Give up the illusion

Devotional for today from Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling:

GIVE UP THE ILLUSION that you deserve a problem-free. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. This is a false hope! As I told My disciples, in the world you will have trouble. Link your hope not to problem solving in this life to but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.

It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances. In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark. That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of My indwelling Spirit. When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway. I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way.

I have told you all this that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Light shines in the darkness for the godly.

They are generous, compassionate and righteous.

They do not fear bad news;

they confidently trust the LORD to take care of them.

Psalm 112:4, 7

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on Haiti

Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them

I denied myself by fasting for them

but my prayers returned answered

I was sad, as though they were my friends or family

as if I were grieving for my own mother

Psalm 35:13-14

I am sure we have all heard of what happened in Haiti, we have seen images that have left us speechless. So many people dead, so many without a home, without family, children without parents, parents without their children. What has happened has truly shaken the entire world.

I am part of Maranatha World Revival Ministries (http://maranathausa.com/index_english.htm) and we have 16 churches in Haiti, 12 have been accounted for, 6 pastors died and an entire congregation perish the day the earthquake hit. They had service that day and the church was full, there we no survivors. Our Ministries around the world are sending whatever they can to Haiti, money is easiest thing to send right now. We have churches in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) the national director of the Santo Domingo has been crossing the border to Haiti to bring medical supplies and food to the people. $1000 has feed 200, 12 children have been placed in homes in Santo Domingo and by the end of this year our church (headquarters in Chicago) plans to have a orphanage for all the kids that were left without parents. But that was only the beginning of what this ministry is doing to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

In times of crisis is when the body of Christ needs to arise. We need to cry out for our nation and for this world, things are not going to get easier and it is our duty to stand in the gap, in prayer, fasting and supplication. We need to cry out, ask for mercy. We need God's mercy.

May God bless you and please keep the nation of Haiti and our nation in prayer. We all need it!

a New habit

From the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, a devotional:

I WANT YOU TO LEARN A NEW HABIT. Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My love for you. 

This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective-- through the Light of My universal Presence--fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.


2  I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
Psalm 63:2

 10  Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power.
He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.

 11  He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms
holding them close to his heart
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Isaiah 40:10-11

 7  I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!

 8  If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave,* you are there.

 9  If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

 10  even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.

Psalm 139:7-10