‘‘‘If Your Brother Sins…Reprove Him in Private…’’’ Matthew 18:15 NAS
Working out your differences requires a few ground-rules: 1) Clarify the problem. Make a careful (and prayerful) assessment of how you see things. Is this a mountain or a molehill? Temporary or long-term? Avoidable or unavoidable? 2) Cleanse your attitude. Jesus said,’ ‘‘…first take the log out of your own eye…then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s…’’’(Mathew 7:5 NAS). Submit your thoughts to God and get His input. When you’re angry and judgemental it’s easy to wreak havoc. That kind of attitude does nothing to restore peace. 3) Carefully decide when and where to meet. Make sure it’s private, and at times neither of you is tired or rushed. For instance, if you’re married to a soccer fan don’t try to hold a meaningful conversation during the World Cup Final. 4) Reaffirm your commitment to the relationship. Let the person know up front how much you value them and that you’re not issuing ultimatums; you just want to make things better. 5) Encourage dialogue. Avoid polarising statements like, ‘You always,’ or ‘You never.’ When you say something important pause and ask, ‘Do I have my facts straight, or am I missing something?’ Let’s face it; sometimes confrontation does end in permanent division. That’s why Paul said, ‘If…possible…live peaceably with all men’ (Romans 12:18 KJV). But too many of us just give up when things get rocky. Relationships are valuable; they take years to build. That’s why real love hangs in there and works through them.
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The Word For Today
Sun June 18th 06
‘The Righteous Man Walks in…Integrity; Blessed…Are His Children After Him.’ Proverbs 20:7 AMP
Max Lucado writes: ‘Today’s my first father’s Day without a father. For 31 years I had one of the best but now he’s buried under an oak tree in a west Texas cemetery. Strange he isn’t here… because he was always available. His words were nothing novel; his achievements, though admirable, were nothing extraordinary. But his presence was.
‘Because he was there life went smoothly…the future was secure…and my growing up was what God intended. He taught me how to shave and how to pray. Helped me memorise verses for Sunday school, and taught me that wrong should be punished…that rightness has its own reward. He modelled… the elusive balance between ambition and self-acceptance. ‘I knew if I ever needed him he’d be there. Like a warm fireplace. Maybe that’s why this Father’s Day’s a bit chilly. The fire’s gone out. The winds of age swallowed the splendid flame, leaving only golden embers. But there’s a strange thing about those embers, stir them…and the flame will dance…and knock just enough chill out of the air to remind me that he’s still present.’
‘Compare that to an interview with actor Gene Hackman who recalls: “I was just 13, but that Saturday morning is still vivid. I was playing down the street…when I saw my father drive by and give me a light wave. Somehow I knew that gesture meant he was going away forever. To this day, the memory’s a ghost that never seems to fade.” Soloman said, ‘The righteous man walks in integrity….blessed are his children after him.’ Attention dads! What Legacy will your kids inherit when you’re gone?
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
I would just like to include the following lyrics:
By Mike Rutherford
Mike and the mechanics
The Living Years
Every generation Blames the one before And all of their frustrations Come beating on your door
I know that I'm a prisoner To all my Father held so dear I know that I'm a hostage To all his hopes and fears I just wish I could have told him in the living years
Crumpled bits of paper Filled with imperfect thought Stilted conversations I'm afraid that's all we've got
You say you just don't see it He says it's perfect sense You just can't get agreement In this present tense We all talk a different language Talking in defence
Say it loud, say it clear You can listen as well as you hear It's too late when we die To admit we don't see eye to eye
So we open up a quarrel Between the present and the past We only sacrifice the future It's the bitterness that lasts
So Don't yield to the fortunes You sometimes see as fate It may have a new perspective On a different day And if you don't give up, and don't give in You may just be O.K.
Say it loud, say it clear You can listen as well as you hear It's too late when we die To admit we don't see eye to eye
I wasn't there that morning When my Father passed away I didn't get to tell him All the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit Later that same year I'm sure I heard his echo In my baby's new born tears I just wish I could have told him in the living years
Say it loud, say it clear You can listen as well as you hear It's too late when we die To admit we don't see eye to eye
‘To Thee, O Lord, I Lift Up My Soul.’ Psalm 25:1 NAS
Psalm 25 describes a person who’s chosen the right road, yet not found it easy to walk. In the first ten verses we learn five important things about the person who prays:
1) They know where to go for help. ‘To Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul’ (v.1). Others may assist us, but only God can sustain us. 2) They know who to trust. ‘…in Thee I trust…Do not let my enemies exult over me’ (v.2). Love your enemies, because God does. Pray for them, turn them over to God and move on. 3) They know the purpose of prayer. ‘Lead me in the truth and teach me…’ (v.4). Richard Foster writes, ‘To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer. The more we pray the more we come to the heart beat of God. Prayer starts the communication process between ourselves and God. All the options of life fall before us. At that point we will either forsake our prayer life and cease to grow, or we will pursue our prayer life and let Him change us.’ 4) They know the basis of their acceptance. ‘…According to Thy loving kindness remember Thou me…’ (v.7). We cannot approach God on the basis of our goodness, only on the merits of Christ’s saving grace. 5) They know prayer works. ‘…He teaches the humble His way’ (v.9). When you can’t see your way forward, pray. God will reveal it to you one step at a time – all you have to do is follow.
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The Word For Today
Tues June 20th 06
‘I Will Sing Of Mercy and Judgment…’ Psalm 101:1 KJV
Notice the five ‘I wills’ of David in Psalm 101: 1) ‘I will sing of mercy and judgment…’ (v.1). When dealing with others, some of us are all mercy and no justice; others are all justice and no mercy. God requires both. 2) ‘I will behave myself wisely…’ (v.2). People are more impacted by your behaviour than by your beliefs. Your children may not always follow your advice, but count on it, they’ll follow your footsteps. Those not persuaded by your theology, can still be won by your love and lifestyle. 3) ‘…I will walk within my house with a perfect heart’ (v.2). Charity begins at home. If your family thinks you’re joyless and judgemental, you’ll never attract them to Christ. David prayed, ‘… how I need your help, especially in my own home, where I long to act as I should’ (Psalm 101:2 TLB) 4) ‘I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes…’ (v.3). Get real. Television is on seven hours a day in most homes. So ask yourself: ‘what am I exposing myself and my family to?’ What you tolerate, you’ve no right to complain about! You say you’ve no time to read God’s Word and pray. No, the truth is, you don’t have a strong enough desire to. 5) ‘I will early destroy all the wicked…’ (v.8). The Living Bible states, ‘I will not tolerate anyone who secretly slanders his neighbour; I will not permit conceit and pride. I will make the godly of the land my heroes, and invite them to my home…’ (Psalm 101:5-6 TLB). Those are five ‘I wills’ you should live by.
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
‘‘‘Forget The Former Things; Do Not Dwell On The Past. See, I Am Doing A New Thing!’’’ Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Gordon MacDonald writes, ‘When I asked a ninety-three-year-old man if he and his ninety-year-old wife ever have conflict, he assured me they do. I asked him how they treat each other in such moments, and he told me how important it is that he speaks tenderly to her. When I asked why, he told me that when his wife was a girl her father always spoke to her in a harsh and hurtful tone of voice. ‘Now whenever she hears any man speak in an angry manner, the feelings of hurt and fear return.’ ‘But that was eighty-five years ago,’ MacDonald replied, ‘are you telling me that she still remembers?’ ‘More than ever!’ he responded emphatically.’
In our earliest years we watch those who are largest in our lives and note how and when they express anger, joy, sadness and fear. And we take our cues from what we see. So, ‘What do I do with those painful memories?’ you ask. The Bible gives us at least four answers: 1) Practise repentance; acknowledge your own mistakes. 2) Demonstrate grace; forgive others – and yourself. 3) Show gratitude; focus on what’s good, not what’s bad. 4) Find wisdom; turn your pain into a learning experience. When Israel crossed the river Jordan, God commanded Joshua to erect a memorial of 12 stones saying: ‘‘‘…In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them…These stones are to be a memorial…’’’ (Joshua 4:6-7 NIV). In other words, remember with repentance, with grace, with gratitude, and with wisdom.
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The Word For Today
Sat 1st July 06
‘‘‘Where Are The Other Nine?’’’ Luke 17:17 NIV
One day ten men with leprosy came to Jesus saying, ‘‘‘…have pity on us!’’’ Pity; it was an admission that they were desperate for whatever charity another person might provide. ‘‘‘Go, show yourselves to the priests’’’ was Jesus’ response. ‘As they went, ‘ the Bible says, ‘they were cleansed’ (Luke 17:14 NIV). But the story doesn’t end there. ‘One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him – and he was a Samaritan’ (Luke 17:15-16 NIV).
What takes place next is very interesting. Jesus asks, ‘‘‘Where are the other nine?’’’ (Luke 17:17 NIV). Jesus is making a point: gratitude is important to Him. This story is there; to underscore the importance of having a grateful heart. Two statements are worth underlining: ‘…he… came back,’ and ‘‘‘Where are the other nine?’’’ Gratitude is ‘coming back’ to say thanks to the one who made it all possible. Gratitude isn’t a natural or instinctive thing for most of us, it’s a learned discipline, one that comes with a realisation that we neither deserve nor are entitled to God’s blessings. At best, we’re graced recipients of all we have and are. The old cowboy doffs his hat and says, ‘Much obliged.’ The words imply humility: that I cannot get along by myself. They imply reliance: that I need people around me, and that I need God. They imply value: that I recognise the cost involved in giving. They imply gladness: that my life has been filled with a joy that only comes when I reach out to others with grace.
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
‘Trust In The Lord With All Your Heart; Do Not Depend On Your Own Understanding.’ Proverbs 3:5 NLT
Stop trying to figure out things that should be left in God’s hands! When you put something on the shelf that’s bothering you and say you’re going to trust God with it, don’t take it back because you don’t like the way He’s handling it or the length of time He’s taking. ‘…he that believeth shall not make haste’ (Isaiah 28:16 KJV). Speed doesn’t equal direction, especially when you’ve lost your way!
Paul says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything…’ (Philippians 4:6 NIV). That’s hard to swallow if you’re insecure, or a make-it-happen person. We like to slot things; to find some place to put them so they make sense and feel ‘taken care of.’ We don’t like unanswered questions; but one of the tools God uses to crucify our carnal minds is unanswered questions! When we don’t know, we can trust God, worry, or try to figure it out for ourselves. A good cure for this is holding a post–mortem over some of our best thinking and see where we ended up as a result.
God doesn’t always give us answers to our questions. Why? Because He’s training us in trust. Learn to live with loose ends and trust God! If you want growth you’ve got to be at peace with the messiness and mistakes that accompany it. If you are one of God’s obsessive-compulsive children who needs to put everything into a neat little package, this scripture is specially for you: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.’
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
‘Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, That Ye May Be Perfect [Mature] And Entire, Wanting Nothing.’ James 1:4 KJV
Just because it hasn’t happened yet, doesn’t mean it won’t, or that God has changed His mind. While you are waiting; God is working. The timing may not be right for Him to get the ultimate glory and you the ultimate benefit. That’s why James writes: ‘Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect [mature] and entire, [equipped] wanting nothing.’ Impatience is a sign of immaturity. Have you noticed that children can’t wait for anything? But a wise parent knows what’s best.
God sets His watch to accomplish His purpose, not ours. Paul writes: ‘We know that all things work…according to His purpose’ (see Romans 8:28 KJV). When you clearly understand God’s purpose you won’t permit things that are contrary to it, including hurry and worry. You’ll also know how to allocate your time, your effort and your money; where to go and where not to go.
God says, ‘I make known the end from the beginning…’ (Isaiah 46:10 NIV). First God sets the goal, then He determines the steps that lead to it. And what are we supposed to do while we are waiting? Listen: ‘Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour’ (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV). Begin praising the Lord today for what He’s going to do for you; because He absolutely will come through for you!
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Ever notice how much energy it takes to keep a tight grip on something? Come on, you know what you’re holding on to, don’t you? You’re in turmoil because you can’t control the people or circumstances in your life. Hey, release your grip. Go ahead: surrender it to God. You’ll be amazed at how much more energy you’ll have, and how much easier life will be. Once you make the choice to surrender to God, your hardest days become your easiest. A W Tozer wrote: ‘Father, my cowardly heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from You my terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that You may enter and dwell there without a rival.’
You say, ‘Surrender what?’
1) Your position! Place it all before your God. Find your security, your identity and your contentment in him. 2) Your plans! Plan wisely, but be ready for God to rearrange things and take you along paths that may be uncomfortable for you. Nothing this side of Heaven is permanent, including relationships. Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones, but avoid the temptation to cling. 3) Your anxiety! If your emotions are wrapped around some issue involving a possession, a job, a particular expectation or relationship, you aren’t fully relying on God. No, you’re still clinging to lesser things. Stop. Let it go! You’re delaying the surprise God has waiting for you.
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Some people stay up until midnight to welcome the New Year. Others stay up to make sure the old year leaves! Seriously, as you enter this New Year you can’t afford to let your past poison your present or sabotage your future. That’s why certain things that refuse to be healed must be forsaken and forgotten! There are people praising God in church every Sunday who lie awake in the privacy of their homes digging up bones, picking at scars, and reliving old memories. You need to accept that some issues will never be resolved, and if you let them they’ll take up residence in your head.
Thank God Paul was honest enough to admit that he still struggled. Unlike those with a pharisaic-al spirit who condemn others for doing the very things they do themselves, Paul says, ‘…I know the law but…can’t keep it…sin…keeps sabotaging my best intensions, I need help…I decide to do good, but…My decisions…don’t result in actions. Something…gets the better of me every time’ (Romans 7:14-20 TM). ‘Thank you Paul’ from the rest of us, who mistakenly thought that once we became Christians there’d be no more struggles! Then Paul goes on to say, ‘…consider yourselves to be dead to sin…’ (Romans 6:11 NAS); ‘Just as Christ was raised from the dead …we also should walk in newness of life.’
In other words, stop pursuing dead issues; admit them, quit them, and forget them! Instead of struggling to change what can’t be changed, let God’s transforming power sweep through your life and sever the ties between you and all those tormenting thoughts from your past. Let them go today in Jesus’ name!
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Thanks, Delboy for sharing that w/ us....how true! I find it so easy to hand my sitch (& other things) to God, just to pick it up again. I've got to stop!!
God knew the specific purpose you were born to fulfil, so He provided all the gifts you’d need, including the environment required to put it all together. Then He looked at you and said, ‘Very good.’ Can you say that too? It’s important that you can. Why? Because others will treat you according to how you treat yourself! This is not pride, it’s just healthy self-esteem based on God’s opinion of you as revealed in His Word. When you have it, it affects every area of your life. Truth be told, it determents how far you’ll go in life. Stop and ask yourself today, ‘How do I really feel about myself ?’ Before you answer read these ten principles. Better yet, keep them before you daily.
1) Never think or speak negatively about yourself, that puts you in disagreement before God. 2) Meditate on your God-given strengths and learn to encourage yourself, for much of the time nobody else will. 3) Don’t compare yourself to anybody else. You’re unique, one of a kind, an original. So don’t settle for being a copy. 4) Focus on your potential, not your limitations. Remember, God lives in you! 5) Find what you like to do, do well, and strive to do it with excellence. 6) Have the courage to be different. Be a God pleaser, not a people pleaser. 7) Learn to handle criticism. Let it develop you instead of discourage you. 8) Determine your own worth instead of letting others do it for you. They’ll short change you! 9) Keep your shortcomings in perspective – you’re still a work in progress. 10) Focus daily on your greatest source of confidence – the God Who lives in you!
Excerpt from THE WORD FOR TODAY, UCB (United Christian Broadcasters), PO Box 255, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. Free issues of the daily devotional are available for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
