If it be consistent with thy eternal counsels, the purpose of thy grace, and the great ends of thy glory, then bestow upon me the blessing of thy comforts;

If not, let me resign myself to thy wiser determinations.

_{(from the Valley of Vision, page 11)}

Over the last several months, I have had to be resigned to God’s wiser determinations.  When a trial begins suddenly, it causes us to take stock.  Yet even during a period of challenges, God’s blessings still come through.  I have been amazed at the daily comfort provided by the Holy Spirit, by the outpouring of prayer from church, family, and friends.  I thought initially it would test my faith, yet it has instead strengthened my faith.  It has drawn me closer to those that I love.  Miracles have happened, many miracles.  Yet, the trial continues and I now am able to thank God for it.  His mercies are never ceasing.

The quote from the Valley of Vision is hung over my desk.  I refer to it many times each day.

Father, thank you.  Praying in the matchless name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior.  Amen

Job 8:3 Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right?

Romans 8:33b  God is the one who justifies

From the hymn, “He Will Hold Me Fast”, Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.  We are told in scripture that God loves justice, that one of His attributes is justice, that we are justified by faith in Jesus, that God demands justice for all that is done against Him.  Without the satisfaction of justice, without the penalty paid, we are hopelessly lost.

Father, thank you for your many perfect attributes.  Thank you for justice that was paid for by your Son.  Holy Spirit, sanctify me each day into the image of Jesus.  I know I have a long way to go, but with your help I know it will be accomplished.  Praying in Jesus name.  Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God.

Matthew 26:29.  But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Matthew 26:39.  And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Matthew 26:42.  He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

Yesterday’s sermon from Matthew 26 was a beautiful picture of Jesus in his last hours before his death on the cross. We were reminded that, while the disciples fell asleep, Jesus did not. And He doesn’t sleep today. He is always there during our tribulations, always able to hear our prayers, always able to take the thoughts we cannot put into words and present those requests to God.

Jesus was also a mixture of sorrow and joy. He was sorrowful for what He was to face, even asking the father to take that cup of wrath from Him. Yet as he prayed the second time, still asking for relief from the cross, He understood that it was the Father’s will for Him to take on the sin of the world. However, even as He was sorrowful, there was joy. He knew that the result of what was coming was the redemption of God’s people. He knew that because of what He was about to do, we would be with Him in paradise in the Father’s kingdom.

Everyone goes through tribulations in life. But only those that know and love Jesus can have true joy during those times. Those that don’t know Him can only know sorrow. Sorrow without joy. What a blessing it is to know Jesus.

Father, thank you for the joy that you provide during times of sorrow. Thank you for the love of the Son that brings us comfort. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that watches over, sustains, keeps, and upholds us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Always praying for the glory of God.