The Daily Grace - We're Not a Nobody

                                                 

Remember, we are not an ordinary person. We are special. God created us, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. We are here because we have a special purpose in this Earth. We have a mission, which is to tell the Good News to everyone.

Even if we think that we are just an ordinary person, God sees us as His special people. Imagine, He is always there for us. He hears our prayers and answer it. That is how special we are in His sight. This is real love.

We're not a nobody in this world. Each of us has its own use and talents that we can offer all for His glory. Don't think that you are useless. We have a purpose. We can make a difference.

Today We Pray

Dear God, may I have peace within, this day. May I trust You that I am exactly where I am meant to be. May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May I use those gifts that I have received, and pass on the love that has been given to me. May I be confident knowing I am a Your beloved child. Let this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

Make us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you. Help me to believe mightily, hope joyfully, and love divinely. Renew me that I may help renew the face of the earth.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Romans 8:1

If you are in Christ, there are no guilty verdict and no punishment. There is no more condemnation. This is for who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior. And, for those who wholeheartedly seeking Him.

Through Christ, we are set free. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. Praise His Name forever!

The Daily Grace - The Bond of Love

God calls Christians to live a life worthy of their calling by preserving the unity of the Spirit among Christians. Jesus, His son, has brought peace; destroying the walls between us and making his people ONE in him. There is indeed a joy of meeting someone new and discovering that he or she is also a believer in Christ. It is because we are one in Him.

In some places, this is not unusual because there are many believers. But in those lands where there are few believers, the joy of meeting someone else who loves Jesus must be even greater. It's thrilling to share together the amazing reality of the freedom from sin we have through Christ! It's a different feeling because there is joy and happiness.

For all who know Jes, there is a shared bond, a oneness in Christ (Gal. 3:28). There is joy of fellowship that can brighten even the darkest day. Christian fellowship builds us up and binds us together. Praise God that He brings a bond of unity to all who know Him as Savior.

Today We Pray

Dear God, as I cross the threshold of this day, I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to Your care. Watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me. Incline my heart to Your ways.

What a miracle it is, dear Lord, that You can bring together people of all tribes, tongues, and nations to be like-minded in Christ, to share a bond of love and affection for Jesus. Mold me completely into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay. May my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound Your praise.

Seek me out, and bring me home to Your fold again. Deal favourably with me according to Your good pleasure, until I may dwell in Your house all the days of my life. Let me praise You forever and ever with them that are there.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Galatians 3:28

Now, there is no distinction in regard to salvation. No matter what race you belong, your gender and your status, we are all one in Christ Jesus. We are equal in His sight. No superiority, no inferiority.

No one can claim a spiritual superiority. Only Him will be lifted higher. He deserves to be lifted up. He deserves all the glory and honor. Remember, we are one in Christ. Encourage and love one another.

The Daily Grace - God Our Refuge

In the Old Testament, they have this concept of the cities of refuge. Cities of refuge (Num. 35:6) were established to be a safe haven for people who had accidentally killed someone and were needing protection. God had the people establish such cities to provide that refuge. This concept, however, was not intended to be simply a practice for ancient Israel.

More than that, cities of refuge reflected the heart of God for all people. He Himself longs to be our safe haven and our city of refuge in the failures, heartaches, and losses of life. Psalm 5:16-17 says, "I will sing of Your power. Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, my God of mercy."

For the hurting heart of every generation, our "city of refuge" is not a place. Our city of refuge is a Person - the God who loves us with an everlasting love. May we find our refuge and rest in Him. Refuge can be found in the Rock of Ages, which is our God.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, walk with me so that I may not be alone as I face this day, but always in Your presence. Your joy is a lighthouse in a world often dark with sin. And, I pray that I may reflect the light of Your truth, to inspire others as I have been inspired.

Give me the hope I need and help me never to be afraid to begin again. You told Your disciples to be anxious for nothing. I give to You my anxiety, Lord Christ, and lay my troubles upon Your mighty back.

Let me work for your glory and not my own, Lord Jesus. Let the anxiety that comes from pride and vanity and fear of others might be gone from me. And, let me serve you in joy and peace.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 59:16

Let us sing of His mighty strength and power. Let us sing joyfully of His loving kindness in the morning. He has been our stronghold in times of troubles. And, a refuge in the day of our distress.

If you need help, He is there. He will always rescue you. When we are troubled, come to Him. You will really find comfort in His loving arms.

The Daily Grace - Come to the Lord

Just As I Am is one of the powerful hymn that are sang in the churches these days. It goes like this: "Just as I am, without one plea. But that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee. O Lamb of God, I come!".

Years before writing this song, Charlotte Elliot, the author of this song, asked a minister how she might find the Lord. He told her, "Just come to Him as you are." She did, and later during a discouraging time of illness, she wrote this hymn about the day she came to Christ and He forgave her sin. In His Word, the Lord encourages us to seek Him: "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). He calls to our hearts: "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters ... Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live".

Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we can come to Him right now and will one day go into eternity to be with Him forever. Just as I am ... I come! Let Him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let Him take the water of life freely (Rev. 22:17).

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, as I face this new day, let me be aware of the work You have done for me as I slept. I praise You that Your loving care never slumbers, but has been with me while I was least aware of it. And, that You renew me and the whole world, fresh every day, preparing Your plans for me.

I pray that I may seek Your will this day, Your plan for my life, and carry out Your plan in my every action. I lay my hopes and fears on an altar before You, that Your Holy Spirit may guide my hopes toward the light of Your holiness. And, may quiet my fears with the knowledge of Your infinite peace, in total confidence that Your grace will save me from the evils of this world.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within me all this day. Dispel our darkness and make us a people with one heart and one voice, forever singing Your praise. And, whatever I do in word or deed, may I do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Isaiah 55:3

Always listen to the Lord. Come into His arms. You will live if you do these things. It is because God is faithful in His promises.

Like what He promised in one of His faithful servants, David, He will also fulfill that to us, too. Look at David's life, he is the man after God's own heart. Be blessed like David. Live a life with Christ in your hearts by listening to Him.

The Daily Grace - A Divine Perspective

When it comes to divine perspective, Habakkuk is one of the characters in the Bible who had a great experience when it comes to this. When he looked at life from his earthly vantage point, it seemed that God was indifferent to the evil permeating society (Hab. 1:2-4). But God gave him a divine perspective and showed him that life is more than what it seems. The deeds of men cannot thwart the purposes of God.

Those who don't show any regard for God may seem to prosper at the moment, but God will ultimately right all wrong. God acts sovereignly in all that comes to pass so that everything works toward His good purpose. God's plan will surely take place and be on schedule. He's never late. He is always just on time.

We can't sort out the whole picture from where we are in life; only God can. So let us continue to live by faith and not by sight. From His perspective, all things are working together for the believer's good and for His honor. Our times are in God's hands; our souls are in His keeping.

Today We Pray

                                      

Dear Lord, You are the God who sees us, and yet we can still run to You. We need You to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves. Please remove any mountain of pride or valley of despair that would keep us from welcoming You into our lives.

Grant me that desire to spend time in your presence always. Help me to hear your call and to turn down the world’s volume so that I can hear it. Dwell with me., Lord.


Let my words today build up someone for Your glory. Help us not to fall into temptation. And, help us to encourage each other each and everyday, for the greater glory of Your Kingdom.

 Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 15:18

                                       

Keep calm and carry on. When you encounter difficult people, be a peacemaker. If you are a hot-tempered person, you will cause a lot of troubles around. But, if you are slow to anger and patient, you can calm disputes.

You will also appear contented if you don't lose temper that much. Show love to that person instead of hating back. It is okay to be angry, but in your anger, do not sin (Eph. 4:26). Handle temper carefully so that it will not stumble others.

The Daily Grace - Display His Love to Everyone

How do you love others? Do you share the love of Jesus to everyone? And, how do you show your love to your family? It is really important to love one another just like God loved us, especially in our families.

In John's first letter, the apostle describes things that are to be trademarks of those who are members of God's family. In 1 John 3:1, John affirms that we are indeed part of God's family by saying, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" He then describes the trademarks of those who are the children of God, including, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7).

Because "love is of God," the chief way to reflect the heart of the Father is by displaying the love that characterizes Him. May we allow His love to reach out to others through us - for love is one of our family trademarks. Love is the family resemblance the world should see in followers of Christ. So, display His love to everyone.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, blessed are You for ever; Holy is Your name. Great is Your mercy for Your people. In the morning, I cry out to You my deepest concerns.

Teach me to love with the love of Christ that others might see Your love reflected in my care and concern for them. May Your love drive and dominate my responses to life and to others. Remain in my heart, and guide me in my love and service all of this day. 

Help me to shine Your light before others and lead them to the way of faith. May Your law and Your goodness guide my every thought, O Lord. And, may the power of your Holy Spirit flow through my words and my actions today, and always.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 John 4:7

Love one another. God commanded us countless times in the Bible that we must never stop loving others. Even if they are unlovable, try your best to love them. Ask God for it to help you.

We are also unlovable, human as we are, we sin countless times too. But God still accepted us, who is the Author of Love. So, it is a challenge to have love to others no matter who are they and what they are. Be filled with His love so that you can love others.

The Daily Grace - Share His Love

Do you know some people who need the Savior in their lives? In what ways we can share His love to them? There are a lot of ways, actually. But by asking wisdom in His Name, we can do it. We can share His love.

How to share? Pray for it first. Let the Lord check our hearts. Let our motives be right in sharing His Word to others. Ask the Lord to guide you and lead you to the right words that you will be saying. Also, ask Him to prepare your hearts whatever might happen and you will be ready for it.

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). Point them to Jesus. He went here on this earth to save us. Pray for those people that they will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, like yours. Christian life may not be easy but it will be worth it in the end. It is because we will be reunited with God in Heaven and experience eternal life.

Today We Pray

Dear God, blessed be Your Name in all the earth. I thank You because You have delivered me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of Your risen Son. We rejoice in this new day You have made, and praise You for Your mighty acts.

As I offer You all that is ordinary and everyday in my life, I ask you to give me the power of your Spirit that I may transform each day by living with a positive attitude, looking for the best in people and situations. Inspire me to live in Your presence every day so that I may have a full share of the hope only Your Spirit can bring. Lead me do the ordinary things of life in an extraordinary way, to Your glory.

Guide our steps toward and not away from those who need You. Then guide our words and our actions, too. So that, we can be purposeful in our encounters with others.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Luke 19:10

There are still lost people in the world. But let us not lose hope. God sent Jesus to save them. There's still hope because Jesus is there.

Introduce your friends to Jesus. Take courage. Share them the hope in this world, which is Jesus. Ask the Lord to bless your heart to reach out to them.

The Daily Grace - Our Chains are Gone

Life is often constituted by the choices we make, and some of them produce regret. Some choices much more serious and painful regrets. King David discovered this when he chose to sleep with another man's wife and then killed that man. He described the guilt that filled him as devastating. He said, "When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer" (Ps. 32:3-4). But David acknowledged and confessed his sin to God and found forgiveness.

It is only from God that we can receive the grace of forgiveness. When our choices have produced painful regrets, He will still forgive us. His arms are wide open to cleanse us if we ask forgiveness. Only in Him do we find the wisdom to make better choices. God's forgiveness frees us from the chains of regret. Our chains are gone because of Him who freely forgives us, if we just ask.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I give You thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make me and all of my brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need. We believe in You, our Jehovah Jireh.

Forgive me for the foolish choices I have made. Please enable me to be wiser in my choices. Teach me the value of resting in Your grace.

I humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people who remember Your favor and are glad to do Your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 32:7

Run to the Lord for protection. He will always be our hiding place in times of troubles. He will always protect us. He will always be there.

He will save us from all misery. He will always makes us glad even if we have a lot of troubles. So, run to Him. He will embrace you with His loving arms.

The Daily Grace - He Never Lets Us Down

How many times you have been let down by someone? There are many people who promise us that they will stand by us, no matter what comes our way. They say, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll be right behind you’. However, when trouble strikes, many of them are so far behind that you can’t see them, even with a telescope!

But God is not like that, He promised us that He will guide us all the way. He will never desert us in the midst of changing circumstances. We have a God who never deserts us, specifically in the most difficult moments. He never lets us down.

Cling to God, He is always at our side. He repeated that statement a lot of times in the Bible. It means that He wants us to be constantly reminded that He is just there. Acknowledge Him in everything and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:6)

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I need Your guidance today. If things get tough today, Lord — and in all hard times — let me stay motivated and calm. Let me look at how far I have come rather than how far I still have to go.

Thank you, Father, that no matter what the devil tries to do he will never be greater than You. I give You all the glory and thank You for paving Your way for me. Nothing shall stop Your plan for me in Jesus’ mighty name.

Send me now into the world in peace, Lord. And, grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart. Make me a servant that is humble and meek, Lord.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord is the one who always goes before us. He always offers that He will be with us wherever we go. This command is mentioned several times in the Bible. It means that He is constantly reminding us that He will be with us always wherever we will go.

Do not fear or be dismayed. He will not fail you or abandon you. He won’t let you down. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.

The Daily Grace - The Importance of Wise Counsel

So far, how has God equipped others to help you make wise decisions? What’s the difference between healthy conflict and unhealthy relationship wars? Self-righteous motives can lead to foolish actions (Proverbs 12:15). It’s therefore wise to listen to godly advice when things go wrong. Avoid being a fool or an arrogant to prevent unhealthy relationship wars.

Whether through words or actual combat, Scripture exhorts us, “Don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers” (Proverbs 24:6). Let us keep ourselves from contributing to conflict by improper use of words. And, let somebody guide you to victory through good counsel. Good and godly friends can help you.

“A wise man will hear and increase learning” (Proverbs 1:5). This includes learning how to cultivate relationships and properly address conflicts with other believers in Jesus (Matthew 18:15-17). Rather than surrounding ourselves with people who advise us to engage in battles with others, let’s pursue those who will help us succeed relationally to God’s honor! Choose whom you share with, make sure that they can lift you up.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You that You are faithful to keep Your promises. Please help me to always look forward to You. Bless the work of our hands today, Lord.

We believe You weep at the pain and anguish some of Your children experience because they love You. We pray that You will strengthen them in the midst of their suffering and send them Your grace. Cover them with Your most precious blood.

May the world see our love for each other—and the deeds that come from it—as a great testimony to the bond of unity we have in You. May they want to know You, too. We all humbly ask this in Your mighty Name.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 12:15

An arrogant, the one who reject God's wisdom, thinks he's always right in his own eyes. Let us not think that way. Let us always follow the advice of a godly man. It comes from the Lord. A wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel of the godly. Be a wise man who follows godly advises. Always be directed to the right path. Don't go wrong way. Ask God for wisdom and He won't hesitate to give it to you.

The Daily Grace - Have the Mind of Christ

How's your mind and heart today? Are you thinking a lot of things that bothers your mind? Or, you think of the things that you should not be thinking? My friends, I just want you to know God's will for us is the soundness of mind.

A sound mind is a calm mind, peaceful, focused and clear. It can only be received through Christ. In writing to the believers in Philippi, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). “Let” denotes an action on our part.

If we want to experience peace of mind, we must practice putting on the mind of Christ. Put on the mind of Christ by receiving what God has said about who you are and what He has called you to do. We put on the mind of Christ by choosing to cast down vain imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought in the obedience of Christ. This will enable us to walk focused and be kept in perfect peace.

Source: http://www.dot-k.com/put-on-the-mind-of-christ/

Today We Pray

Dear God, thank You for a night sky that helps us glimpse eternity. We can’t begin to understand it fully, but we know it is there, and we know You are there. Help us trust You for what we don’t know.

I choose to put on the mind of Christ. I want peace of mind and soundness. I want to be focused, sober and vigilant. I receive the mind of Christ and the peace of Christ.

You still have things that you want to teach me yet. I ask for the grace to hear them and let them change me. I receive your thoughts and your ways of doing things today, God.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Philippians 2:5

Be like Jesus. It doesn't require us to be perfect, but let us be holy unto His Name. Have that Christ-like attitude be painted in your lives. Look to Him as your example in selfless humility.

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. It is indeed a humbling process. It still shows humility. So, be like Jesus.

The Daily Grace - Journey of Faith

Hebrews 11 describes heroes of the faith who faced great trials and remained loyal to God. Chapter 12 begins, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (v. 1). This is a great reminder that we are not alone on our journey of faith.

 The great saints and ordinary people who have been faithful to the Lord encourage us by their example and also by their presence in heaven. They are a man who is spiritual, standing with us while we are still on the battle field. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (12:2), we are spurred on by all those who followed Him. Faithful Christians from the past encourage us today. Learn from them and be inspired by their stories.

Today We Pray

Dear God, as You gave us the sun to lighten our days, so you have given us your Word to lighten our minds and our souls. I pray that you will pour out on me your Spirit as I pray today. Let my heart and mind may be opened to your Word, and that I may learn and accept your will for my life.

Shine within my heart, loving God, the pure light of your divine knowledge. Open the eyes of my mind and the ears of my heart to receive Your Word, this day and always. You alone are God, and do not change; and because of this, we may hope to be preserved.

Bless us and keep us, Lord. Make Your face shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. Lift up Your countenance upon us, and give us peace, this day and evermore.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Peter 3:15

                                        

Honor Christ and let Him be the Lord of your lives. Set Christ apart, as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives. Give glory in His Name. Sanctify yourselves in the Lord

And, always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you about your faith. Explain it clearly. Once it was clearly explained to others without confusion, you just won a soul. Yet, do it with gentleness and respect.

The Daily Grace - Call on His Name, He Will Listen

                                   

Have you talked to the Lord recently? How often do you call on the name of the Lord? My friends, let us call on His Name everyday of our lives. Not just when we need something, but even in times of goodness, still let's call on Him.

Sometimes we may feel that He's not listening. We feel that when we talk to Him, we're just mumbling with ourselves. Don't feel that way. He said in the Bible several times that He will listen to our cries and prayers. God will never leave us hanging.

Always remember that He is always listening to you. He watches over you. God will take care of you and your needs. In times of desperation and joy, He is there, always there. Call upon the Name of the Lord today. Talk to Him, and He will answer you.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, You have brought me to the beginning of a new day. As the world is renewed fresh and clean, so I ask You to renew my heart with Your strength and purpose. Forgive me the errors of yesterday and bless me to walk closer in your way today.

This is the day I begin my life anew. Shine through me so that every person I meet may feel your presence in my soul. Take my hand, precious Lord, for I cannot make it by myself.

Enlighten the darkness of my mind. Give me a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity. So that, I may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Hebrews 12:1

We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. Whose by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness. They are stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us. So, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us.

We must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. Don't give up. Run with perseverance. Ask the Lord for strength.

The Daily Grace - Our Prayers are Powerful

Many believers—including pastors—say prayer changes us more than it changes circumstances. Prayer transforms us. But it can have real-world effects. Prayer can change people and circumstances according to God’s will. Not all prayers lead to spectacular results such as George Mueller experienced, but as James wrote, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).

Moses and Daniel, among others in Scripture, found this to be true. After the Israelites worshiped the golden calf while Moses was on the mountain speaking to God, He threatened to destroy the Israelite nation (Exodus 32:5-10). But after Moses pleaded with God, He chose not to do so (James 5:14). In another account, an angel appeared to the prophet Daniel in a vision and said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer” (Daniel 10:12).

Yes, within God’s grace and sovereignty, prayer can change things—but He will decide what’s best. Bring your prayers about hardships, requested healing, dealing with sin, and more to Him today (James 5:13-16). He’s listening! Never stop praying!

Source: Our Daily Journey

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, accept my thanks for all the little things that make my life possible, and pleasant. Everything that I will never remember to thank You for specifically, great Lord, I thank You for now. Your Name will be glorified, forevermore.

Let me not forget my prayers as I go out into the world. Holy Spirit, be with me, and let me praise you and remember you in my every action and thought, for the entire day long. In Christ's name I ask this.

Help me to keep my faith today, through every trial and doubt I face. Stay close to me; Holy Spirit, abide in me and make your presence known in everything I see and do. Give me strength the whole day through, mighty God.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - James 5:16

Never stop praying. God hears your sincere cries to Him. He is listening to you. He may be silent, but His ears are always there for you to listen to your concerns.

Once you're sincere, He will answer your prayers. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. It is effective. So, pray without ceasing.

The Daily Grace - Have Faith in Him

Imagine Sarah’s surprise when she overheard one of their guests tell her husband that she would have a baby within a year (Genesis 18:1-15). The idea seemed so improbable for the old woman that she barely stifled her laughter. Despite her incredulity, the visitor affirmed the promise. Fast forward one year. Sarah was laughing with joy: “The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age” (Genesis 21:1-2). In His grace, God didn’t judge Sarah for lack of faith; instead, He magnified her laughter through Isaac’s birth.

Trials can be a drain on our faith, and we may be tempted to hold on less tightly to God’s promises in Scripture as we face difficult days. But He’s gracious and kind, telling us as He told Israel, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you” (Isaiah 41:10).

What trials are you facing today? Consider God’s promises, such as that He’ll be “with you” and that He’ll “never abandon you” (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). And whether or not God moves the way you’d choose, may you be able to say with the psalmist, “When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy” (Psalm 126:1-2). May God fill your heart with grace and joy today!

Source: Our Daily Journey

Today We Pray

                                      

Dear Jesus, today I call on You in a special way. I just want to be with You, today. Let my heart respond to Your love.

Mostly, I am asking for favours, but now, I want to feel Your presence. Let my heart not be troubled. Help me to trust in You always.

I am sorry if I take for granted Your gift of freedom to me. Inspire me to live in freedom you intended. Let me use this correctly for the glory of Your Kingdom.


Amen.