Difference

“’I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He lifts up [off the ground to ensure it gets more air circulation, cleans off the dust, so more light can get in]; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.’

“’You are already clean because of the Word which I have spoken to you.  Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.’” John 15:1-5

 “It is this that makes Christianity something far more than just another religion, far more than just some wishful thinking, and far more than a never-ending struggle to live a quality of life which in more honest moments I recognise to be humanly impossible!  It is NOT an escape from reality, but a plunge INTO reality where we begin to live life as God always intended it to be lived, and discover the resources to be the men and women we were created to be.”*

Abide = to put up with or tolerate someone or something [we are sinners after all and we just do not like the Truth sometimes]; to live in a specified place; to WAIT for something or someone. 

The specific Greek word used in the Bible is “diatribo” – it means ‘to wear through by rubbing, to wear away’, ‘through’, when used of time, ‘to spend or pass time, to stay,’, tarried, instead of continued.  It indicates a wilful choice. 

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:  For Joep helping Yentl & Jacquelin.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For a new project that is in God’s hands.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen, for the hope of her future.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including:  east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan and New Zealand earthquakes.  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. 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Without One Plea!

“When Thou didst awesome things which we did not expect, Thou didst come down, the mountains quaked at Thy presence.  For from old they have not heard nor perceived by ear, neither has the eye seen a God besides Thee, who acts in behalf of the one who WAITS for Him.  Thou didst meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness, who remembers Thee in Thy ways.  Behold Thou wast angry for we sinned, we continued in them a long time; and shall we be saved?

“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.  And there is no one who calls on Thy name, who arouses himself to take hold of Thee; for Thou hast hidden Thy face from us, and hast delivered us into the power of our iniquities, but now, O Lord, Thou art our Father, we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and all of us are the work of Thy hand.”  Isaiah 64:3-8

“Of course it was CHRIST who began the good work, but I was trying to complete it!  I had not HEARD that it was, ‘JUST as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him.’, and that MY ability to continue to live in HIM was on the same grounds as those upon which received Him, that is, through an attitude of repentance and faith.  In fact, the Bible was ALIVE with verses and statements I had never been able to appreciate, which talked about Christ as THE life and source of all TRUE spiritual activity.”*

No matter how much confidence or pride we have in our ability to “be good and do good things”, there is no way our hearts are good... He is the One who “washes us whiter than snow” with the shedding of His precious blood...because HE sees in us a future for eternity of many...we just need to quit thinking we can help Him and let Him work His will through us!

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:  For Joep helping Yentl & Jacquelin.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For a new project that is in God’s hands now.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.  Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen, for the hope of her future.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including:  east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan and New Zealand earthquakes.  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. 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

His Secret for Us

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-2

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus as the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7

“This is the essence of all Christian activity and life. – I knew Christ was the ‘author’ for He had enabled me to become a Christian, but I did not know He was the ‘perfector’ or as other versions have it, ‘the finisher’ of our faith.  Having allowed Him to begin, I thought it was my job to finish!*

If we set our eyes on Christ, then the chaos surrounding us is out of focus, and that helps us know where to place our next sure step.  He manages the chaos, if we will only chose to follow Him moment-by-moment.  Now that IS a great secret!

The answer is simple; getting self off the throne is the hard part!

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:  For Joep helping Yentl & Jacquelin.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For a new project that is in God’s hands now.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.  Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen, for the hope of her future.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including:  east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan and New Zealand earthquakes.  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. 
 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Moses' Lesson

“Now these things happened as examples for us, that we should not crave evil things, as they also craved.  And do not be idolaters, as some of them were ; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.’;  Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.  Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents.  Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 

“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.  No temptation has overtaken you but such as common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:6-13

“Faithful is He who calls you, and HE will also bring it to pass.” I Thessalonians 5:24

“Now, he has died to his own techniques and scheming, and is trusting in the One who called him to also do it.  You will remember how God opened up the Red Sea and used the first problem to swallow the second problem, as the Egyptian army drowned in the sea whilst the Israelites went over on dry ground.  God was in business now God was winning the victories!   God was active!*

The answer is simple; getting self off the throne is the hard part!

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:  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For a new project that is in God’s hands now.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.   Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen, for the hope of her future.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including:  east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan and New Zealand earthquakes.  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. 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

A Christian Fundamental

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.  But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

“Faithful is He who calls you, AND He also will bring it to pass.” I Thessalonians 5:16-24

“This is a fundamental principle of Christian living.  God was not just ACTIVE in the Cross, so that we look back only with gratitude for what He has done.  He IS not now waiting just to receive us into heaven.  His PURPOSE is to become ACTIVE in the present tense of your experience, in EVERY area of your life.”*

Who would have thought He would work His plan for His world through those He died to save, so that none would be lost!  He is THE great and compassionate One who loves us with a love so amazing and deep, there is no way to realise it!

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:  Pray for those reliving the terrible memories of the 9/11 disaster.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For a new project that is a dilemma for me, that I may not be able to take.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen, for the hope of her future.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including:  east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan and New Zealand earthquakes.  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. 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Two Examples - Moses (part 2)

“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 souls.  For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:27-30

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I AM with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20

“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites; ‘I AM has sent me to you.’  God made Himself known as the Eternally Present One.  Not a God who was AT the burning bush giving the instructions.  Not a God who WILL BE AT the final destination in the promised land.  But a God who IS, at all times, operating in the present tense of life, and to be counted on as being sufficient and available.”*

What a true and profound paradigm shift this was.  A God who was with His people in ways unimaginable!  He is here now with you as you read this and consider how trustworthy He is...yes, even with THAT problem.  He is more than sufficient...just hand it over to Him...go on, you can do it...

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:  Pray for those reliving the terrible memories of the 9/11 disaster.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For a new project that is a dilemma for me, that I may not be able to take.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen, for the hope of her future.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including:  east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan and New Zealand earthquakes.  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. 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Two Examples - Moses (part 1)

“And the Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.  So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious lan, to a land flowing with milk and honey, --

“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.’  But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?’  And He said, ‘Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be a sign to you that it is I who have sent you; when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.’” Exodus 3:5-8a, 10-12

“Moses, like Abraham before him, had offered to God only his dedication to do the work for God, leaving God Himself on the sidelines.”  [after 40 years in the desert] he was “dead to his own ability and resources, for he had tried so gallantly and failed so miserably, his first question in response to God’s call was: ‘Who am I, that I should go’ –

“God’s response to Moses’ question was to ignore it, for ‘who am I?’ is never the issue.  He replied, ‘I will be with you’ for that IS the issue!  The resources necessary for the task were not to be found in who Moses was, but in who God was!  Moses responded in effect by asking, ‘Who are You?’  Have you ever taken time to ask God that question, and then listened, really listened, to His answer?”*

God KNOWS.  He KNOWS best.  He LEADS us best.  It is our choice to follow His leading or to do the work for Him.  There is a huge difference!

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:  Pray for those reliving the terrible memories of the 9/11 disaster.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For a new project that is a dilemma for me, that I may not be able to take.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen, for the hope of her future.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including:  east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan and New Zealand earthquakes.  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. 
 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Two Examples - Abraham

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision saying, ‘Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great.’  And Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will Thou give me since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’  And Abram said, ‘Since Thou hast given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir. 

“Then behold the word of the Lord came to him saying, ‘This man will not be your heir; but one who shall come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.  And he took him outside and said, ‘Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’  And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’” Genesis 15:1-5

“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife had born him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar.  So Sarai said to Abram, ‘Now behold the Lord has prevented me from bearing children.  Please go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children through her.’  And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” 16:1-2

“Abraham’s motivation was sincere [in offering Hagar to bear his child].  He had given up all hope of having a child.  Ishmael was not conceived in an act of rebellion against God, but in an attitude of agreement WITH God.  It was not out of disobedience, but out of a dedication to God’s purpose that Abraham and Sarah had planned the means whereby Ishmael might be born.  But God did not recognise Ishmael.

“Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’  And he said, ‘Here I am.’  And He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.’  Genesis 22:1-2

“Later when God tested Abraham and asked him to offer Isaac [the child of God’s promise] in sacrifice, He referred to Isaac as ‘your only son’.  God did not recognise Ishmael, as He does not recognise our efforts on His behalf, no matter how sincerely they have been carried out.  He invites us to be the channels of His activity, not the substitute for it.”*

God can be VERY clear, as well as VERY vague, but He is always right if we will only wait on Him and listen to Him and most of all trust Him.  I love it that He choose the story of Abram to be in His Word, so I could learn from the misdirected determination of Abram.  Enjoy your weekend my friends.

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:  Pray for those reliving the terrible memories of the 9/11 disaster.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as he tries to make sense of his injured body.

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

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he 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:  For those affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including:  east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan 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!  And a new opportunity seems to be developing for me that would be such a blessing for me.
 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Here's How: Focus

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:12-13

“For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus; sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”  II Corinthians 4:11 

“What was needed on my part was not so much a ‘dedication’ to live for God, but a ‘dying’ to myself and to self-sufficiency, coupled with a reliance upon God ‘to will and to act according to His good pleasure.”*

In the series based on “Disappointment With God”, the lesson was that it is not about us, but about a world of lost individuals that the Lord loves, longs for, died for and seeks. 

For us, our focus must be on the Lord and how HE works HIS good pleasure for HIS perfect plan:  that no man or woman can stand at the judgment seat and not have been offered the only (free) acceptable “ticket” to be there.

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:  Pray for those reliving the terrible memories of the 9/11 disaster.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as those who were to be there to help him when he arrived home are gone on holiday.  The church he depended upon is focused on budget cuts; the pastor on a new post.  He is frightened, alone, barely able to care for himself with no energy, in a cumbersome brace and struggling for every little thing.  Yet, his last text to me ended by him saying how thankful he was to God that he had the mental resources and energy to communicate what is going on now.  (Adrian, by the way, lives as far away from me as Atlanta is to NYC, so I cannot be there.)

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

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he 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:  For those affected by Hurricane Irene.  The world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful.  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters this last year, 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

Release?

“And Jesus came up to and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20

“’—but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and een to the remotest part of the earth.’” Acts 1:8

“It was no longer to be a case of me living ‘down here’ for a God who, to all intents and purposes, was still living ‘up there’.  Rather it was to be a RELEASE of the Holy Spirit within me, that He might live the life of Jesus Christ, reproducing the character of Jesus Christ and reflecting the likeness of Jesus Christ in all of the ordinary and mundane details of life.”*

It is not a question of CAN He; it is a question of WILL we bend our will to permit Him.  The Holy Spirit has ALL authority in heaven and earth, yet He settles into our lives like a dove, gently waiting for our choices to give Him leave to transform our lives.  Can we really RELEASE Him to do as He knows is best? 

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:  Pray for those reliving the terrible memories of the 9/11 disaster.  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as those who were to be there to help him when he arrived home are gone on holiday.  The church he depended upon is focused on budget cuts; the pastor on a new post.  He is frightened, alone, barely able to care for himself with no energy, in a cumbersome brace and struggling for every little thing.  Yet, his last text to me ended by him saying how thankful he was to God that he had the mental resources and energy to communicate what is going on now.  (Adrian, by the way, lives as far away from me as Atlanta to NYC, so I cannot be there.)

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

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  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:  Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help.  Pray he 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:  For those affected by Hurricane Irene.  The world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful.  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters this last year, 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 is in the last stages of interviews for a new role (he's been looking for the last 3 years).  That Tim might find satisfying, suitable 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

Wrong Conclusion

“’I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, he lifts up (off the ground to ensure it gets more air and light and is more easily cleaned of dust and pests), and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.  You are already clean because of the Word which I have spoken to you.  

“’Abide in Me, and; I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and; I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.’”
John 15:1-5

“But now I was seeing that God was not giving me ‘things’ or showering upon me a wide range of spiritual commodities.  God was giving me HIMSELF.  All the ‘things’ I had asked for were to be an expression of the life of God within me.  It was to be the active presence and working of God Himself within my life that made the Christian life possible.”*

For me, “abiding” is the most difficult part.  It seems lazy or something.  I’m an active person.  I want to do things and help and fix broken things and run around and give to others and bind up wounds and read and help kids and blind people across the street, give money and old clothes and fix broken stuff for someone who can’t...at the end of the day, Christ asks me to abide/rest/refresh/wait on Him.  Like prayer, sometimes the "easy" things are the hardest.  Have a wonderful weekend my friends.

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:  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as those who were to be there to help him when he arrived home are gone on holiday.  The church he depended upon is focused on budget cuts; the pastor on a new post.  He is frightened, alone, barely able to care for himself with no energy, in a cumbersome brace and struggling for every little thing.  Yet, his last text to me ended by him saying how thankful he was to God that he had the mental resources and energy to communicate what is going on now.  (Adrian, by the way, lives as far away from me as Atlanta to NYC, so I cannot be there.)

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.  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:  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:  For those affected by Hurricane Irene.  The world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful.  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters this last year, 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

The Catalogue

“’Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to hom who knocks it shall be opened.  Or what man is there among you; when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone?  Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake will he?  If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!'" Matthew 7:7-11

“—You do not have because you do not ask.  You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”  James 4:2b-3

“It was called ‘The Bible’.  I imagined God to be in heaven with a great supermarket with its shelves stacked high with spiritual goodies!  With Him was someone I imagined to fulfil the role of an ‘errand boy; and who was called the Holy Spirit.  How all this operated was very simple.  I was to read the ‘catalogue’ and discover all the things that were available to me from God, and then through prayer to put in my order, and it would be the task of the Holy Spirit to bring these various commodities to me.”*

We don’t just ask for ‘spiritual goodies’, we ask for all sorts of things of God.  We use a lack of stuff as a complaint against God too.  Most of all, we want it now – our impatience for stuff – spiritual and real – seems sometimes driven by the world around us or people we know.  Yet, the Father holds to His plan for us – each individual -- to bring us to His throne of Grace and then as we walk away, changed and renewed, into a world dying for Him.  Perhaps it is a matter of priorities.

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:  Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as those who were to be there to help him when he arrived home are gone on holiday.  The church he depended upon is focused on budget cuts; the pastor on a new post.  He is frightened, alone, barely able to care for himself with no energy, in a cumbersome brace and struggling for every little thing.  Yet, his last text to me ended by him saying how thankful he was to God that he had the mental resources and energy to communicate what is going on now.  (Adrian, by the way, lives as far away from me as Atlanta to NYC, so I cannot be there.)

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.  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:  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:  For those affected by Hurricane Irene.  The world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful.  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters this last year, 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

A Certificate

“And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

“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 1:5-10

“And according to the Law, one might almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” Hebrews 9:22

“The ‘certificate’ stated:  ‘This is to certify that Charles Price has had all his sins forgiven...signed, God’.  This was absolutely necessary in order for me to be eligible for the ‘ticket’.  Furthermore, the certificate had been written blood. – My life now, was surely to be a response to this, by living in such a way that I was expressing gratitude for all He had done.”*

It is always the simple and clearly stated things in Scripture that seem to trip me us.  God does not try to obscure or obfuscate His Truth.  His direct and pure approach to fulfil His desire for fellowship with us, His Children, is stated clearly from the beginning.  And then He gave us a will to choose.  Every day, as Christians, you and I make our choices with a blood saturated Certificate gripped in our hands.  Perhaps, sometimes it’s easy to forget how that Certificate got so sticky.

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 is home.  He returns to the hospital by ambulance Mondays for treatment.  Those who have offered him a home have taken holidays and left him alone.  Please pray for his safety and those who care for him.

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.  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:  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:  For those affected by Hurricane Irene.  The world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful.  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters this last year, 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