Happy New year to you all! We have survived the year of 2022. We have witnessed or learned of family members and/or friends who have suffered because of sickness. Some have recovered and some have passed away, but we have this hope that when Jesus comes a second time, that we will see them again. This is a new year and we can definitely claim and believe the following promise:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 KJV
OR
“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” Philippians 4:13 AMPC
We serve and worship a God who says, “Is anything too hard for Me?” Look at the story of Abram and Sarai after their name change with the promise of offerings in their old age.
“Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:14 KJV
Mary, the virgin who was engaged to be married to Joseph, was told that she would be filled with the Holy Spirit and that she would bear a child, Jesus Christ. She wonder how this could happen and she was assured by the angel Gabriel:
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37 KJV
Do you remember the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and wanted to be a follower of Jesus since he kept all the rules of the law, but all he needed to do was sell all that he had? He declined and was sorrowful. Money and riches were his god. So who can be saved?
“And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:26-27 KJV
Other references in the Bible state:
“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 KJV
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27 KJV
My prayer for us today, and every day of this new year of 2023, is that we have faith and that we will continue to trust in God and in His way and in His timing. Also, that we will be like Jesus our Perfect Example, our Advocate, our High Priest, our Lawyer, our Kinsman Redeemer, Our Savior and our Lord.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:1, 6 KJV
Remember to place God first in everything:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV
Remember these promises:
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” Matthew 7:7 KJV
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20 KJV
OR
“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]” Ephesians 3:20 AMPC
Looking forward to seeing you at the following retreats for 2023.
Empowerment Weekend March 10-12, 2023 at Camp Wakonda
Presenter: Tamara Conway
“In today’s world, we are witnessing a desperate need for us to address and break generational cycles, as well as discuss those things what were once tabu, so that we can finally move from a place simply coping, to real healing. However, it won’t happen without prayer, intentional effort and a bold fight to be whole. Come and join me in March 2023, as we dive into God’s word, and take a look at some practical ways we can go from simply living this life, coping until Jesus comes, to a place a healing, while awaiting the great HEALER! – “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health (mentally, emotionally, physical and spiritually).” – 3 John 2
Fall Retreat October 20-22, 2023 in Wisconsin Dells
Presenter: Tammy Cranston
Tammy Cranston served as a hospice bereavement volunteer for five years offering support and services to patients and families. She’s devoted to helping others through some of life’s most difficult challenges. She previously authored Why Not Me? published by Teach Services, Inc. and recently co-authored The Blank Journal with her current husband, Bob Cranston. Her first children’s book: Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey was published at the beginning of this year. She holds an associate degree in communication and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in this field. She is passionate about her faith and family. She loves to plan, implement, and preserve memories through photography, videography, and the written word.
Together, she and Bob, parent five children and their spouses, and grandparent twelve grandchildren living in four different states. After years in Illinois, they now reside in Pensacola Beach, Florida.
May we have a blessed year of 2023 and may we be a blessing to others and be the salt of the earth and the light in this world that is not our final home.
Patricia Antoine-Norton, Women’s Ministries Coordinator