". . . my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death" —Philippians 1:20

Today, January 1, 2011, like most days Mark and I read My Utmost for His Highest (utmost.org). God has given us new opportunities to share about Him through what most people would consider a tragedy. What man would consider bad God has made for His Glory. We pray that this year we will be able to share with many what God has done for us and what He can do for you! Our life is full of the Joy of the Lord because we know that He is in control. He made us and knows us. How do I know this because I believe in His Word and His Word says it. " I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalms 139:14. Do you know that? I ask you today to search your heart in this new year. I challenge you to give God a chance. Submit to His Will and be strengthened by His power, the power that has been given to you from Heaven. Colossians 2:10 says, "And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:" Are you complete today? Don't think about yesterday or tomorrow. Are you complete today? If not you can be, because if you surrender to Him and know that He is the head of all principality and power (authority), through Him you will have that power to overcome anything. Matthew 28:18-20 says, "18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This my dear friends in not a request it is a command. God gives us free will to choose our own way but in the end you will see, if you have chosen against Him you will loose everything! Praise the Lord if you surrender to Him!

My last thoughts are, several years ago I used to attend a church that every Sunday when we would leave the pastor would say, "Now remember that you are not leaving the church but you are taking the church to the streets." I always loved that and knew that when I left that building my life was what was speaking to the world, not the words I speak or preach but the life I live and I choose to live for Him. Praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus who saved me from all sin and darkness! Amen

by Amanda Burgos