“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armour of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the full armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
“Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with Truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view; be on the alert with all perseverance, and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that the utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth [and in writing this devotion daily for you] to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:10-20
“Which is the ‘true’ story of Christmas: Luke’s pastoral version or Revelation’s account of the cosmos at war [in chapter 12 of that book]? They are the same story, of course; only the level of viewing differs. Luke gives the view from the earth and Revelation shades in details from the unseen world. The two worlds come together vividly in three of Jesus’ most famous stories, the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. All three make the same point: great joy breaks out in heaven when a sinner repents.”*
Isn’t it neat that the Lord has placed me in Australia so many of my friends from home will have this message to consider a day ahead of the last day of 2010!
Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?
NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Many who face the holidays with fear, sadness or loneliness in their hearts, that they may find something to do for others to fill that emptiness with love and hope & that those who have something to share find creative & surprising ways to share with others who have little or are alone.
OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Please continue to pray for those in & around Christchurch NZ who have just had strong aftershocks again and are dealing with the aftermath of the terrible earthquake, including families of the lost miners. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions and for Ulfur with major life changes. For strength and wisdom for me.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Tim, who continues to support Barb as she searches for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me), that they have an understanding of God's plan in all this. Galdor resigned and now need the right job, not just a job.
ONGOING BEREVEMENT: Please remember to pray for the hearts of those left behind after the loss of loved ones recently – holidays always hurt a great deal. This includes: Sean, Cris, Jay, Greg, Di, Milly and David, Linda and Lavie. (details in earlier postings).
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Jo has work now to help with those affected by the earthquakes in NZ. My friend and her broken relationship is strengthening again. For all those who have had wonderful suggestions for people job searching. Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. David (great health now!). Nancy, continues to progress well. The other Nancy is doing well against her cancer. Reg for his wonderful ministry.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ). Earl good results from bone marrow transplant, but complications. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey
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