₦airaland Forum

14 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE

‘…I have set before you life and death…choose life...’

Deuteronomy 30:19

14 Sept 2013

Choice is the greatest power God gave you. Too many of us just accept our lives—we don’t become leaders of ourselves. As a result, we can’t get out of our own way. Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel wrote in 'Souls On Fire' that when you die and go to meet your Maker, you’re not going to be asked why you didn’t become a Messiah or find a cure for cancer. All you’re going to be asked is, ‘Why didn’t you become you? Why didn’t you become all that you are?’ Fulfilling God’s will for your life requires taking responsibility for yourself and your life. How do you do that? By saying yes to God first—then to yourself. Every time you say yes, you open yourself up to your God-given potential and to the greatest of possibilities. If you’re used to saying no, you may find this difficult. If that is true in your case, then at least be willing to say ‘maybe.’ One day a father whose child was chronically ill asked Jesus to heal him. ‘Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’’’ (Mark 9:23-24 NKJV). If you’re a self-doubter, pray that same prayer. God will answer it. Never forget that you are unique, possessing talents, experiences and opportunities that no one else has ever had—or ever will have. You’re responsible to become all God made you to be, not only for your own benefit but for everyone else’s.

 Lev 16, Lev 23:26-32 , Heb 9:1-14 , Heb 13:11-16

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRAYER & ME

Do you have a new project for this new academic year?   Take time to ask God about it, and let him speak, before You leave the starting line.  Holy Spirit I thank You for the anticipation of starting new things, but I don’t want to go it alone.  I ask You to show me how You want me to tackle this new project.  Give me Your strategy, and help me to build according to Your design.

13 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

WHEN CONFLICT COMES HOME (2)

‘…Let there be no strife between you and me…for we are brothers.’

Genesis 13:8

13 Sept 2013

Family conflict brings out the worst and the best in all of us. But conflict itself isn’t the problem—character is! Conflict just reveals what’s important to us. Abram’s priority was the family; Lot’s was ‘getting rich.’ Abram’s concern was harmony; Lot’s was self-preservation. Abram was driven by his faith; Lot by his greed. Abram was a giver; Lot was a taker. But watch how the story turned out. 1) What should have happened? The junior partner should have submitted to the senior; the follower should have deferred to the leader; the less-spiritual should have acknowledged the more-spiritual. But Lot failed on all counts! 2) What could have happened? As the God-appointed leader Abram could have assumed top dog status and enforced his will, but he didn’t. He could have been concerned about winning, but wasn’t. He could have called in his debts with Lot, but refused to. 3) What did happen? First, Abram elevated relationship above personal advantage. Second, he relinquished his ‘rights’, to keep peace in the family. Third, he ‘turned the other cheek’ and deferred to Lot. The greater gave way to the lesser. The stronger made allowance for the weaker. The mature showed mercy toward the immature. Did it make Abram the weaker man and Lot the stronger? Did Abram lose and Lot win? No! God always has the last word. And it was this: ‘…Look…northward and southward and eastward and westward…all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever’ (Genesis 13:14-15 NAS). Doing things God’s way is the certain road to peace and prosperity. 

Neh 1-4, Lk 21:12-24, Ps 78:17-31 , Prov 23:26-28

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRAYING FOR UCB

UCB transmits five Christian radio stations, as well as UCB TV.  We pray that these stations will be used to glorify God, and that His name will be exalted in our scheduling of programmes.  We pray that more people will discover our stations, and make a habit of listening regularly.  Let our broadcasting of the gospel impact our nation in a powerful way, and let the message of Jesus find its way into millions of homes.

WHEN CONFLICT COMES HOME (1)

‘…Let there be no strife between you and me...’

Genesis 13:8
12 Sept 2013

The conflict between Abram and Lot teaches us important principles about our families. Lot had lived peacefully in his Uncle Abram’s home. Abram had taken him along on the journey of faith, when suddenly conflict arose. And because conflict reveals character, Lot showed his true colours. Since their growing herds were too big to share the same pastures, Abram suggested they split the land between them, offering Lot first choice. Lot ‘…chose for himself…’ (Genesis 13:11 NAS) the best land, leaving the rest to his uncle. Lot moved to rich, sinful Sodom; Abram built an altar to the Lord. Same genes—totally different values! So: 1) Consider the facts. Abram was God’s appointed leader and Israel’s primary patriarch. God had promised him a homeland, fatherhood of a great nation, blessing and protection. And above all these, God promised that in him, ‘…All the families of the earth will be blessed!’ (Genesis 12:3 NAS). In practical, day-to-day terms, Abram was the senior partner and major stockholder in the family business. He had shown love and generosity to his nephew, and in the crunch, valued their relationship over personal interests. Abram, therefore, deserved consideration and deference from his nephew. But Lot never gave it to him. 2) Consider the point. For the family’s sake, Abram chose not to ‘pull rank,’ or ‘insist on his rights,’ or ‘show who’s boss.’ He proved that God alone vindicates us! We shouldn’t even attempt to vindicate ourselves. Abram chose grace over law, humility over pride, self-denial over ‘rights,’ mercy over justice, love over lust, and character over popular opinion. Think about it!

 Col 3-4 + Philem, Lk 21:1-11, Ps 78:9-16 , Prov 23:22-25

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

INSTITUTIONAL RACISM

Too many people still tell stories of having been mistreated or overlooked, for no other reason than the colour of their skin.  We pray again for the institutions of our nation – for the Police, the health service, the education system, the Church, the judicial system and the Government – that racism will be uprooted and cast out.  We pray for those who hold racist attitudes without even knowing it, that their hearts and minds will change..

11 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

A NEW ATTITUDE

‘…Change the way you think...’

Romans 12:2

11 Sept 2013

For things to change for the better, you must ‘change the way you think.’ For example: a) View setbacks as detours, not dead ends. Winners don’t just face adversity; they embrace it, knowing it leads to future success. b) Tune out the critics and focus on doing your best. Anybody who accomplishes anything worthwhile has to overcome naysayers. c) When you’re afraid, praise God until your faith rebuilds. It may take a while, but praise and thanksgiving never fail, and they strengthen you to go on. d) When you fail, look for the lesson and remember all the times you’ve succeeded. Weed out self-doubt and replace it with scriptural self-talk. e) When you’re heading into battle, visualise yourself winning in God’s strength—with Him ‘…all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26 NIV). f) Instead of focusing on the past and worrying about the future, focus on the now—that’s where your influence is greatest. Remember, God said, ‘…As your days, so shall your strength be’ (Deuteronomy 33:25 NKJV). g) Instead of complaining, work on identifying solutions, and more will come to you. h) When you’re distracted, focus on your breathing, take a walk and clear your mind, think on what you can control, and surrender the rest to God. i) When you’re lonely, remember the people who’ve helped you this far and who love and support you. j) When you’re fatigued, take time to rest—but never ever give up! Finish strong in everything you do. k) When you’re under pressure and under scrutiny, smile and have fun. You only live once. Life is short… so seize the moment!

Col 1-2, Lk 20:41-47, Ps 78:1-8 , Prov 23:19-21

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PREJUDICE

The rise in Islamic terrorism over recent decades has led to an increasingly stifling climate of fear and suspicion around our world.  Pray for blessing, hope and healing on every Muslim community in this nation.  Pray that prejudice will not govern how we view those from Islamic backgrounds, but that we will choose to be those who build relationships rather than building barriers.  Pray that perfect love will flood our towns and cities, and drive out fear..

10 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

AVOID TRIANGLES

‘…Mind your own business; do your own job...’

1 Thessalonians 4:11

10 Sept 2013

We’re not very good at knowing the difference between helpfulness and interference! Suppose two people we care about are in conflict. We think we can be the Red Cross, and salvage things. Ultimately, with our good intentions in ruins, we’re in over our heads. Looking back, we say, ‘I’ll never do that again’—until the next time! Here are some healthy relationship boundaries. Sometimes when two people are at odds with each other they ‘triangle in’ a third person to focus on, attempting to lower their stress. Whoever they triangle in gets caught in the middle, becomes entangled in their unresolved issue, and ultimately becomes their shock absorber. Unfortunately, when that person’s rescue attempt backfires they become part of the problem, keeping the issues and themselves stuck. So what should you do? 1) Unless God puts you in the middle, stay out! The Bible says, ‘…Mind your own business; do your own job...’(1 Thessalonians 4:11 TM) If your name’s not on it, don’t pick it up! Try saying, ‘I care about you both too much to complicate things with unqualified advice. I’ll pray that God gives you the wisdom to do what’s right for each other.’ 2) Maintain a caring relationship with both people. Relationship specialist, Edwin Friedman, says, ‘The way to bring change to the relationship of two others is to maintain a well-defined relationship with each, and avoid taking responsibility for their relationship.’ Don’t take sides. Don’t let them pull you in. If they try, remind them that you’re praying and trusting God to help them resolve the problem, and that you’re confident He will do it.

 

Josh 22-24, Lk 20:27-40, Ps 27 , Prov 23:16-18

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PREJUDICE

The rise in Islamic terrorism over recent decades has led to an increasingly stifling climate of fear and suspicion around our world.  Pray for blessing, hope and healing on every Muslim community in this nation.  Pray that prejudice will not govern how we view those from Islamic backgrounds, but that we will choose to be those who build relationships rather than building barriers.  Pray that perfect love will flood our towns and cities, and drive out fear...

May His presence go with us as we journey in this week !

9 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

DON’T SELL OUT

‘…“The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!”’

1 Kings 21:3

9 Sept 2013

The Bible says: ‘…Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard…next to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. So Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near, next to my house; and for it I will give you a vineyard better than it. Or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its worth in money.” But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!’’’ (1 Kings 21:1-3 NKJV). Standing by his ‘inheritance’ cost this man of integrity his life. Today the faith of our fathers is coming under increasing attack from the schoolroom to the boardroom. Scriptural principles which have guided us for generations are being challenged and undermined by the Ahabs of this world who sit in places of power. The Bible predicted it and told us to be alert, but not afraid. God said to the end-age church, ‘Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life’ (Revelation 2:10 NKJV). Naboth refused to sell out for money. He refused to sell out for that which looked ‘bigger and better.’ He refused to sell out in order to win the favour of those in high places. And he is an example to you. So stand squarely on God’s Word and refuse to budge. Gather up your children in faith’s arms and declare, ‘…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ (Joshua 24:15 NKJV).

 Josh 19:24 - 21:45, Lk 20:20-26, Ps 112 , Prov 23:13-15

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRISONS

Yesterday was Racial Justice Sunday, so our prayers this week focus on issues of justice and equality for those of different races living here in the UK.  Adults from Black and Asian backgrounds are disproportionately over-represented in our prisons.  Pray that those serving custodial sentences will be treated fairly, both by staff and by their fellow inmates.  Pray for those who have been wrongly convicted, that justice will be served and they will be ...

8 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

FOUR KINDS OF GIVERS (4)

‘…Joseph opened the storehouses [barns] and sold grain to the Egyptians...’

Genesis 41:56

8 Sept 2013

Barn people. God used Joseph to feed the nations during a time of worldwide famine. When Pharaoh’s advisers couldn’t interpret his dream, Joseph did. He actually gave Pharaoh a plan that would not only feed Egypt during seven years of famine, but also feed the world and cause Pharaoh to come out of this crisis a richer man. When you serve God, He can give you information about the future. He can give you not only the wisdom to survive, but thrive when you’re in a recession. But you can’t build such a relationship with God overnight! Joseph’s journey to the throne of Egypt led through years of delay, detours and discouragement. He experienced betrayal at the hands of his family, temptation and slander at the hands of his employer’s wife, false imprisonment, years of waiting and wondering when God would fulfil His promise to make him a leader. But he never doubted God. And you must not either! If God can take an ex-con like Joseph and make him the prime minister of Egypt, no obstacle and no enemy can keep Him from fulfilling His promise to you.

So, if you’re a bag person, ‘consider your ways’ and start putting God first in your finances. If you’re a bin person, ‘be not afraid,’ give, and God will give back to you. If you’re a basket person, place what you’ve got into God’s hands and watch Him multiply it. If you’re a barn person with a heart that longs to meet the needs of a hurting world, nothing your enemies do will stop you.
Heb 11:1-6, Mt 21:18-22, Mt 8:5-13 , Mk 6:1-6

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRISONS

Yesterday was Racial Justice Sunday, so our prayers this week focus on issues of justice and equality for those of different races living here in the UK.  Adults from Black and Asian backgrounds are disproportionately over-represented in our prisons.  Pray that those serving custodial sentences will be treated fairly, both by staff and by their fellow inmates.  Pray for those who have been wrongly convicted, that justice will be served and they will be ...

Happy Sunday folks ! Trust you are preparing for Sunday Service . You must attend church this morning .

"Remember the day of the Lord to and keep it holy "

7 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

FOUR KINDS OF GIVERS (3)

‘…they took up twelve baskets full...’

Mark 6:43

7 Sept 2013

Basket people. A boy gave his lunch to Jesus and He used it to feed five thousand people. Afterwards, ‘They took up twelve baskets full of the fragments.’ Basket people find a need greater than their own and say, ‘Lord, here’s what I have; take it, bless it and use it.’ What a contrast this boy was to the disciples. Notice: 1) They tried to escape the problem. ‘Send them away, that they may go…and buy themselves bread…’ (Mark 6:36 NKJV). Your faith only grows by facing your problems and looking to God for answers. Indeed, when you solve the problem you position yourself to receive what God has in store for you next. 2) They didn’t know what they had. Jesus said, ‘…“How many loaves do you have? Go and see”…’ (Mark 6:38 NKJV). Moses had a rod, but it parted the Red Sea. David had a slingshot, but it brought down a giant. You may not know it, but God has given you the answer. He’s given you something capable of multiplying once you put it into His hands. The key is, ‘Go and see.’ 3) They despised the day of small things. ‘There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?’ (John 6:9 NKJV). Instead of looking at your lack, look at God’s abundance and His willingness to work on your behalf. ‘Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin…’ (Zechariah 4:10 TLB). Factor God into the equation. The formula for success is you—plus God!

Josh 16:1 - 19:23, Lk 20:9-19, Ps 20 , Prov 23:10-12

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRAYER & ME

Are you in a situation where you need a practical solution?  Joseph got a strategy from God which got him and Egypt out of a difficult place.  Father God, I thank You for the times I hear Your voice clearly – for the things You teach me at church, through the Scriptures and through my conversations with others.  Please speak to me about this situation.  Give me Your wisdom, and help me to hear it clearly.

6 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

FOUR KINDS OF GIVERS (2)

‘…“the bin…shall not be used up...”’

1 Kings 17:14

6 Sept 2013

Bin people. In the middle of a devastating famine, God sent the prophet Elijah to Zarephath, saying he’d meet a widow there who would feed him. Why did God not send Elijah to a wealthy family? Because they didn’t need a miracle, she did! When Elijah asked this woman for something to eat she told him that she’d ‘…only a handful of flour in a bin…’ (1 Kings 17:12 NKJV). She had just enough for one more meal, then she and her son would die. Perhaps you’re thinking, ‘Typical preacher! They’ll take the last bite out of your mouth and the last penny out of your pocket.’ No, this was the best day of her life! She was about to step into miracle territory. But first she had to overcome the fear of giving. ‘Elijah said to her, “Do not fear…make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me…” For thus says the Lord God of Israel: “The bin of flour shall not be used up…until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth’’’ (1 Kings 17:13-14 NKJV). How does this story turn out? ‘So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and…The bin of flour was not used up…’ (1 Kings 17:15-16 NKJV). Day after day, without fail, she reached into the bin and found more flour. She discovered that when you obey God’s Word He will meet your every need. Are you a bin person? Are you afraid of letting go of what you have in case you don’t have enough? Don’t be. You will never out-give God! Whatever you give to Him, He has promised to give back ‘…good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…’ (Luke 6:38 NKJV).

Josh 14-15, Lk 20:1-8, Ps 142 , Prov 23:7-9

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

NEIGHBOUR FRIDAY

Lord, I pray for families living on my street who are struggling following recent benefit cuts, price rises and changes in circumstances.  Help people to find enough money to pay for food, heating and housing costs.  Lord, use us, the Christian community, to help those who are in need at this time, and to rescue those in severe poverty.  Get together with a friend from church and invite a disabled neighbour out to dinner or afternoon tea.

5 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

FOUR KINDS OF GIVERS (1)

‘…he…earns wages to put into a bag with holes.’

Haggai 1:6

5 Sept 2013

There are four kinds of givers noted in the Bible. For the next few days let’s look at each. Bag people. In the days of Haggai the prophet, the Israelites were so busy making money that they had no time for God. Sound familiar? So he said to them: ‘‘‘Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?”…“Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little…and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes”…“You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of Hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house’’’ (Haggai 1:4-9 NKJV). If you want God to be interested in your house, be interested in His house. If you want God to bless your house, begin to bless His house. If you want God to provide for your house, start providing for His house. You say, ‘How much should I give?’ God sets the baseline at one-tenth of your income (Leviticus 27:32). Whatever you give beyond that will be determined by three things: a) Your ability. ‘Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you’ (Deuteronomy 16:17 NKJV). b) Your desire to reap. God will ‘…multiply the seed that you have sown…’ (2 Corinthians 9:10 NKJV). c) Your love. ‘…“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind”’ (Matthew 22:37 NKJV).

 
Num 29:1-6, Mt 24, Rev 11:15-19 , 1 Cor 15:50-58

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

NEIGHBOUR FRIDAY

Lord, I pray for families living on my street who are struggling following recent benefit cuts, price rises and changes in circumstances.  Help people to find enough money to pay for food, heating and housing costs.  Lord, use us, the Christian community, to help those who are in need at this time, and to rescue those in severe poverty.  Get together with a friend from church and invite a disabled neighbour out to dinner or afternoon tea.

4 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

ARGUING; IT’S A WASTE OF TIME

‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.’

Proverbs 15:1

4 Sept 2013

Do you sometimes find yourself saying, ‘I get so angry when they refuse to listen to my viewpoint. How can I make them listen and hear what I’m trying to say?’ Unless you’re involved in an official debate, arguing with someone who’s unwilling to listen is useless and a waste of time. State your viewpoint with clarity and purpose, but don’t become defensive and argumentative if it’s not received. You’ll only hurt yourself and the relationship if you become argumentative. Don’t allow anyone to draw you into strife or arguing. Hold your tongue, and try to remember these words of wisdom: ‘A gentle anger turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of a fool spurts folly’ (Proverbs 15:2 NAS). What must surely be one of the most frustrating conversations in history was reported in Theatre Arts Magazine. A subscriber, wishing to report on a particular upcoming event in his community, dialled directory enquiries to get the magazine’s telephone number. The operator drawled, ‘Sorry, but there’s nobody listed by the name of Theodore Arts’’. The subscriber insisted, ‘It’s not a person; it’s a publication. I want Theatre Arts.’ The operator responded, this time a little louder. ‘I told you, we have no listing for Theodore Arts in this city. Perhaps he lives in another city.’ By now the subscriber was thoroughly peeved. ‘Confound it, the word is theatre: T-H-E-A-T-R-E!’ The operator came back with equal certainty in her voice, ‘That – is not the way to spell Theodore.’ Arguing; it’s a waste of time.

Josh 11-13, Lk 19:41-48, Ps 111 , Prov 23:4-6

3 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

IMPORTANT OR INSIGNIFICANT, YOU CAN BE SAVED!

‘…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved...’

Acts 16:31

3 Sept 2013

By putting your trust in Christ, your soul will be saved and your life will be changed for the better. The testimonies that this is so, exists in hundreds of thousands of famous people such as William Gladstone, one of Britain’s greatest Prime Ministers, whose life was transformed by God. Abraham Lincoln tells us in his letters that at Gettysburg, the day he delivered his famous address, he too, was born again of God’s Spirit. Martin Luther had been exceedingly religious, even as Nicodemus was, and yet had known nothing of the new birth. But all that changed when he discovered these words in scripture: ‘…The just shall live by faith’ (Romans 1:17 NKJV). Writers like Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy of Russia, have described the work of God’s Spirit in utterly transforming their lives. Men like Chuck Colson, aide to President Richard Nixon and author of the bestseller Born Again have told of being radically changed by the new birth. And whether you live in a mansion or a mud hut, you too can be saved. When the Philippian jailer asked Paul, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ Paul didn’t give him a theological dissertation. No, he simply said: ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ Think: Not only can you be saved today, but through your life and testimony your entire family can be won to Christ, if they repent (2 Peter 3:9 CEV). Imagine the difference that could make! Do you have to understand it? No, but you can experience it. How? By placing your trust in Christ today.

Josh 8:30 - 10:43, Lk 19:28-40, Ps 103:13-22 , Prov 23:1-3

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FAITH COMES BY HEARING

For people who lose their sight in later life, the Bible in audio is a great blessing, as are audiobooks and audio Bible readings.  Thank God for these resources, and pray for them to be more widely distributed.  Pray too for Christians who produce faith-based radio programmes, broadcast to thousands of blind and partially sighted listeners every week.  Pray for those who are currently losing their sight, that they will find these resources and get strength ...

2 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

TAKE GOD TO WORK WITH YOU

‘You are the salt of the earth...’

Matthew 5:13

2 Sept 2013

Jon Gordon says: ‘I speak to a lot of organisations on the importance of positive leadership and the benefits of building a positive culture that fuels performance. Yet the most common question I receive is, “How do I stay positive when my boss isn’t?” Here are a few suggestions: Even though you’re not the leader…focus on being the best and bringing out the best in the people you work with…tune out negativity and negative comments. Remember, you can’t control what other people say and do, but you can control how you react.’ Dr. David Hawkins says, ‘Eighty percent of the population vibrates to a negative frequency. It’s all around us. Stay above the fray.’ There’s an old adage, ‘Never wrestle with a pig because you’ll both get dirty—and the pig will enjoy himself!’ Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.’ Matthew 5:14 NKJV. Make up your mind to be the beacon that shines in your workplace. Bottom line: most people don’t enjoy being negative. Many times they’re that way because of stress, being too busy and fear. Most of them just need a wake-up call to break out of their rut, and contrary to what you may think, you can be that instrument of change. Jesus also said, ‘You are the salt of the earth,’ and salt has two functions. It stops things from going bad, and it adds taste and flavour. Your job as a Christian is to preserve, reconcile, and give hope to those around you; including the people you work with every day.’ So, take God to work with you.

 Josh 5:1 - 8:29, Lk 19:11-27, Ps 103:1-12 , Prov 22:27-29

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FAITH COMES BY HEARING

For people who lose their sight in later life, the Bible in audio is a great blessing, as are audiobooks and audio Bible readings.  Thank God for these resources, and pray for them to be more widely distributed.  Pray too for Christians who produce faith-based radio programmes, broadcast to thousands of blind and partially sighted listeners every week.  Pray for those who are currently losing their sight, that they will find these resources and get strength ...

2 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

TAKE GOD TO WORK WITH YOU

‘You are the salt of the earth...’

Matthew 5:13

2 September 2013

Jon Gordon says: ‘I speak to a lot of organisations on the importance of positive leadership and the benefits of building a positive culture that fuels performance. Yet the most common question I receive is, “How do I stay positive when my boss isn’t?” Here are a few suggestions: Even though you’re not the leader…focus on being the best and bringing out the best in the people you work with…tune out negativity and negative comments. Remember, you can’t control what other people say and do, but you can control how you react.’ Dr. David Hawkins says, ‘Eighty percent of the population vibrates to a negative frequency. It’s all around us. Stay above the fray.’ There’s an old adage, ‘Never wrestle with a pig because you’ll both get dirty—and the pig will enjoy himself!’ Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.’ Matthew 5:14 NKJV. Make up your mind to be the beacon that shines in your workplace. Bottom line: most people don’t enjoy being negative. Many times they’re that way because of stress, being too busy and fear. Most of them just need a wake-up call to break out of their rut, and contrary to what you may think, you can be that instrument of change. Jesus also said, ‘You are the salt of the earth,’ and salt has two functions. It stops things from going bad, and it adds taste and flavour. Your job as a Christian is to preserve, reconcile, and give hope to those around you; including the people you work with every day.’ So, take God to work with you.

 

Josh 5:1 - 8:29, Lk 19:11-27, Ps 103:1-12 , Prov 22:27-29

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FIGHTING LONELINESS

Isolation is a daily reality for many disabled people.  Give thanks for the thousands of volunteers who enable meetings all around the UK, specially designed for disabled people, providing vital opportunities for safe social interaction, and chance to hear the Good News of Jesus.  Pray that these volunteers will find all their material needs met, so that they can continue offering their time for free.  Ask God for more volunteers so that more groups can be ...

1 SEPTEMBER 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

VICTORIOUS LIVING

‘Blessed is the man who perseveres...’

James 1:12

1 September 2013

Here are three keys to victorious living: 1) Perseverance. Dr. G. Campbell Morgan tells of a man whose shop burned to the ground. The next morning he set up shop in the middle of the charred ruins and put up a sign that read, ‘Everything lost except wife, children and hope—business as usual tomorrow morning.’ So get back up again! ‘Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.’ 2) Purpose. Helen Keller wrote, ‘Many persons have the wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.’ Jesus said, ‘…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…’ (Mark 10:45 NKJV). Don’t pray for a generous heart, practice being generous and your heart will fall into line with your actions. As long as you are a sower, God will give you seed (2 Corinthians 9:10). 3) Perspective. Your disappointment may turn out to be God’s appointment. ‘In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps’ (Proverbs 16:9 NIV). Remember how an oyster makes a pearl? When a grain of sand gets into its shell, the oyster wraps it in layer after layer of beauty until a pearl is formed. The poet wrote: ‘This tale has a moral, for isn’t it grand, what an oyster can do with a morsel of sand? And what couldn’t we do, if we’d only begin, with some of the things that get under our skin.’ Have the right perspective. Try to see God at work in what you are going through today! 

Phil 2:5-11, Rev 19:11-16, Acts 3:1-16 , Mt 1:18-21

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FIGHTING LONELINESS

Isolation is a daily reality for many disabled people.  Give thanks for the thousands of volunteers who enable meetings all around the UK, specially designed for disabled people, providing vital opportunities for safe social interaction, and chance to hear the Good News of Jesus.  Pray that these volunteers will find all their material needs met, so that they can continue offering their time for free.  Ask God for more volunteers so that more groups can be ...

31 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

WHAT IS ‘SUCCESS’ FOR YOU?

‘I have glorified You on the earth...’

John 17:4

31 August 2013

At the end of His life, Jesus was able to pray, ‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.’ Jesus didn’t try to compete with John the Baptist or model Himself after some Old Testament prophet. He knew what ‘success’ was for Him. To know what it is for you, you must:

1) Discern what success really is. When others feel good about you, you’re popular; but when you feel good about yourself, you’re successful. Your life’s highest calling will always create the highest level of joy within you. 2) Before you set goals, pray. ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths’ (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV). It’s not wrong to set goals, it’s just wrong to set them without first consulting God. 3) Stop expecting others to bring you success. Don’t wait for flowers to arrive. God gave you seed; start growing some of your own. ‘Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else’ (Galatians 6:4 NLT). And besides, when you’re less needy you’ll become more attractive to others. 4) Get over yourself—everyone else has. A minister said he was praying one day, ‘Father, why does the devil keep reminding me of my past?’ God replied, ‘Because he’s running low on material!’ Repent, and then move on. God says He will ‘…not remember your sins’ (Isaiah 43:25 NKJV). There’s only one good reason to bring up the past, and that’s to learn from it and grow wiser. 

Joshua 1-4, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 84 , Proverbs 22:24-26

30 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM! (5)

‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?...’

Psalms 27:1

30 August 2013

We all need an encounter with the transfigured Christ; the One who is greater than Moses the law giver and Elijah the prophet, and all the other prophets who have ever lived. The One who wears the true crown of the universe, God’s beloved Son. We need to fall on our face and see Him as the Holy One, the Highest One, the Only One. As you do, all your fears, save the fear of Christ Himself, will melt like an ice cube on a summer day. You will agree with David: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?’ In the book Prince Caspian, there is a great illustration of this. Lucy sees Aslan the lion for the first time in many years. He has changed since their last encounter. His size surprises her, and she tells him as much. ‘Aslan,’ says Lucy, ‘you’re bigger.’ He replies, ‘That is because you are older, little one.’ Lucy says, ‘Not because you are?’ He replies, ‘I am not. But every year you grow, you find me bigger.’ And so it is in our walk with Christ. The longer we serve Him, the greater He becomes. It’s not that He changes, but that we do. We see dimensions, aspects, characteristics we never saw before; increasing and astonishing increments of His purity, power, and uniqueness. Only when we have fallen at His feet in humility and total dependence will He say to us what He said to His disciples on the Mount where He was transfigured: ‘…“Arise, and do not be afraid”’ (Matthew 17:7 NKJV).

3 John, Jude, Luke 18:31-43, Psalm 119:169-176 , Prov 22:20-23

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FIGHTING LONELINESS

Isolation is a daily reality for many disabled people.  Give thanks for the thousands of volunteers who enable meetings all around the UK, specially designed for disabled people, providing vital opportunities for safe social interaction, and chance to hear the Good News of Jesus.  Pray that these volunteers will find all their material needs met, so that they can continue offering their time for free.  Ask God for more volunteers so that more groups can be ...

29 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM! (4)

‘Let all that I am praise the Lord;...’

Psalms 103:2

29 August 2013

The Bible equates God with light, and light with holiness. ‘…God is light; in him there is no darkness at all’ (1 John 1:5 NIV). Paul said that God dwells in ‘…unapproachable light…’ (1 Timothy 6:16 NIV). Scripture refers to Christ ‘…who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners…’ (Hebrews 7:26 NIV). So how should you approach such a God? As you would an auditor when your books don’t balance? Or a dictator who holds the power of life and death? No, Jesus told us to pray, ‘…Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name’ (Matthew 6:9 KJV). There’s your answer! You must come to God as a father who loves you dearly and desires only what is best for you, while always regarding Him with profound reverence. As your awe of God expands, your fears in life will diminish. A big view of God translates into big courage; a small view of God generates no courage at all. A puny God can’t help you when cancer strikes, your family is in trouble, or you’ve no way to pay your bills. A ‘do-me-a-favour’ Jesus may look good stuck on your dashboard, but that image can do nothing for your fears. You need an awesome God, who, while diminishing your ego, enlarges your faith and blows your mind. David wrote: ‘Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things…’ (Psalms 103:2-5 NLT).

 

2 Chronicles 35-36 , 2 John, Luke 18:18-30, Psalm 119:161-168 , Proverbs 22:17-19

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SHARING THE BURDENS

Lord, I pray for the staff teams in the schools in my area, for teachers, administrators, support staff and headteachers.  I pray for a warm atmosphere and good team spirit in every staffroom.  May the gripes and grievances of last year be put aside, and may the new year begin with new hope.  I pray particularly for those starting jobs in our schools this year, that they will quickly feel included and supported.

28 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM! (3)

‘…“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”’

Matthew 17:5

28 August 2013

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses, the law giver, and Elijah, who represents the prophets, stood side by side with Jesus. But Jesus outshone them all. The Bible says, ‘…His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them…’ Mark 9:3 TM). In that moment Jesus was God in His purest form. Awed by Him, Peter said, ‘…“Lord…if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”’ (Matthew 17:4 NKJV). It was a sincere sentiment, but it was sincerely wrong. ‘While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’’’ The word beloved implies ‘unique.’ There is no one else like Jesus! Not Moses. Not Elijah. Not Peter. Not Zoroaster, Buddha, or Muhammad. No one in heaven or on earth. Three shrines would have made Moses and Elijah equal with Christ, and God would have none of it. Only one shrine should be built, because only one person on the mountain deserved to be worshipped. ‘When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid’ (Matthew 17:6 NKJV). The One who hung the stars in space and left Pharaoh dead at the bottom of the Red Sea stood among them. The sight of Him took their breath away, removed every trace of arrogance and caused them to end up face-down on the ground. How long has it been since you felt such reverence for God?

2 Chronicles 32-34, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 119:145-160 , Proverbs 22:14-16

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SHARING THE BURDENS

Lord, I pray for the staff teams in the schools in my area, for teachers, administrators, support staff and headteachers.  I pray for a warm atmosphere and good team spirit in every staffroom.  May the gripes and grievances of last year be put aside, and may the new year begin with new hope.  I pray particularly for those starting jobs in our schools this year, that they will quickly feel included and supported.

Where were you crying babies when Jarus together with some folks here contributed money,effort and publicity to promote the candidacy of Buhari in 2011. ?

Afam ain't going nowhere !

27 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM! (2)

‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...’

Proverbs 9:10

27 August 2013

In a world out of control, we like a god we can control: a comforting presence who blesses, provides, and advises. Kind of like ‘God in a box.’ But when it comes to Christ, no box works. His contemporaries designed an assortment of boxes for Him, but He didn’t fit in any of their boxes. They called Him a revolutionary, but He paid taxes. They labelled Him a country carpenter, but He confounded scholars. They came to see His miracles, but He refused to entertain them. He was a Jew who attracted Gentiles, a rabbi who gave up on synagogues, a holy man who hung around with prostitutes. In a male-dominated society, He recruited females. In an anti-Roman culture, He opted not to denounce Rome. He talked like a king yet lived like a pilgrim. People tried to put Him in a ‘box,’ but they couldn’t. And we can’t either; indeed we must not! ‘…Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God…’ (Proverbs 9:7-12TM). Most of our fears are unhealthy. They rob us of peace and joy. But the fear of the Lord does the opposite. One author writes: ‘There is nothing neurotic about fearing God. The neurotic thing is not to be afraid, or to be afraid of the wrong thing. That is why God chooses to be known to us, so that we may stop being afraid of the wrong thing. When God is fully revealed to us and we ‘get it,’ then we experience the conversion of our fear…‘fear of the Lord’ is the deeply sane recognition that we are not God.’

 

2 Chronicles 29-31, Luke 17:20-37, Psalm 119:137-144 , Proverbs 22:11-13

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ROOTED IN LOVE

Lord, I pray today for the children I know, as they begin a new school year.  I pray that they will be rooted in love: that they will be nurtured by their parents, carers and role-models in such a way that they will never doubt that they are lovable and loved.  I pray that they will flourish in love: that as they mix with their peers at school, they will learn to love confidently and selflessly.

Have a wonderful week ahead !

26 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM! (1)

‘I…am the Lord, and besides Me there is no saviour.

Isaiah 43:11

26 August 2013

The Israelites were commanded not to make any ‘graven image’ of God. Why? Because God made us, we didn’t make Him. A god you can make is a god you can control and make do whatever you wish. The ancient Greeks had a host of gods, all created by men. Some demanded human sacrifice; others permitted prostitution, and even promoted it in their temples. When we reverse the order and start to create God in our own image (according to our own imagination) we get the following things: 1) A god who’s liberal or conservative, a hawk or a dove; a god politicians conveniently pull out of a box at election time to gain votes even though they don’t truly serve him. 2) A flexible god who permits you to do whatever you want, and you can then say, ‘I just felt led to do it.’ 3) A god who promises to bless his children but never discipline them. 4) A god you can ‘keep in his place’ until you need him. 5) A god who is not supreme, but happy to be one of many deities offering many ways to heaven. Not so! God says, ‘I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no saviour.’ Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John 14:6 NKJV). Jesus doesn’t need a makeover to bring Him into alignment with the Internet and the space age. He is Lord! Indeed, if He is not Lord over all, He is not Lord at all! 

2 Chronicles 25-28, Luke 17:11-19, Psalms 119:129-136 , Proverbs 22:8-10

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LIVING STONES

Holy God, Three in One, You choose to reveal Yourself as community, and You choose to reveal Yourself through communities of human beings.  Thank you that You love and value the school communities in my neighbourhood.  As staff and students turn their thoughts towards the coming academic year, I pray that each school in my area will be a place where You are welcomed, and a community which reflects Your kindness, Your generosity and Your joy.

25 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

LEARN TO WAIT

‘They that wait upon the Lord...’

Isaiah 40:31

25 August 2013

The word ‘wait’ can give us a picture of two things. The first is of a waiter at your table attending to your needs. The second is making a request of a judge or someone in power. Your success depends on approaching them the right way, and on their willingness to grant your request. Since they hold the power, you must be patient and wait for them. Are you getting the idea? Our problem is twofold. First, we want God to wait on us, instead of the other way round. Second, we don’t want to wait for anything! We drive to work listening to the radio and talking on the phone; some of us even put ourselves and others at risk by text-messaging. Vance Havner points out that in the Old West if someone missed a stagecoach they said, ‘That’s okay, another one will come around in three or four weeks. Now we don’t even want to wait for a revolving door.’ What God does in you while you are waiting is often more important than what you’re asking God to do. Waiting on God brings rewards that nothing else will. Here are a few of them: 1) Vindication. ‘Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong… Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart’ (Psalms 37:1-4 NIV). 2) Strength. ‘Wait on the Lord…and He shall strengthen your heart…’ (Psalms 27:14 NKJV). 3) Deliverance. ‘I…waited for God…He lifted me out of the ditch…’ (Psalms 40:1-2 TM). So relax, wait on God and He will come through for you.

 

John 10:1-18, Revelation 7:13-17, Psalm 23 , Luke 15:1-7

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

LIVING STONES

Holy God, Three in One, You choose to reveal Yourself as community, and You choose to reveal Yourself through communities of human beings.  Thank you that You love and value the school communities in my neighbourhood.  As staff and students turn their thoughts towards the coming academic year, I pray that each school in my area will be a place where You are welcomed, and a community which reflects Your kindness, Your generosity and Your joy.

24 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

WELCOME THIS CHANGE

‘…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand...’

Exodus 12:11

24 August 2013

The Boy Scout motto is ‘Be prepared,’ and it’s a good one. In Exodus, God told Israel, ‘…eat…fully dressed as if you were going on a trip…have your sandals on and your walking stick in your hand.’ In other words, ‘Be ready when I tell you to move!’ Maybe there’s an area in your life where God is telling you it’s time to move, but fear is making you hold back. Don’t! Change is just evidence of growth. What worked yesterday can be tomorrow’s recipe for failure. You can’t become who you are destined to be, if you insist on staying as you are. John Patterson said, ‘Only fools and dead men don’t change…Fools won’t, and dead men can’t.’ Change isn’t the enemy. Once you start seeing yourself as a lifelong learner looking for ways to grow and improve, change becomes your friend. Learn from the people you meet, pursue new ideas, strategies, and ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Jim Penner says: ‘Our bodies change no matter how hard we exercise…Our homes change as our needs ebb and flow. Our places of employment change as the winds of economic forces blow and new opportunities come…friendships change as family needs and employment pull us away…While many changes become enjoyable new seasons…sometimes they’re painful. But no matter what season of change you’re experiencing…you can find comfort in Malachi 3:6, ‘I am God…I haven’t changed…’ (TM). His mercies endure forever…and it’s an awesome feeling knowing He loves and directs you just like He directed all His people who came before you.’ 

2 Chronicles 22-24, Luke 17:1-10, Psalm 119:121-128 , Proverbs 22:4-7

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

PRAYING FOR UCB

Father we thank you for UCB’s Prayerline, receiving so many requests for prayer each day.  We pray that You will help us recruit more volunteers to talk to these callers.  We pray that You will make Yourself known to each person who contacts us, and that they will discover Your unending love and faithfulness.  Intervene in each situation, we ask.  Do miracles, we pray, that more and more people might come to know You.

23 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (3)

‘…All these things I will give you...’

Matthew 4:9

23 August 2013

The attack over the cross. Let’s look at the third temptation Jesus faced: ‘…The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me’’’ (Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV). Satan’s third attack was over a cross-less life. In essence, he told Jesus, ‘You don’t have to carry the cross. Just bow to me and you can have it all.’ Jesus said, ‘…“Away with you, satan!...”’ (Matthew 4:10 NKJV). ‘Away’ with any teaching that says God is your porter and He has to wait on you! Or that He’s like a vending machine; all you have to do is put in a few coins and whatever you want will come out.

Paul writes, ‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20 NKJV). Has God promised to bless you? Absolutely! But that doesn’t mean you’ll never get hurt, or face lack, or fatigue, or be betrayed and disappointed by others. Jesus said, ‘…unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies [to self], it remains alone; but if it dies [to self], it produces much…’ (John 12:24 NKJV). Have you ever heard the expression, ‘Dead man walking?’ To do God’s will, you have to die to your own will, and do it daily. But if you’re willing to, God will take you to a new level of blessing.

 

2 Chronicles 19-21, Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 119:113-120 , Prov 22:1-3

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PRAYING FOR UCB

Father we thank you for UCB’s Prayerline, receiving so many requests for prayer each day.  We pray that You will help us recruit more volunteers to talk to these callers.  We pray that You will make Yourself known to each person who contacts us, and that they will discover Your unending love and faithfulness.  Intervene in each situation, we ask.  Do miracles, we pray, that more and more people might come to know You.

22 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (2)

‘Then the devil…set Him on the pinnacle...’

Matthew 4:5

22 August 2013

The attack on the pinnacle. Let’s look at the second temptation Jesus faced: ‘Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, [and] set Him on the pinnacle of the temple.’ Here you deal with the fear of failure. Satan will whisper, ‘You’re on the pinnacle of success now, but you could easily fall off.’ He will bring up your past failures. He will remind you of leaders who crashed and burned. He will say, ‘If people realised how little you really know, or the issues you’re struggling with, they wouldn’t respect you.’ There are two kinds of fear: healthy fear and unhealthy fear. Healthy fear will keep you dependent on God; it will protect you from pride and self-sufficiency. ‘Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall’ (1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV). But there’s an unhealthy fear that will keep you in the boat when Jesus is calling to you to step out and walk with Him on the water. You say, ‘But Peter almost drowned.’ Yes, but he was the only one of the disciples who experienced the joy of walking on the water! Having faith doesn’t mean you won’t experience a sinking feeling at times. You have a choice. You can give in to fear, or trust the God who has called you, sustained you, and never failed to give you the strength needed to cope with whatever you face. If your own intellect or talents are the basis of your confidence, you have good reason to fear. But if God is the basis of your confidence, you have nothing to fear.

 2 Chronicles 16-18, Luke 16:1-18, Psalm 119:105-112 , Proverbs 21:28-31

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SPEAKING UP

Millions of words are published each day through the UK media; millions of minutes of sound and video material are beamed into billions of homes.  Pray that more and more followers of Jesus will contribute their views to this tidal wave of information and opinion.  Pray that writers will write their faith, that artists will use their talents to tell the stories of Jesus, and that God’s grace and truth will prove impossible to silence.

Up fresh air !

21 AUGUST 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THREE LEVELS OF ATTACK (1)

‘…command that these stones become bread.’

Matthew 4:3

21 August 2013

The Bible says, ‘…Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil’ (Matthew 4:1 NKJV). This seems to be God’s standard operating procedure. Why? Because He’s a good general; before He puts you into battle He puts you into boot camp. Imagine it: you’re up at dawn, running for miles with a heavy backpack, crawling under barbed wire barriers with bullets whizzing over your head, taking orders from authority figures you don’t know and probably don’t like. But if you pass the test; you get to wear the uniform. On the threshold of His ministry, God led His Son into a situation where He would face three levels of attack. You will face them also. Let’s look at the first one:

The attack over the bread. Did Jesus need bread? Yes, He’d been without food for forty days. But He knew that His greatest need was not for natural food but spiritual food. So He told satan, ‘…“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’’ (Matthew 4:4 NKJV). Only when you’re convinced God will take care of all your material needs, will you start putting spiritual things first in your life. Until that happens, you’ll think you have to take care of yourself. As a result, you will walk in fear and not faith. That’s not how God wants you to live. ‘…seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33 NKJV). When you worry, you don’t trust God. When you trust God, you don’t have to worry. The choice is yours. 

2 Chronicles 12-15, Luke 15:11-32, Psalm 119:97-104 , Proverbs 21:24-27

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LOVING THE LIGHT

One of our media industry’s greatest strengths over the years has been its skill and determination in uncovering abuses of power, and holding the wealthy and influential to account.  Give thanks for the way God has used the press to uncover injustice.  Pray that this honourable tradition will continue, and that our newspapers, our TV stations, our radio stations and our web media will all work together to shine a Godly light into every area of our ...

Congrats to our Igbo brothers and sisters

First international flight lands at Enugu Airport amidst jubilation