Marian
Scriptures:
Psalm 37
Philippians 4:8
John 16
As I prepare this devotional the season of Lent has begun. Alarmingly the Church of England are well on course for monumental destruction because of unbiblical decisions pushed through Synod by our Archbishops and Bishops. To make matters worse this is being played out before the cynical watching world. Those of us who stand on the teaching in Scripture are being marginalized and labelled as “haters and homophobes”. To say my heart is broken is an understatement and I feel helpless in the face of society today who no longer fear God. Sin has entered the church and is seeking to ridicule God-fearing Christians.
As I prayed about this situation, I began to see that the only way to fight this battle is on our knees. Arguments are futile. The battle belongs to the Lord who will defend His Holy Word and those who belong to Him. As I began to prepare my heart for the remembrance of the first Good Friday when our dear Lord Jesus gave His life for us all, I felt compelled to visit our church building and pray for at least an hour every day throughout Lent. This morning as I entered the children’s corner, a heaviness fell upon me and I sobbed uncontrollably, crying out to God for the lives of our precious children. Maybe I was experiencing just a tiny fraction of the heartbreak our dear Lord feels for these little ones whose minds are being confused even within their modern day story books and films.
As I prayed around the building before kneeling at the communion rail, I heard the voice of Jesus speaking words from Scripture,
“...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
The circumstances hadn’t changed, but my heart had found peace with God. Certainly, my walk home in the sunshine, with the birds singing their early Springtime songs, and the beautiful wild daffodils blossoming in the hedgerows, it was easy to dwell on true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things. I drank in the fresh meadow scent that filled the air and thanked God that even in this time of trial there was so much to be thankful for. So much beauty to behold. He then reminded me of another season of trials several years ago when Jesus had reassured me with these words:-
“I haven’t promised a life free from the storms, but I have promised to be with you in the storm. I’ve given you the rainbow – My promise of things to come. I’ve promised forgiveness for all who will turn to Me in repentance. I’ve promised that one day all who belong to Me will dwell in My everlasting Kingdom where sickness, sorrow, pain and sin will be no more. I’ve promised that nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate you from My Love. I’ve promised the gift of My Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen and bless you. Remember, I was willing to come down to earth where I experienced persecution, rejection, temptation, loneliness, pain, suffering, fear and death. I understand what you are going through. I AM WITH YOU. I’ve promised never to leave you nor forsake you and that, in the end, I will win the Victory over the enemy. Put your trust in Me. I am always with you, and in My love you will find peace. My love is everlasting love, and My promises are true. Even though I am high above, I was willing to humble myself when I came down to earth in order that I might lift you up to be with Me for ever. This world will make you suffer, but be strong, remembering that I have overcome the world. I am with you always.”
When I arrived home a Pastor friend had sent an email which said, “Keep praising because The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.”
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that even in the midst of trials You hold us close to Your heart. You remain our one constant in an ever changing world. Thank You for being trustworthy in every circumstance. As we navigate our way through life's present stormy seas we take courage knowing that You are at the helm. Keep us strong and give us wisdom that we might always do Your will and follow Your narrow way. Help each of us to prepare our hearts to be a place where Holy Spirit is welcomed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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