Beginning

“’For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be SAVED through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the Light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the Truth come to the Light, that his deeds may be manifested as having be wrought in God.’” John 3:16-21

Most miss the fact that these verses were said by Jesus Himself...not someone speaking about what He said -- He said it. Read it...and start the New Year with His hope and love and forgiveness. There is no other way...

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: For the New Year in God’s hands. Those alone for the holidays; healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (healing well) and for his girlfriend (who has stayed with him throughout the entire ordeal).

Night Before

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For that good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 7:18-8:2

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that HE loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (complete, full payment) for our sins.” I John 4:10

Simple verses, yet trying to think of something to end the year with, they seemed right. I pray God will continue to keep you alert through His Word and Spirit for the Work He has prepared for you for the New Year.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: For the New Year in God’s hands. Those alone for the holidays; healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (healing well) and for his girlfriend (who has stayed with him throughout the entire ordeal).

Past

“There is an appropriate time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven – a time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing. A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; a time to keep, and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Just read those eight verses…think about which ONE of them speaks to your heart as the year is ending and a new one is to begin. God has given us 2008, another year with many living lessons that make us who we are today for Him tomorrow.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: For the New Year in God’s hands. Those alone for the holidays; healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Slate

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous you men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not bet tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:28-31

When I was five, we moved into a huge brick mansion (it was just a big house). One day, exploring in the front yard, I found a large, strange shaped, flat piece of dark gray stone. I took it to my Daddy and he told me it was a slate tile that had fallen from our roof. He took a stone from the ground, handed it to me and said. “Here, use this stone to make your letter A. I did, and there it was on the slate. “Now, make as many letters as you like.” I looked up to him when I had filled it and was a bit disappointed because there was no space left. He handed me his clean hankie, wet from the nearby dog’s bowl. “Wipe this over the slate,” he said. It turned dark when I did, but all the letters disappeared. It is sort of like the end of every year. We get to wipe the slate clean and start fresh again.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: For the New Year in God’s hands. Those alone for the holidays; healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Making A List

“’Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.’” Luke 10:20

“’And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.’” Matthew 24:14

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20

James Kennedy used an illustration for people who were sure they had lived their lives “mostly good”. He would ask, “If you are making scrambled eggs and all the eggs are good but one, what would the result be?” It is not about the list, you know, it is about the Gift. (See tomorrow)

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: All those alone for the holidays; healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

He's Coming!

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, the cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

We walked in darkness, yet were called out of that pitch blackness or subtle grey into His light – the true and lasting Light that illuminates our lives, Jesus, the Saviour of the world, if they will only turn to Him and accept His true and faithful gift of love and hope.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - New Beginnings

“’I, Jesus have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.’ And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book; if any one adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Tree of Life and from the Holy City, which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all God’s people. Amen.” Revelation 22:16-21

At the end of God’s Word, we are challenged to remember that this is not all there is...that there is tomorrow until eternity and then beyond in His care. I am thirsty and I hope these “ending” have made you thirstier than ever before.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Are We There Yet?

“But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, ‘In the last time, there shall be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.’ These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen” Jude 17-25

So very much here as we near the end of the New Testament from the end passages. This one is so rich, you may wish to print it out and carry it with you this weekend and just meditate on it.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Conterfeit?

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. Having many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that your joy may be made full. The children of your chosen sister greet you.” II John 10-13

There are many ways to communicate and the most effective seems to be face-to-face, because God created a way for us to “read” each other with the help of the Holy Spirit. However, when in doubt, always remember, there is your opinion, their opinion and then there is the Truth. Seek His Truth.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - True Truth

“We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children guard yourselves from idols.” I John 5:18-21

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.” II Timothy 4:3-5

I had a wonderful chat with an old friend in the States yesterday and the topic of what’s gone wrong in America came up. We considered many things, but concluded some generalities: they have exchanged the true Truth for a lie of the idols of instant gratification, competition, preoccupation with things and self, and no time for family. Tony Compolo wrote about it perfectly in his book, “Who Switched the Price Tags?”

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Say and Do

“Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard, lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” II Peter 3:14-18

Others, whether adults or children, hear what you say, but they learn from what you do. In this closing part of II Peter, we see this lesson: Paul sets an example for Peter in his letters; others, who as Jesus said, make His Word invalid by their own traditions and lead others astray; and Christ who is our ultimate example of living the Word.

“...’And thus you invalidate the Word of God for the sake of your tradition.’” Matthew 15:6b

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Stand & Rest!

“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever amen. Through Silvanus, of faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.” I Peter 5:10-14

When you are growing through difficult times, sometimes you can feel like the pain and difficulty will never end. But stop for a moment and consider the wonders of Christ’s love for you and the eternity you are promised, it can help you keep things in perspective so you can stand and rest – but sometimes it is not easy and your brothers and sisters in Christ are there to help you through it.

“’All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:27-30

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Providence

“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.” I John 1:8-10

According to J.I. Packer, providence is “the increasing activity of the Creator who in overflowing bounty and good will, upholds His creatures in ordered existence, guides and governs all events, circumstances and free acts of angels and men; and directs everything to its appointed goal, for His own glory”. According to Jerry Bridges: “His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people”. So we know He is watching over us and all that is happening is in His hands...now that is a miracle!

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Closeness

“But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to your briefly. Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I shall see you. Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. Grace be with you all.” Hebrews 13:22-25

Hebrews is a rather unique book in the New Testament; no one can confirm who wrote it (some have even suggested a woman!), where it was written, the date it was written or even to whom it was written. Despite all of this it was included and we have some of the most beautiful verses. We learn about how much better faith in Christ is over all other systems of religion. We learn about the power of the Word itself and what faith is. Most of all we learn a new intimacy with our Father God because He understands us from the inside out.

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sim. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Healing of Barb and Gary, who lost their jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Shall Be Given

“Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. And at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philemon 21-25

Today, I called home to speak with Barb, my sister-in-law (closer than a sister), to comfort her as she was made redundant from the only job she’s ever had in a company she’s faithfully served for 33 years. We were both in shock that this happened, but strange when you are a Christian, you CAN find the Lord’s hand even in the most frightening of circumstances. Please pray for Barb and Tim with me.

“And we KNOW that God Causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

“’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29 11-13

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Gary, who also lost his job; wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Address Book

“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.” Titus 3:12-15

Progressing through Paul’s letters is like reading his address book for his friends. Each an individual, all helped him in his ministry in one way or another and he never forgot them...and neither should we forget those who are in our lives.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Gary, lost his job; wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Individual Gifts

“Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphoris. Erastus remained at Coringth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus. Make every effort to come before winger. Eubulus greets you, also Purdens and Lineus and Claudia and all the brethren. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” II Timothy 4:19-22

Even in Paul’s reportedly last letter, he remembers those in his life who aided his vision, his cause and him as an individual. Today, think about those special people in your life. They are there by design, not chance. Thank your Father for each of them. Oh and enjoy the weekend.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Gary, lost his job, wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - Tickling "truth"

“Instruct those who are rich in the present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with ll things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is live indeed. O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called ‘knowledge’ – which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.” I Timothy 6:17-21

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the Truth, and will turn aside to myths.” II Timothy 4:3-4

Ever notice how we are capable of molding information to fit our concept of what is correct. One thing I learned early on is that there is your opinion, my opinion and then God’s Truth. Only the One is reliable.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Gary, lost his job, wisdom for doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).

Endings - God's Brand

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter, this is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” II Thessalonians 3:16-18

“The steadfast of mind Thou will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.” Isaiah 26:3

“’Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let no your heart be troubled, not let it be fearful.’” John 14:27

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 12:15

Buddy and Susan bought me Jerry Bridges book, “Trusting God”. I thought I’d find just the perfect quote from there, but my book is so dog-eared and marked up I spent an hour just reading all the neat stuff I need to know all over again and feeling frustrated. A little slip of paper fell from the book; and there was the message: “A symbol is something -- often a picture of an object, that stands for something else.” Paul wrote in his own hand – a differentiating “brand” for his writings. God has a “brand” too and it is His peace in the heart of His children, no matter what is happening around them.

Stay near God's Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing prayer requests: Gary, lost his job, doctors caring for: David, Adrian, Randy and Michael. The Kossallys and me during some big changes. For a new work project for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother (out of hospital, learning to stand again).