Right & Wrong

“Jesus therefore answered and was saying to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.  For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and greater works than these will He show Him, that you may marvel.  For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.’” John 5:19-21

“Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper, and said, ‘Lord, who is the one who betrays You?’  Peter therefore seeing him said to Jesus, ‘Lord, and what about this man?’  Jesus said to him, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?  YOU follow Me!’” John 21:20-22

“Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, not simply because He did not do the things that are wrong, but MORE because He CONSISTENTLY did the things that were right.

“If we ONLY know HOW Jesus Christ lived, we might, out of a deep admiration for Him, and sincere dedication to Him, try our best to imitate him.  But it would only frustrate us.  For the more we examine His perfect life and try our best to copy Him, the more we will become aware of our failure.”*

Read that passage in John again!  Jesus gave us so much and He even gave us the perfect example of how to live and how to learn HOW to live...follow Him!

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 my brother, Tim, who will have some challenging surgery soon (was rescheduled) and who is dealing with the reality of having to find a new home for his beloved pet.  Scott, as he struggles and grows. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Paul finally found a job after two years of searching!  For Reg and his ministry, that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways.  For the Lord showing me light bulb ways to get through dark places.  For David, Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  For Yentl & Jacquelin as they found a two-day marketing internship in Australia. 

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 and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton.  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, especially with this surgery and no insurance.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.  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 still 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:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project urgently.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

THE Example

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John bore witness of Him, and cried out, saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’’ 

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.  For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were REALISED through Jesus Christ.  No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.” John 1:14-18

Jesus “engaged in public ministry, crossing the road to speak to the outcasts of society that everyone else would rather pass by, touching lepers who had not been touched by anyone in years, laying His hands on the sick, rubbing shoulders with the immoral, the thieves, the treacherous whom the self respecting religious people of the day were careful to avoid any association with, there was portrayed accurately and consistently what God was/is like.  What He did, what He said and how He said it, persistently revealed God.”*

Jesus EXPLAINS the Father by demonstrating the focus of His heart...God’s heart is focused on you!

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 my brother, Tim who will have some challenging surgery soon (was rescheduled).  Scott, as he struggles and grows. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Paul finally found a job after two years of searching!  For Reg and his ministry that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways.  For the Lord showing me light bulb ways to get through dark places.  For David, Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For all day yesterday through messages from Fred, Stephanie and Annette N.  Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  For Yentl & Jacquelin as they found a two-day marketing internship in Australia. 

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 and Losa with headaches, that their doctors 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, especially with this surgery and no insurance.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.  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:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project urgently.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Secret of Sin

“And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.’” Isaiah 6:6

“Therefore you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.  And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.  And do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment upon those who practice the same things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God. 

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance.  But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.” Romans 2:1-5

From the beginning man was asked to differentiate this from that.  After the Fall, they learned how to rationalise this from that.  The whole earth is filled with reminders of God’s glory and people choose to ignore it because of their ability to self-justify behaviours relative to perfection.

“Goodness is an absolute and goodness is the character of God.  Something is only good because it is consistent with what God is, and conversely, something is only bad because it conflict with what God is.  Because the target against which sin is measured is the ‘glory of God’, it is only as I discover how I can be what God created me to be, that I can deal with sin.”*

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 my brother, Tim who will have some challenging surgery on next Monday.  Scott, as he struggles and grows. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  That Paul finally found a job after two years of searching!  For Reg and his ministry that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways.  For the Lord showing me light bulb ways to get through dark places.  For David, Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For all day yesterday through messages from Fred, Stephanie and Annette N.  Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  For Yentl & Jacquelin as they found a two-day marketing internship in Australia. 

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 and Losa with headaches, that their doctors 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, especially with this surgery and no insurance.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.  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:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project urgently.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Surprise of Sin

“And as He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good?  No one is good except God alone.  You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honour your father and mother.’  And he said to Him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.’”  Mark 10:17-20

“’For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.  You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’  But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.’” Matthew 5:20-22

“Sin is only sin because it is inconsistent with the ‘glory of God’.  Goodness is an absolute, and goodness is the character of God.  Something is only good because it is consistent with what God is, and conversely, something is only bad because it conflicts with what God is.  Because the target against which sin is measured is the ‘glory of God’, it is only as I discover how I can be what God created me to be, that I can deal with sin.”*

The surprise of sin, isn’t just how appealing it is and how ubiquitous (that it is everywhere) it is, it is that it is not what someone else thinks or even what we think about sin.  It is simply missing THE mark of God’s glory! 

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:  Scott, as he struggles and grows. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For my brother, Tim who will have some challenging surgery on next Monday.  For Reg and his ministry that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways.  For the Lord showing me light bulb ways to get through dark places.  For David, Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  For Yentl & Jacquelin as they found a two-day marketing internship in Australia. 

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, especially with this surgery and no insurance.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.  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.  Need a new project urgently.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

The Target IS the Key!

“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.  

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;” Romans 3:19-24

“Sin does not primarily measure how bad we are, it reveals how good we are not!  We have missed the mark.  If sin is missing a mark, we are only in a position recognise sin when we recognise the ‘target’ we are designed to hit.   Without a target we have nothing to hit and nothing to miss.  Without knowing what we are to hit, we do not know when we have missed, which is why we cannot talk intelligently about sin without being aware of the target.  Otherwise ‘sin’ becomes only a vague notion, one person’s opinion versus another person’s opinion.”*

As an arrow is irrelevant without a target, so “Sin” is irrelevant without knowing God. 

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:  Scott, as he struggles and grows. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For my brother, Tim who will have some challenging surgery on next Monday.  For Reg and his ministry that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways.  For the Lord showing me light bulb ways to get through dark places.  For David, Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  For Yentl & Jacquelin as they found a two-day marketing internship in Australia. 

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, especially with this surgery and no insurance.  Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.  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.  Need a new project urgently.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

“’For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.  Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 4:18-20

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.  For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do no commit murder.’  Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.  So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.” James 2:10-12

“The word SIN means ‘to miss the mark’.  At one time the word was used in archery.  As the archer took aim, show his arrow towards a target and missed, it was called SIN.  Whether he missed by half an inch, half a yard or half a mile was irrelevant, for to have missed the target at all was sin.  This is why the extent to which we have missed God’s standard is secondary to the fact that we have missed at all, whether by little or by far.”*

“I was close!” they say only counts in playing horseshoes or throwing hand grenades.  To sin is sin, whether a big one or little one, God does not degree sin – He cannot look on sin.

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:  Scott, as he struggles and grows. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For Reg and his ministry that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways.  For the Lord showing me light bulb ways to get through dark places.  For David, Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy. 

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 Yentl & Jacquelin as they look for a two-day marketing internship in Australia.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.  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.  Need a new project urgently.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Capacity & Capability

“Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal, and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.  I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.’” John 10:7-11

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God make it evident to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:18-20

“My CAPACITY for goodness which deep down I believe in and long to fulfil is frustrated by my CAPABILITY for goodness which lets me down again and again.  Having been created in God’s image and likeness, the possibility for that, the potential for that, the consciousness of that purpose remains latent in my being, but seems so utterly detached from the power to accomplish it.  The very capacity which motivates and inspires me to try and do and to be what is right, now condemns me by creating the consciousness of failure and guilt.”*

Pre-Christian and Christian all SENSE His presence.  All make moment-by-moment decisions and choices every day and throughout their lives that demonstrate their trust in and reliance upon the loving grace of the Father.  As Christians, pre-Christians are always watching to see if what we KNOW works.

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:  Scott, as he struggles and grows.  A solution has been found.  It is not elegant, but it will work with regard to sending these to you in your email each day!   Need a new project urgently.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For David, Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  Reg for his ministry and patience.

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 Yentl & Jacquelin as they look for a two-day marketing internship in Australia.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.  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

Capability & Capacity

“For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.  For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.  But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good.  So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which indwells me.  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 the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish.  Romans 7:14-19

“Man’s problem then, is that he has become alienated from the life of God, and whilst retaining the CAPACITY for godliness he has lost the CAPABILITY for godliness.  His capacity for godliness is evidenced in his frustration with evil and his desire for good, but his lost capability is seen in his repeated failure to perform what he wills.”*

There is nothing like the seventh chapter of Romans to keep us thinking, especially when our lives are frustrating.

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:  Scott, as he struggles and grows.  A solution has been found.  It is not elegant, but it will work with regard to sending these to you in your email each day!   Need a new project urgently.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For David, Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  Reg for his ministry and patience.   

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 Yentl & Jacquelin as they look for a two-day marketing internship in Australia.  Pray for David K who just graduated, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Pray that Adrian will have wisdom about his treatment.  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

Dead IN Sin

“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 perfector 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.  You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;” Hebrews 12:1-4

“The whole human race died in Adam, and all born since have been born in a state of being spiritually dead.  It is not correct to speak of a person today having to die for their sin, as some future event, because death FOR sin took place in Adman.  However it is true to say that although we cannot die FOR sin we can die IN sin.  That is, we can remain in our condition of alienation from God and suffer the eternal consequences.  The only alternative to remaining dead is a very simple one.  It is to come alive!  This, as we shall see, is the Gospel invitation.  It is an invitation to exchange death for life, and as a result, to exchange sin for righteousness.”*

As believers we can also stay dead, trying to find a way to “fix” things wrong in our lives.  The answer is too simple to be easy. The exchange of sin for righteousness trips us up!  And why I am eager to walk through this remarkable book with you.  This book will help us all with this “challenge” as we live IN Him.

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:  Scott, as he struggles and grows.  Call for Internet provider went well for preliminary agreement of what needs to be done in a technical manner.  Progress is being made !  I continue to post on Blog alone until there is assurance of no denial of service.  Need a new project urgently.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  Reg for his ministry and patience.

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 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.  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

Death?

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.  And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.’”

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 2:15-17, 3:6-7

“He was not speaking of physical death, but that in consequence of that act of disobedience, the life of God would be withdrawn from the experience of man, and whilst remaining physically alive he would be spiritually dead.

“The whole human race died in Adam and all born since have been born in a state of being spiritually dead.  It is not correct to speak of a person today having to die FOR their sin, as some future event, because death FOR sin took place in Adam.”*

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Spiritual death is far more profound than physical death...the separation from God is eternal.  Yet, to take His free gift is our choice.  Physical death will come to His children, but they will live forever with Him...and with their choices.

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:  Scott, as he struggles and grows and Donna as she supports him.  Did receive a call (but missed it) in response about the complaint with my Internet Service Provider, thank you for your prayers and patience.  Until there is an answer, I will post this on the blog site and hope for a timely resolution.  Need a new project urgently.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  Reg for his ministry and patience.

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 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.  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

Perception of Competence

“This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.  But you did not learn Christ in this way.” Ephesians 4:17-20

“And you were dead [separated] in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” Ephesians 2:-3

“The missing ingredient is GOD HIMSELF.  God did not create man to function and to fulfil his role in independence of Himself, but to be inhabited by God, so that the very presence and life of God might be the enabling in man.”*

The problem seems to be our perception of our competence.  Once we are found by the Father and surrender our lives to Him, we somehow forget He wants our hearts as well.  Yet, we FEEL so capable and with the knowledge that He has now paid the price for our sin, we feel free, which we are; and free to live our lives in whatever way we choose.  Yet His purpose for us is delayed by our self-purpose to manage things FOR Him (or sometimes to simply ignore Him).

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:  Scott, as he struggles and grows.  I’ve not heard a response from the formal complaint with my Internet Service Provider yet, but have heard from so many of you in response to my individual emails.  Thank you so much for the encouragement!  Please pray that a solution is found.  Until then I will post this on the blog site and hope for a timely resolution.  Need a new project urgently.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  Reg for his ministry and patience. 

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 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.  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

What Do We Need?

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sim is accomplished it brings forth death. 

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.  In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.” James 1:13-18

“Why is man, created for such dignity so debauched?  Why does his life style and behaviour patterns bear such a consistently false witness about God?  Somewhere along the line, something, somehow has gone tragically wrong.  If man’s role was to express the likeness of God, his means of doing so have clearly been lost!  This is true of you, and it’s true of me.  The essential ingredient that would make others aware of God when in our presence is missing.”*

Even the pre-Christian knows what is right and wants to try to do right, yet something IS missing. 

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:  Scott as he struggles and grows.  I’ve not heard a response from the formal complaint with my Internet Service Provider yet, but have heard from so many of you in response to my individual emails.  Thank you so much for the encouragement!  Please pray that a solution is found.  Until then I will post this on the blog site and hope for a timely resolution.  Need a new project urgently.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For Tim, Barb and PJ for their unexpected and gracious support.  For Deepak and Bill for their unexpected encouragement, that they are strong and take time to stay healthy.  Reg for his ministry and patience. 

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 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.  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