2021 Daily Devotion - Day 427

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It was Good Friday, and we had just watched the service streamed from church. Wanting to continue the blessing of the music and message, we searched YouTube to see if we could find more inspiration. It had been a stressful week with a CAT scan, imaging and other tests for me, and eye surgery for Ken. We were also in the process of selling our home and buying another. That Friday evening found me filled with anxiety and unable to find peace. I longed for a oneness with my Heavenly Father that had been eluding me throughout the week. As I saw the various offerings on YouTube, I came upon a title “Because He Lives” by Bill and Gloria Gaither. I clicked on the site, and we heard an hour of songs about the cross, the suffering of Jesus, and ending with the resurrection. Music has always spoken to my heart, and I drank in the words to the old hymns as well as the newer worship songs.

I could feel the anxiety slip away as the words echoed in my soul, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone.” And when the voices rose with the words “Death has lost, and life has won; morning has come,” the tears began to flow. The release was heavenly, and I felt the peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The words “death has lost and life has won” have become my mantra. I repeat them often in prayer to my Heavenly Father, and its truth echoes in my soul. I have no need to fear. Resurrection morning has come!

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Pray with me:
Dear Father, we thank You for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which means that death has lost and life has won! Victory is ours! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nancy Reynen
Mount of Olives Church Small Group Leader
Mount of Olives Church
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