“Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the pour, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me.’ But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieved; for he was one who owned much property.
“’And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last, first.’” Matthew 19:21-22, 29-30
“What I commit to Jesus Christ and place in His hands, He undertakes to look after. What I do not entrust to Him, I have to look after myself. That is the simple choice we have to make. If I am afraid of Christ looking after the affairs of my life, it can only be because I either do not know Him well enough, or I do not want Him.”*
To dismiss a part of the teachings of the Bible, people will say that it is out of context or out of time or unrealistic or misunderstood...OR they will “mould” the words to mean something that the Lord would never ask. Here we have a passage that some say speaks of selling all you own, leaving all you love on earth with family and friends so you can have a life complete in Christ. But that is not what is meant...it means disengaging from things that distract us from His lordship...to recognise what “treasure” we put first in our lives that takes our eyes off the Lord. It is our choice, moment-by-moment.
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
PS: The technical difficulties that began months ago, continue. I’m preparing a new way to send these to you and it takes far longer now to get them out. ((The number of people who request this has grown to where sending the lists (even in smaller group lists) results in them being treated like SPAM; with an ongoing threat that I will not be able to have access through my Internet Service Provider.)
PPS: 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: Deborah’s mother passed away and her father committed suicide. Please pray for Deborah and her son Michael. The family is reeling with all that has happened!
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Thanks for the reminder of the Lord’s sacrificial birth and for another New Year to walk more closely with Him. For Tim (brother) who has made a full recovery. For Michael C who is recovering well. Adrian is doing better.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: David still needs prayer for his health. Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief. 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: For Cucuawe and his family, growing stronger after 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) 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. 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: Philippines, 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. Paul has resigned from his job and will need employment again. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia. I still need a new project.
*Christ For Real by Charles Price
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