₦airaland Forum

17 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

ROOTS AND WINGS (5)

‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother...’

Genesis 2:24

2013-04-17. 

Healthy parenting calls for finding the right mix of autonomy with each of your children. Some children distance sooner, some later; some take small tentative steps, some leap confidently into the gap. There are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ children when it comes to this, just more or less challenging ones. As a parent you discover by trial and error what works for you and your children. Criticising, controlling, threatening incarceration, preaching, shaming, etc., are futile, counterproductive, and a sign you have lost your grip. It will only increase their flight instinct, or make them feel insecure, as though no one is really at the helm. Pretending you have ‘got it together’ as a parent is a well-intentioned but costly game. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of being honest and transparent with your children. It’s less stressful for you both, and it’s much more effective. Children know that they are imperfect—and they know you are too. So don’t be afraid to say, ‘I’m learning to parent growing children, like you’re learning to be one. I need your help to be good at it, to discover what works for us both, and to help you be good at it too. Are you willing to be on the team and learn together?’ That kind of honesty draws a positive response. It’s also good role-modelling, teaching them humility and cooperation. As coach and players united, focus on winning together and learning to improve, not on competing or dominating. Succeeding or failing as a family is all about learning and growing! 

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

 When we pray for our friends to find Jesus, our role is to pray that the Holy Spirit will 'overshadow' them, that they may live!Pray that the Holy Spirit will quicken their spiritPray that they will 'wake up' to the truth of the gospelPray for signs that new spiritual life is growing in them – a more sensitive conscience, a greater interest in the gospel, questioning about the meaning of life, etc.

16 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

ROOTS AND WINGS (4)

‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother...’

Genesis 2:24

2013-04-16.

You can’t always prevent your child from getting hurt. ‘…In this world you will have trouble…’ (John 16:33 NIV). Either they’ll get hurt and learn to deal with reality, or suffocate in your cocoon, never becoming mature—a hurt much sadder and much more painful and debilitating. What’s involved in giving your child wings? 1) Realise that without autonomy they’ll never become healthy adults. This involves learning things like clear thinking, being responsible for their own decisions, learning from bad choices how to make better ones, being free to make mistakes and pay the price of learning, and experiencing what it means to grow up. 2) Don’t treat their need for autonomy as evidence you’re failing as a parent. Indeed, if they fail to distance, you should question your parenting style! Making them independent is biblical and effective parenting. 3) Don’t mistake their distancing as a rejection of you. It’s not abandonment of you, it’s advancement for them. It’s not proof of ingratitude or selfishness and rebellion; it’s their real-world opportunity to demonstrate your success as a parent. When they don’t want to attend Uncle Bert’s family reunion, don’t tighten your grip to ‘save the family from disintegrating.’ The family is meant to disengage, like cells splitting off and multiplying. The Bible says we are to ‘…Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth’ (Genesis 9:1 NIV). They can’t stay in the nest and fulfil their destiny. Release them, and then get a life of your own! That’s your responsibility—not endless parenting. Let out the rope, trust God, and they’ll be back to see their ‘very cool’ parents.

 

Acts 1:1 - 3:10, Mark 3:7-12, Psalm 43, Proverbs 10:17-18

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

 When we pray for our friends to find Jesus, our role is to pray that the Holy Spirit will 'overshadow' them, that they may live!Pray that the Holy Spirit will quicken their spiritPray that they will 'wake up' to the truth of the gospelPray for signs that new spiritual life is growing in them – a more sensitive conscience, a greater interest in the gospel, questioning about the meaning of life, etc.

15 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

ROOTS AND WINGS (3)

‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother...’

Genesis 2:24

2013-04-15.

The second gift you must give your child is ‘wings.’ They are born to fly, not stay in the nest. By becoming overly protective and stifling them in the name of responsible parenting, you’ll end up losing them. Jesus said children are designed to leave and go out and build a home of their own. Their drive for freedom is God-given, not a sign of ingratitude, disrespect or rebellion. A good carpenter works with the grain, not against it. So what should you do? Before your child demands outright independence, teach them how to handle it wisely. Give them opportunities to prove their readiness, and as they demonstrate trustworthiness, increase their autonomy—and vice versa. Let them know that in life you don’t inherit happiness, you earn it. Be flexible, but take charge. Let your child know they can’t demand privileges like driving, dating and spending money—they have to prove themselves worthy. Help them see how they can earn increased autonomy, or lose it, and how they can earn it back. Make them responsible for their own freedom by letting them know that it’s not a right or a gift, but a reward for showing maturity. A mother bird doesn’t push her baby out of the nest until she knows it’s ready to start flying. The gift of freedom to an unprepared child isn’t ‘wings,’ it’s an invitation to catastrophe! Don’t agree to autonomy until they’ve proven they can handle their agreed-upon responsibility.

Joel 1-3, Mark 3:1-6, Psalm 56, Proverbs 10:14-16

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

 When we pray for our friends to find Jesus, our role is to pray that the Holy Spirit will 'overshadow' them, that they may live!Pray that the Holy Spirit will quicken their spiritPray that they will 'wake up' to the truth of the gospelPray for signs that new spiritual life is growing in them – a more sensitive conscience, a greater interest in the gospel, questioning about the meaning of life, etc.

14 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

ROOTS AND WINGS (2)

‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother...’

Genesis 2:24

2013-04-14. 

On the journey from adolescence to adulthood, your children will experience insecurity, contradictions and mood swings. They will send you conflicting signals: needing closeness, yet distance; connection, yet independence, all at the same time. They will pull you in with one hand and push you away with the other. You must understand that your children still need to feel securely attached, even while they’re distancing from you. When they push you away you must show maturity, remembering that it’s not personal; it’s just how they test their ability to become independent adults. Minutes, hours, or days later they are your child again, wanting to be up close. It’s the ‘tug-o’-war’ of parenting youngsters, and it will resolve itself the right way if you handle it with understanding. Above all, contain your hurt and anger. ‘Fathers [mothers], do not…provoke [engage in contention, debate and strife] your children to anger [irritation, exasperation, embitterment]’ (Ephesians 6:4 AMP). The worst outcome of frequent run-ins with your children is that it produces long-term discouragement in them. Long after the ‘mop-up,’ your child can ‘lose heart’ (Colossians 3:21 NAS), and have a ‘crushed spirit’ (TM). In some cases they give up trying altogether. In western cultures, girls hold onto the parent-child ‘rope’ longer than boys, generally distancing later and with less finality. Boys tend toward earlier, longer-lasting distancing. When you deny your son or daughter the God-given need for gradual latitude, they’ll disconnect farther and faster. Use wisdom, ‘let out the rope’ gradually and they’ll learn adult skills and stay more closely connected.

 

Galatians 5:22, Luke 2:8-20, Proverbs 3:13-18, Psalm 119:161-168

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

 When we pray for our friends to find Jesus, our role is to pray that the Holy Spirit will 'overshadow' them, that they may live!Pray that the Holy Spirit will quicken their spiritPray that they will 'wake up' to the truth of the gospelPray for signs that new spiritual life is growing in them – a more sensitive conscience, a greater interest in the gospel, questioning about the meaning of life, etc.

13 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

ROOTS AND WINGS (1)

‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother...’

Genesis 2:24

2013-04-13.

You’ll know you’ve succeeded as a parent when your children are able to leave you and go out and build a successful life on their own. You will never cut them off, but there comes a time when you must ‘cut the apron strings’ and let them stand on their own two feet. Remember, the children you are raising right now belonged to God before they belonged to you. ‘The earth is the Lord’s…and all who live in it’ (Psalms 24:1 NIV). You are a teacher, not an owner, and your opportunity to teach them is amazingly brief. Your children were born to ‘leave,’ not stay. You can’t control their ticking biological clock. Your job is to prepare them for leaving. For the next few days, let’s talk about giving your child roots and wings. ‘Roots.’ Before fruit develops, roots must thrive. And healthy roots require healthy soil with the right elements for feeding and protecting plants. Roots also depend on attachment to the soil. There are two kinds of families. The first offers ‘insecure attachment.’ Their parent-child connection is ambiguous, ambivalent, indifferent or even neglectful, making kids feel emotionally unprotected, uncertain they’re wanted and loved, though they desperately need both these things. Their children lack confidence, self-worth, emotional strength, and the courage to take risks. The second offers ‘secure attachment.’ The parent-child connection is expressed and consistently reinforced. Even during necessary absences their children feel safe and securely attached. Such children become spiritually, socially and emotionally capable, with the self-worth and courage required to face the challenges life puts in their path.

Jeremiah 51-52, Mark 2:23-28, Psalm 50:16-23, Proverbs 10:11-13

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

 When we pray for our friends to find Jesus, our role is to pray that the Holy Spirit will 'overshadow' them, that they may live!Pray that the Holy Spirit will quicken their spiritPray that they will 'wake up' to the truth of the gospelPray for signs that new spiritual life is growing in them – a more sensitive conscience, a greater interest in the gospel, questioning about the meaning of life, etc.

12 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

‘That…which we have heard…seen…touched...’

1 John 1:1

2013-04-12.

You can draw closer to the Lord if you really want to. You can have first-hand knowledge of Him. You don’t have to settle for Sunday morning sound bites, second-hand information, or a long-distance relationship. You can get ‘up close and personal’ with Him. John writes, ‘That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.’ Drawing closer to God calls for developing a greater awareness of His presence. This brings three great benefits: 1) Friendship. No human being, no matter how wonderful, can be everything you need. But the Lord can. In Scripture He is described as a ‘friend who sticks closer than a brother’ (Proverbs 18:24 NIV). He will stick by you through every season of life, the bad ones as well as the good ones. For decades the motto of the Marines has been ‘Semper Fidelis,’ which is Latin for ‘Ever faithful.’ Even when you’re not faithful to God, He will be faithful to you. 2) Compassion. As a young disciple, John wanted to call fire down from heaven on a town that refused overnight accommodation to Christ and His disciples (Luke 9:54). But after a lifetime of walking with Jesus he wrote, ‘Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love’ (1 John 4:8 NIV). 3) Confidence. Whatever life throws at you, you can handle, confident in the strength of God. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

Jeremiah 49-50, Mark 2:18-22, Psalm 50:1-5, Proverbs 10:8-10

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

 When we pray for our friends to find Jesus, our role is to pray that the Holy Spirit will 'overshadow' them, that they may live!Pray that the Holy Spirit will quicken their spiritPray that they will 'wake up' to the truth of the gospelPray for signs that new spiritual life is growing in them – a more sensitive conscience, a greater interest in the gospel, questioning about the meaning of life, etc.

11 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE

‘Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord...’

Psalms 107:8

2013-04-11 

The Psalmist writes, ‘Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord, for his goodness...’ Notice the word ‘would.’ A thankful attitude is a choice you make regardless of the situation. You choose your attitude just like you choose the food you eat and the clothes you wear each day. And there’s plenty to be grateful for. You say, ‘Yes, but there’s plenty to complain about too.’ The point exactly—so you’ve a choice to make! Robinson Crusoe spent 27 years shipwrecked on an island. Here’s part of his journal entry (paraphrased). Let’s call his lists the Gripe list and the Gratitude list. Gripe: ‘I’m stuck on this desert island without hope.’ Gratitude: ‘I wasn’t drowned like the rest of my ship’s company.’ Gripe: ‘I’ve no clothes.’ Gratitude: ‘I’m in a hot climate; if I had clothes I couldn’t wear them.’ Gripe: ‘I’ve no way to protect myself from man or beast.’ Gratitude: ‘I see no wild beasts here to hurt me as I saw on the coast of Africa. What if I’d been shipwrecked there?’ Gripe: ‘I’ve nobody to talk to.’ Gratitude: ‘God sent the ship in near enough to the shore that I got out so many necessary things as will enable me to supply myself as long as I live.’ That’s powerful stuff! If you can grasp it and put it into practice, it’ll keep you from becoming a member of the Old Testament wilderness club known as ‘the murmurers.’ Your attitude is simply the decision you make about how you’re going to approach things. It isn’t Disneyworld thinking to focus on the good things of life; it’s wisdom!


⁠ Jeremiah 45-48, Mark 2:13-17, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 10:4-7

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

 When we pray for our friends to find Jesus, our role is to pray that the Holy Spirit will 'overshadow' them, that they may live!Pray that the Holy Spirit will quicken their spiritPray that they will 'wake up' to the truth of the gospelPray for signs that new spiritual life is growing in them – a more sensitive conscience, a greater interest in the gospel, questioning about the meaning of life, etc.

10 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

DE-STRESSING

‘My people will live in peaceful dwelling places...’

Isaiah 32:18

2013-04-10.

Years ago stress was considered mostly a male problem, but not anymore. Women are experiencing the stress of pursuing perfection, looking a certain way, competing in the workplace, attempting to do it all, never saying no, and having no time for themselves. That’s not how God wants you to live! ‘The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest’ (vv. 17-18 NIV). So, (male or female) here are two practical suggestions for de-stressing: 1) Allow yourself more time. Since everything takes longer than you think, having enough time to complete the job reduces your anxiety greatly. Whenever you’re under pressure, a good rule of thumb is to allow 20 percent more time than you think you’ll need. 2) Be content with less. A recent study of thousands of households found that those who maintained lifestyles beyond their means were more prone to stress-related illnesses such as heart attack and depression. ‘He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house…’ (Proverbs 15:27 KJV). You say, ‘Does that mean God doesn’t want me to get ahead in life?’ No, He just wants you to keep your priorities straight and to learn to enjoy where you are, on your way to where you’re going. If you’re feeling stressed today, pray: ‘Lord, I need to be renewed. This business of living has drained me. Thank You for ordaining quiet times and places of rest in the midst of hectic schedules. Help me always to put You first and to find my place of rest in You.’

Jeremiah 41-44, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 25:8-15, Proverbs 10:1-3

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

HEALING ON THE STREETS

 ‘Adopted by many churches, the Healing on the Streets model is spreading around the world. It’s a gentle, non confrontational way of connecting with people on the streets of our cities and introducing them to Jesus.’  It takes faith and courage to invite people to stop and receive prayer for healing.  Pray for teams around the UK involved in this ministry, that God will strengthen their faith and that they will have the encouragement of ...

I commit April 13,2013 into Your oh Lord,have Your way Lord and let Your name only be praised !

9 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

HEALING FOR YOUR GRIEF

‘He heals the brokenhearted...’

Psalms 147:3

2013-04-09. 

One of the most moving scenes in Scripture is Jesus weeping at the graveside of Lazarus. It’s not that He was powerless to change the situation, which He did, but that He empathises with us in our time of loss. ‘He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.’ The Lord didn’t promise to protect us from pain and loss, but to bring us through it. Perhaps these suggestions will help: 1) Don’t isolate. Expand your ‘family.’ ‘…Better a nearby friend than a distant family’ (Proverbs 27:10 TM). If you don’t have family nearby, reach out to caring people who are close by. As part of a group you discover that you’re not alone, that mourning isn’t sickness or self-indulgence, and that sharing brings healing. 2) Don’t deny your loss. ‘The memory of the just is blessed…’ (Proverbs 10:7 KJV). When you’re around friends, don’t hesitate to talk about your loss. When you do, you’re saying it’s okay for them to share their memories too. A burden shared is a burden lightened. 3) Don’t try to do it all. ‘There is a time to cry…’ (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NCV). Because grief is draining, you’ll need more rest than usual. So while your ability to function is reduced, let others help with the everyday stuff like cooking, cleaning and shopping until you feel stronger. 4) Don’t neglect your legitimate needs. Respect your body by using the acronym D.E.E.R. (drink, eat, exercise, rest) to help you stay focused and set healthy boundaries. Nobody knows how you feel better than you, so give yourself permission to say, ‘No thanks’ or ‘Some other time’ without feeling guilty.

Jeremiah 36:27 - 40:16, Mark 1:40-45, Psalm 25:1-7, Proverbs 9:17-18

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HEALING ON THE STREETS

 ‘Adopted by many churches, the Healing on the Streets model is spreading around the world. It’s a gentle, non confrontational way of connecting with people on the streets of our cities and introducing them to Jesus.’  It takes faith and courage to invite people to stop and receive prayer for healing.  Pray for teams around the UK involved in this ministry, that God will strengthen their faith and that they will have the encouragement of ...

8 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

HOW TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S GRACE

‘Grace be unto you, and peace, from God…’

1 Corinthians 1:3

2013-04-08.

Several of Paul’s epistles open with the words, ‘Grace be unto you, and peace, from God.’ That’s because you cannot experience God’s peace unless you first know how to receive His grace and walk in it. There are three things about grace you need to understand: a) it cannot be earned; b) it is God doing for you what you cannot do for yourself; c) it doesn’t kick in until you stop struggling and trying to do it in your own strength. The Bible says, ‘…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’ (James 4:6 NIV). The ‘humble’ are those who admit their total inability to succeed without God’s help, but the ‘proud’ are always trying to take the credit. They like to think it’s their ability that gets the job done, so they’ve difficulty asking God for grace, and even more difficulty receiving it. Peter writes, ‘Grow in grace…’ (2 Peter 3:18). You only learn to trust God—by doing it! You grow in grace by taking God at His Word, counting on His gracious provision for each day, and His intervention in situations that are difficult or impossible for you. There will never be a day when you don’t need God’s grace. And if you are willing to acknowledge you need it and receive it by faith, there will be no shortage of it. ‘For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favour upon favour and gift [heaped] upon gift’ (John 1:16 AMP).

 

Jeremiah 31:1 - 36:26, Mark 1:35-39, Psalm 32, Proverbs 9:10-16

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HOPE TOGETHER

 ‘HOPE encourages the whole church to do more together in word and action.  HOPE seeks to resource and equip the Church for doing mission locally.  Be part of it.  Be part of something bigger!’  Pray for HOPE Together in its ambitious vision for bringing the church together in mission, that there will be an acceleration this year, with more churches catching the vision of working together, and more initiatives springing up around the UK. ...

Oh Lord our God,prosper our goin out and coming in this week in Jesus name ...

Today is sunday guys ....Make sure you attend church and work for Him ...Assist your pastor ,Reverend or Bishop in church today ....It is well with your soul !

Thanks PeeBee fopr the update .....May God enriches your life with blessing,favour,goodness and above all mercy !

5 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

COVETOUSNESS (2)

‘You shall not covet...’

Exodus 20:17

2013-04-05. 

Why do we keep giving in to sinful desires? For two reasons: 1) Because the new birth doesn’t automatically do away with the old nature. Like two cars approaching crossroads at the same time, your old and new natures are always on a collision course. 2) Because if you dwell on a desire long enough, yielding is only a matter of time. Ever gone to your fridge when you weren’t really hungry, but weren’t really satisfied, sort of looking for something to grab you? As bad as that is, it’s worse when you do it in life. It’s like surfing the web of behaviour options, looking for something to make you happier than you are at that particular moment. When you covet something you embellish and empower it, making it more attractive and accessible. A one-night stand? You say, ‘Nobody will ever know.’ The Bible says, ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’ (Galatians 6:7 KJV). As surely as a seed produces a harvest, your decisions will have consequences. Covetousness just maximises the desire while minimising the danger. It’s impossible to dwell on a desire for any length of time without rationalising a way to get it. Like starting the countdown on the space shuttle, it’s just a matter of time before you get lift-off. So if you’re dwelling on it, set the clock; yielding is inevitable. What’s the answer? Change your focus! ‘Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit’ (Romans 8:5 NKJV).

Jeremiah 28-30, Mark 1:16-28, Psalm 72:1-11, Proverbs 9:1-6

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NEIGHBOUR FRIDAY

 Lord, help me to preach good news to the poor, to bring healing to the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and to help people see who You really are.  As I grow in my relationship with You, help me to reflect  You and demonstrate Your Kingdom values to everyone around me, and especially to my neighbours.  Can you set up a prayer triplet with two other Christians, to pray for the streets where you live.  Visit ...

4 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

COVETOUSNESS (1)

‘Let your conduct be without covetousness…’

Hebrews 13:5

2013-04-04.

Covetousness begins with craving, and then evolves into conniving to get what you want. Achan, Ahab, Ananias and Sapphira were willing to steal, lie and kill to get what they wanted. ‘Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.’’’ This Scripture means that what you have in Christ is greater than whatever else you don’t have! Covetousness is: 1) Wanting status but not wanting to serve; wanting control so that you can be at the centre; wanting wealth strictly for yourself; wanting praise from others. 2) Wanting the right things but for the wrong reasons. ‘…If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work’ (1Timothy 3:1 NKJV). Wanting to make an impact is a good thing, but you must want it for the right reasons. If you want it for personal recognition and power over others, that’s covetousness. 3) Wanting the right things but at the wrong time. A young couple says, ‘We love each other. We’re going to get married in three months. But we want to sleep together now.’ They want the right thing for the right reason, but they want it at the wrong time. That’s covetousness. 4) Wanting the right things but in the wrong amount. Covetousness is wanting more than is required for your needs, and to fulfil God’s purpose for your life. Understand this: More of anything other than God will never satisfy the longing for fulfilment He’s placed within you. Only when you acknowledge that, will you find true and lasting happiness. 

Jeremiah 25-27, Mark 1:9-15, Psalm 31, Proverbs 8:34-36

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MORE THAN GOLD

 Give thanks for the work of More Than Gold, which co-ordinated the Church’s involvement in the Olympic and Paralympic Games last year.  Pray for the team as they turn their attention towards upcoming international sporting events, particularly the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.  Thank God for the legacy of sports chaplaincy which was developed so strongly during London 2012, and pray that it will be carried forward and developed even further for ...

3 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

WHAT’S NEW?

‘…His compassions…are new every morning...’

Lamentations 3:22-23

2013-04-03.

Are you going through a hard time at the moment? You’re not alone! Things were so bad in Israel that when Jeremiah wrote one of the books of the Bible he called it Lamentations. In a positive-thinking, feel-good world, that’s not exactly a best-selling title. Jeremiah describes God’s people as a ‘widow’ and a ‘slave,’ and says, ‘All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies’ (Lamentations 1:2 NKJV). As you move through the book verse by verse, things just keep going from bad to worse as God’s people reap what they have sown. Then suddenly in the middle of all his lamenting, when you think things can’t get any worse, Jeremiah writes, ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness’ (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV). Isn’t that wonderful? God’s love, compassion and faithfulness have been placed in an account that cannot be overdrawn, that you don’t have to contribute to, and that’ll last as long as you live. In a world that doesn’t seem to care, where only the fittest survive, that’s good to know. Next time somebody says to you, ‘What’s new?’ tell them, ‘God’s love, compassion, and faithfulness.’ The dictionary defines compassion as ‘tenderness of heart that disposes a person to overlook injuries or to treat an offender better than he or she deserves.’ So when you wake up each day, be like the lady who prayed, ‘Lord, I’m glad Your mercies are new every morning, because I definitely used up all of yesterday’s.’ 

Jeremiah 22-24, Mark 1:1-8, Psalm 6, Proverbs 8:32-33

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MORE THAN GOLD

 Give thanks for the work of More Than Gold, which co-ordinated the Church’s involvement in the Olympic and Paralympic Games last year.  Pray for the team as they turn their attention towards upcoming international sporting events, particularly the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.  Thank God for the legacy of sports chaplaincy which was developed so strongly during London 2012, and pray that it will be carried forward and developed even further for ...

2 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

SOUND THINKING

‘God has…given us…a sound mind 2 Timothy 1: 7


The Bible says, ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’ In order to improve your life you must change two things: 1) Your thought processes. Gordon MacDonald says: ‘People who are out of shape mentally fall victim to ideas and systems that are destructive to the human spirit. They’ve not been taught how to think, nor have they set themselves to the life-long pursuit of the growth of the mind, so they grow dependent upon the thoughts and opinions of others. Rather than deal with ideas and issues, they reduce themselves to lives filled with rules, regulations and programmes.’ The moment you think you know it all, you’ve merely stopped thinking. 2) Your expectations. The story’s told of a man who went to a fortune teller. She said to him, ‘You’ll be poor and miserable until you’re fifty.’ The man asked her, ‘What will happen then?’ She replied, ‘Then you’ll get used to it.’ Be honest; how many successful people do you know who are apathetic and negative? None! Faith produces excitement, commitment, energy—characteristics that help you achieve success. If you’d like to possess these qualities then raise your expectation level and bring it into alignment with God’s promises. ‘…Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them’ (Mark 11:24 NKJV). Do you want to succeed where you’ve failed before? To become the person you always hoped to be? Don’t start by changing your actions, start by changing your mind. Renew it daily with God’s Word. Nothing you do will have as great an impact.

Jeremiah 18-21, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 69:19-36 , Proverbs 8:30-31

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SPORTS CHAPLAINCY UK

 Pray for Richard Gamble, CEO of Sports Chaplaincy UK, and his team as they support and strengthen the work of chaplains in different sports.  Pray for Matt Baker, Pastoral Support Director of English Football, and for Mark Flemming, developing football chaplaincy in Scotland.  Pray for Graham Locking, full-time chaplain to horse-racing, and for the chaplaincy teams working in rugby, athletics, cricket and basketball.  Pray that chaplaincy will develop ...

Pray for our nation also Nigeria,that the almighty God will show Himself strong ,that God should arise in our nation and His enemies be scattered !

Happy Easter Celebration folks .....

May everything dead in our lives come alive in Jesus name !

1 APRIL 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

REJOICING IN TROUBLE

‘…Breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet...’

Ezekiel 37:10

2013-04-01. 

Your hopes may be dead and your dreams buried, but God can breathe into them again. Ezekiel stood in a valley of dead, dry bones. That’s about as bad as it gets! Right? Then something amazing happened. God said to the Prophet, ‘Prophesy…and say… “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army’ (vv. 9-10 NKJV). Any time you see a man or woman enjoying great success in God’s kingdom, there’s a good chance they’ve been through the valley of devastation, hurt and rejection. It was after he had been thrown out of the city, stoned and left for dead, that Paul spoke of being taken up into the third heaven and experiencing things too wonderful to speak of on earth (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). It was after John was exiled to a penal colony in Patmos that he penned the words, ‘…I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet’ (Revelation 1:10 NIV). As a result, he wrote the book of Revelation. The Psalmist said, ‘In the day of trouble …my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me…I will sing…to the Lord’ (Psalms 27:5-6 NIV). That’s how you ‘glory in tribulation,’ and are then able to look back and say, ‘Thank you for the experience, Lord. Without it I’d never have got to know You like I do today.’

Jeremiah 14-17, Matthew 28:11-15, Psalm 69:1-18 , Proverbs 8:27-29

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

LIVING THE LEGACY

 As we look back to last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, give thanks for the significant role the chaplains played as they ministered to the competitors.  Pray for all the contacts which were established between athletes and chaplains, that those relationships will bear fruit.  Pray for athletes who attended Bible studies and worship services in the Olympic Villages, that they will call to mind what they heard from God in those times.

31 MARCH 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

CHRIST’S RESURRECTION, AND YOURS

‘We believe that Jesus died and rose again...’

1Thessalonians 4:14

2013-03-31.

The word ‘resurrection’ means ‘the standing up of a corpse.’ Most religions teach the concept of immortality, but only the Christian faith teaches bodily resurrection. ‘If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.’ The patriarch Job, whose children all died tragically in a single day, asked, ‘If a man dies shall he live again?...’ (Job 14:14 NKJV). We ask this when death claims someone we love. So God gave Job, and us, an answer that dries our tears, heals our broken hearts and focuses us on something greater than this temporal life with all its troubles: ‘For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!’ (Job 19:25-27 NKJV). The next time you see a butterfly soaring, stop and remind yourself, ‘That’s my future!’ No matter how you dress your body up, at best it will always be a caterpillar. But when it emerges from the cocoon of death and rises to meet the Lord in the air, it will take on His beauty and His likeness. ‘…The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words’ (1Thessalonians 4:16-18 NKJV).

 

1 Corinthians 15, Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-12

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PRAYER & ME

 God of Life and Hope, I thank You for this day when we celebrate Your Son’s resurrection.  Thank You that You can turn death into life.  Today I pray for those situations around me where death seems to be winning out over life.  I call Your power and love to mind, and choose to put my trust in You, that You will bring life into the most hopeless places, and that death will not have the last word.

30 MARCH 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

WHAT WONDROUS LOVE

‘…My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?’

Matthew 27:46

2013-03-30.

Imagine having to stand on a stage and watch every sin you’ve ever committed replayed for the entire world to see - your secret addictions, your selfish motives, your angry outbursts, your critical attitudes, and your jealous heart. How do you think you’d feel? Well, Jesus experienced much worse. The Bible says: ‘He…bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed’ (1Peter 2:24 NKJV). It’s bad enough to die for sins you didn’t commit, but imagine being forsaken by God! It’s the same word Paul used when he wrote: ‘Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world…’ (2 Timothy 4:10 KJV). Paul looked for Demas and couldn’t find him. And on the cross, Jesus looked for His Father and couldn’t find Him either. Does that mean the Psalmist was wrong when he wrote: ‘…I have never seen the righteous forsaken…’ (Psalms 37:25 NIV)? No, because at that moment Jesus was anything but righteous. When you look at Him hanging there you will see the gossiper, the liar, the cheater, the alcoholic, the porn addict, the child abuser, the murderer. Does it bother you to see His name linked with theirs? Well, Jesus did even more. He put Himself in their place – and yours. In a move that broke God’s heart and gave us the gift of eternal life, He poured out His righteous judgment on His only Son. So when Jesus cried from the cross, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?’ He said it so that you would never have to. What wondrous love.

 

Jeremiah 10-13, Matthew 27:57-66, Psalm 38:13-22 , Proverbs 8:24-26

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PRAYING FOR UCB

 Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness towards UCB.    We bring our £10 million budget before You and we ask that You will supply all of our needs.  Bless those that support our ministry financially.  Without their donations we would not be able to survive.  We pray that You will keep raising up new donors, so that our work can continue consistently in the years to come.  Take what we produce and use it to extend Your ...

Odunharry,

Success is assured for you in Jesus name ! All the best man !

Collect the money through your bank . Just go there with means of identification and the control number and text question ur sister must have sent to you.
After collecting the cash,you can either convert to naira thru those malams or through the banks .

Remember to pay your tithes oh !

29 MARCH 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

HOW TO DIE RIGHT

‘He is not here, but is risen!’

Luke 24:6

2013-03-29.

Christ, the founder of Christianity, was the only man capable of making an appointment beyond the grave and turning up to keep it. Jesus told His disciples, ‘After I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee’ (Matthew 26:32 NKJV). And He did. If you visit the graves of those who founded the great religions of the world, you will find that they are still occupied. But if you visit the grave where they laid Jesus, you will find that it is empty and the words of the angels still echoing, ‘He is not here, but is risen!’ Those words turn every Christian burial into a celebration. Jesus promised, ‘Because I live, you will live also.’ Eventually you will die of something; the question is; how can you die right? There are two correct answers to that question: 1) By preparing in advance. It was a truly human tombstone that bore the inscription, ‘I expected this, but not just yet.’ Here’s how you prepare for death. ‘If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved’ (Romans 10:9 NKJV). 2) By fulfilling your life’s assignment. Jesus said, ‘I have glorified You on earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do’ (John 17:4 NKJV). In the final audit you will stand before God and He will ask you, ‘What did you do with the gifts I gave you? Did you fulfil your assignment on earth?’ In that moment, nothing will be more important than how you answer that question.

Genesis 22:1-18, Matthew 27:33-56, Psalm 22 , Isaiah 53

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

NEIGHBOUR FRIDAY

 Lord, I thank You for dying for me.  Thank You that if I was the only Human alive, You would still have made that sacrifice for me.  Help me to gain a fuller understanding of how completely You have forgiven me.  As I commit my life to you again today, help me to become more and more like You.Can you commit to praying for three neighbours on your street, until they become followers of Jesus?

Happy Easter folks...May the purpose of His sufferings and death on a day like this not be in vain in our lives !

28 MARCH 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

‘TIME OUT!’

‘…Stand…still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.’

1 Samuel 9:27

2013-03-28. 

Here’s an ancient Scripture with a modern message: ‘As they were going down to…the city, Samuel said to Saul…‘stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.’’ Today we are told that in order to succeed we must hit the floor running at a hundred miles an hour, and keep it up until we collapse in the sack at night. And what’s the downside to all this? Our walk with the Lord slows to a crawl, or stops altogether. Our busyness leads to spiritual barrenness. Being part of the chase can be exciting and rewarding, but it leaves little or no time for God. And you don’t have to be in business. Look at mothers with small children: every minute consumed by little creatures who pull at you, scribble on your walls and walk mud all over your floor, then have the nerve to wake you up in the middle of the night. If that’s happening to you, you need to say: ‘Time out! I refuse to put my spiritual life on autopilot, mouthing meaningless prayers and leafing through a Bible I neither study nor live by. I’m going to pay whatever price it takes to walk with God.’ Doing that will not be easy. You’ll have to start saying no to certain things, and run the risk of displeasing people. But it’s the only way you’ll be at peace with God and be in a position to hear what He’s saying to you. Nobody ever said the Christian walk is easy, but is anything in the world of more lasting importance or more rewarding?

Jeremiah 7-9, Matthew 27:27-32, Psalm 38:1-12 , Proverbs 8:22-23

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

COMMUNICATING EASTER

 Forgive us Lord that we don’t always take the opportunities presented to us to share Your love and the message of salvation with those around us.  Help us to be creative this Easter and use whatever means we can to speak up and speak out: email, texts, cards, social media, publications, adverts and personal contact ... help us to do whatever it takes to communicate the Good News that Jesus died, Jesus rose, Jesus lives!

27 MARCH 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

LET GO OF YOUR INDEPENDENT ATTITUDE

‘…We will find grace to help us when we need it most.’

Hebrews 4:16

2013-03-27.

The Bible says, ‘Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.’ We grow up being told, ‘If you want something you’ll have to work for it.’ But a strong work ethic can skew our thinking when it comes to receiving what God wants to freely give us. God is always pouring out His blessing, and as empty, thirsty vessels we must learn to open our hearts to what He offers. To ‘get’ implies to obtain by our own effort. To ‘receive’ implies to accept what’s being freely and graciously offered. Jesus came to deliver us from struggling, not invite us into a new way of struggling under the banner of Christianity. We need to realise that all of God’s blessings are given because of grace, and received by faith. One Bible teacher writes: ‘I was always trying to “do” something, and leaving God out of the loop. I tried to change myself, my family, circumstances I didn’t like, even make my ministry grow. But God will never permit us to succeed without Him. If He did, we would take all the credit. Finally I learned to pray for what I needed and allowed God to provide it His way, in His timing. When I did, I entered into His rest.’ But in order to live this way you must realise your importance to God, and then learn to count on His grace. The truth is; He is more than willing to help you if you’ll only let go of your independent attitude.

 

Jeremiah 4-6, Matthew 27:11-26, Psalm 55:12-23 , Proverbs 8:19-21

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

FIRM FRIENDSHIPS

 Lord Jesus, thank You for the friendships you’ve given us.  We are grateful for those who have spoken into our lives and enriched us.  Remind us to pray regularly for our friends, acquaintances and work colleagues.  Enable us to be positive role models, sharing Your love in practical ways and speaking truth into their lives.  Give us openings to proclaim the real message of Easter, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit to speak out boldly for You.

26 MARCH 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

BE REAL

‘…Beware of…hypocrisy.’

Luke 12:1

2013-03-26. 

The word ‘hypocrisy’ could be translated as ‘hype.’ And hype, no matter how religious it is, is only a charade. Jesus denounced it. Speaking about the religious leaders of His day, He said: ‘…Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops’ (vv. 1-3 NKJV). Why was Jesus so hard on hypocrites? Because hypocrisy accuses in others what it excuses in us, says one thing but does another, puts popularity above principle, loves admiration but cuts corners when it comes to integrity. Take Peter, for example. He preached that all people are equal in Christ, but he practised it selectively. And Paul confronted him on it. ‘When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth…I [spoke] to Peter in front of them all…’ (Galatians 2:11-14 NIV). God understands your weaknesses and He will work with you on them, but He won’t put up with your hypocrisy. So be real!

Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, Psalm 69:7-21 , Deuteronomy 21:22-23

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

GODLY HOUSEHOLDS

 We have been adopted into God’s family; we are the Bride of Christ.  Ask God to strengthen Christian parents, that they may provide spiritual wisdom and teach their children Godly principles and values.  Proclaim blessing and safety on children in Christian households, that they will find their own faith in Jesus and experience for themselves the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  Pray protection over Christian marriages, that they will ...

Gbawe,

Why would you call me a fool ? Did I abuse you ? I just believed you've turned into another beaf on nairaland .

Meanwhile,that fool you just called me shall be addressed both online and offline . Watch out for angels tonite ....

Gbawe,

See your life outside...so raye e nita ...All because of money ,you sold your conscience perpetual to Tinubu empire ....

25 MARCH 2013

TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY

THE TREASURE WITHIN YOU

‘We have this treasure in earthen vessels…’

2 Corinthians 4:7

2013-03-25

God has given you talents and He wants you to use them. They may lie dormant under layers of failure, fear, or low self-esteem. You may be aware of them, yet not know how to put them to work. Maybe you’ve been going from relationship to relationship hoping to find someone who will acknowledge what’s within you and draw it out. If so, read this: ‘But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.’ Only the God who placed your talents within you knows where they’re hidden and how to release them. Delayed destiny is the devil’s delight. By not allowing God to develop your talents you play into satan’s hands, living far below your potential. The fact is; you have so much treasure buried within you that the enemy is out to steal it. You never have to wonder about satan’s motives. Jesus said he comes ‘…to steal, kill and destroy…’ (John 10:10 TLB). You don’t try to rob somebody unless they have something worth taking, right? Your talents may be raw and undeveloped, or buried under years of self-doubt, unconfessed sin, bad habits, regret and despair. But God can take something that looks like nothing, and create something wonderful with it. Just think: He made the earth from nothing—so imagine what He can do when He has something to start with! Today get down on your knees and pray, ‘Father, help me to recognise and maximise the talents You have placed within me, and use them for Your glory.’ That’s a prayer God will answer!

Jeremiah 1-3, Matthew 27:1-10, Psalm 55:1-11 , Proverbs 8:17-18

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

GODLY HOUSEHOLDS

 We have been adopted into God’s family; we are the Bride of Christ.  Ask God to strengthen Christian parents, that they may provide spiritual wisdom and teach their children Godly principles and values.  Proclaim blessing and safety on children in Christian households, that they will find their own faith in Jesus and experience for themselves the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  Pray protection over Christian marriages, that they will ...