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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Learn to listen
09 NOVEMBER 2022

‘You should be quick to listen and slow to speak.’
James 1:19 CEV
In order to build good relationships, you must become a good listener. And in order to be a good listener, you must do these:

1) Listen without interrupting. And that’s so, even when you know more than the person who is talking to you! Respect them enough to value what they say and listen attentively until they’re finished.

2) Try to understand their point of view, feelings, thinking, and needs. In other words, listen to understand. Good listening is hearing what people actually think, mean, or feel, not what you imagine they should think, mean, or feel. Instead of guessing, politely ask, ‘Am I understanding you correctly? Do you mean…? Are you feeling…?’ Don’t assume – verify.

3) Avoid rushing to conclusions. Listen without judging. If what they say doesn’t quite add up, keep listening. ‘He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him’ (Proverbs 18:13 NKJV). When you hear more, it may make sense.

4) Refrain from putting them on the defensive. Listen without correcting, countering, or devaluing. Saying, ‘That’s not the way it was,’ or ‘What did you expect?’ or ‘You’re just being silly and too sensitive’ kills real communication.

5) Accept their perceptions and feelings as valid expressions of a valued person. Validate the speaker. By saying, ‘If I understand you correctly, you’re thinking…feeling…am I right?’ Ask them to help you get on the same page with them. Saying, ‘Given what you have told me, I can see why you would feel that way’ will increase their willingness to consider your thoughts and accept the solutions you offer. If you want to win people and influence them, learn to listen.

Ezekiel 16-17, Hebrews 11

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Let’s care for each other
10 NOVEMBER 2022

‘There were no needy people among them.’
Acts 4:34 NLT

When we think about the New Testament church, we tend to focus on its power and growth. In Acts 2, Peter preaches, and three thousand people are won to Christ. In Acts 3, a paralysed man who sat begging at the temple gate was healed through the ministry of Peter and John. In Acts 4, we read this: ‘Many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totalled about 5,000’ (v. 4 NLT). Preaching! Soul winning! Miracles! Growth! Exciting stuff.

But here is part of their story you must not miss: ‘All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles’ (vv. 32-37 NLT).

Yes, our top priority must be winning people to Christ and bringing them into spiritual maturity. But if we are to follow in the footsteps of the New Testament church, we must remember that we are called to take care of each other too.

Ezekiel 18-19, Hebrews 12

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

You will get through this
11 NOVEMBER 2022

‘I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.’
Psalm 16:8 NLT

When praying doesn’t seem to bring the answer, the question becomes, ‘How do I get through this?’ The Bible addresses this by telling us Jesus endured ‘the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew later on he would be glad’ (Hebrews 12:2 CEV). Then it adds this: ‘Keep your mind on Jesus…then you won’t get discouraged and give up’ (v. 3 CEV). The reason Jesus could endure is because He focused on what would happen ‘later on’; the joy of pleasing the Father, building the church, and reaching the world.

Here is how David got through his hard times: ‘I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety’ (Psalm 16:8-9 NLT). So instead of denying reality or trying to white-knuckle your way through it, realise that the Lord is with you and draw from Him the strength you need.

It’s difficult to endure hardship at the best of times, but when you don’t understand why, it can be frustrating. God doesn’t give us lengthy explanations about how He works; a God who is used to creating worlds with a single sentence wouldn’t. So, when you can’t find an answer in His Word or through prayer and the counsel of others, you’re left wondering. And you wouldn’t be the first. David repeatedly asks why in the Psalms, and God still called him ‘a man after My own heart, who will do all My will’ (Acts 13:22 NKJV). So be encouraged; you will get through this!

Ezekiel 20-21, Hebrews 13

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Learn to unplug and unwind
12 NOVEMBER 2022

‘Come…apart…and rest a while.’
Mark 6:31 KJ V

Don’t you find it interesting that the most high-tech generation in history is also the most medicated generation? The Bible predicted this. God told Daniel that in the last days ‘many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase’ (Daniel 12:4 NKJV). That’s us! One researcher says we have trained our brains ‘to constantly flit around the universe of messages and information seeking brief hits of excitement. Grazing ceaselessly, we never dig too deeply before moving on to the next distraction…and it ratchets up our stress levels in ways we are only starting to understand.’ When was the last time you enjoyed some uninterrupted downtime without feeling guilty and unproductive? Do you even take time to reflect and recharge? Avoiding burnout requires these:

1) Recognising the signs. If you tweet and text people all day and yet you’re still lonely, technology may be dominating your life.

2) Doing something about it. Make yourself unavailable for short periods and see what happens. The world won’t come to an end, honest!

3) Realising you have a choice. People who think they should be available twenty-four hours a day exaggerate their own importance, or the control others have over them.

4) Establishing boundaries. Rein in the emails and text messages. Do you really need all those FYIs about the same thing?

5) Telling people, unless it’s truly urgent, you answer emails at designated times throughout the day.

6) Setting a schedule and sticking with it. After a few minutes of surfing the internet, ask yourself, ‘Should I be doing this now?’

Jesus said, ‘Come ye yourselves apart…and rest a while.’ Why? Because when you don’t come apart, you fall apart!

Ezekiel 22-23, James 1

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Do you love God’s Word?
13 NOVEMBER 2022

‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’
Matthew 24:35 NIV

One of the first books to come off the printing press when it was invented was the Bible. And it’s still the world’s best-selling book.

An anonymous author has written: ‘It contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the fate of sinners, and the happiness of believers. It is a light to direct you, food to nourish you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s road map, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s weapon, and the player’s game plan. It’s a mine of incredible wealth, and a river of genuine joy. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Christ is its grand subject, your good its design, and the glory of God its end. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be spiritually healthy. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. Let it fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your steps. It is given to you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered for ever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and judge those who trifle with its sacred contents.’

The Bible is ‘The word of our God which shall stand forever’ (see 1 Peter 1:25). Most of us respect the Bible; the trouble is we don’t read it daily and put it into practice. After hearing a discussion on various translations of the Bible, one man said: ‘I prefer my mother’s translation, because she translated it into everyday life.’ Are you doing that?

Luke 22:1-30, Psalms 119:1-88

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Instead of worrying, stand on God’s Word
14 NOVEMBER 2022

‘Be strong and courageous. Be not afraid or dismayed…for there is…with us…our God to help us.’
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 AMPC

Have you lost your sense of peace? Is your mind besieged with worry? If so, begin to program your thinking with these Bible promises – write them down, carry them with you, and read them regularly:

1) ‘The Lord himself watches over you…stands beside you…keeps you from all harm…watches over your life…keeps watch over youas you come and go’ (Psalm 121:5-8 NLT).

2) ‘Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you’ (Psalm 9:10 NIV).

3) ‘Our fears for today…worries about tomorrow…even the powers of hell…nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God’ (Romans 8:38-39 NLT).

4) ‘They will fight against you, but…not prevail…for I am with you to save you and deliver you’ (Jeremiah 15:20 NKJV).

5) ‘You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety’ (Job 11:18 NIV).

6) ‘I will lie down in peace and sleep, for though I am alone, O Lord, you will keep me safe’ (Psalm 4:8 TLB).

7) ‘In the world you have…distress and frustration; but…[take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]!…I have…[deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you]’ (John 16:33 AMPC).

8) ‘Be not afraid or dismayed…for the battle is not yours, but God’s’ (2 Chronicles 20:15 AMPC).

9) ‘Fear not…When you pass through the waters…they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned’ (Isaiah 43:1-2 NKJV).

10) ‘I will rescue you…declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear’ (Jeremiah 39:17 NIV).

Ezekiel 24-26, James 2

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

You’re ‘perfect’ while being made ‘holy’
15 NOVEMBER 2022

‘He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.’
Hebrews 10:14 NLT

Stop putting yourself down by saying, ‘I keep failing, so I’m no good. I never do anything right.’ If you keep telling yourself that, you will find evidence to prove it.

One counsellor says: ‘Putting yourself down reinforces rather than corrects your imperfections by placing unnecessary attention and energy on everything that’s wrong, rather than what’s right with you. Why would you do this knowing the only possible result is a negative outlook, more negative feelings, and less appreciation for the gift of life? People who regularly put themselves down are seen as complainers, not to mention the example they set. Everyone has aspects of themselves they’d like to improve, but this doesn’t mean you should beat yourself up.’ The Bible says, ‘He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.’

Max Lucado writes: ‘Underline the word perfect. Note, the word isn’t better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn’t improve; He perfects. He doesn’t enhance, He completes…I realise there’s a sense in which we’re imperfect. We still err. We still stumble. We still do exactly what we don’t want to do…that part of us is “being made holy”. But when it comes to our position before God, we’re perfect. When He sees each of us [who have placed our trust in Christ to save us], He sees someone who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect – Jesus Christ.’

Yes, you should continue to work on improving yourself, but go easy; stop often and remind yourself that you are ‘being made new and are becoming like the One who made you’ (Colossians 3:10 NCV).

Ezekiel 27-29, James 3

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Lazarus’ story and yours (1)
16 NOVEMBER 2022

‘This…is…for the glory of God.’
John 11:4 NKJV

Observe: 1) God has a plan in mind that you don’t see. Why did Jesus wait four days after hearing Lazarus had died before going to visit the family? God waits for two reasons: a) That your faith may be strengthened. Jesus said, ‘I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe’ (v. 15 NKJV). In life, crises come and go. Your next crisis will be different from your last one, but the thing that must remain strong is your faith. b) That God may be glorified. The Pharisees believed your spirit left your corpse on the fourth day. Had Jesus intervened earlier, they may have said, ‘He wasn’t really dead.’ Hence Jesus said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.’ It’s in looking back that you see God’s wisdom and will at work in the situation.

2) God will make you deal with issues you have tried to bury. ‘Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha…said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days”’ (v. 39 NKJV). Are you praying for an answer in one area while God is telling you to ‘take away the stone’ and deal with an issue you have buried in another area? When your heart is right with God, your prayers will be answered (see 1 John 3:21-22).

3) God will make you an example of His grace. Picture Lazarus after his resurrection. Without even speaking a word, his life declared to everyone that Jesus is Lord. And the same can be true of you. God has redeemed and raised you up to be a testimony of His grace.

Ezekiel 30-32, James 4

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Lazarus’ story and yours (2)
17 NOVEMBER 2022

‘Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.’
John 11:21-22 NKJV
Here are three more things we learn from the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead:

1) Whatever you have lost, God can restore. One of the great promises in Scripture is that God can ‘restore to you the years’ that life has stolen (see Joel 2:25). Claim that promise; take it back to the place where you lost so much, and ask God to replace, restore, and renew. He will do it.

2) Whatever you’re bound by, God can set you free. ‘He cried…“Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes…Jesus said…“Loose him, and let him go”’ (John 11:43-44 NKJV). Today God’s power is greater than any habit, hang-up, or circumstance that has you ‘bound’. Even though your mind doesn’t fully comprehend it, let your faith respond to Him. Pray with the psalmist: ‘Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it’ (Psalm 119:34-35 NKJV). When you pray that prayer, your faith will grow and circumstances that seem impossible to you right now will be changed by God’s power.

3) No matter how bad you feel, God understands. At Lazarus’ funeral, ‘Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”’ (John 11:35-36 NKJV). This story proves we serve a God who cannot only give you back what you have lost but who cares about what you’re going through (see Hebrews 4:15). So if you’re hurting today, turn to Him and let Him help you.

Ezekiel 33-34, James 5

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Meeting Jesus at the communion table
18 NOVEMBER 2022

‘He sat at the table with them.’
Luke 24:30 NKJV

Just before Jesus went to the cross, He instituted what has become known as ‘The Lord’s Supper’, or Holy Communion. He said that the cup represented His shed blood and the bread represented His broken body. Then He ended by saying: ‘Do this in remembrance of Me’ (Luke 22:19 NKJV).

Now fast-forward to the house of Cleopas and his companion, following the resurrection. Jesus had walked and talked with them on the Emmaus road, explaining to them that all that had happened was a fulfilment of prophecy. ‘They constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him’ (Luke 24:29-31 NKJV).

In a sense, this too was a communion service. But notice what happened to the people who attended it. 1) Jesus met with them there. 2) Their eyes were opened and they recognised Him in a way they never had before. 3) They were deeply moved. ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us’ (v. 32 NKJV). 4) Then they went out and told others. ‘They rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed”’ (vv. 33-34 NKJV). If you have ever wondered how you’re supposed to feel or think when you take communion, now you know.

Ezekiel 35-36, 1 Peter 1