So what is all this saying to us brothers (and sisters)?  I believe it is saying that:

1.  If we recognise our broken helplessness and turn to Jesus then he can begin the work of restoration in us by the following:

2. Forgiving our sins.

3. Providing emotional healing.

4. Providing strengthen to walk as sons of God made in His image.

5. Providing us with a forever testimony of his Grace and Mercy.

6. Reminding us of our stewardships responsibility towards our homes.

7. Empowering us to do or continue our home work in the healing, nurturing and restoration of the hearts and relationships of our wives and children, sibling and parents. 

Point of warning!

However, something we must note is that unless we recognise our brokenness and seek restoration, none of the above will be achieved. Whoever, you may be whatever your past story, Jesus can help you reframe your perceptions and restore you to the right relationship with himself.  The Lord can then educate, empower, enlighten, equip and encourage you to go to your home, and to do your homework and so cause others to know of the healing Grace and Mercy of our Lord through your actions, your words, your attitudes and your love.   This, may not be easy, you may need to read good books on emotional healing, you may need to seek spirit led counselling, you may need to ask another Spirit led brother for some help, but whatever you do, you will need to do your own personal work so that your homework can be more effective.  Yet be assured, as the Spirit of God reveals heaven’s grace in your own life, he will empower you to learn new ways to show grace to your loved ones and so do some great homework for his glory and your own peace and contentment. So why not start your homework now?

‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Hindrances, hang-ups, and hurdles are God’s gift to the self-sufficient. While He won’t let you use your weakness as a crutch or a cop-out, He’ll allow it to keep you dependent on Him. Paul wrote, ‘I was given a thorn…to…keep me from becoming proud’ (V. 7 NLT). Why would God keep you in touch with your limitations? To embarrass you? No, to empower you so that you can do His will. God’s intention is to increase, not decrease your need for Him.

 Perhaps this illustration will help you. Imagine four steel rings. The first can support eighty pounds, the second sixty pounds, the third forty pounds, and the fourth twenty pounds. Linked together, what’s the greatest weight the chain can support? Two hundred pounds? No, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so the answer is twenty pounds! And it’s the same with us; we’re only as strong as our weakest area. That’s why we sometimes try to excuse or ignore them. But that’s dangerous because relying on your own strength may win you a few victories and accolades and cause you to think you can handle everything on your own. It was because Paul was so brilliant that God permitted difficult circumstances that kept him on his knees, living in a state of forced dependence. 

After praying repeatedly for God to take his weakness away, Paul finally came to the place where he could say, ‘I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me’ (v. 9 NIV 2011 Edition). 

So today, depend on God!

UCB Today 2015

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,” Acts 20:20

I was on a course the other day and one of the other participants had this text on his t-shirt. Acts 20:20. Intrigued I asked him what it was all about. Unfortunately he didn’t really know and went into this long winded monologue that I didn’t understand. Sure enough, the first thing I did when I got home was to look it up.

Now there are three main things that you will notice about this text. The first being that it doesn’t make sense as a standalone text. Take, for example, John 3:16 'For God so loved the wold that He gave his only begotten Son.' Now that makes sense on its own. This one doesn’t, it has to be read in context, leading to points 2 and 3. Which are, reading before - point 2, and after - point 3, the scripture. I think once you have done this you will agree with me that the main tenant of this verse is ‘holding nothing back.’ God requires that everything we do in life, we do it with honest intentions and hold nothing back in our desire to be like him. Now if you want to get the most out of this blog, you must go and read what goes before and after the text to really understand.

We can learn so much from the example of other people who do the best for those around, like Jesus our example. Mr Wright is also a great example of this. Click here.

Today let us purpose in our hearts to give our best, not just to God but for God.

Babbie Mason sings ‘Standing in the gap.’ Click on the picture to listen.

November 20-21 - Listen

"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. 3"Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David. 4"Behold, I have made him a witness to the peoples, A leader and commander for the peoples.…” - Isaiah 55:2-4

If we are wise, when God talks to us we listen. And He will talk to us through the Bible. The reason the Bible has outsold every other book is because it is God’s Word on the issue. It takes approximately fifty-six hours to read the Bible through. If we read forty chapters a day we would complete the Bible within a month. If we read nine chapters of the New Testament each day we would complete it within thirty days. But we must read it systematically, regularly, and expectantly.

When satan attacked Him in the wilderness, Jesus quoted the Scriptures to him. That’s why the Psalmist said, ‘Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee’ (Psalm 119:11). The book of Proverbs has thirty-one chapters. Here’s an idea: since there are thirty-one days in most months, why not read a chapter in this wisdom book every day. Can you imagine what we’d learn? The Word of God will build our faith. ‘Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’

Our faith grows when you hear God speak, and it works when we do what He says. If you struggle to lead a victorious Christian life, read these words carefully: ‘How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word’ (v. 9 NKJV).

The solution to every problem we face is contained in Scripture. To be wise we must study it. To be strong in faith we must believe it. To be successful in life we must practice it.

Click on the picture to hear The Heritage singers - “He Still Speaks”

November 19 – Daily 'surpises'

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” Isaiah 43:2

From day to day changes occur in all our lives. We know we cannot get through without God's help to face whatever may come our way. Some days we are full of bounce and joy and feel like shouting "Praise God!" other times we are at rock bottom and pleading with the Lord, Please help me, I need a miracle!" Whatever, changes will come with the pasing of time, we need to have a godly mindset in order to handle them.

Martha Noebel writes: “I was in a chapel service recently, and I kept thinking about all the changes that were going on in my life. Between the daily challenges that my husband and I have in our home with raising two teenagers, the constant transitions with our jobs, and the world around us in general -- they all speak of changes.

As I thought about it, I felt God drop this pearl into my heart. It is the acronym for the word changes:

Christ
Has
A
New
Gift
Each
Second

Wow! We can look at each new day and even each second as an opportunity for God to bless us!”

Looking at it this way, we see that each moment contains a gift from God - if we want to look for it. Maybe it could be a smile from someone at your place of work, or an encouraging word from a friend, even a pat on the back from our bosses. The list is endless.

There are so many gifts and pleasures just waiting for us daily – if we care to look for them. Simple gifts and pleasures, like the last rose of the year, still blooming, defying the first frost. A good school report card from our children. An unexpected financial blessing. A walk in the park, kicking up the fallen leaves, the air crisp and sharp. A child suddenly hugging you and saying, “I love you.” Someone saying, “You put your feet up, I'll make a drink.” But above all, God's Word speaking to our hearts,

Events in our lives may change, but God says in Malachi 3:6 "For I am the Lord, I change not." Isn't that comforting? With all the changes, there is one thing that cannot change -- GOD. This includes His great love for us.

He also says in His Word,

"So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence" Hebrews 6:18

God promised never to leave us nor forsake us, no matter what.

"For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance" Psalm 94:14

"...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" Hebrews 13:5

So let the changes come, welcome them, they are for our own eternal good, they help to refine us. Let us not walk in fear, but in faith! Trust God with all the changes, and know that He is more than able to help us and that He has plans to bless us.

Every second, if need be, we can find a blessing. Changes can be our friend. Let's look for God in them.

Acknowledgements Martha Noebel

I have chosen for our music “Through it All” sung by the Gaithers. Click on the picture to listen.

Restored. – Arise take up thy bed

The Spirit of inspiration indicates that the man, after having his sins forgiven was satisfied and was not concerned whether he was to walk again or not.  However, the Lord Jesus had not finished with him yet for the Lord saw there was more healing that needed to occur.  Thus, Jesus, after sorting out his detractors, the scribes and Pharisees, he said to the man, “Arise, and take up thy couch and go into thine house.” Here the power of Jesus restored the man to walk in the strength of God’s original creation.  To walk upon his two legs bearing the dignified image of God as one who was restored by the loving kindness of God.  Yes, he was restored from the degradation and humiliation of sin to the brightness and radiance of God Almighty.  Having thus been restored, he was to take up his mat.  In other words, his past life story was to be his forever testimony of the love of God to redeem, heal and restore.

Homework!

Next he was to “go into his house.”  Here Jesus was saying there was homework to be done.  The man was now to take his spiritual, emotional and physical healing with him and heal the broken relationships that were within his household.  He was to be the healing influence and presence that the Lord desired to share with those who had been hurt by the man’s sin.  He was to be the living example of the good news of how the Love of God can heal and restore broken hearts and lives.  In other words, Jesus wanted the man’s experience of healing to promote healing of the hearts of his wife, his children, his siblings, his parents, in fact  just about anyone in his house.   Basically, Jesus was reminding the man that his stewardship responsibility was his home!

Donnie McClurkin sings 'Speak to my heart.' Click on the picture to listen.

"For the word of God is alive, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12)

Christ followers have many opportunities to influence the reading habits of those around them.

I've given away hundreds of books. Books such as Fearless by Max Lucado and John Bevere's Honor Reward and Bait of Satan are some favorites I've given away over the years.

I've given away books about sales, marketing, advertising, management, and entrepreneurship to leaders.

And I've given away many Bibles.

I remember the impact my first Bible had on my life. I received it from my maternal grandmother. Her name was Opal. She was my Lois. I minister today because of her unceasing prayers.

My first Bible directed my life on a course to seek and understand Jesus. A foundation was poured into my heart. When I think about my first Bible, I wonder what I would be doing today had I never been given a Bible. When I remember this gift, I can only think about being intentional about giving away more Bibles.

I remember giving away a Bible to a student at Oral Roberts University. He came to my office to receive a textbook I promised to buy him because he couldn't afford to buy his own. The Holy Spirit led me to also give him a Bible that was on my desk. It was his first Bible.

I watched him change over his four years of college. His textbooks had an impact, but the Bible showed him a new way of living. The Word came alive in this young man, and he continues to grow and mature in Christ.

I think I could tell a few hundred stories about the impact I've seen from the change that occurs in someone who reads a Bible. Christians know the power of God's Word.

What would happen if we all became more intentional about giving away Bibles? Think about it?

Dr Steve Greene

‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ Ephesian 6:12

There are some things that really defy rational. When I heard about the mindless murder of the 131 people who lost their lives in France, like most people I was angry, shocked and confused. It wasn’t bad enough that those who died and are injured and still in hospital were innocent bystanders who probably have no idea of what the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS) stands for, but according to the BBC all of the venues that were targets were where people were relaxing or having fun.

Bold as brass Islamic State own up to it in a wordy statement that isn’t going to bring life back to those who died. It reminded me of Adam in the Garden of Eden when he was asked why he ate of the apple. He blamed his wife Eve.

On the surface Islamic State have taken the responsibility for the loss of lives but if you look deeper, like Eve in the Garden, they are covering up for the real culprit, the author of sin; Satan.

Lest we forget ourselves as Christians,

'For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.'

Remember to keep the people of France in your prayers and indeed you may know someone personally who is a French native. Let them know that you are praying for them.

November 13-14 – Everybody's doing it!

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” - 1 Corinthians 4-7

Her mind raced, somewhere lost in the tragic words that tumbled from her daughter’s voice. The truth spilled out. Tears flowed, hearts broken, spirits grieved. She wanted to make it all OK. Guilt plagued her every thought. She longed to turn back time for another chance at doing things right. “I should have listened more.” “I should have been there more.” “I should have been more aware.” “Maybe she should have just been on birth control,” her thoughts swirled round and round, still finding it hard to accept what was true.

Living under the weight of the “should have’s” is a heavy burden to carry. The enemy’s voice whispers condemnation, shame, and guilt deep down to hurting souls, reminding that the line had been crossed. Defeated thoughts wrap like chains around the future. Bright tomorrows now darkened by the reality of all that was lost, colors of gray casting bleak shadows. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. Out of control. Off balance. Pressured and stressed. Where was truth in it all? Where was God?

This story happens all too frequently in many homes today. Raising kids in a world saturated with sex and technology demands more attention than ever from parents. Hard reality hits square in the face when presented with unsuspecting information. Pornography found on a phone. Lewd pictures. Suggestive texts. Premarital sex. Teen pregnancy.

In a world that says sex before marriage is “normal and expected,” anything else is seen as ancient and rather archaic thinking. “Did God really say….?” the voices of our culture ask, lured by the same similar voice that confronted Eve in the garden that one fateful day. “Surely he did not mean…” Doubts rise, we try to rationalize behavior and choices to fit into a neat box of acceptance and updated thinking.

As parents, we can’t be too busy to listen. We can’t just assume kids are safe. We can’t shy away from difficult topics because we’re unsure of what to say. But here’s what we can do. We can make the choice to stay aware and keep doors of communication open and honest. We can equip our young people with truth, not just what we think, but what God says about it all. We can empower them to know it’s OK to say “no,” in a world that presses them to say “yes.”

Whether or not we decide to talk openly and honestly with our kids, our culture most assuredly will. It’s been talking, already, straight to hearts and minds, for a very long time. And it has quite a lot to say - about sex. The good news is this, we’re not alone. God has a lot to say about sex too. After all, he created it. And it seems to me that the soundest of wisdom would come straight from the One who thought it all up.

10 Lies the World Tells Us about Sex – and the Truth of What God Says:

“If you really loved me, you’d sleep with me.” Lie. The truth says love is patient and it is not self-seeking (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

“We’re planning to get married anyway. We’ll be better prepared if we go ahead and start acting like we’re married.” Lie. The truth is you do not need to “practice” being married or practice having sex. God’s boundary for sex is reserved for marriage (Hebrews 13:4).

“It’s not that big a deal.” Lie. Truth says it is a big deal. It’s a huge deal. You are choosing to become “one” with that person (Genesis 2:24, Colossians 3:5).

“We’re both consenting adults, it’s not hurting anyone.” Lie. The truth is, it’s hurting you, and anyone else involved (Hebrews 12:1).

“We all have sin issues. Sex is just the same as any other sin.” Lie. Though it’s true, we do all struggle with sin, his Word also says that sex outside of God’s design is different than all other sins, because you are sinning against your own body. God will forgive any sin, no matter what we’ve done. But sexual sin affects us deeply and there are great consequences involved that we may have to live with (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).

“You might as well get your teens on birth control, they’re going to have sex anyway.” Lie. The truth is not all young people are having sex before marriage. Many are choosing to wait. But the mindset of the world will make you think you’re the odd one out. Providing birth control and condoms to your teen is like giving them a free pass to engage in sex, sending mixed messages and creating confusion over what is really right or wrong. It may prevent some things from physically happening, like a pregnancy or STD, but it is never going to protect one’s spiritual and emotional needs from harm (Romans 6:1-2).

“Everybody else is doing it. And they’re all having a great time.” Lie. Really? Truth digs deeper than the latest Hollywood flick. Have you looked into the darkness of the moments that linger after sex? The morning after? The guilt that plagues? The feelings of distrust, betrayal, shame, or rejection? Have you followed a soul through the anxiety of wondering if she is pregnant? Or into the clinic with the one that needs to be treated for a STD? Is it all really as great as the world seems to scream? (Romans 8:1-2, 9).

“It’s too late for me anyway. I might as well keep on having sex, since I’ve already said yes once.” Lie. The truth says that God forgives our wrong, restores, and redeems our lives. It is never too late to start over. Ever. Just because you’ve said “yes” before, does not mean you can’t begin now to say “no” (1 John 1:9).

“God just doesn’t want me to have any fun in life.” Lie. The truth says he desires that we live incredible, free, full lives. He’s not out to ruin fun. He’s not an old fashioned God who just doesn’t “get” today. He knows you. He created you. And he is out to set you free and longs to give you the best life possible. There is safety in boundaries. There is security in his protection (John 10:10).

“You can do everything else, as long as you refrain from actual sex.” Lie. Truth says “flee” from sexual immorality. That covers it all. Because God knows how difficult this temptation can be, it’s the one area that he doesn’t say to stand and fight. Nor does he say, “Go as close to the line as you can, but don’t cross it” - he tells us to run from it. All of it (1 Corinthians 6:16-20; 1 Corinthians 10:13)

Sometimes it seems easier to just “fit in” with the norm. But following the mindset of popular culture will often leave you feeling betrayed, misguided, and take you down a spiraling path that you never intended to go. It really comes down to this question. Who will we choose to listen to? Who will our kids listen to? The latest trends and media messages? Or the Truth that sets us free?

The Bible isn’t based on changing trends. It doesn’t shift with the latest hot topics. It isn’t an old fashioned book with no significance for today. It doesn’t speak with shades of gray but with clarity and wisdom. It is living and active, relevant for our culture, for this technology driven, sex saturated world. Because the truth is this, God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. There is power in the One who breathes new life. Who gives hope. Forgiveness. Courage. To live differently. And set apart. Sex is a gift. And the best gifts in life often come with the greatest cautions. Enjoying this gift within the boundaries of marriage, the way that God intends, is worth the wait. Always.

And that is the truth. Make sure to tell your kids.

Debbie McDaniel

Richard Smallwood 's version of “I've Come too Far” is today's music choice. Click on the picture to listen.

November 12 – Show the love

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us” - 1 John 3:16

Real love is an action – selfless, sacrificial giving – an act of reaching out to make contact with those around us, yet increasingly we are all isolating ourselves with our obsession with technology. We see it every day. People standing in bus queues – sitting in restaurants – walking along with friends, isolated in their own world, as with smart phone welded to their hand, they are oblivious of the world and people around them....no involvement, no encouragement, no need to share, reach out, or give a toss. Just concentrate on sending the next text message – playing the next game.

When you stop to think about it, it's somewhat like being in a lift, an impersonal place where anonymity, isolation, and independence are on display. Almost as though there's a sign that says, “Just watch the numbers and look at nobody. No talking. No smiling. No touching. No eye contact.”

Years ago, Charles Swindoll and a couple of his friends were waiting for a lift. As the door slid open it was packed with people, all with the closed expression on their faces that said, “Surely you aren't planning to get in here, are you?” They did. Chuck was the last to get in and was squeezed with his back against the door with everyone avoiding eye contact by staring in his direction at the numbers above his head.

After a few seconds of total silence Chuck's sense of humour came to the fore, and he smiled broadly and said loudly, “You might have wondered why we called this meeting!” The lift erupted in laughter, it was amazing! People began talking, and actually relating....on a lift, because someone had reached out.

I'm sure you are as glad as I am that Jesus ignored the sign. Our Saviour modelled how to live – and He did it perfectly. He didn't just preach from heaven, keeping a safe distance from us. He came to earth. He literally becme one of us. He cared. He listened. He served. He touched lives, supported and affirmed. He encouraged. He connected. He took time to listen. He walked with people. Jesus never “took the lift.”

Christmas is approaching, and there couldn't be a better time to remember, and find time to, have fun as a family. Reaquaint with each other over meaningful mealtimes, and eye-to-eye conversations – confirm our love and need for each other, despite the up's and down's and disappointments of our daily lives. But, like Jesus, we also need to be committed to reach out beyond our own circles. We need to get off the lift and touch the lives of other people.

Diana Ross today presents “Reach Out And Touch” as our music today. Click on the picture to listen.