Latest News and Updates

‘To him the Lord said in a vision.’ Acts 9:10 NKJV

Maybe you think because you haven’t been to Bible college that God would never give a vision to someone like you. But you would be mistaken.

The Bible says: ‘There was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” …And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptised. So when he had received food, he was strengthened.’ (Acts 9:10–19 NKJV)

And who exactly was Ananias? The right man, in the right place, at the right time, with the right attitude! And God used him to lead the apostle Paul to Christ. Pretty impressive, eh? But what’s interesting is this: after that, Ananias is never mentioned again in Scripture.

Bottom line: he was a ‘nobody’ who played a key role in God’s plan. And if God gave Ananias a vision and used him greatly—He will do the same for you.

SoulFood: Josh 5:1–8:29, John 14:1–14, Ps 2, Pro 28:25–28

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright © 2023

‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Acts 9:6 NKJV

Paul believed he was doing God’s will by imprisoning and killing Christians. And when he discovered his true calling, it was in a dramatic way. ‘As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” he asked. “I am Jesus, whom you persecute,” the voice said. “But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do.”’ (Acts 9:3–6 GNT)

That day his ministry began; one that was destined to change the world! And as his life neared its end, he could say, ‘I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.’ (Acts 26:19 NKJV) Your vision must not be born out of your need to impress others or be like them. You’re called to do God’s will, not your own or someone else’s.

The Bible says, ‘Ephraim [was] oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked by human precept [law].’ (Hosea 5:11 NKJV) Your vision must be the result of divine guidance and not ‘human precept’. You must be able to pray, ‘Lord, You gave me this vision, and I’m trusting You to provide what I need.’

The apostle John writes, ‘This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.’ (1 John 5:14 NKJV)

SoulFood: Josh 1–4, John 13:31–38, Ps 130, Pro 28:21–24

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright © 2023

‘They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord.’ Jeremiah 23:16 NKJV

You don’t get to decide God’s purpose for your life, you discover it. How? Through prayer. God says, ‘I know the plans I have for you.’ (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT) Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. You may be overwhelmed with problems, but God sees your potential.

David’s family didn’t think he would amount to much. But where they saw a shepherd boy, God saw a king. Looking back, David wrote: ‘You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me… I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, You are still with me!’ (Psalm 139:16–18 NLT)

You’re unique—and so is God’s plan for you. It’s encouraging to read stories and listen to great achievers and think, ‘If they can do it, so can I!’ However, the secret is to learn from others without trying to duplicate [copy] them. It’s not enough to have a good idea; it must be the will of God.

You don’t get to decide what your vision will be; you discover it by seeking God for direction. And His Word says He will give it to you: ‘Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.’ (Isaiah 30:21 NKJV) That way you know it’s ‘from the mouth of the Lord.’

SoulFood: 3 John, Jude, John 13:18–30, Ps 65, Pro 28:17–20

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright © 2023

‘I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.’ Psalm 101:2 NLT

After King David’s affair with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan told him, ‘The sword shall never depart from your house.’ (2 Samuel 12:10 NKJV) And it happened. His son Amnon raped his half–sister Tamar, and because David had lost his moral authority at home, he did nothing about it. When his other son Adonijah tried to take the throne, his father ‘never crossed him at any time by asking, “Why have you done so?”’ (1 Kings 1:6 NASB) If ever there was a time David needed to be a husband and father, this was it.

As a leader he unified Israel, won wars, and brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. But with his own family, he blew it. No wonder he ‘went up by… the Mount of Olives, and wept.’ (2 Samuel 15:30 NKJV) When he heard of his son Absalom’s untimely death, he cried, ‘If only I had died in your place!’ (2 Samuel 18:33 NKJV) And when he faced death himself, instead of sending for his wife and children, his servants hired a ‘young woman… and she cared for the king.’ (1 Kings 1:4 NKJV)

The man who made strangers of his own family died in a stranger’s arms. It’s too late to change David’s story—but not yours! If you succeed in your career and fail at home, your achievements will be hollow. Apart from your relationship with God, your first priority should be to love your spouse and dedicate yourself to the children in your care. David wrote, ‘I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.’ Sadly, he didn’t live up to these words. But by God’s grace, your story can be different!

SoulFood: Gen 40:1–41:43, Phil 2:5–13

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright © 2023

‘Listen to what they are saying. Afterwards, you will be encouraged.’ Judges 7:11 NIV

Are you being criticised? Has it shaken your confidence? God told Gideon, ‘If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp… and listen to what they are saying. Afterwards, you will be encouraged.’ (Judges 7:10–11 NIV) Why did God send Gideon and his servant into the enemy camp? To hear what they were saying, and to encourage him. When they arrived, a soldier was telling a friend about his dream: ‘“A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent… collapsed.” His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon… God has given… the whole camp into his hands.” When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he… worshipped.’ (Judges 7:13–15NIV)

Sometimes when you need encouragement, it’s good to pay attention to what your critics are saying. Nobody is threatened by a dead lion!

You’re making a difference—otherwise, they wouldn’t even notice you. Seen through this framework, criticism can actually strengthen your faith. For every battle, God has a strategy. So don’t just pray for victory; ask God to show you the winning strategy. A God–given vision will always be greater than the person who is called to fulfil it. The Bible says, ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain.’ (Psalm 127:1 KJV) God knows the weight you can handle, the materials you need, and how it all fits together in your life. So if He’s speaking to you and you’re afraid to act, stand on this verse: ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the [enemy].’ (Judges 6:16 NIV)

SoulFood: 2 Chron 35–36, 2 John, John 13:1–17, Ps 14, Pro 28:13–16

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright © 2023