https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PHP.2.12-13.NIV

     Paul was writing to the Phillipians about  continuing on with the Lord, allowing God to give us the desire to complete  His purpose in our lives.  I don’t know about you, but human nature is a hindrance in doing what is right.  It fights against what the new man knows is right (Romans 7:15-20).  It is the part of us that does not see the purpose of going through hardships and trials.  God doesn’t want us living our lives off of our abilities to understand; He just asks us to believe Him.  Like Micah Tyler shares in his song, “Different, ” the goal needs to be one of not our will but His (Luke 22:42).

     That idea of asking for God’s will really jumped out at me.  Yes, I have been guilty of wishing that my circumstances would change , and developed an ungrateful attitude.  All along God is using these happenings to change me.  I am the one that needs my heart changed.  The difficulties pinpoint whether we are looking to Jesus or not; it gives us an opportunity for our faith to grow and for us to be a testimony of God’s power.  I am so happy God is in control, and that He will not allow anything to mess up what is best for us!

     A quick ending to this devotional would be to give thanks to God for puling Alan and myself through 20 years together.  Since God has been faithful, I know I can count on Him in the future!  May we all learn to trust God more and more!  God bless!

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014%3A19&version=NIV

Today, being the day before Easter,  I have spent the day remembering and thanking the Savior for His resurrection power and life!  I have had moments of being depressed and discouraged with the knowledge that I am far from what God wants me to be.  I then had the Spirit reminding me of who I am in Him; I am a daughter of the King! Also, there is the beautiful promise that what God starts in a person’s life, He will complete it (Hebrews 12:2).

That is one of the Enemy’s ways to rob us of the joy of who we are in Him; Satan loves highlighting our faults and weaknesses.  Listening to a Billy Graham message, he was encouraging me that failures and trials should be looked at as a storm before the victory.  Jesus has riden in the boat of humanity and has crossed over into the Father’s Kingdom.  He is our Elder Brother, who can be trusted and follwed (Mark 3:34; Hebrews 2:11; Romans 8:29).

The Spirit was given to us for encouragement and power; let us walk in that power daily! He has paved the way and has given His life to save His younger siblings. The beautiful thing about His strength is that it is not like ours, which can fade and give out (Isaiah 40:31).  Thank you, Jesus!

https://www.christianity.com/bible/niv/romans/8-19-21

In preparation for Easter, and in celebration of my restored marriage, I wanted to talk about Romans 8:19-21 and to let you guys hear this Brandon Lake song.  I am sure it is quite evident that the creation is groaning in expectation of the Church being raptured, and the new heavens and earth being created. That is so encouraging to dwell on!

These worn-out bodies are not going to have to suffer forever,  nether will the earth or animals.  It is beautiful that God gives acceptance to those who repent.  We don’t have to carry that heavy weight of sin. It is able to drop at the foot of the cross; it makes me recall the scene in Pilgrim’s Progress of Christian finally getting his load removed when reaching the cross.

Since Christ put His down-payment for the sins of mankind, we are assured God will forgive and restore. He has given the promise that if His people would humble themselves and pray/repent, then He will heal the land (1Chronicles 7:14). Oh, how I pray that America will lay down its pride and commit itself to following God! In ending this devotional, I would like to have everyone pray for my husband and I.  We are going to be sharing some worship songs, and then Alan will give the testimony about how God brought us back together.  It will end with the invite, there at the Community Meal , for anyone to repent and to be restored.  For those reading this who have not come to Christ or are backslidden, I plead with you to enter the joy of your salvation.  The Father is waiting with outstretched arms.

Psalm 34:18 NIV–The Lord is close to the brokenhearted (Bible Gateway)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034%3A18&version=NIV

Yesterday, my parents and I were watching a message from Joni Eareckson Tada .  She runs an organization called Joni and Friends.  It covered a subject she has been familiar with for about 50 years; it was on the subject of suffering and how God uses it.  She has been suffering from quadrapeligia, in addition to fighting a battle against breast cancer.

In this particular interview, Joni shared how the years of suffering have taught her to be grateful for the struggles.  It has taught her that each of us has been given a cross to carry.  Our Lord was continuing to minister  to people up until the night of Gethsemane.   I pray God enables us to shine through the times we feel broken.

As far as God shining through us in our brokenness,  it made me recount the time the Lord worked in Gideon’s life (Judges 7:18,20).  The pitchers were broken, and the company went forward with torches and a battle cry. The shout proclaimed the mightiness of God and strength given to Gideon.  As one who feels weak from emotional and health issues, I have had to  let God break me and loudly proclaim His power.  Let us all let our disabilities push us into announcing to Satan, ourselves, and the world the amazing God we serve.  Please scroll down and share with the group the greatness of God!