKJV). Lesson two: when you realise that you’ve been wrong, you need to acknowledge it. For a single, focused leader like Paul, this called for humility.

Indeed, it’s a comfort to us to know that someone as anointed and brilliant as Paul could rethink his position and come to a different conclusion.


Mistakes may be bad; but they’re not as bad as the pride that seeks to defend and perpetuate them. Lesson three: you must learn to disagree without being disagreeable. It’s noteworthy that nowhere in Scripture do we find a time when Paul talked publicly about their disagreement.

Both Paul and Barnabas focused on their respective missions. The only behaviour you have the power to change is your own. And this should be your reason for doing so: ‘We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ’ (Ephesians 4:15 NLT).

Luke 11:29-54, Psalms 66-67