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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Handling temptation Christ’s way (2)
18 JANUARY 2023

‘When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.’
Luke 4:13 NIV

Observe this: 1) Temptation comes when you’re alone without support. Just as a wolf looks for the sheep that wanders from the safety of the fold, when you neglect Christian fellowship and cut yourself off from other believers, the Enemy rejoices. You say, ‘But I have the Lord with me always.’ Yes, but here is how the Bible teaches us to overcome temptation: ‘A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT). We are born, and born again, to walk this journey with others. Paul writes, ‘The body is not made up of one part but of many….The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”’ (1 Corinthians 12:14, 21 NIV). Walking in step with other believers increases your protection against Satan.

2) Your greatest weapon in the hour of temptation is knowing God’s Word. Jesus repelled Satan’s attacks by quoting it. Satan is rendered powerless when he is confronted by a believer who declares, ‘It is written!’ You must decide to take a stand, but it’s your stance on God’s Word that makes the Enemy retreat. When Satan approached, Jesus didn’t go looking for a Bible; He quoted the Word He knew by heart. That’s your key to victory. John says, ‘I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one’ (1 John 2:14 NLT).

Genesis 36-38, Matthew 10:17-42

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Blending two families
19 JANUARY 2023

‘Live in peace.’
2 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

The Brady Bunch was a popular television show where a mum and dad with six kids created one big happy family without conflict or rivalries. The problem is it seldom happens that way. So, if you’re planning to remarry, here are three challenges you will need God’s help with:

1) It’s common for kids to see a new step-parent as a usurper. Their loyalty to the memory of their departed mother or father can be intense. For them to welcome a newcomer feels like an act of betrayal. This can place the step-parent in a real bind.

2) It’s common for one child to move into the power vacuum left by the departing parent and see themselves as a surrogate spouse. The status and power that come with this supportive role is very strong, and a youngster can be unwilling to give it up.

3) Each of us is irrationally committed to our own flesh and blood while being merely acquainted with others. So when conflict arises in the family, parents are almost always partial to those they brought into the world. And when children sense this tension between parents, some of them will try to exploit it to their advantage. That’s why, statistically, second and third marriages have a higher failure rate than first ones.

But there is good news: ‘With God all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26 KJV). What should you do? Seek professional counselling as early as possible. Yes, it costs, but a divorce will cost you even more. And include God; He can give you the patience, wisdom, and love you need. ‘Live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you’ (2 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV).

Genesis 39-40, Matthew 11

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Forming healthy relationships
20 JANUARY 2023

‘He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.’
Psalm 147:3 NIVUK

If you’re recovering from a bad relationship, it’s a mistake to rush into another one. Unhealthy people make unhealthy choices. Some wounds take longer to heal than others, but you can count on this promise: ‘He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.’

All God asks is that you give Him a chance. Start by taking time to search His Word to find out how He feels about you. His opinion is the only reliable foundation on which to build your self-worth. If a perfect God with full knowledge of your struggles and shortcomings can love you, the message is – lighten up on yourself! You can only love, or be loved again, with the same wholeness with which you love yourself. Next time make sure your choices aren’t predicated on need or the fear of being alone. And be careful: when you don’t value yourself, you attract people who won’t value you either; people who will use you for their own ends. You deserve better, so hold out for it. You train others how to treat you by how you treat yourself. And as you become spiritually and emotionally whole, you will start seeing how unhealthy some of your former choices have been. If some people walk away, so be it. Sometimes you have to give up less in order to have more.

The God who said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone’ has new relationships in mind for you. But He is waiting until your values and self-perception line up with His. So take it step by step, one day at a time. And remember to rejoice – your best days are still ahead!

Genesis 41-42, Matthew 12:1-21

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

In training for better things
21 JANUARY 2023

‘God causes everything to work together.’
Romans 8:28 NLT

When Joseph was thrown into prison, it was hard for him to see how this road would lead to the fulfilment of his dream, but it did. That’s because God had a plan for his life. And He has one for yours too!

Your current job may just be preparation for the job God really has in mind for you. Perhaps not today or tomorrow, but, if you stay faithful, there will come a time when you look back and realise how God directed your steps (see Psalm 37:23). Refuse to embrace any concept of victimhood that would steal your contentment. Your job, in spite of its difficulties, would have been the dream of some of your ancestors. Didn’t you pray for this job you’re now complaining about? As difficult as this may be to accept, you’re where you are for a reason – and for a season. So study, do the coursework, take the tests, graduate, and move on to what God has for you next.

There are certain qualities you need to take with you from your present position into your next one. Things like skill building and character development. You may need to learn computer and social media skills – plus patience and gratitude. You may need to learn how to manage an office – plus how to manage your moods.

When you’re led by God, no experience is ever wasted because ‘God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them’ (Romans 8:28 NLT). God knows what He is doing, so trust Him; He uses every experience to bring about His will and fulfil our joy.

Genesis 43-45, Matthew 12:22-50

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Taking communion
22 JANUARY 2023

‘He took bread, blessed and broke it.’
Luke 24:30 NKJV

Taking communion can be a meaningless ritual, or an intimate time spent in the presence of Jesus. Read the story of Cleopas and his companion. They were travelling home to Emmaus when Jesus suddenly appeared and walked along with them. First He opened their eyes to see that the crucifixion wasn’t the tragedy they thought, but a fulfilment of prophecy and God’s way to redeem a lost world; something to celebrate and not be sad about. Later, as He sat in their home and ate supper with them, ‘he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him’ (vv. 30-31 NIVUK).

Are you battling fear and doubt today? Are you wondering if God will keep His promise to you? He will! Earlier that day, Cleopas and his companion met some women who had just been to the empty tomb and reported that Jesus was alive. But try as they might, they couldn’t believe it. This story proves that Jesus loves doubters enough to walk with them, take away their fears, and strengthen their faith. And guess when He did it? As they broke bread. So next time you’re taking communion, stop and pray, ‘Lord, speak to me. Show me Your will and Your way.’ That’s a prayer He will answer. Your mind may be confused and your anxiety great, but if you’re spiritually hungry He will show up and meet you at the point of your need.

Luke 1:57-80, Psalms 10-12

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Handling change at work
23 JANUARY 2023

‘To everything there is a season.’
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

When change happens in the workplace, we often feel threatened. We get used to the personalities of our co-workers and bosses, and we want them to remain in place, stay the same, and require nothing more from us than what we have given in the past. Out of our desire for stability, security, and predictability, we fail to prepare for instability, uncertainty, and surprises. How ironic! If we were willing to adjust our expectations and be more realistic, we wouldn’t be so traumatised when change comes.

Things can change overnight. It may be the loss of a parent, or a job, or your health. Change is the only constant in life. And it has the potential to move you on to better things or flatten you like a steamroller. The choice is yours. ‘To everything there is a season.’ The truth is, God is your only secure anchor in life, so if you’re wise, you will build a strong relationship with Him. Ultimately, He will never allow you to depend on anything but Him.

Here is Elijah’s story: ‘The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning,…and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land’ (1 Kings 17:6-7 NKJV). Elijah may have panicked, but God didn’t. ‘The word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath…and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you”’ (vv. 8-9 NKJV). Notice what God used to provide for Elijah: ravens, a brook, and a penniless widow. So enjoy your job, excel in it, but depend only on God!

Genesis 46-48, Matthew 13:1-30

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Connecting begins with caring
24 JANUARY 2023

‘May the Lord make your love increase and overflow.’
1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV

One of America’s most successful telephone companies created a TV advert using the slogan, ‘Can you hear me now?’ It shows a man talking on the phone, but the person on the other end can’t hear him. So, he repeatedly asks, ‘Can you hear me now?’ The ad was designed to convey the message that this particular phone company delivers a high-quality signal and doesn’t drop calls. When your phone drops a call, you know it. And what’s your immediate reaction? Annoyance? Frustration? Anger?

In Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, Dr John Maxwell writes: ‘When I interact with people…I know I’ve connected when I sense extra effort – people go the extra mile; unsolicited appreciation – they say positive things; unguarded openness – they demonstrate trust; increased communication – they express themselves more readily; enjoyable experiences – they feel good about what they’re doing; emotional bondedness – they display a connection on an emotional level; positive energy – their emotional “batteries” are charged by being together;…unconditional love – they are accepting without reservation. Anytime I interact with people and I see evidence of these signals, I know I’m connecting. I’ve learned what it takes to connect…and…to gauge when I’m succeeding. How are you doing when it comes to connecting? When you interact one-on-one with someone important in your life, do you receive these signals?…Even if connecting with others isn’t something you’re good at today, you can learn how to do it and become better tomorrow.’

But first, you must genuinely care about the person you are trying to connect with. That’s why Paul writes, ‘May the Lord make your love increase and overflow.’

Genesis 49-50, Matthew 13:31-58

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Advice on dating
25 JANUARY 2023

‘Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?’
Amos 3:3 NLT

There is no definitive test that can predict how a date will ultimately work out, but here are five questions you should always ask yourself:

1) What’s my first impression of this person? For example, who do they hang out with? What kind of events do they enjoy? Do they lie? Steal? Swear? Do drugs? This kind of information can save you untold heartache down the road. And, not to judge a book by its cover, until you really get to know somebody, what else can you go by?

2) How well do I know them? Isn’t it wiser to date someone you have known for a while instead of a stranger?

3) Are they gracious towards others? Nothing is worse than a man who brags about his previous conquests, or a woman who constantly criticises her ex. Would you trust that kind of person with your reputation and your heart?

4) Do we share the same values? The Bible says, ‘Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?’ Opposites may attract, but that’s not a good rule when it comes to values. You need to know that your date is a committed Christian who lives by his or her convictions. What kind of standards do they have about things like money, morals, and films?

5) Can I trust them to keep their word? In previous relationships did they flirt, or cheat, or remain loyal? Count on it, a promise breaker will inevitably become a heartbreaker.

If you’re dating, here is some sound advice: ‘Seek [God’s] will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take’ (Proverbs 3:6 NLT).

Exodus 1-3, Matthew 14:1-21

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Help for your marriage
26 JANUARY 2023

‘Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.’
Proverbs 18:13 NLT

Someone said, ‘Getting married is like buying something you have admired for ages in a shop window. You love it – but when you get it home, it doesn’t always go with everything!’ The Bible gives us three words that are essential to building a happy marriage: ‘Live in…harmony’ (Romans 15:5 NLT). That means doing these three things:

1) Keep an open mind. The Bible says, ‘Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.’ So don’t form your response while your husband or wife is still talking. And never become so entrenched in your position that you’re unwilling to consider your spouse’s viewpoint. Listening is about connecting and acknowledging where the other person is coming from. ‘Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests…take an interest in others’ (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT).

2) Learn to laugh at yourself. ‘A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day’ (Proverbs 15:13 MSG). When you’re experiencing money woes, family problems, illness, or plain old exhaustion, humour can ease the tension and help restore your perspective.

3) Eliminate the ‘D’ word from your vocabulary. Although God permits divorce under certain circumstances, it’s never His ideal. Like one couple who worked through their marriage troubles said, ‘We’re glad we didn’t give up during the difficult years. We hung in long enough to realise that it really can get better with time.’ When you commit to work on your relationship, no matter how things ultimately end up, you will never regret your efforts.

Exodus 4-6, Matthew 14:22-36

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

The blessed hope
27 JANUARY 2023

‘Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.’
Titus 2:13 NKJV

Trusting in Christ’s soon return and our ultimate victory is what will sustain us in these days of disillusionment with some of our national leaders, the devaluing of our money, and the devastation of wars being fought on various continents at the same time. And don’t let some television talk-show host play on your fears in order to promote his or her ratings. Jesus said, ‘Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come’ (Matthew 24:42 NIV). In other words, ‘Be alert, but don’t be afraid.’

Admiral James Stockdale spent eight gruelling years in a Vietnam prisoner-of-war camp. What sustained him? He said: ‘I never lost faith in the end of the story. I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade.’ When asked, ‘Who didn’t make it out?’ Stockdale replied: ‘Oh, that’s easy…they were the ones who said, “We’re going to be out by Christmas.” And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they’d say, “We’re going to be out by Easter.” And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart.’

The courage needed to stand between the two extremes of current trouble and ultimate triumph is found in these words of Scripture: ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith’ (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV). The One who gave you your start has guaranteed you a glorious finish.

Exodus 7-8, Matthew 15:1-20