THE LORD KNOWS HOW TO DELIVER US FROM TRIALS

Today’s Text: The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. (2 Peter 2:9)

Today’s Thoughts: Temptations may refer to the things that entice us to sin, or it can be another word for trials. Any trial ultimately has the potential to cause us to give up and turn away from God and His ways. I definitely do not want to give in to the temptation to quit when I face trials. But we cannot stand firm during tough times on our own, God is the only One who can pull us through. He knows just how to deliver us from our trials, and spare us from walking the wrong way. We may want the trial removed, but God may see it best to simply help us to make it through. He will do what’s best. He can deliver us, and He will. He does not want us to stray and one day reap the consequences – He loves us far too much. But ultimately, the choice is ours. He has offered us all He can.

Today’s Testimony: While sitting in my first exam for this last semester a car alarm started going off. I figured the car probably belonged to someone else in the exam room and therefore wasn’t going to be silenced very soon. An alarm going off in the middle of an exam does not exactly contribute to concentration, so I prayed that the Lord would intervene. The alarm immediately stopped, but then immediately continued going off again. I prayed again and then diverted my attention back to my exam paper. A while later I realized that the car alarm had stopped.
I had prayed for the alarm to stop, but the Lord chose rather to help me to drown out the sound and focus on my exam paper. Then later He intervened and the alarm stopped, but I was totally unaware that it stopped when it did.
We’ve all had problems. We’ve all had troubles that attract out entire attention – trials that we wish would disappear. Sometimes God will intervene and remove our problems, but other times He may choose to help us to rather focus on the things that really matter and stop devoting our attention to our troubles. Stressing about them won’t help. Praying about them will help in one way or another – God knows what is best for each of us in every situation.
God answers prayer. He may not always answer them the way we would have liked, but He always answers. He knows how to deliver us from trials.

Today’s Task: No matter what trials you are facing, know that the Lord knows how to intervene. Trust His wisdom. Trust His love. Remember that God always knows what is best. Resist the temptation to give up and forsake the Lord – He hasn’t forsaken you. God is right there with you in every trial. He will bring you through. Choose to remain in Him. Trust Him.

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I praise You that You are good and that You are God. I thank You that You know how to deliver us from temptation and trial, and I thank You that You will if we ask you to and allow You to do so. I thank You that You will always do what’s best for us. Please help us to trust You. I pray that we will stand on Your side one day because we clung to You in the midst of temptation and trial, and not be found on the other side to reap the results of our sin. Please help us to remain faithful to You. I thank You that You care about Your children. Amen.

GOD KNOWS WHAT WE NEED

Today’s Text: And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (Luke 12:29, 30)

Today’s Thoughts: Whenever we have needs that we cannot satisfy, we so often worry. It might be daily provisions, it might be medical matters, it may be any financial struggle, or any other stressing situation, but God knows exactly what we really need no matter what our trouble. He doesn’t want us to worry. He wants us to place our trust in Him and remember that He knows our every need and will intervene to provide it in accordance with His will. God loves us so much. He looks after all His children.

Today’s Testimony: One day, about three years ago, I noticed that although my toothpaste was at the end of the tube, it just didn’t seem to be running out. I didn’t need it to last any longer – I had a new tube waiting. So, seeing I didn’t need this miracle, I asked the Lord about it: “Lord, why is my toothpaste not finishing?” He answered, “Child, if I can provide the things you don’t need, how much more will I provide the things you do need.”
The Lord has always provided for my needs. I can’t say that I have always had enough faith to believe that He will, but after so many years of miracles, I really should start trusting Him more. He truly has never not come through for me – if only I could remember that whenever I face a trial. I invite you to trust Him fully to always do what’s best.
Just above where this story is recorded in my prayer diary, I wrote something that I’d heard a few days before: “Today’s test is tomorrow’s testimony”. Life’s not always easy, but we must remember that God knows what we truly need to happen in our lives and He will intervene in the way He knows best. We may face trials today, but if we keep trusting in God we will soon have a powerful testimony to share, because God always comes through for His children – believe it!

Today’s Task: Trust that God knows what you really need. Place every care and concern at His feet. He so often blesses us with the things that are not necessary – how much more will He bless us with the things that are necessary. Know that God loves you. Know that He cares about your every need. Please trust Him to intervene. And then when you’ve witnessed a miracle – please don’t forget to share the testimony. The whole world needs to see and know that God is good, and that God is love.

Today’s Thanks: Lord I thank You that You so often bless us with things that are not needs. But more than that I thank You that You always bless us with the things that we do need. You know what’s truly best for us. Help us to realize that what we think is the best answer to our problems might not truly be best from Your all-seeing, all-knowing viewpoint. Please help us to trust You in all things, and to praise You no matter what the outcome. Help us to tell others what You’ve done for us. I thank You that You care about every single one of us. I thank You that You will always come through for us. We love You Lord. Amen.

SEEK THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART

Today’s Text: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Today’s Thoughts: If we truly want to know the Lord we need to look for Him. We need to search for Him with all our hearts. We need a better and true glimpse of who God really is. We need to meet Him. He wants us to know Him. If we seek Him we will find Him. If we do not seek Him we may never find Him. God is so much greater than we could ever fathom. He is a personal God who wants to know you personally and wants you to know Him personally. Do not look for Him in this world. Call on Him and He will reveal Himself to you. He cares about you enough to complete your search.

Today’s Testimony: Today you’re reading the 80th testimony. There’s something that I haven’t shared yet, and that’s the testimony of the experience that I had as a young child that first convinced me that there was a God and that He truly did care.
I cannot remember just how old I was, but I know that I was in Primary school. I was in the kitchen, I can’t remember what I was doing in there, but I accidentally knocked over a small glass bottle. We had had so many items smash to pieces on that floor, and as it fell, I knew it would break, and that I would be in trouble (whether I would have been in trouble or not, I do not know, but you know kids – always expecting trouble).
The bottle fell; bounced on the floor; but did not break!!! Yes we could get technical and say that there was probably a logical explanation as to why the bottle did not break, but I’ll be honest – I don’t care. To me as a child that experience said, “God is real”. I kept the memory of that miracle with me throughout the rest of my life. At that stage I didn’t know the Lord personally, but I knew that He existed.
Because I knew that He was definitely real, I later decided to search for Him. A few years after I began my search the Lord came and revealed Himself to me through the testimonies about one of my other ministries, Praise Corner (Today’s T’s Day 32- 43). Since then I have been on a continual journey of meeting the Lord. There is no year when I can look back and say that I have not grown in my relationship with the Lord. I know of many people that can preach Christ, but I know of few that can actually show Christ. I couldn’t find the real God through what people said and did, and therefore in desperation I had to look for something more. I searched for the Lord with all my heart and I found Him. I will never look back.

Today’s Task: Search for the Lord with all your heart. Seek Him now; do not wait. He is waiting for you to search for Him. He is waiting for you to find Him. When He reveals Himself to you please take notice and accept Him into your life. He loves you so much. He wants you to know Him. The King of the universe wants to have a close and personal relationship with you. Please allow Him to speak to your heart today.

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I praise You that You – God, Creator, King of the universe – want to have a relationship with each one of us individually. Please help us to search for You with all our hearts. I thank You that You will be found by those who truly search for You. I thank You that You reveal Yourself to Your people. Please continue to give us a better glimpse of You. I thank You for Your great love. Amen.

DESIGNED FOR GREATNESS

Today’s Text: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
(Colossians 1:16)

Today’s Thoughts: You and I are included in “all things”. We were created by God and for His glory. God does not create junk. He does not create for no purpose. He created each one of us with an amazing plan for our lives. He wants us to grow in Him and become more and more like Him. He created us in His image – He intended for us to portray His character too. He doesn’t want us to live aimless, unhappy lives all for ourselves; He wants us to live joyful, purposeful lives for His glory. He designed us for greatness. He designed us to be the best we can be in all that we do. He designed us to live with Him eternally. He has a great plan for each and every one of us. We just need to make the choice to live up to His perfect plan.

Today’s Testimony: Six years ago I wrote a song for a seminar entitled “Designed for Greatness”. My sisters and I were asked to sing a song that had something to do with the topic, and seeing we didn’t have a fitting song, I wrote this one and gave it the same title as the seminar. God created us for His glory.

Designed For Greatness

You have designed me for greatness
You created me in Your image and great You are
You have designed me for greatness
I don’t know where You plan to take me; I don’t know just how far
But I know that You’ve designed me for greatness
And now I want to give something back to You
O Lord what can I do?

I’ll start by doing every task that You give to me
To the very best of my ability
I’ll be prepared to give things up in sacrifice
To live out Your plan for the rest of my life
Lord now I know just what I am going to do
I will use all this greatness to glorify You

You have designed me for greatness
If you cared enough to put the stars in space
Then surely for me You have a place
You have designed me for greatness
You have a great and perfect plan for me
Although what it is I may not see
You have designed me for greatness
So now I lay my life down before Your throne
I’ll use what You’ve given me for You and You alone

I’ll start by doing every task that You give to me
To the very best of my ability
I’ll be prepared to give things up in sacrifice
To live out Your plan for the rest of my life
Lord now I know just what I am going to do
I will use all this greatness to glorify You

Lord may I always live my life to glorify You

Today’s Task: Allow the Lord to work in your life to make you all He intended for you to be. Surrender Your whole life to Him. Live to honour and glorify your King. He designed you for greatness – praise Him.

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I thank You for creating us. I thank You that You created us for a special purpose. Help us to bring honour and glory to Your name – You deserve it. Help us to live totally for You. I thank You that You will help us to live lives that glorify You. I thank You that You want each one of us to live with You eternally. Lord we want to be there with You. Please help us to surrender fully to You so we can be there. We love You Lord. Amen.

GOD VALUES YOU

Today’s Text: Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6, 7)

Today’s Thoughts: Have you ever felt worthless? Maybe you feel that no one really cares about you. Maybe you’ve done some things that make you feel that no human being will ever accept you. Maybe you’re living a lonely life without any friends. Maybe you’ve failed at doing something and therefore feel a lack of value. Maybe you’re even wondering if God can really love someone like you. …Let me tell you that He can and that He does. He knows you. He cares about you. He values you so much. Do not ever let anyone convince you otherwise – not even yourself. God loves you and that’s all that really matters. There may be no one else who truly cares – but God cares. He’s there for you right now. Find your sense of value in knowing that Christ loved you enough to give His life for you. You are of great worth.

Today’s Testimony: One morning I had a rather negative self-image. I felt worthless; inferior; incompetent; I had feelings of self-doubt and failure. I was sitting on my bed having my personal devotions and the Lord spoke to me once again, but this time in an extremely strange way.
I had the lap-top open at my prayer-list. I was bringing my feelings to the Lord and then my eyes subconsciously typed out the word “FORSAKEN” on the keyboard. …Of all the things to type when you’re feeling down and out!!!
I felt pretty bad but I definitely didn’t feel forsaken. I didn’t know why on earth that had happened. I knew it must have been a message from the Lord, but I also knew very well that it didn’t mean that He had forsaken me. So I asked the Lord what it meant. He said to me, “Lindy, those feelings – I want them to be forsaken.”
God never wants us to feel worthless. We are of great value to Him – no matter what. He wants us to forsake any feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. He cares about us no matter what we or anyone else thinks – and that’s all that really matters.

Today’s Task: Take all your negative feelings to the Lord and leave them there. Know that you are so valuable in the Lord’s eyes. Know that He loves and cares about you so much – no matter what. Allow His love for you to be all that you need. Never ever forget that God values you – He will never ever stop valuing you.

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I thank You that You value us so much. We do not deserve Your love, but I praise You that You love us. Help us to remember that You love us in spite of our problems. Please come into our lives and fix any problems that we may still have. Please replace our negative feelings with positive feelings. Lord I thank You that You care so much for us. I praise You and thank You in Christ’s name, Amen.

ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH

Today’s Text: Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. (Matthew 9:29)

Today’s Thoughts: How much faith do we have when we ask the Lord to intervene? If our prayers were answered only according to our faith, how many of our prayers would be answered? And how well would they be answered? Sometimes the Lord may wait for us to express our faith in Him before He acts. We need to tell Him that we believe He can and will intervene. Sometimes we should even be confident enough to tell others that we believe God will intervene, because when He does intervene, they will know that we truly do serve an absolutely amazing and loving God. We need more faith. God is waiting for us to ask Him for it.

Today’s Testimony: A few weeks ago I had a really rough assignment due. I had so many other things to do that I was far from finished when the due date approached. I therefore had to e-mail my lecturer to apply for an extension.
I e-mailed one of my lecturers, but got no reply, so I decided to e-mail another one. The second lecturer e-mailed me back and said that he had forwarded my application to the module leader. I then waited again, but got no further response. I therefore e-mailed the second lecturer again and told him that I had not received a response and asked if he could help me. By now it was the day before my assignment was due and I was praying that someone would respond and grant me an extension.
I was chatting to a friend about the situation and this is what I said, “God has never let me down. ...Somehow I know He's gonna come through for me with this assignment too. But I still can't seem to stop worrying about it.” Yes I was stilled concerned about my problem, but I had stated that my God had never let me down and that I believed He was going to come through for me, and therefore, though the faith may have been quite small, God intervened.
Just over five minutes after saying those words to my friend I got an e-mail to say that I could have a one-week extension. God is so good!!!
I managed to get my assignment sent the following week, although I knew that it could have been better. I prayed that I had at least sent off enough to pass. Remember before that I said that the Lord Himself is my Tutor? …He helped me with my assignment. I finally got my result back. I got a distinction. My God is so good!!!

Today’s Task: Ask the Lord to increase and strengthen your faith. Know that He can do all things. Tell the Lord that you believe He can and will intervene. Tell others that you know that your God will come through for you. Allow them to become part of the miracle. Trust that God will intervene no matter what you face. Know that if things don’t turn out the way you hoped, God knew of a better plan. He cares about you. Have faith in God – He is faithful.

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I thank You that You always come through for us in the way You know best. I thank You that we can trust in You. Please help us to have faith in You. Please increase and strengthen our faith. Help us to give others the opportunity to be part of the miracles that You perform for us so that they can turn to You and grow in You. I thank you that You are faithful. I thank You that You love us so mush. We love You too. Amen.

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER

Today’s Text: For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. (Psalm 38:15)

Today’s Thoughts: If we pray about our problems and place our hope in the Lord He will hear us. Today we use the word hope far differently to the way it’s used in this text. This hope is a solid hope – a trust that we place in God because we know that He will intervene. It’s not “being hopeful”; but “having hope”. When we pray – God hears. And then He answers in accordance with what He knows is best. God can work miracles. All we need to do is trust that He can, and ask Him to do so.

Today’s Testimony: Today’s testimony will be short and sweet, but still a powerful testimony.
The weather back home just before the camp meeting wasn’t all that good and we were having a problem getting all our clothes washed and dried. We left for camp early on Thursday morning, and on Friday night my sisters and I still had clothes that were far from dry. We hung the clothes in our bedroom windows and then I did what seemed obvious to me – I prayed.
The following morning my older sister came into our room (my twin sister and mine); felt my clothes and exclaimed, “How come your clothes dried!” I simply asked her if she’d prayed about it. I then felt bad for not being more specific about which clothes I wanted dry by the next morning. And yet at the same time I was standing in awe. God answers prayer!!! Believe it.
If all the clothes had dried it could have been accepted by some as “nothing special”, but my clothes had dried because I had prayed about it. God works miracles if we place our trust in Him. I serve an amazing God! Do you?

Today’s Task: Place your hope in the Lord. Trust in His power to work miracles. There’s power in prayer. Ask the Lord to intervene no matter what problems you face – God answers prayer. He loves you and He wants to make you smile, but He also knows what is best for you and therefore answers in the way that He knows is best. Trust His wisdom, and then ask Him to help you to be thankful and smile anyway, no matter what the answer. Remember that no matter what happens, God is there for you and He loves you so much. Pray – God hears prayer!

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I praise You that You hear and answer prayer. I thank You that You always do what is truly best for us. Please help us to trust You. Help us to place our hope in You. I thank You that You are always there for us and that You love us so much. Lord we love You too. Amen.