“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some were doubtful. 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 28:16-20
“Do not, as I have sometimes heard done, distinguish between being a ‘Christian’ and being a ‘disciple’ with the idea that ‘discipleship’ is on a deeper level! The word ‘Christian’ began only as a nickname for disciples. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. It is as a disciple that we earn the right to be called a Christian, and therefore if I am not a disciple fulfilling the demands of discipleship, I am not a Christian!”*
I preached a sermon of Christ’s last words. These in Matthew are His last recorded words on earth. How powerful this simple message. Please note, He does not command us to evangelise, He calls us to ‘make disciples of all the nations’. That is quite a different endeavour...it means we must consider our witness at all times ..our efforts are not in passing out little tracts or in the “Baptist boogie” (coming forward in an evangelistic meeting) or some emotional rededication...we are to BE disciples so we CAN disciple His children to His joy and peace.
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: ?
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: ?
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Tim’s surgery was successful. He’s home and still in a lot of pain. Please pray for him and Barb during this time. Adrian has seen an orthopaedic specialist for his deteriorating spine. He’s in much pain and needs encouragement. 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: Pray for Deborah who just lost her Mom. For Cucuawe and his family, recovering from the death of their 17 year old daughter. For Reg and his ministry, that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways. For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart 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. Adam who is investigating a cult. Scott, as he struggles and grows. Pray for David K that his path forward is filled with faith. 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.
PRAY FOR THE WORLD: For those affected by the failure of MF Global funds. . 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.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.
*Christ For Real by Charles Price
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