Original Righteousness!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it.

“There was the true light, which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, not of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:1-5, 9-13

“John MacQuarie discusses our ultimate destiny in this passage from ‘The Humility of God’: ‘If the doctrine of original sin is not to have the last word, it must be confronted with a doctrine of original righteousness. After all, in the Old Testament story righteousness is more original than sin.’”*

I collect “firsts in Scripture” and perhaps if I ever finish this series on “Disappointment With God”, I may do a new series on firsts. But just think of that quote a moment. We focus on sin so much sometimes...but “first in is best placed” and best placed is the Father. Let Him reign in your hearts and mine this New Year in unexpected and wonderful ways!

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Jim and Elaine as they search for a new direction. For those dealing with unusually severe weather, especially the floods in Australia and heavy winter weather in the UK and USA.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Please continue to pray for those in & around Christchurch NZ who trying to pull their lives together after the earthquakes, 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