Dear Family and Friends,
God bless you! What a joy it was to celebrate Easter Sunday with you! The lovely Easter lilies on the altar, and the assortment of tulips, daffodils and chrysanthemums on the cross brightened the morning. The children in their Easter best were a special blessing. Many of our Minetto Church family and friends are experiencing challenges. Our hearts are with our loved ones, as we lift each person in prayer to our Savior, our refuge and strength. The April devotion from Leslie Koh, an Our Daily Bread contributor, spoke to my heart. I pray this will encourage you, as well.
Psalm 91: 1-2, 14-16
- 1) Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
- 2) I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress. My God, in whom I trust.”
- 14) “Because he loves me”, says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
- 15) He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
- 16) With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
- In God’s Arms
“The sound of the drill terrified five-year-old Sarah. She leaped out of the dentist’s chair and refused to get back in. Nodding understanding, the dentist told her father, “Daddy, get into the chair.” Jason thought he was meant to show his daughter how easy it was. But then the dentist turned to the little girl and said, “Now, climb up and sit in Daddy’s lap.” With her father now cradling her in his reassuring arms, Sarah relaxed completely, and the dentist was able to continue. That day, Jason learned a great lesson about the comfort of the presence of his heavenly Father. “Sometimes, (God chooses not to) take over what we have to go through,” he said. But God was showing me, ‘I will be there with you.’ “ Psalm 91 speaks of the comforting presence of God that gives us the strength to face our trials. Knowing that we can rest in His powerful arms gives us great assurance, as does His promise to those who love Him: “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble” (v. 15).
There are many unavoidable challenges and trials in life, and we will inevitably have to go through pain and suffering. But with God’s reassuring arms wrapped around us, we’ll be able to bear our crises and circumstances, and let him strengthen our faith as we grow through them.” By Leslie Koh
*Gracious Father, thank You for Your reassuring presence in my circumstances. Please help me through them, knowing that You’re always with me.
Psalm 34: 4 “I sought the LORD and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (CEV)
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13: 6. (NIV)
May God’s richest blessings be showered upon you, dear Family and Friends.
In His love, Pastor Maureen
