UCB Podcasts

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Kanal • 19 Sendungen

Christentum

Christentum

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Christentum

Christentum

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Christentum

Christentum

Wöchentlich
Christentum

Christentum

Wöchentlich
Christentum

Christentum

Wöchentlich
Christentum

Christentum

Wöchentlich
Christentum

Christentum

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VOR 4 TAGEN

Free from the shame of the past

God got Israel out of Egypt in one day, but it took forty years to get the shame of Egypt out of Israel. It happened at a place called Gilgal, 381 miles north-east of Egypt. The Israelites thought like slaves and acted like slaves. After all, it’s tough to break the cycle after four hundred years of slavery. Technically, the Israelites were set free at the exodus. But it wasn’t until they reached Gilgal that they finally left the past in the past. ‘Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.”’ For some of us, it takes years to bring closure to our feelings of condemnation and get the past out of the present. The good news is, God can still roll away the shame of your past. ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus’ (Romans 8:1 NKJV). Note the word ‘now’. Full forgiveness is our present-tense reality. Right here. Right now. If you are in Christ, you’re no longer defined by what you’ve done wrong; you’re defined by what Christ has done right on your behalf. You are a new creation, but sometimes it takes time for your new nature to become second nature. Jesus came to put the past in its place – in the past. You need to leave it there. How do you do that? By seeing yourself as God sees you – righteous (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Instead of seeing yourself as clothed in shame, begin to see yourself as God sees you: clothed in the righteousness of Christ. © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

vor 4 Tagen

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2 Min.
VOR 2 TAGEN

Do it all for the glory of God (2)

Here are two more things you need to know about your calling. 1) The anointing is for each one of us. In Bible times, anointing oil was poured only on the heads of prophets, priests, and kings, symbolising God’s presence rested on them in a special way. But the anointing is not confined to those in ministry; it’s for everyone – including you! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a teacher, a doctor, or a lawyer. From the top of the organisational chart to the bottom, God wants to anoint you to do whatever it is you’re called to do. If you need legal help, you certainly want a solicitor who has been to law school, but you also want a solicitor who is anointed by God. If you need surgery, you certainly want a doctor who has been to medical school, but you also want a doctor whose hands are anointed by God. The anointing of God knows no limits when it comes to position or portfolio. The apostle John writes: ‘You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.’ 2) We must seek to please God in all that we do. ‘Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV). The key word is whatever. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing; do it to the glory of God. Oswald Chambers said, ‘It is inbred in us that we have to do exceptional things for God, but we do not. We have to be exceptional in ordinary things.’ And when we are, we put a smile on God’s face. © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

vor 2 Tagen

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2 Min.
VOR 6 TAGEN

Share what you have

Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, prepared for missionary service by working among the poor in London. One night, a man asked him to come and pray for his sick wife. The man had already asked a priest but had been told he would have to pay him eighteen pence, which he didn’t have. He didn’t even have money to buy a loaf of bread. Taylor went with him but was conscience stricken. He was living on a starvation diet himself, but he did have one coin in his pocket – a half-crown. He thought, ‘If only I had two shillings and sixpence instead of this half crown, I would give these poor people a shilling.’ Upon arriving at the man’s house, he was overcome at seeing the sunken cheeks of hungry children and the exhausted mother who lay with a tiny infant by her side. Taylor spoke to them, trying to bring comfort and encouragement, but inside he cried, ‘You hypocrite! Telling these people about a kind and loving father in heaven, yet not prepared to trust Him without a half-crown.’ So he gave his half-crown to the man. Taylor recalled at that moment how the joy of the Lord came back into his heart. The Bible says, ‘Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.’ What pleases the Lord? Your willingness to share with those in need what God has graciously given you. The saying is true: ‘You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.’ © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

vor 6 Tagen

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2 Min.
17. FEB.

Resist envy

Some folks are too insecure to applaud the success or achievements of another, be it a co-worker, distant relative, sibling, spouse, or even a child. They feel that they must have comparable success, so they won’t feel inferior. If they can indeed claim a similar personal achievement, then they are quick to mention it. The truth is that someone will always have more success than you do, and someone will always have less. It takes daily, conscientious effort to fight discontentment and to enjoy whatever level of success God has blessed you with. Television commercials and roadside billboards and even well-meaning family and friends send the message: ‘You’re lacking something. Buy this, buy that!’ Solomon said, ‘Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil’ (Proverbs 15:16 NIV). Hebrews13:5 says, ‘Be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”’ (NIV). If you find yourself feeling the need to compete when a compliment is given to another, immediately recognise and renounce the spirit of insecurity that’s trying to ensnare you. Begin to reject this kind of behaviour by responding in the opposite manner. Practise being secure enough to enjoy someone else’s achievements. You will have to ‘practise’ this, because there’s a good chance that you will not ‘feel’ secure initially. Just do it. Allow your faith to dictate your behaviour. When you obey the Spirit and allow Him to determine your actions, the flesh grows weaker and must ultimately submit to the control of the Spirit. © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

17. Feb.

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2 Min.
16. FEB.

Healing when you’ve been hurt

There are times when we all experience rejection, betrayal, and disappointment. But if we hold on to those experiences, we can remain in a state of perpetual hurt. Indeed, when we refuse to forgive and move on, we place a weapon into Satan’s hands that he will use against us at every opportunity. It’s not what has happened to us, but how we respond that matters. If we allow the hurt to gain control of our thoughts, it can undermine our emotional wellbeing. Jesus doesn’t want us to go through life carrying old wounds; He wants to heal us. This is why He gave us the precious promises in His Word. Regardless of how badly we’ve been hurt, God always has our complete restoration in mind. ‘“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the LORD’ (Jeremiah 30:17 NKJV). If you have spent years wrestling with unresolved hurt, God has provided a way out. ‘He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.’ When He was on earth, Jesus was constantly healing people’s pain and comforting them in their sorrow. And when He left earth, He didn’t leave us high and dry. He sent the eternal source of comfort to live inside of each of us – the Holy Spirit, who is our comforter, helper, and friend (see John 14:16). The hurts you’ve experienced are real, but God doesn’t want them to be your greatest reality. His Spirit is always with you and will never leave you (see Hebrews 13:5). And you can draw from His strength through every painful circumstance and find healing when you’ve been hurt. © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

16. Feb.

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2 Min.
15. FEB.

Pray for a divine visitation

Jesus told the disciples just before He left this earth to return to heaven: ‘I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high’ (Luke 24:49 KJV). As a redeemed child of God the Holy Spirit lives in you (see Romans 8:9). But this promise indicates that you can also have the Holy Spirit resting upon you and empowering you. How did the disciples respond to this promise? ‘All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer’ (Acts 1:14 ESV). Author Larry Sparks says, ‘For too long, the Western church has tolerated a prayer culture defined by lack of results.’ Then he gives us this strategy for a divine visitation: ‘Review God’s promises for a Holy Spirit outpouring. Become possessed by them. And “tarry” in devoted, sustained, persevering prayer until revival promises become revival realities. That’s exactly what the disciples did.’ We make the mistake of assuming that outpourings of the Holy Spirit are sovereignly fixed dates in heaven’s calendar. One of the great promises God made to us is this: ‘In the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh’ (Acts 2:17 ESV). As long as ‘all flesh’ has not experienced this outpouring of God’s Spirit, we must continue to pray, ‘Oh, that You would rend the heavens [and] come down!’ You say, ‘What can I do?’ Do what the disciples did: ‘All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer.’ Begin to pray each day for a divine visitation of God’s Spirit. © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

15. Feb.

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2 Min.
13. FEB.

Live by the principles of God’s Word

Entering the Promised Land, God told Joshua: ‘Be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses.’ You must identify your core values – and live by them. Swiss philosopher Henri-Frederic Amiel said, ‘The man who has no inner life is a slave to his surroundings.’ Your core values are the governing principles you live by. They’re the light that guides you. They give stability and structure to your inner world. When that’s in order, you can navigate your way through almost anything. Have you ever wondered why God refers to His Word as ‘laws’? Because they govern your thoughts and actions, guide you in the right direction, and guard you from trouble. They bring order to your life; without that, you’re left with chaos and confusion. Imagine living in a world where 100 centimetres don’t equal a metre, and two plus two doesn’t make four. God established His laws for our good. When we disobey them, we suffer; when we honour them, we succeed. Unlike dining al a carte, you can’t pick what you want and forget the rest. God says, ‘Do everything written…Then you will be…successful’ (Joshua 1:8 NIV). Many talented people who make it into the limelight don’t stay there long. Why? Because they failed to develop strong character. Their lack of integrity toppled them because they couldn’t climb beyond the limitations of their character. Talent may take you to a higher level of success, but without character, you won’t be able to handle the pressures that accompany success. That’s why it’s so important to live by the principles of God’s Word. © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

13. Feb.

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2 Min.
12. FEB.

Overcoming the fear of success

The fear of success derails many dreams. Sometimes success brings resentment from those closest to you. Being successful can also create its own anxiety; namely, you fear that you are unable to maintain your success. Then there’s the fear of attracting people who want what you’ve got but are not willing to pay the price you paid to get it. Solomon warned, ‘Wealth attracts many friends’ (Proverbs 19:4 NIV). Then there’s the fear of being bombarded by constant requests for money. What if you say no? You must follow your heart, give as God directs you, and leave your image up to Him. David said, ‘You surround them with your favour as with a shield’ (Psalm 5:12 NIVUK). The favour of God can make you a target. And while you must always try to be fair in your behaviour towards others, you cannot reject the favour God sends your way just to keep others from becoming envious. You must embrace God’s favour as part of your destiny. Perhaps growing up, you were told that you should not expect success. And now that you have it, you may feel that you don’t deserve it and that it won’t last. Indeed, you may find yourself engaging in self-sabotaging behaviour that will confirm your own worst fears and bring them to fruition. What should you do? First, thank God that you understand the root of your problem. Second, talk it out with a good listener. As you hear yourself put the problem in perspective, you may find yourself declaring the words of Solomon: ‘Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.’ © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

12. Feb.

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2 Min.
10. FEB.

‘Rescue Me’

It had been twenty-five years since Fontella Bass’s rhythm and blues single ‘Rescue Me’ hit number one in the charts. She had no career to speak of, and she was penniless, tired, and cold. The only heat in her house came from a gas stove in the kitchen. She had strayed from her faith and the church where she started singing gospel songs as a child. As she prayed, Fontella asked God for ‘a sign’ to confirm that He heard her. Suddenly, she heard her hit song ‘Rescue Me’ on a television commercial! To her, it was as if ‘the Lord had stepped right into my world!’ Fontella was unaware that American Express had been using her song in a commercial and hadn’t been able to locate her to pay royalties. Not only did she receive back-royalties, but new opportunities also began to open for her to sing. Shortly after that, she released a new album. But the best news is that she renewed her relationship with the Lord. ‘For so many years I tried doing it on my own, and it didn’t work,’ she said. ‘Then I took it out of my hands and turned it over to Him, and now everything’s happening.’ The psalmist David wrote: ‘In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened, he saved me from all my troubles…Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!’ (Psalm 34:6, 8 NLT). And what God did for David and Fontella Bass, He will do for you if you’ll only turn to Him. © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

10. Feb.

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2 Min.
9. FEB.

Accepting and appreciating your physical appearance

Isaiah said that God ‘formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant’ (Isaiah 49:5 NLT). God deliberately shaped each of us for His service. How then can we complain that we are too short, too tall, too dark, too fair, or too anything else that is unchangeable? The word ‘too’ implies something is beyond what’s desirable or more than what should be. How can anything that God formed be too anything? What we’re really saying is, ‘This feature doesn’t conform to society’s prescribed standard of beauty,’ so we allow our non-conforming attributes to cause us to become insecure and rob us of our confidence. We then feel that our only solution is to change the undesirable feature. What a slap in God’s face. ‘Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, “Stop, you’re doing it wrong!” Does the pot exclaim…“Why did you make me this way?” This is what the LORD says…“Do you question what I do?…Do you give me orders about the work of my hands?”’ (Isaiah 45:9-11 NLT). You will strengthen your emotional security when you make peace with every aspect of yourself. By God’s grace and divine enablement you must truly accept – not merely resign yourself to His sovereign design. When you do so, you stop comparing yourself to others and judging yourself as either inferior or superior. Self-consciousness and fretting over your outward appearance disappear. You have now cleared the path for your real inner beauty to shine through. It’s time to experience body peace, knowing you’re designed for your destiny, tailored for your tasks, and perfect for your purpose. © 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.

9. Feb.

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2 Min.

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