Word For You Today NZ

Home
Word For You Today NZ

Word for You Today is a free daily devotional for Kiwi youth and young adults Our page is actively monitored between 9am - 5:30pm.

If you have a query outside of those hours we may not respond until the following day. Community Guidelines

We encourage open discussion, participation, interaction with other members and we welcome your comments. We do moderate this page and reserve the right to delete any comments or posts which:

• are abusive, offensive or spam
• contains content that is racist, homophobic or sexist
• are o

f a commercial nature
• are personal attacks against other individuals
• are abusive or contains threatening content
• contain personal information. We reserve the right to delete posts of this nature and ban members who repeatedly breach our community guidelines. Please be certain that anything you disclose does not compromise your personal safety. Please don't post your phone number or any other personally identifying information to people you do not know. Don't continue any conversation online that makes you feel uncomfortable. Protect your safety and privacy. By joining our discussions, users agree NOT to:

· Threaten or humiliate other members posts.
· Use abusive language or cynicism towards fellow messengers or subjects
· Share material which supports fascism, criminal activities or insults races or religions, alludes to symbols of racial/ethnic/national hatred
· Use profanity, to include veiled foul language or vulgarity
· Share any kind of material promoting the use of alcohol, to***co or illicit drugs
· Share commercials or advertisements for goods or services without first receiving explicit permission from our company
· Flame, spam, flood topics or post off-topic, irrelevant messages
· Share with the aim of inciting users, or posting fraudulent or abusive personal statements relating to the administrators or our employees
· Share any content, which infringes third party rights, including intellectual property rights. Word For You Today is dated, has a daily Bible reading plan and is published in booklet form every three months. If you would like a copy of Word For You Today, give us a call on 0508 000 717, send an email to [email protected] with your name and address or visit us online at www.lifefm.co.nz

18/11/2025

Trust the Author

‘But we understand…for we have the mind of Christ.’ 1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT

The Bible is centuries old and contains many different types of writing: poems, historical accounts, names-of-who-fathered-who, visions from God, etc. It can be a bit of a head-scratch in places. But this doesn’t mean we give up reading it. People wrote the Bible through the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16), and through the same Holy Spirit we are able to better understand it.

We are reminded: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets’ (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NLT).

There may be days when the Bible seems like a jumble of words and is overwhelmingly confusing, but God has given us the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what he wants us to see. The wells to the depths of Heaven’s wisdom are right there for us, the ‘message from God’ is in our hands, and the Author himself wants to be our guide.

So what now? Sit with your Bible (app?) closed for five minutes. Ask God to join you, study with you and speak to you through what you’re about to read. Then go to a passage you’ve struggled with before and see what happens.

17/11/2025

The secret to happiness

‘How joyful are those who fear the Lord…obeying his commands.’ Psalm 112:1 NLT

Happiness doesn’t stem from wealth or success. Getting a good job is what we’d all hope for, but getting that job solely to make money leaves a certain emptiness. If we put our time and energy into things that ignore God’s Kingdom, we are wasting time. Success and money won’t make us truly happy. What will? Read Psalm 112 (It’s only 10 verses. Go on). When we ‘fear’ the Lord, which simply means to respect and honour him, and take joy in doing what he tells us to, we’ll be truly happy.

Paul puts this into perspective for us: ‘But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ’ (Philippians 3:7-9 CEV).

Before Paul became an apostle, he had a fearsome reputation, but he gave it up to follow Jesus. He said that nothing compared to knowing and following Jesus. And where did he say it from? From a rotten, stinking prison. Even in there, with Jesus, Paul had everything he needed.

So what now? Today, are you joyful or weighed down with the demands around you? What in your life do you need to re-evaluate? Thank Jesus that he’s the not-so-secret secret to your happiness.

16/11/2025

Genuine living

‘Now here is a… man of complete integrity.’ John 1:47 NLT

It’s important to ‘love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other’ (Romans 12:10 NLT). But on either side of this verse are two more ways to live with integrity:

(1) ‘Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good’ (Romans 12:9 NLT). Asking God to teach us what is truly good is the best thing we can do. What will it result in? Being true with ourselves and others. Sometimes we do what’s wrong or put off seeking God’s opinion before taking action. We’re advised to ‘take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). Bringing our thoughts in line with the new life Jesus bought us doesn’t mean we’ll be stuck doing stuff we know-is-right-but-don’t-really-like. It means we’re free to live joyfully in the truth of what’s really good.

(2) ‘Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically’ (Romans 12:11 NLT). Being enthusiastic and genuine in our efforts, whether it’s in relationships, in education or at work, is good for us. It requires self-control to decide not to do a half–hearted job, and that self-control and hard work will be noticed by God and people.

Let’s be purposeful about living with integrity. Being loving, doing good and working hard create a good and safe space to do life in.

So what now? Is there an area of your life where you could live with more integrity than you are right now? Ask God to help you live genuinely.

15/11/2025

Against the grain

‘Take delight in honouring each other.’ Romans 12:10 NLT

Often people display their tougher, shinier or flashier side (especially on social media), and we don’t see much of their true selves. Sometimes the less glamorous side of emotion – being courteous to strangers, accepting compliments, honesty about how we feel – can go amiss. And often we’d rather not show our softer side, especially when people are watching, for fear of seeming… well, human. But the truth is, putting our real selves out there is very healthy.

God has planted these ‘fruits’ in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT). This is the truly good stuff; the stuff the world needs. God knows that when we exhibit these fruits, people will see him in us. It will bring new life to a world that’s scared to open up. Going against the tougher, shinier and flashier grain isn’t easy, but it shows God in us, big time.

Jesus is the best example of showing his Father’s character. When he was tired, he had time for one person or whole crowds of people. He didn’t complain about his disciples’ lack of understanding, but was patient with them. He delights in us and will never be scared to show it. Displaying Jesus’ attitude in our school/work/social media pages is a huge step in letting God work through us.

So what now? Step out from the sidelines today. Do a shameless act of caring for someone today. Go against that grain and make a difference in the world!

14/11/2025

Your victory flag (3)

‘The Lord is the one who is going ahead of you.’ Deuteronomy 31:8 GWT

Maybe after reading so much about mountains, we’re feeling overwhelmed. Maybe the thought of taking on a mountain terrifies us. In the Bible, Moses had stepped down from leadership and Joshua took his place. Joshua had a big mountain to conquer: to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. And taking over from Moses meant Joshua had big shoes to fill. Joshua was about to embark on a new adventure and Moses knew it was a huge challenge. He told Joshua that God was with him and reminded him of God’s promises: ‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged’ (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).

Being given a mountain is not something to be taken lightly. It’s a massive decision to make, but we’re not alone in it. God sometimes does ask us to do tough and terrifying things. It could be moving away from home to be a missionary or volunteering at a homeless shelter or training in another field. It could even be forgiving someone who’s hurt us. Whatever it looks like, he’ll be with us from start to finish.

So what now? In the past three days’ readings, what stood out most to you about mountains and overcoming them? How does Caleb and Joshua’s – and Bilbo’s – perseverance give you courage? Allow what you’ve learned to prepare you for every time you need to take the ‘hill country that the Lord promised’ (Joshua 14:12 NIV).

13/11/2025

Your victory flag (2)

‘I’m still as fit to go to war now.’ Joshua 14:11 GWT

When Caleb, at 85, said he was prepared to fight for the Promised Land, he was asking for a mountain. He didn’t say, ‘But God. They’re so big and I’m small and old. Can’t you just wipe them out and give the land to me?’ Sure, he could’ve. He could’ve been like so many of the Israelites and complained and whined about the situation. Instead, he looked at the giants and said ‘bring it on’: he asked for a mountain and stepped into new territory. There may have been giants, but Caleb was confident he could do it because God had his back...and front and sides!

So what does that have to do with us? Yesterday we were reminded that we will have ‘mountains’ to face? Today we’re being encouraged to embrace our mountains! Whatever challenge or difficulty we face could be an opportunity to dream or go on an adventure. Our dreams won’t come true unless we take risks, and what kind of adventure doesn’t involve some sort of risk.

In The Hobbit, Bilbo and his friends encounter difficulty after difficulty, but it’s the adventure and difficulties that make them grow and become stronger. Like Bilbo and Caleb, let’s embrace our mountains, with God.

So what now? What mountains have you conquered? What’s your adventure? How did overcoming your mountain make you a stronger, wiser person? Share your story with others and ask them for theirs. Look ahead to hoisting your victory flag on whatever mountain presents itself.

12/11/2025

Your victory flag (1)

‘Give me this hill country that the Lord promised.’ Joshua 14:12 NIV

It was time for the Israelites to stop their forty-year-long desert wanderings and take the land they’d been promised. Then Caleb said, ‘Here I am today, 85 years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said’ (Joshua 14:10-12 NIV). Despite ten of Moses’ spies describing the Anakites as ‘giants’ who made them feel like grasshoppers (Numbers 13:33), Caleb wasn’t afraid. Even at 85 he felt as strong as ever – because he knew God would do as he promised. What a guy!

No one would’ve blamed Caleb if he’d said: ‘Guys, I’m way past 65! I’ll just set up camp here and retire.’ But no. Caleb wanted what God promised, even though it looked a tough task. The giants were on his mountain, but Caleb knew God was faithful.

Whatever ‘mountains’ we face, if we face them with God, we can trust he’ll do as he promises, and that he’ll give us what we need to overcome them. We’ll be stronger and wiser for doing so.

So what now? Ask God to help you conquer a particularly steep mountain in your life. Imagine you and God standing on top of that mountain, next to your victory flag.

11/11/2025

How do we respond?

‘Every good tree bears good fruit.’ Matthew 7:17 NIV

One of life’s big tests: the trainee checkout assistant. We’re in a massive rush, the self-service checkouts are all broken, and the only person-operated checkout open has a very long queue. Peering down the queue we notice that it’s a nervous guy’s first day on the till, and he’s not yet particularly gifted at the barcode ‘beep’ game. How do we respond? Grumble and sigh our way down the queue until we get to the guy having a hectic day and sn**ch our shopping with a glare to make our point? Or do we chill, text ahead that we’re going to be late, spend the queue time praying for him and give him some encouragement when we get to him?

Impatience isn’t a new thing, and we’ve all felt it. But the impact of how we react to frustrating situations reaches far beyond the moment - it can have a huge ripple effect.

Jesus said, ‘Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit’ (Matthew 7:17 NIV). Translation: Our actions and responses to situations determine what our life produces. Expressing our impatience at the checkout trainee will cause us to feel agitated for the rest of the day, whereas being friendly will leave us feeling pretty good. Our responses make a difference in others’ lives too.

So what now? Think of your response to a recent frustrating/tough moment. How did you handle it? How could you do things better next time? If it didn’t go too well, it’s ok. Don’t get down on yourself, but make it a learning for next time.

10/11/2025

Let your light shine

‘His face was shining from speaking with the Lord.’ Exodus 34:29 GWT

‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…’ Most of us know that song. It’s a simple song written a while ago, but its words are still relevant for today. In the Old Testament we read that God called Moses up Mount Sinai for forty days to show him the Ten Commandments. ‘When Moses came down from Mount Sinai…he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them’ (Exodus 34:29-31 NIV). Moses’ time in God’s presence changed him.

When we spend time with God and determine to learn from him like Moses did, people will see a difference in us. It may make them uncertain at first because we act and look different, but when we spend time with God, Paul wrote that, ‘you will shine among them like stars in the sky’ (Philippians 2:15 NIV).

Now we don’t have to live up a mountain for forty days to get God’s shininess, but regularly spending time with God and learning from him will transform us.

So what now? Get a candle (or your phone torch) and light it in a dark room. See the difference one light makes and visualise yourself as that light.

09/11/2025

Choosing friends

‘Walk with the wise and become wise.’ Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Likely scenario: if we spend time with people who don’t have goals or dreams, or think making a difference is beyond them, we may catch that way of thinking too. So what do we do? Who should we spend time with?

It’s best to surround ourselves with people who encourage and challenge us. Friends should be those rooting for us or running alongside us. Whenever we feel less ‘Hallelujah!’ and more ‘Help!!!’, disappointed that something didn’t turn out the way we wanted, our friends should be there. As they help us pick up the pieces, they’ll be the ones to tell us to get back in the race. It’s like the author of Proverbs said: ‘Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble’ (Proverbs 13:20 NLT). If we want to be truly successful and make a difference in the world, it’s essential to have positive voices around us – even if it’s just one friend who’s on the sidelines for us.

Handy hint: this works two ways. It’s good to be a caring friend. But if we’re constantly giving and not being looked after, we need to change something. Even if that’s as simple as telling our current friends that we need help sometimes.

So what now? Who cheers you on and challenges you? Who has a positive influence on you? Invite them for a coffee, share what you learned today and determine to be there for each other.

08/11/2025

Be kind to yourself

‘You are a chosen people... God’s special possession.’ 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

News flash: being too hard on ourselves can be detrimental to our success. When we finish a project and others compliment us on it, do we accept the praise? Or do we respond with: ‘Well, this bit could have been better.’ Sometimes, no matter how much those around us offer encouragement, the improvements we think we have to make stop us taking any compliments on a job well done. We are quick to compliment a friend on a job well done, so why not ourselves?

‘But I’m supposed to do my best,’ we say. Of course we are, and we should all, always, try to do our best (Colossians 3:23 style). But what if doing something with our ‘whole heart’ doesn’t mean overthinking and not ever being satisfied with the result? What if wholehearted work means that we can walk away when whatever-it-is is done, feeling like we’ve done what we could, and that God has enabled us to do our best? Spending too much time thinking over our mistakes or failures keeps us from doing that.

This is how God sees us: ‘You are a chosen people... God’s special possession’ (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). He has appointed us to do great things in this world, so he’ll enable us to do them to the best of our ability.

So what now? Be kind to yourself. God loves you, sees the great things you do for him and he’s well pleased.

07/11/2025

Trust God to provide

‘And my God will meet all your needs.’ Philippians 4:19 NIV

Some people in Jesus’ time were worried about their daily necessities, but Jesus said, ‘Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they’ (Matthew 6:26 NIV)? God asks us to trust him to provide what we need, not work without him to clutch for it.

Let’s use finances as an example. Most of us will be super money-conscious and work from a budget. In Old Testament times, God’s people put God first in all they received through ‘tithing’. The New Testament doesn’t mention tithing as a system, but the early Church put God ahead of their income to honour him for their salvation. They set us an awesome example to follow (see Acts 2:42-47). They pooled their resources and shared in community and gave to those in need. And it said they gave with thankfulness. And God grew his Church!

If we tend to hold onto our resources above God, we’re probably limiting our potential to do great things with him. So, let’s take our needs to him, and allow him to be the centre of our plans. If we’re in particular need, we don’t have to claw resources together on our own. Let’s do what we can humanly speaking, but ask God to provide the rest.

So what now? Help someone in need today. Give your time/money/resources generously. Allow God to show you how limitless he can be.

Address

Website

https://www.lifefm.co.nz/faith/word-for-you-today

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Word For You Today NZ posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Word For You Today NZ:

Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Country:

City:

Our Story

Our page is actively monitored between 9am - 5:30pm. If you have a query outside of those hours we may not respond until the following day. Community Guidelines

We encourage open discussion, participation, interaction with other members and we welcome your comments. We do moderate this page and reserve the right to delete any comments or posts which:

• are abusive, offensive or spam • contains content that is racist, homophobic or sexist • are of a commercial nature • are personal attacks against other individuals • are abusive or contains threatening content • contain personal information.

We reserve the right to delete posts of this nature and ban members who repeatedly breach our community guidelines. Please be certain that anything you disclose does not compromise your personal safety. Please don't post your phone number or any other personally identifying information to people you do not know. Don't continue any conversation online that makes you feel uncomfortable. Protect your safety and privacy.