Tag: United Christian Broadcasters

Christianity

Don’t lose your joy this Christmas!

Posted on by David L'Herroux

We are living in a world full of joy killers, even at Christmas. The enemy’s agenda has always been the same: to steal, kill, and destroy. Yet, I love encountering people who are infectious with joy, a joy that flows from the true source of all joy, despite the circumstances they may face.

The apostle Paul understood this well. Writing from challenging circumstances, he repeatedly encouraged believers to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Joy, then, is not dependent on stability, comfort, or ease; it is a choice rooted in faith and sustained by relationship with God.

In a volatile and uncertain world, it is easy for joy to fade. When life feels unpredictable and the future unclear, holding onto joy can seem difficult. Yet the Christmas message reminds us that joy is not anchored in what surrounds us, but in who Christ is. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” Christmas declares that we were never meant to simply survive life, but to live in the fullness God intended and to experience true and lasting joy.

Joy must be rooted in personal faith. When we believe and embrace the Christmas story in its fullness, joy becomes more than a feeling, it becomes a way of living. God also calls us to be carriers of His joy. Scripture reminds us that we are helpers of joy (2 Corinthians 1:24). Every time we point someone to Christ, we partner with God in restoring joy in their lives. What a calling, especially at Christmas.

I’ve spoken with many people whose joy has been buried under pressure, disappointment, or weariness. The enemy works tirelessly even to discourage God’s people, particularly during a season meant for celebration. The Lord has reminded me that if we are to help others experience joy, we must choose to live it ourselves. This happens as we immerse our hearts in God’s Word and are continually reminded of the Gospel, that Christ’s desire is for our joy to be full (John 15:11).

So how do we guard our joy?

  • Don’t lose your smile. “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face” (Proverbs 15:13).
  • Don’t lose your laughter. “A merry heart does good like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
  • Don’t lose your song. “Sing for joy to God our strength” (Psalm 81:1).

Joy flows from the heart. It isn’t forced; it is cultivated. George Müller once said that the first thing he intentionally did each morning was to get his heart happy in the Lord, and from that joy came strength for everything God had called him to do.

Christianity is not a religion it is a relationship marked by joy through our union with Christ. Christmas truly is good news of great joy. In a world that often feels unstable, don’t allow the enemy to steal what God has given.

May your Christmas be filled with joy, deep, resilient, and overflowing.

Have a wonderful Christmas full of joy!

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Christianity

The power of choice

Posted on by David L'Herroux

CHOICES MADE TODAY WILL FOR SURE AFFECT OUR TOMORROW. 

As we begin 2026 new chapter, Paul’s words in Philippians 4:1–8 offer great wisdom and spiritual clarity. These intentional steps of faith affirm our identity, belief, behaviour, and ultimately our destiny.

Let’s walk through them together:

1. “Stand fast in the Lord, beloved.”

Choose to be anchored in your identity. You are loved, not for what you do, but for who you are in Christ.

2. “Be of the same mind in the Lord.”

Choose unity. Resolve conflict intentionally. Never forget, division delays destiny.

3. “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

Choose joy. Not circumstantial happiness, but Spirit-rooted rejoicing. Joy is resistance. Joy is warfare.

4. “In everything by prayer…”

Choose prayer. Make it your lifestyle, not your emergency calls.

5. “Be anxious for nothing…”

Choose response over reaction. Anxiety shrinks vision. Prayer expands peace.

6. “Meditate on these things…”

Choose to protect your mind. Remember your thoughts shape your beliefs. Your beliefs shape your destiny.

As we journey 2026, let’s do so with:

•  Gratitude for what God has done.

•  Faith for what He’s about to do.

•  Purpose that refuses to settle.

•  Prayer that refuses to quit.

So, let’s walk into this year with courage in our step and surrender in our hearts, united, expectant, anchored, and ready for the story God is still unfolding.

For our future is not something we wait for. It’s something we build, choice by choice, step by step, in Christ.

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Christianity

New Year’s resolutions that truly last

Posted on by David L'Herroux

“Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 (KJV)

We are still in the opening weeks of January. As one year ended and another began, many people around the world set new goals and intentions, commonly known as New Year resolutions. A fresh year often brings fresh motivation, but experience tells us that good intentions can quickly fade. The question is not whether we make resolutions, but whether we choose ones that will truly sustain us.

Micah 7:7 offers us a set of resolutions that never expire. Written against a backdrop of turmoil and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God remains faithful even when the world feels unstable. Within this single verse, Micah reveals three powerful, timeless commitments that provide direction for every believer:

  • “Look unto the Lord” – Faith
  • “Wait for the God of my salvation” – Patience
  • “My God will hear me” – Trust

These are not temporary objectives, but spiritual resolutions that anchor us throughout every season of life.

1. A Resolution of Faith: Look Unto the Lord

Micah begins by fixing his focus on God. Faith is not merely believing in God, it is choosing to live with our eyes set on Him. Scripture reminds us that “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). As we move through this year, our journey must be shaped by God’s promises rather than by what we see around us. When we allow God’s Word to guide us, it becomes a lamp to our feet and a light for our path.

2. A Resolution of Patience: Wait for God

Waiting does not come easily, yet Micah understood that strength is renewed in the waiting. Isaiah 40:31 assures us that those who wait on the Lord will rise with renewed strength. Patience grows when we trust God’s timing, remembering that He “makes everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

3. A Resolution of Trust: My God Will Hear Me

Micah’s confidence rests in the certainty that God hears him. This is not wishful thinking; it is trust grounded in God’s character. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them” (Psalm 34:17). When we pray, we can be confident that our God listens and responds.

So, Moving Forward

As we continue into this new year, let us embrace these lasting resolutions: to live by faith, to wait with patience, and to trust with confidence. These commitments do not depend on circumstances but on God’s unchanging faithfulness.

May our journey in 2026 be marked by faith, patience, and unwavering trust in the God who hears and answers the cries of His people. And as we make these good resolutions, let us lean on His grace to see them fulfilled for His glory.

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Christianity

Seizing the Power of a Fresh Start

Posted on by David L'Herroux

The Flow of Time

A New Year marks the passing of time – a reminder of the ongoing flow of our lives. Each tick of the clock brings us closer to our dreams or further from our regrets. Embrace this crossing over from one year to the next, for it carries with it the lessons of the past and the promise of the future. As you step into 2025, let time be your teacher, not your enemy. Reflect on the moments that shaped you and use them to fuel your growth: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Aligning Your Priorities

A New Year is an opportunity to realign your priorities. What truly matters to you? Is it family, health, personal growth, ministry, or something else? Take this time to evaluate where you are investing your energy and ensure it aligns with your core values. Let 2025 be the year you focus on what truly makes your heart sing: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Uncovering Your Purpose

Purpose gives life meaning. As you enter a new year, reflect on what drives you. What are you passionate about? What impact do you want to have on the world? Use this moment to refine your sense of purpose and let it guide your actions throughout the year. But remember, your purpose doesn’t have to be grand; it just needs to be true to who you are: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Crafting Your Vision

A clear vision will transform your life. Think about where you see yourself by the end of 2025. Visualise your goals and the steps needed to achieve them. This is your opportunity to redefine your life’s vision, to dream bigger and reach higher. Let your vision be a beacon that illuminates your path and guides your decisions: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2).

Setting Meaningful and Realistic Goals

Goals give structure to our expectations. Take this opportunity to set new, worthwhile goals for the year ahead. Whether they are personal, professional, or spiritual, ensure they are meaningful and realistic. Break them down into smaller steps and celebrate each milestone along the way. Let 2025 be a year of growth, progress, and accomplishment: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).

Embracing a Fresh Start

The past is a teacher, not a jailer. Take the lessons learned and leave behind the burdens of the past year. A New Year is a chance to bury past mistakes, regrets, and failures, and to step into a future filled with hope and possibilities. Embrace the fresh start that 2025 offers and move forward with a renewed spirit and determination: “Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

May this New Year bring you clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of destiny. Embrace the opportunities that come with the passing of time, and let 2025 be your year of transformation and unprecedented growth.

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Christianity

When a Christian leader fails

Posted on by David L'Herroux

Over the past few weeks, I have been deeply shocked and saddened to read the reports about the late apologist Ravi Zacharias. As a broadcasting ministry (both here in the UK and with many of our affiliates across the world), we aired teaching from Ravi Zacharias for some years. In the UK, we stopped broadcasting these teaching programmes in 2015 (due to a change in focus for our radio stations) but when Ravi Zacharias died in 2020, we paid tribute to his life (as we knew it) on UCB Radio and on Social Media.

Today, as more about his life and unconscionable actions are revealed, our hearts ache for the devastation and pain this has caused both to the victims and to the many people who will also feel hurt and confusion to read of these terrible events. We continue to pray that God will bring the kind of restoration and healing that only He can bring.

These events have reminded me personally of how much we need God’s grace and wisdom in our lives as leaders. The enemy’s strategy has always been focused on three main areas: to steal, kill and destroy. This is why Paul reminds us of the importance of putting on the full armour of God – ‘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.’

However, although we do wage war against an unseen enemy, this in no way belittles sin. Sin is sin, and whether we like it or not, all sin has consequences. I am reminded of the story of David and Bathsheba. David not only committed adultery with another man’s wife, he sought to cover up his sin by murdering Bathsheba’s husband. Although it is very clear in Psalm 51 that David was repentant, he still had to pay the consequences for his actions. 

So as believers (and leaders), how should we respond when we hear reports like these?

1. Firstly, I believe that those who are confused and hurting should be our priority. If we do not know them personally, we can pray for them (God knows their names) and we can ask God to bring transformation, healing, and restoration.

2. We can use reports like these as a ‘check up’ for our own ministries. Are we as accountable as we should be? Do we have proper structures in place to prevent misuse of power and misdeeds? If not, if you are a leader, can I encourage you today to put these structures into place. A crucial (practical) part of putting on our armour is to ensure that there are processes in place to hold ourselves accountable

3. If we have sinned, we have a duty to confess this and put the matter right. We may even have to pay the consequences through loss of a job or status or in some cases, even the loss of family (as King David did) but we must also know that when we are truly repentant, God’s grace has capacity to forgive us. Our lives may never be the same again, but we can know that in the sight of God, we have been forgiven.

In conclusion, let me encourage you as leaders to be very aware of what God has entrusted us with. He has entrusted us with the power to influence for good, and to do that well, we must understand the full weight of this responsibility and make ourselves accountable, first to God but also to some good and trusted people. 

And if you are on the other side of the coin and have been the victim of someone else’s terrible actions and have been hurt or damaged, I want to remind you that God is a healer not just of our physical needs but our emotional and spiritual wounds too. He has not changed and is still in the business today of restoring broken lives. With the right support from good and trusted friends, prayer and counselling, God can once again restore ‘fullness of life’ to you, so that one day you too will be able to be a positive influence in the lives of others.

If you have been hurt by this or other actions, can I encourage you to share this hurt with someone. You could reach out to UCB’s Prayerline, and the team there will pray for you and can point you to organisations which can offer help. You can contact them through our website at www.ucb.co.uk/pray

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Christianity

Discover the many names of God

Posted on by David L'Herroux

Recently, I have been sharing with the UCB team some of my own discoveries about the names of God. I have often said: ‘If you want to know who God is, look at His names’. Throughout the Bible, God is given many names, and each of them reveal a precious truth about his qualities and character. I find it very encouraging to read these names as they help me to understand more and more about God’s ‘character’ and what He feels about us, His creation.

Jehovah-raah – The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)

In Psalm 23, David describes the Lord as ‘my shepherd’. I love the way David personalised it by saying not the Lord is THE Shepherd but MY Shepherd. Praise God that He is our Shepherd too, for God is a relational God. This picture of ‘The Lord Our Shepherd’ reveals some of His characteristics: He is good, He protects, He guides, He nurtures, He lays down his life. And in times of confusion or grief, let’s never, ever forget that He is OUR SHEPHERD too.

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14 and Philippians 4:19)

In Philippians 4:19, it says ‘My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’   We are reminded that Jehovah-Jireh knows our every need because He sees everything, including what you need. If the Lord was able to meet Abraham’s need by providing a ram caught in the thicket that was offered in place of Isaac, He’s also able to meet our needs at just the right time. Fear not, the name Jehovah-Jireh guarantees that your Heavenly Father is able to provide any need you have.

Jehovah Shalom – The Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)

The Hebrew word ‘shalom’, translated as ‘peace’, not only speaks of the absence of noise, strife or conflict – it speaks of wholeness, completeness, trustworthiness, and happiness. True and ultimate peace is found in God alone, and this comes to us when we focus our lives on God and put our trust in Him. His Word says ‘Are you weary and troubled? Well why not place your total trust in Jehovah-Shalom, and He will keep you in perfect peace’ (Isaiah 26:3).

Jehovah Rapha – The Lord who heals (Psalm 23 and Exodus 15)

It was in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites that God first revealed His name as Jehovah-Rapha. After crossing the Red Sea, Moses led them into the Wilderness of Shur, where they went 3 days without water. Eventually, they came across the waters of Marah, but they could not drink from the waters, for they were bitter. So the people complained against Moses, and Moses then cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree, which he cast into the waters. In a moment, the waters were made sweet. The Lord does not only heal waters, He heals people too. If the Lord was able to heal the waters at Marah so that His people could drink, He is also able to heal us from any disease (Psalm 103:3). When we’re weak, Jehovah-Rapha will renew our strength the same way He did for David (Psalm 23:3 NLT).

Living in a stressful and chaotic world in these unprecedented times, the name Jehovah-Rapha speaks to us that our bitter experiences can be transformed into sweet ones, and yes, we are confronted with new problems every day that make us sometimes want to give up and give in. But we can count upon the Lord to heal and renew our strength. Jehovah is the Great Physician who not only heals our physical and emotional needs, but He also heals and restores whatever spiritual needs we may have.

Stand upon God’s promise today! His Word declares that ‘The Lord is Your Keeper/ Your Provider/ Your Peace/ Your Healer.’ Don’t ever allow the enemy to tell you otherwise.

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Christianity

Watch your words…

Posted on by David L'Herroux

When I was a child on my first day at a new school, a teacher asked the class what we wanted to do when we grew up. When it was my turn, I told her I wanted to be a surgeon, and she laughed. She said ‘Do you realise David, that is a lot of studying? I can’t see you doing it. I can see you emptying bins.’

For many years, those words stayed with me and sometimes informed the decisions I made. Was there any point in trying if I wasn’t capable of achieving much? However, when I rededicated my life to the Lord when I was 18, everything changed! I discovered what God thought about me, and I discovered that His Word could delete the past and delete all the harmful words that had impacted my life. Although I had no educational qualifications, the Word of God showed me that man’s labels do not matter. The only labels I should be concerned with are God’s labels!

Over the years, I have discovered that while God’s words are the most important, the words we use and what we choose to believe as a result can also have an impact on our lives. Proverbs 23:7 says ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he’, and I believe it’s important to be aware of the reality of our words and our thoughts.

Our thoughts will affect what we say and our words will affect who we are. Proverbs 18:21 says: ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue’, and so we should never underestimate the power of our thoughts and our words to shape destinies and our own future. Words can kill marriages and relationships and destroy churches and ministries. But words can also bring life, hope, healing, and reconciliation.

In a world which seems to be more divided than ever before (especially on social media), we need peacemakers and reconcilers, believers who will use their words to reflect the life and peace that is found through Jesus. Luke 6:45 says: ‘A good man produces good deeds from a good heart. And an evil man produces evil deeds from his hidden wickedness. Whatever is in the heart overflows into speech.’

I want my heart to be full of God’s Word, full of praise to Him, for what is in my heart will flow out into my words and then out into my actions.

Can I challenge you today? What are you thinking about? What are you saying? What are you believing? Are they words of life and hope that reflect what God says about you and the situations you are facing? Or are they words of death and despondency?

As a young man, another person’s negative words could have shaped my whole life, but I am thankful for the revelation of God’s Word which showed me the truth.

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Christianity

What is your purpose?

Posted on by David L'Herroux

Sometimes, if I ever drive past a cemetery, I don’t think about the people who are buried there but about the purpose buried there. How many songs went unsung? How many poems and stories went unwritten? The truth is, many people leave this world not knowing or realising their purpose. And today, many more are also living without knowing or realising their purpose. Many people simply do not know that God breathes purpose into every living thing, and He has also breathed purpose into you and me.

For me personally, I discovered my purpose when I rededicated my life to God. I did not yet know what God’s plans were for my life, but I knew I had a purpose. It took me many years to discover God’s plan, but because I knew He had a purpose for me, I was just as content back then being a janitor as I am today being a CEO.

So, how do you find your purpose?

Don’t confuse plans with purpose

The definition of purpose is, the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

The definition of plan is a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something. An intention or decision about what one is going to do.

We all have plans for our lives. Someday I will do this or someday I will do that. That is not your purpose; those are your plans. And all our plans are meaningless if we do not understand our purpose. God first puts a sense of purpose into our heart. We might not know what the plan is, but He will use our lives, our natural gifts, and our sense of purpose to help move us into His plan.

If we knew the plan in advance, we might run away

In the Bible, God gave Joseph a clear purpose. Joseph knew through dreams that he was to be a leader. He did not know that to get to that point, he would face rape allegations, prison and isolation. If God had revealed the plan up front, he might have run in the opposite direction. But through all of those trials, God was shaping Joseph, making him ready for the plan of leadership

It’s not about you

When God started to reveal His plan for my life, I began to realise His plan was not about me at all. It was about Him using me to reach others. God wanted to take my passion, my gift, my sense of purpose and use them all to bring about His plan in my life and also help to release that in others’ lives. So many Biblical characters were used by God to bring about change for others. Mary was handpicked to deliver a messiah who would save the world. Paul was given the task of leaving everything behind in order to carry the message of salvation all across the Middle East. They were not ‘special’ people. They simply knew they had a purpose, and they allowed God to use them (and their gifts) to bring about His plan.

Can I encourage you today that you have a purpose. Everything God creates has a purpose, and we each have a job to do. If you do not feel that you do, ask God to plant His sense of purpose into your life. He might not show you what is ahead, but when you know deep down that you have a heavenly purpose, everything in your life will change.

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Christian Media, Christian Radio, Devotional, Faith, Hope, Miracles

Pick your team wisely

Posted on by David L'Herroux

This week, UCB’s Board of Trustees met together to review UCB’s activities and accounts for the year so far. It has been a busy few days with our Board travelling in from different areas of the UK, but I am so thankful for each of our Trustees – for their wisdom and ability.

In any leadership position, it is important to have a GOOD team around you. We are blessed at UCB to have a Board and Executive Team made up of Godly, skilled men and women who have the right balance of professional skills and a heart for ministry. When we look to appoint new people to our team, we are, above all, looking for people of integrity with a heart for UCB’s vision and who can help and support UCB to stay focused on the big picture and keep us accountable in all things.

Our Board meetings are a mixture of time spent together with God (this is a non-negotiable) and time spent going over the business and operational side of UCB.

This meeting was no exception, and we began by looking to God’s Word. Although we are governed by a great Board, ultimately God is our chairman, and we always start with worship and devotions. This time, one particular area of scripture stood out for me: 1 Samuel 15.

The prophet Samuel gave Saul an assignment from God. He was to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions because they were a people who had dishonoured Him. Saul accepted the challenge and defeated the Amalekites, but He preserved the life of king Agag and saved the best of the cattle. Knowing that Saul had been disobedient, Samuel went to confront him. Saul declared that he had ‘carried out the command of the Lord’ but (perhaps with a hint of humour) the prophet Samuel said ‘What then is the bleating of sheep I can hear?’

Saul had been disobedient, but he argued that all these fine lambs would make an even bigger and better sacrifice to the Lord. Samuel reminded him that ‘to obey is better than sacrifice.’

This story reminded us all of the need to be obedient. It is easy sometimes to be focused on matters of business and governance, but it is important, first and foremost, to fear God. This is not a kind of terrified fear, but a reverent fear which ensures we stay close to Him, and when He tells us to do something, we do it!

That is why, for me, it is important to be surrounded by Godly, discerning people such as our Board, for they bring an ‘outside’ perspective and help to keep us on track. In all areas of life, we each need a ‘team’ of people who will support us in the good and bad times, and also, if needed, provide a voice of correction. Do not be tempted to surround yourself with ‘yes men’. Find a Samuel.

Our trustees have now gone home, but we will be meeting again soon for prayer and updates.

Can I ask you to join us in prayer for a few issues? For wisdom and discernment for our Board and Executive team? And also for a breakthrough in UCB’s finances. We continue to experience many challenges with UCB’s income stream, but we are looking to the future with faith (not fear). 

Please could you stand with us and believe for a breakthrough?

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Christian Media, Christian Radio, Christianity, Devotional, Evangelism, Faith

UCB needs your help

Posted on by David L'Herroux

I am taking the unusual step of putting these thoughts into a blog post due to an urgent need we are facing at UCB.

We live in uncertain times. Our political systems are changing, and the world is shaking in a way that we have not seen before. But do you know what? God is moving, and we know that He has great plans for our nation.

UCB is seeing a great demand for its resources. Every year, we reach well over one million people through our radio, television, Word for Today, Prayerline, and many other aspects of our ministry.

Can I really share my heart to you?

Right now we urgently need your help. Demand upon our free resources is growing, but in 2016, our income dropped by almost £1 million pounds, and it’s continuing to decline.

We are asking you to stand with us, but you may be asking, ‘How can I do that?’

Number one, you can pray for us, and you can also tell people about how to engage in our resources. But right now, I am asking you to stand with us to support UCB with a donation. Your regular giving allows us to plan for the future so that we can meet this growing demand.

You may not be aware, but UCB is a charity. We receive no government funding and are completely reliant on God. But God uses people like our faithful listeners, viewers, and readers to support this ministry. Our heart is to reach as many people across the UK to see God’s light shine in the darkness and to see lives transformed by the power of God’s Word.

Time is of the essence, and we must not let the enemy’s strategy prevail, which is to steal, kill and destroy. Thousands of people rely on receiving God’s Word through the UCB Word For Today, UCB Radio, UCB TV and much more to bring hope and spiritual encouragement.

Will you stand with UCB today?

https://youtu.be/1W3CuL-qlxg

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