STAY STRONG

Today’s Text: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)

Today’s Thoughts: No matter what we face in life we can always receive strength from the Lord. He can intervene in all situations – there is power in His might. If the Lord is our God we can stand up and be strong in every storm. God’s strength is available to each and every one of us. We just need to make use of it.

Today’s Testimony: A friend of mine often signed his messages with “stay strong”. I never really thought all that much about it, until one day I was on my knees asking the Lord to help me to “stay strong”. I then realized that asking the Lord for strength and asking Him to help you to stay strong are two totally different things. Strength is asked for when we do not have any, or when we need more. We can only ask the Lord to help us to stay strong when we are already strong, but know that we can easily become weak again. We need to continually draw on the Lord’s strength whether it be because we lack it or because we need it to continue.
I prayed those words because I had just gone through an extremely trying experience; once again felt strong in the Lord, but knew that with what was coming my way I would need His intervention to keep me strong. These are the words to the song I wrote after realizing that becoming strong and staying strong are two totally different things.

Stay Strong

Stay strong My child
Though the storms of life be wild
The strength that I have given you
If you ask I’ll renew
So don’t let the wind bend you
For hope I will send you
But My child, stay strong
Stay strong

Lord, help me to stay strong
Though the storm may seem too long
May I lean on You always
Lord give me strength throughout my days
O don’t let the wind bend me
May Your presence attend me
O Lord help me to stay strong
To stay strong

O Lord help me to stay strong
To stay strong

Today’s Task: What trials are you facing in life? Ask the Lord to give you strength or to help you to stay strong. Draw from His strength. Our God is almighty and can give you peace and strength no matter what you face – simply ask Him for it.

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I thank You that You have made Your strength available to each and every one of us. Please help us to run to You for strength whenever we need it. I praise You that Your strength is sufficient to help us through any trial. Help us to trust in Your strength. I thank You that You are not our God from a distance, but our God right here with us – caring about us and our needs, hopes and fears. I thank You for Your everlasting love. Amen.

GOD CAN GIVE YOU YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Today’s Text: Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. (Psalm 21:2)

Today’s Thoughts: God can provide for all our needs, but He also loves to give us our hearts’ desires. If we ask Him for things and He knows that it is best for us or that it will not harm us, He will grant our requests. He loves to bless His children. God knows all things; He knows what is best – if our petitions don’t fall outside of His perfect will, He will most probably answer them. We’ve spoken before about the fact that this world is full of evil only because Satan is very active in it. God hates to see us suffer, but there is a war going on for our lives, and Satan is trying to deceive us into blaming God for our pain. God is good – always good and only good! He is very present when we suffer. If He wasn’t, things would be far worse. He is right there to comfort and strengthen us. God loves you and He wants to give you your heart’s desire. Believe it.

Today’s Testimony: I quoted from my favourite author, E White, a while ago (Today’s T’s Day 54). Today I’m going to share how the Lord has blessed me with many of her books. My family owns quite a few, but I wanted a few of my own.
Firstly, there was a book containing 10 of her books. I really wanted it, and it was being sold at an extremely good price, but I couldn’t really afford it. My birthday was coming up and I was hoping to get the book from my family, but decided to leave it in the Lord’s hands and not ask for one. I knew that the Lord knew whether I should get the book, or whether I needed the money more. My family did give me the book for my birthday! God is so good!!!
Then there were some more of her books that I really wanted. They were on sale, but at that stage I couldn’t spare the money. The Lord then later blessed me with all three of them and more. Some of those books I received second-hand but in good condition for free, and two I bought second-hand for an extremely good price. God is so good!!!
Then there was a nine-volume set of her books that I also really wanted. We had been given a few duplicates of the free second-hand books, and then there were some other extras that were sitting in a pile for us to give away. There were a few odd books from the nine-volume set, but I wanted the whole set – all nine volumes. Four of those books were very thick, and the Lord said to me, “Lindy, those four books are rather thick, go look at them again.” I did, and discovered that it was all nine volumes in four books. God is so good!!!
God knew that one of the desires of my heart was to own all those different books. He blessed me with the desire of my heart. He still does bless me with my heart’s desires on many occasions. God loves to bless His children!!!

Today’s Task: No matter what evil you see all around you, know that God really does care about His children. He loves us so much. He loves to bless us. He hates to see us suffer and He is there to strengthen us whenever we face trials. He longs to give you your heart’s desire – take your requests to Him. Ask Him to grant your petitions if it is in accordance with His will, and then wait for Him to answer. Never ever forget that He loves you!

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I thank You that You know the desires of our hearts. I thank You that You love to bless us with those desires simply to say, “I love you child.” I know that You love each one of us so much, and I thank You for that. Lord, we don’t deserve Your love or Your blessings, but I praise You that You joyfully give us both. I thank You for Your great love. Amen.

WISDOM AND MIGHT BELONG TO GOD

Today’s Text: Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his. (Daniel 2:20)

Today’s Thoughts: Wisdom belongs to God. God knows everything. If you we have problems – He knows exactly what they are, and He knows how to solve them. If we have decisions to make – He Knows exactly what options we have, and which one is best to choose. The only problem that we have is that we often are not sure what the Lord’s wise solution is. God does speak. He speaks in so many different ways. Might belongs to God. Nothing is impossible for Him. He can intervene in all situations. We need to earnestly ask Him to guide us to do what He knows is best. What we think is best is not good enough. Wisdom belongs to God and God alone. Any wisdom that we have is His wisdom that He has given us. God knows all things. Listen for His voice.

Today’s Testimony: My older sister, Toni, bought R5 airtime for my cell-phone. I paid her for it, and then saved the loading codes on my phone so I could load the airtime when I needed it. Finally I needed it, and tried to load it, but the airtime wouldn’t load. It simply said, “Result unknown.”
I’m often told that I shouldn’t keep the airtime so long and should load it straight away, but I only buy it for emergencies, so I’d rather take the risk of losing it than to simply waste it. I knew that if I’d lost the airtime it was my own fault, but I was still sad and kept retrying to load it by using the codes directly off the till-slip. It may have only been R5, but I couldn’t afford to have wasted it. And I don’t believe in wasting money. My final option was going to be to dial the number on the slip and load the airtime by following the voice prompts, but I didn’t get that far.
When I found the till-slip and unfolded it to get the codes I needed, I sub-consciously took a mental photograph of the large words naming the cell-phone network: MTN. While I was taking my problem to the Lord and pleading for Him to intervene, I kept seeing: “MTN”… “MTN”. Finally my prayer came to an abrupt halt and I said, “I’m not MTN, I’m Cell C!!!” (I used to use MTN, and my sister had accidently bought the wrong airtime, or had been given the wrong airtime.) I then praised the Lord for speaking, in once again an extremely unusual way. The problem was easily fixed – I gave the airtime to my mom who uses MTN, and she bought me Cell C airtime.
God knew exactly what my REAL problem was, and He knew exactly how to solve it. God is wise and mighty; there is nothing that He cannot do. I’m glad that He is my God!

Today’s Task: Whenever you have a problem listen for God to speak. Trust Him – He knows what’s best. Take every concern to the Lord, He can do all things and He cares about you. Never ever underestimate the power of God. Know that He can speak in the strangest ways. Take every decision to His feet – He knows what is best to do. Then listen very carefully for His answer.

Today’s Thanks: Lord I thank You that wisdom and might belong to You. Please give us wisdom to know what to do in every situation, and strength to follow through with what You lead. Help us to listen for Your voice. Please let us hear it. Lord help us to fully trust You. I thank You that we can trust Your leading because You are totally trustworthy. I thank You that You speak. I love You Lord. Amen.

GOD CORRECTS THOSE HE LOVES

Today’s Text: My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Proverbs 3:11, 12)

Today’s Thoughts: There are a lot of things that we do that disappoint the Lord. Sometimes He will choose to discipline us in order to direct us back to His ways. He only disciplines in love. He loves us far too much to leave us to stumble on in our sinful ways. Whenever the Lord corrects us and shows us our error, we need to remember that He is doing it purely because He cares about us. We need to be willing to return to His ways. He only corrects those He loves. Next time the Lord points out an error to you, remember how much He loves you, and show Him that you love Him back by making it right.

Today’s Testimony: Let me start by reminding you that I am 100% human – I make mistakes. It’s not easy to share myself, good and bad, with the whole world, but the stories I share will bring honour and glory to His name, and therefore I share them.
In my church we have a time each week where we divide up into different discussion groups to discuss a certain Bible topic. I’ve often led out in the youth discussion. Sometimes I’d been asked beforehand; other times I had to step in at the last minute. I usually go prepared just in case.
One of those mornings that I had to stand in at the last minute I made a terrible mistake. You know how sometimes we’ve done something so many times before, that we just take it for granted that all will go well? I didn’t stop to ask the Lord to help me. I put it this way: “That day I took the discussion without the Lord.”
We went around the class and said how our weeks had been, and then to add on to my first mistake, I completely forgot to have an opening prayer before getting into the discussion.
I mentioned a certain issue simply as an example. I honestly thought that everyone had the same stand on the issue, but then everyone started debating. The debate had nothing to do with the topic we were meant to be discussing.
I was horrified. I didn’t expect that at all. I wasn’t sure what to do to calm everyone down and return to the topic. Then the Lord said, “Lindy, you didn’t pray before starting.” I then got everyone’s attention and said, “I know why we’re getting into such a debate, it’s because we didn’t have an opening prayer.” We then had a pray and were able to refocus on the correct topic.
I learnt a powerful lesson that day. I hope to never again do anything without the Lord; I definitely am far from qualified to do any task He places in my path.
The Lord corrected me and pointed me back to His ways. He did that in love and because He loves me. He never wants us to stray from His will, and He definitely doesn’t want us to stray too far. He knows that we’re safest inside of His will, and He will therefore lovingly reprimand us and bring us back. I love my Saviour.

Today’s Task: Don’t despise the Lord’s correcting. If He guides you back to right paths – please follow. Sometimes we may have to admit to our error publicly, and no one ever wants to do that, but if that’s what the Lord requires, it is so important that we do it. Please repent if there is any wrong that the Lord has brought to your mind right now. Please ask Him to show you anything else that He is not happy with. Then ask Him for the strength to make your life right in His eyes no matter what the cost. Whenever the Lord corrects you, remember that He is doing it because He loves you. He really loves you a lot – love Him back!

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I thank You that You love us so much. I thank You that You care about us enough to not leave us to wander on in sin. Please help us to hear and accept Your correction. Help us to return to Your ways and Yours alone. Help us to remember that You reprimand us because You love us. Lord, please give us the strength to live totally for You. I thank You for Your love. Please help us to love You back. Amen.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART

Today’s Text: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

Today’s Thoughts: God wants us to trust Him. He is totally trustworthy. He doesn’t want us to trust Him sometimes; He doesn’t want us to trust Him half-heartedly – He wants us to trust Him all the time; fully. Our own understanding can get us in a lot of trouble. We need to follow God’s perfect way, and His alone. God knows everything. He knows what is best for us. We need to trust Him completely; with all our hearts.

Today’s Testimony: One morning, I can’t remember if it was a dream or a thought, I had a picture of me sitting on our couch and pulling up the coffee-table and doing something on it. It was so weird, but I then felt a craving to do that, but thought, “What on earth would I have to do that I’d have to work there?!”
What could have been just a short while later, or the following morning, I’m not too sure, my mom asked me to help her make a sword for her costume for school (She was busy doing teaching-practice and everyone had to dress up). I got the cardboard, sat down on the couch, and as I pulled the table up I remembered and thought, “No way!”
Then that evening I did the same action to copy out my list of songs for song service the following day – without thinking about it, and then once again I remembered. Then the following evening I did the same thing to divide a pear to share with my older sister – same story. Then the following morning I went to peel an apple over the table, which I don’t normally do. Then I believe it was the Lord saying, “Sit; sit.” I didn’t, but He reminded me anyway. Then two mornings later I had to do something else for my mom and I sat on the couch with a clip-board. The Lord reminded me, and I thought, “Well, it’s close.” But then I had to pull up the coffee-table to complete the task.
Ok, and now you’re saying, “Yes, Lindy, very interesting, but what does it all mean?” That’s exactly what I was wondering. So, being me, I asked the Lord. But before I tell you what He answered, I’d like to direct you back to Today’s T’s Day 13 where I shared how the Lord told me exactly what to study for my exam. The story shared there happened the day before this one. The Lord’s answer was, “Lindy, I can predict what will be in your exam paper, and I can predict your future – when will you fully trust Me?”
God knows me inside-out; He knows my past and my future – I want to trust Him completely. Don’t You?

Today’s Task: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He knows you; He knows what is best for you. He is totally trustworthy – trust God with your life. Never rely on your own understanding, always place yourself in God’s hands. Listen to Him speak. Follow wherever He leads. He loves you so much. Trust Him – fully; completely; totally!!!

Today’s Thanks: Lord I thank You that You are totally trustworthy. I thank You that we can safely place our lives in Your hands. Help us not to be anxious – but to trust. Help us not to follow our own thoughts, feelings and emotions. Help us to ask You for guidance in all things. I thank You that we trust in You with all our hearts and know that it is completely safe to do so. I thank You for Your faithfulness. I love You Lord. Amen.

THE LORD IS MY EVERYTHING

Today’s Text: The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (Psalm 18:2)

Today’s Thoughts: How much does the Lord mean to you? Is He everything to you? This text speaks of God being our refuge, deliverer, shield (buckler), strength and salvation. He is so much more than that. I’m sure the Psalmist, David, could have written so much more, but He chose the ones that meant the most to Him. What does God mean to you? You mean so much to Him. Trust Him.

Today’s Testimony: One day while looking at the orchid house at the Durban Botanic Gardens I looked at all the flowers thinking they were beautiful, but they didn’t seem all that impressive to me, I’m more an animal person. Then the Lord said to me, “But Lindy, I made them.” I looked at them in a whole different way after that.
Knowing that my God had made them made a huge difference. He’s my best Friend!!! He’s my heavenly Father and my Big Brother!!! He means so much to me. Today I’m going to share the words to another one of my songs. I’ll let the song speak for itself.

I Love You Lord

Lord I’ve never found a Friend like You
For when I’ve needed to praise or cry
You were always standing by
You were always there for me to run to

You are faithful, You and You alone
You are merciful, when the error is my own
You wait patiently, when I choose to roam
You are good Lord, like no one’s ever known before
And that is why it’s You I adore
I love You Lord

Lord there truly is no greater Friend
You’ve never failed for me to provide
Your hands are always open wide
Lord Your tender mercies never end

You are faithful, You and You alone
You are merciful, when the error is my own
You wait patiently, when I choose to roam
You are good Lord, like no one’s ever known before
And that is why it’s You I adore
I love You Lord


Lord I could not live apart from You
For in everything that I’ve been through
My peace and strength was found in You
You have always been a Friend that’s true

You are faithful, You and You alone
You are merciful, when the error is my own
You wait patiently, when I choose to roam
You are good Lord, like no one’s ever known before
And that is why it’s You I adore
I love You Lord

I love You Lord, I love You Lord

Today’s Task: Allow the Lord to be everything to you. Make Him Your best Friend. Get to know Him personally. Run to Him for peace, strength, providence, mercy and whatever else you need. He loves to provide for His children. He cares about you. He loves you – love Him back!

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I thank You that You are our Friend, Father, Brother, refuge, shield, strength, deliverer, salvation and so much more. I thank You that You offer us peace, strength, providence, mercy and so many other blessings. Please help us to accept each blessing – we need them. Help us to make You our everything. I thank You that You are always there for us and love us so much. Amen.

WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING

Today’s Text: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
(John 15:5)

Today’s Thoughts: We cannot do anything without the Lord. We cannot bring forth good fruit and live our lives for the Lord without His help. We cannot live full-stop without the Lord sustaining our lives. Every movement we make can only be done because the Lord gives us strength. All our achievements are purely because the Lord gave us the wisdom to succeed. We truly owe all to Him. Without Him we can do absolutely nothing.

Today’s Testimony: I was once given the task of making vegetarian meat-balls for a youth social evening. I was told that I could just make vegetarian mince if I wanted to, but I thought I’d first try to make meat-balls. I had never made any type of meat-balls before in my life, so I definitely needed the Lord’s help.
I prayed and asked Him to help me. The Lord and I went into the kitchen; He led me with what to put in; and we made vegetarian meat-balls. They held together and tasted very nice.
In youth class the following week while sharing how our weeks had been I said, “The Lord and I made vegetarian meat-balls”. One girl in the class said, “Did you just say, ‘The Lord and I’?” I was a bit confused and replied, “Yes.” She then burst out laughing. Then she stopped; said, “I’m sorry, I don’t think it’s funny it’s just that…” and then burst out laughing again.
Isn’t it so true? It’s terribly strange to hear people talk like that. Hardly anyone these days will say, “The Lord and I did it” – especially when it’s something as insignificant as making meat-balls. But for me to say anything less would have been a total understatement, and a complete lie. I couldn’t have made those meat-balls all by myself. I definitely couldn’t take all the credit.
The Lord helps me with so many things. I ask Him to help me with some of the most tiny and insignificant things, but He always does. God cares about His children!

Today’s Task: Ask the Lord to help you with everything you do. Know that you can do nothing without Him. I encourage you to give Him credit publicly for all your achievements. Never be ashamed of your God – He’s not ashamed of you. He’s there to help you – accept His help. Ask Him to help you to live totally for Him and bear good fruit. Without Him we can do nothing; and with Him all things are possible.

Today’s Thanks: O Lord I thank You that You are with us in all that we do. I thank You for life, strength and all that You bless us with. Help us to remember that we can truly do nothing without You. Please keep us relying totally on You. Lord help us to bear good fruit so we can be powerful witnesses of Your ability to change lives. I thank You for Your love and Your care for us. Amen.