Repentance

“And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.  Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain shall be brought low; and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough roads smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”’ Luke 3:3-6

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a 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

Alan Redpath wrote the foreword to “Christ For Real” and said of Charles Price:  “He has always emphasised that the introduction to a vital relationship Christ involves genuine repentance which enables faith to be valid.  This book confirms that and more, for it is a solid biblical exposition from beginning to end of the sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His demand for Christian revolution as a basis of a relationship with Him.  In other words, if we pray, ‘Thy kingdom come’, we must first pray, ‘My kingdom go.’”

There are many reasons our lives feel frustrated and futile, but no matter what else, when we feel this, it is a time to stop and consider it at time to grow closer to the source of our hope and pray our heart might open to recognise Him afresh and repent of whatever may be separating us from His grace in action. 

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

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Adrian’s battle against painful broken ribs (from mishandling by ambulance staff) combined with pneumonia and high fever, still in hospital.  Please pray his carers are gentle with his brittle body & that he knows how to proceed to protect himself – give his pastor wisdom in advising Adrian. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For God’s support during difficult times through unexpected friends.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him (he’s offered to go visit Adrian for me too!).  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old)  and her headaches and attitude toward her mom.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary, Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Jack’s family to see the future now that he is gone.  That Tim secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for the world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful (Please do not get bored with this request).  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers and governments in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Carla to have good health, satisfying work and life balance.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Paul needs work.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price