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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Are you flourishing? (1)
07 JUNE 2023

‘It is [God] who has made us, and not we ourselves.’
Psalms 100:3 NASB
Do you need motivation today? Take a look at the palm tree.

1) You can cut it, but you can't kill it! The minerals and nutrients most trees need to survive are found on the surface, just below the bark, so, when you cut them, they die. But not the palm tree. Its life comes from within, so it flourishes, even under attack. Listen: 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels' (2 Corinthians 4:7 NASB). How wonderful; even though the earthen vessel without may be cut and wounded, the treasure within is secure, beyond the enemy's reach!

2) It will bend, but it won't break. Tropical winds can blow most trees away, but not the palm tree. The stronger the wind, the further it bends - sometimes all the way to the ground. Yet when the storm ceases, it straightens up again and is actually stronger in the place where it bent. What a picture! We were made to bend, but not break, because God gives us 'strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy' (Colossians 1:11 MSG).

3) Its depth always exceeds its height! While the roots of the average plant go only a few feet under the ground, the palm tree's roots can go down hundreds of yards in search of water. David said, 'As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you' (Psalm 42:1 NIV). Go deep, work on your own connection to God and you'll never be...uprooted...or barren...or blown away!

2 Kings 19-21, Acts 12

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Are you flourishing? (2)
08 JUNE 2023

‘They will flourish in the courts of our God.’
Psalm 92:13 NIV

Inside you there’s a battle between your flourishing self – the person you were created to be – and your languishing self. ‘What’s that?’ you ask. Your languishing self feels uneasy and discontent. You’re drawn to bad habits like mindlessly watching TV, drinking too much, misusing sex, excessive spending – things designed to temporarily anaesthetise pain. Your thoughts automatically drift in the direction of fear and anger. Learning doesn’t feel worthwhile. You think about yourself most of the time. Whereas flourishing [thriving, blossoming, and prospering] takes place:

1) In your spirit. You sense you’re beginning to receive ideas and energy from an outside source. And you are. You’re being empowered by God’s Spirit. We talk about being inspired, which literally means ‘God breathed’. God breathes into you; you come alive and feel like you’ve a purpose for living.

2) In your mind. Your thoughts are marked by joy and peace. You have a desire to love and to learn. You’re literally being transformed by ‘the renewing of your mind’ (Romans 12:2 NIV).

3) In your time. You wake each day with a sense of excitement, and you realise you’re never too young to flourish. Mozart was composing brilliant music when he was five. Paul told Timothy, ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young’ (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV). You also realise you’re never too old to flourish. Grandma Moses was sixty-nine when she took up painting, and artist Marc Chagall did some of his best work in his nineties.

It’s humbling to acknowledge you can’t be anything you want. But once you accept that and seek to maximise what God created you to be, you start flourishing.

2 Kings 22-23, Acts 13:1-25

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Are you flourishing? (3)
09 JUNE 2023

‘But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces…many times over.’
John 12:25 MSG
Here are two more areas in which God created you to flourish:

1) Your relationships. Relationally, your languishing self is often troubled. You’re undisciplined in what you say, sometimes reverting to sarcasm, gossip and flattery. You isolate. You dominate. You attack. You withdraw. Whereas your flourishing self seeks to bless others. They energise you. You’re able to disclose your thoughts and feelings in a way that invites openness in them. You’re quick to admit your own mistakes and to freely forgive others.

2) Your experiences. God grows you because He wants to use you in His plans to redeem His world: that’s why you find Him changing your experiences. Your flourishing self has a desire to contribute. You live with a sense of calling. Indeed, your inner longing to become all you were meant to be is a tiny echo of God’s longing to begin the new creation. The rabbis spoke of this as tikkun olam – to repair the world. Focused on yourself, your life is as small as a grain of wheat. Given to God, however, it’s as if that grain is planted in rich soil, growing into part of a much bigger project. Jesus said: ‘Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces…many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life…as it is, destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal’ (vv. 24-25 MSG).

2 Kings 24-25, Acts 13:26-52

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Your dream is still alive
10 JUNE 2023

‘The spirit of Jacob their father revived.’
Genesis 45:27 NKJV

If the dream you believe God gave you seems dead, read this: ‘And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them. But…when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived’ (vv. 26-27 NKJV). For years Jacob believed his son, the dreamer, was dead. But it was a lie. In his old age, wagons loaded with riches came to carry him back to see his son who was now the prince of Egypt.

Notice, when Jacob first heard it, ‘he did not believe them’ (v. 26 NKJV). When you have lived in defeat and discouragement for years, it’s hard to anticipate victory. No problem; God is patient. He will keep working with you. He will demonstrate His grace and goodness in such a way that you will start to trust Him again: ‘When he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived’ (v. 27 NKJV).

Don’t believe your dream is dead and will never be fulfilled. And don’t believe those who tell you that you’re too old to fulfil the dream God gave you. God can pack more into the last chapters of your life than all those that preceded them. ‘Your old men [and women] shall dream dreams’ (Joel 2:28 KJV). God is the giver of dreams. And He doesn’t just give them, He resurrects them and empowers you to fulfil them. It’s not too late. You’re not too old. What God did for Jacob – He can do for you.

1 Chronicles 1-3, Acts 14

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

You are Christ’s ambassador (1)
12 JUNE 2023

‘We are…Christ’s ambassadors.’
2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

Your job in the kingdom of God is that of an ‘ambassador’. What a privilege! And what a responsibility! Over the next few days, let’s look at some of the qualities of an ambassador: You must be a citizen of the country you represent. And ‘our citizenship is in heaven’ (Philippians 3:20 NIV). Exiled, John said, ‘I…was on the island of Patmos…On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit’ (Revelation 1:9-10 NIV). John knew it was not where he was but whose he was that counted the most as he represented his Lord.

Your life is the only Bible many people will ever read. From your lips they will receive the only gospel they ever hear. And your attitude may do more to win them than all your arguments. Before He was crucified, Jesus prayed this prayer for His disciples: ‘I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world’ (John 17:15-18 NKJV).

Before an ambassador is appointed, he or she goes through the closest scrutiny imaginable. Their moral integrity, their financial interactions, their family life, their work record, their every word and action come under the microscope. Shouldn’t it be more so for ambassadors of the King of kings? Never forget whose side you’re on. Never forget what kingdom you belong to. Never forget who you represent. You are Christ’s ambassador.

1 Chronicles 4-6, Acts 15:1-21

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

You are Christ’s ambassador (2)
13 JUNE 2023

‘Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.’
Ephesians 6:10 CEV

A decade ago, our ideas about being an ambassador were radically altered when the U.S. ambassador to Libya was murdered by terrorists. It takes a special person to be an ambassador in a combat zone. And that’s what you are in!

Paul writes: ‘Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armour that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armour that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

'Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist and let God’s justice protect you like armour. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit. Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert’ (vv. 10-18 CEV).

As an ambassador of Christ, your first loyalty must be to Him in all your dealings; to be disloyal is treasonous. You say, ‘That’s a high standard!’ Yes, it’s a ‘high calling’ (see Philippians 3:14). It’s also the most rewarding life you can live.

1 Chronicles 7-9, Acts 15:22-41

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

You are Christ’s ambassador (3)
14 JUNE 2023

‘Our citizenship is in heaven.’
Philippians 3:20 NIV
Let’s recap. As an ambassador, you must have the following qualifications and characteristics:

1) Be a citizen of the country you represent. ‘Our citizenship is in heaven.’

2) Your character and conduct must reflect the highest values of your country. ‘That our God may make you worthy of his calling’ (2 Thessalonians 1:11 NIV).

3) You must be equipped for the job. ‘There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 12:4 NIV).

4) You must be loyal to your country. Now, let’s look at two more qualifications:

5) An ambassador must be an effective communicator. The best ambassadors are bilingual; they speak and understand the language of those around them. Can you do that? In order to have the right answer, you must understand the question, the questioner, and where they’re coming from. The Bible says, ‘If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way’ (1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT). Note the words ‘always be ready’.

6) An ambassador must be a good diplomat. Ambassadors are most effective when they’re winsome as they go about their work. You wouldn’t want someone representing your country who was arrogant and abrasive in dealing with others. Jesus said, ‘By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35 NKJV).

Our message is the gospel, and our strategy is love! What’s our message? ‘We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God’ (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIVUK).

1 Chronicles 10-12, Acts 16:1-21

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Intimacy vs. activity
15 JUNE 2023

‘Few things are needed…Mary has chosen what is better.’
Luke 10:42 NIV

When Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha, their individual responses to Him were very different. Martha’s focus was on the meal. Her aim was to please Jesus. But she made a common mistake; her work became more important than her Lord. What began as a serving experience became a self-serving one. She forgot the meal was to honour Jesus, not her. She said, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ (v. 40 NIV). And what did Jesus say? ‘Martha, Martha…you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed…Mary has chosen what is better’ (vv. 41-42 NIV). And what had Mary chosen? Intimacy with Jesus!

The danger of religious activity is that sometimes it’s designed to make us feel good about ourselves and look good in front of others. Choosing activity over intimacy also happens to people who love the Lord and aren’t necessarily involved in church work. It’s amazing how many bright, successful people reach the point of burnout because they have neglected their relationship with God. They never intended to; it’s just that they have learned to make it on their own and haven’t been forced to rely on Him. Or they have bought into a ‘religious compartmentalisation’ of God – like He is just another weekly appointment on Sunday mornings.

The fact that Jesus chose intimacy over activity teaches us a very important lesson: until you put your relationship with God at the centre of your life, you will struggle to find your true purpose, enjoy the fruit of your labours, and experience God’s peace and joy.

1 Chronicles 13-15, Acts 16:22-40

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Change your concept of God
16 JUNE 2023

‘He will rejoice over you with gladness.’
Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV[

What’s your concept of God? When you pray, ‘Our Father,’ what do you see? Do you see a parent who abandoned you, abused you, or abdicated their responsibility to you? Do you think of an angry father who accused but never affirmed you; in other words, a God waiting to zap you each time you do wrong? If so, you need to change your concept of God. The Bible says: ‘The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing’ (v. 17 NKJV). Let’s break this Scripture down:

1) ‘The Lord your God in your midst.’ He is not a distant deity, but an up-close-and-personal Father who loves His redeemed children dearly.

2) ‘The Mighty One, will save.’ When you consider the word ‘mighty’, think of Hercules a billion times over and you still won’t even be close. Today you may be weak, but He is strong. Your sins may be great, but His saving grace is greater (see Romans 5:20).

3) ‘He will rejoice over you with gladness.’ Every time God looks at you, He smiles and rejoices. You make His heart glad. Did you know that?

4) ‘He will quiet you with His love.’ Ever watch a mother holding a crying baby and saying, ‘Shush, shush, it’s okay, I’m here, I love you.’ The baby is comforted, feels secure, and goes to sleep. That’s what God does for us.

5) ‘He will rejoice over you with singing.’ God sings! What does He sing about? You! It’s time to change your concept of God!

1 Chronicles 16-18, Acts 17:1-15

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

How love is expressed
17 JUNE 2023

‘Serve one another humbly in love.’
Galatians 5:13 NIV

Love is mostly something you do instead of something you feel. Paul writes, ‘You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love’ (v. 13 NIV). So how are you supposed to express your love? According to one author, as follows:

‘A son drives for five hours to be with his mother on her birthday. A friend mentions a book he is interested in; his friend remembers and finds a copy to give to him for no visible reason. A middle-aged couple in a restaurant see a young husband and wife with little money and secretly pay their bill. A father knows how much his daughter likes having a clean car, so he sneaks over to wash it for her by surprise. People in a small group email each other throughout the week as a way of expressing their care. A wise man once said that just as the three laws of real estate are “location, location, location,” the three laws of relationship are “observation, observation, observation”. The people who give life to us are people who notice us. They know what we love and fear. When we work to truly notice someone else, love for them grows. When we work to truly observe another person, in that self-forgetfulness our own soul flourishes.’

Mother Teresa used to say: ‘If you can’t do great things, do little things with great love. And if you can’t do them with great love, do them with a little love. And if you can’t do them with a little love, do them anyway.’ Love grows when you serve people.

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