“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the Gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immorality to light through the Gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know WHOM I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” II Timothy 1:7-12
Notice in these verses that Paul does not say, ‘I know what I have believed’, but ‘I know WHOM I have believed’, and there is all the difference in the world between the two. – The Christian life is more than knowing truths it is knowing God. – Eternal life is not a substance, it is a Person and it is enjoyed by KNOWING the Person. It is knowing God and knowing Christ.*
We use the terms “a personal relationship” with Jesus Christ for a reason. When you read the New Testament (especially the Gospels), you see how Jesus conducted His life. He approached each person in a personal way. It is this personal, one-on-one care about the details of your life that are important to Christ. From the moment you are conceived to the moment you come to live your life in Christ and every step after, that are precious to Jesus. Every step and every moment of your life is of a personal concern of Jesus Christ’s! It is why knowing ABOUT Him is never enough – He wants your heart!
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. 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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