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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

How to conquer the fear of failing
07 April 2025

‘Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.’
Psalm 37:24 NLT

Every opportunity in life comes with two things: the possibility of succeeding, and the possibility of failing. When you reach the end of your life, your greatest regrets won’t be over your failures, but the opportunities you failed to seize because you were afraid of failing. So here are some principles to help you conquer the fear of failing:

1) Be willing to try and fail at something. And when it happens, tell people. Why? Because that’s how you discover failure isn’t fatal.

2) Find a project so big that you cannot do it without God’s help, then commit to it.

3) Socialise with some impulsive types. Observe how they take risks without dying. Seeing and imitating is a great way to learn.

4) The way we learn to take big steps of faith is by taking small steps of faith. Compliment someone you don’t know. Volunteer for an additional task at work. Go out of your way to help someone in need.

5) Declare war on perfectionism. Instead of waiting until you can do it perfectly, do your best and tell yourself, ‘That’s good enough for now.’

6) Be afraid, and obey God anyway. You will never totally defeat your fears, but you can diminish them to where they have less control of your life.

Here is a promise for you to stand on: ‘The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand’ (vv. 23-24 NLT).

Joshua 13-15, John 3:1-21

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Let’s respect our differences
08 April 2025

‘Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.’
Romans 14:19 NLT

Paul wouldn’t yield an inch when it came to standing on the central truths of Scripture. But when it came to traditions, personal opinions, and personal preferences, he said, ‘Let each be fully convinced in his own mind’ (v. 5 NKJV). Under the law of Moses, being circumcised was considered equal to having a covenant between you and God. So when Gentile believers joined the New Testament church, Jewish believers insisted they too must be circumcised. Not as babies, mind you, but as adults! Were these Jewish believers sincere? Absolutely. But they were sincerely misguided.

When this issue threatened to split the church, the apostles met in Jerusalem, prayed about the matter, and issued the following opinion: ‘It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things’ (Acts 15:28 NKJV). Any time a tradition or personal preference becomes equal in authority to God’s Word, we have gone too far.

Question: have you been upset with someone who doesn’t agree with you on some nonessential point of doctrine? Have you been critical of someone whose opinion differs from yours? Perhaps in insisting on your list of dos and don’ts, you have forgotten the most important item on God’s list: that we exhibit love.

Jesus said, ‘By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35 NKJV). Our hearts can be in unity even when our minds don’t agree. We can walk hand in hand, even when we don’t see eye to eye. As theologians often say, ‘In essential things, unity. In all things, charity!’

Joshua 16-18, John 3:22-36

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Pass it on to others
09 April 2025

‘The things that you have heard from me…commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.’
2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

What’s your goal in life? Survival, success, or succession? Some of us suffer from ‘duck syndrome’. We appear calm on the surface, but underneath we’re paddling furiously. We think, ‘I’m glad people around me don’t know how much I don’t know,’ and we keep them at a distance hoping they never find out. That’s not how God wants you to live, as the source of your own strength and wisdom.

David wrote, ‘The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Psalm 27:1 NKJV). On the other hand, some of us strive for a self-centred form of success that begins and ends with us. Our philosophy is ‘look out for number one’. When that’s your goal, God cannot trust you with success because your motives violate every principle in His Word. God told Abraham, ‘I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing’ (Genesis 12:2 NKJV). When your heart’s intent is to bless others, God will bless your endeavours.

Jesus said, ‘I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain [after you’re gone]’ (John 15:16 NKJV). Part of God’s plan for your life is passing on to others what He has entrusted to you. There is no lasting success without a successor. That’s why Paul wrote, ‘The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.’ So, the word for today is – pass it on.

Joshua 19-21, John 4:1-30

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

‘Throw it down’
10 April 2025

‘Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?”’
Exodus 4:2 NLT

The Bible says: ‘Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. “Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. Then the Lord told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand’ (vv. 2-4 NLT). Then God instructed Moses to go back to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to set the children of Israel free. ‘Take your shepherd’s staff with you, and use it to perform the miraculous signs I have shown you’ (v. 17 NLT).

It represented his security. It gave him physical security from wild animals. It gave him financial security – his sheep were his financial asset. Moses’ staff also identified him as a shepherd. This experience marked the ending of one season in his life, and the beginning of another. The staff Moses threw down had been used to tend sheep, but the one he picked up would be used to part the waters of the Red Sea and lead God’s people to the promised land.

Is God asking you to throw down that which represents your security and your identity? Don’t be afraid, do it! What you get back will be greater than anything you are asked to give up. The only way you find your new identity is by letting go of your old one. The only way you will find your security in Christ is by throwing down the human securities you cling to.

Joshua 22-24, John 4:31-54

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

You are called to be salt and light
11 April 2025

‘You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.’
Matthew 5:13-14 NKJV

Jesus gave us two everyday metaphors so that we could clearly understand how He wants us to serve and represent Him each day. Let’s look at each of them.

1) Salt. The only thing that can threaten salt is sitting in a shaker so long that it gets damp, loses its flavour, and can’t be sprinkled. Jesus said, ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men’ (v. 13 NKJV). The word ‘flavour’ means to enrich. It’s not enough to enjoy good preaching and rich insights from your Bible reading; you’re called to share and sprinkle them on others.

2) Light. Instead of isolating yourself from the world, you’re supposed to illuminate it. Darkness is not a threat to light; it’s where the light does its best work. Jesus said: ‘You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven’ (vv. 14-16 NKJV).

The word gospel means ‘the good news’. In a world of increasing despair, you are called to bring the light of the gospel to those living in spiritual darkness. So, the word for today is – be salt and light.

Judges 1-3, John 5:1-30

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Expect to ‘wrestle’
12 April 2025

‘For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood.’
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

The new birth brings a new battle between your regenerate spirit and your unregenerate body, which still craves old desires and clings to old proclivities. Paul describes this graphically as a wrestling match. ‘For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand’ (vv. 12-13 NKJV).

The winner in a wrestling match is the one still standing when it’s over. So, picture a wrestling match, and you will get an idea of what you’re up against each day. Two fighters going toe to toe, until one wins and the other loses. To prepare themselves, they practise for hours. Each knows they need two things to win: strength and a strategy. But they need more; they need determination and endurance. And each knows one more very important thing – never underestimate your opponent! ‘Be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith’ (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV).

Here are two scriptural truths you need to live by in order to walk in victory. First, don’t try to overcome Satan in your own strength, or you will lose. Second, don’t let down your guard even for a moment, or you will lose. Paul writes, ‘Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices’ (2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV). So, expect to ‘wrestle’, and expect to win.

Judges 4-6, John 5:31-47

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Use your gifts in ministry to others
13 April 2025

‘The gifts and…calling of God are irrevocable.’
Romans 11:29 NKJV

When God gives us a spiritual gift, He doesn’t take it back. ‘The gifts and…calling of God are irrevocable.’ And if God does not, we must not! Paul writes: ‘If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived’ (Galatians 6:1-3 MSG).

When a brother or sister in Christ goes astray, the Bible tells us what we must do; lovingly confront them, gently correct and counsel them, and cover them. The Bible says, ‘Love will cover a multitude of sins’ (1 Peter 4:8 NKJV). Now the word ‘cover’ doesn’t mean ‘cover up’; it means provide a place of shelter and restoration where they can be made whole.

Is restoring someone sometimes messy? Yes, especially if they have hurt others and brought embarrassment to the family of God. But that’s the point…They are still our spiritual family! The world is watching to see how we handle this. If we throw away those among us who stumble, why would the world turn to us for help?

Jesus healed a blind man by rubbing clay in his eyes and telling him to go and wash it off in the pool of Siloam. How far away was the pool? We don’t know. But he needed someone to hold his hand and walk with him until he reached it and his sight was restored. And that’s what we have been called to do.

Luke 7:1-30, Psalms 37-39

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Keep trusting God
14 April 2025

‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him
Job 13:15 NKJV

The story of Job reads like this: Chapter 1, he is one of the wealthiest men in his generation. Chapter 2, he loses everything, including his health, his wealth, and his children. Chapter 42, he is back on top again. Wouldn’t you like to know what happened from chapters 3 through 41? If so, you should read the book of Job and find out how he had it all, lost it all, got it all back, and ended up with twice as much as he lost.

Did Job have unanswered questions? Lots of them. Did he experience grief? Yes, to a depth that is hard to imagine. But Job never changed his mind about God, and God never changed His about Job. This Scripture best summarises Job’s attitude: ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.’

If you’re stuck at a place you don’t understand right now, don’t give up – on God or yourself. When you don’t understand your circumstances, and it feels like they’re more than you can bear, stand on this great Bible promise: ‘You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in…the Lord, is everlasting strength’ (Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV).

Trusting God does not mean He will answer all your questions, but that He will give you ‘perfect peace’ regardless of the circumstances. Trusting God does not mean that you won’t struggle, but that He will give you ‘everlasting strength’. So, the word for today is – keep trusting God, and He will bring you through this.

Judges 7-8, John 6:1-21

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

Fear is the enemy of growth
15 April 2025

‘Tell the children of Israel to go forward.’
Exodus 14:15 NKJV

If you want to grow, you need to get over any fear you may have of making mistakes. As author and professor Warren Bennis states, ‘A mistake is simply another way of doing things.’ So, expect to make mistakes along the way, and embrace them as a sign that you are going in the right direction.

With the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s chariots behind them, the children of Israel panicked. ‘The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward”’ (v. 15 NKJV). When they did, the Red Sea became a pathway to victory and a burial ground for the enemy they feared.

If you have to find ‘the best way’ or ‘the perfect way’, you will never get anywhere. It’s like driving on an unknown road at night. Ideally, you would like to see your entire route before you start out. Instead, you see it little by little. As you keep going, a little more of the road is revealed to you. So, if you want to see more of the way, get moving.

Make a commitment to yourself to start on your growth plan and keep at it for at least twelve months. If you do, you will develop a love for the process, and at the end of the year, you will be able to see how far you have come. ‘Enlarge the place of your tent…stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left’ (Isaiah 54:2-3 NKJV).

Judges 9-10, John 6:22-44

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TODAY'S WORD FOR TODAY™

UCB Word For Today
Change your routine

16 April 2025
‘I will lead them in paths they have not known.’
Isaiah 42:16 NKJV

As attested by the law of requisite variety, the continued existence of any system requires the ability to cultivate variety in its internal structures. In physical exercise, for example, routines eventually become useless. If you exercise the same way each time you work out, your muscles begin adapting and stop developing. You have to change your routine. You have to disorient them. This is true spiritually.

One author writes: ‘When I’m in a spiritual slump, nine times out of ten, something sacred has become routine. I’m sure it differs by personality, but one of the ways I snap out of a spiritual slump is by disturbing my routine and experimenting with spiritual disciplines. Sometimes all it takes is a small change in routine. Volunteer at a local homeless shelter. Start keeping a gratitude journal. Get plugged into a small group or Bible study. Take a day off and do a personal retreat. Or just get up a little earlier in the morning and spend a little extra time with God. One of the small changes in routine that has helped me rejuvenate my devotional times is picking up a new translation of Scripture. New words help me think new thoughts.’

In order to grow spiritually, you need consistency, structure, and discipline. But when you go through a spiritual dry spell, try changing your spiritual routine. Instead of doing things the way you have always done them, try doing things differently. ‘I will lead them in paths they have not known.’ God doesn’t change, but He moves! And in order to get to where God wants to take you, you must be willing to move with Him.

Judges 11-12, John 6:45-71