Sin Bell!

“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 is 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.

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.” I Corinthians 10:11-12, 23

“Sin if very generous to the feelings!  It can look good, sound good and feel good.  In fact, temptation by definition is attractive!  If it were not attractive it would not be temptation.  If I disliked sin, I would have a problem with it, but my problem lies in the fact that I like it, and the only reason I commit sin is because I either enjoy it or it presents to me a good way out of a situation at the time.”*

Wouldn’t it be great if a big bell rang in our heads every time we even contemplated sin?  It can, you know.  As you are exposed to the character of Christ in His Word, this “bell” of conviction begins to develop.  It helps us recognise and resist sin increasingly easy over time.

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:  Galdor’s mother has just passed away.  Please pray for him and his family.  Please pray for Blacky, Freddie and Deepak as they struggle through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  I did not get the project and I need help getting through this now.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Metanoeo

“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, or desire his delicacies; for as he thinks within himself, so he is.  He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’  But his heart is not with you.” Proverbs 23:6-7

“The Greek word translated ‘repent’ in English is the word, ‘metanoeo’.  It is derived from two words, ‘meta’ meaning ‘to change’ and ‘nous’ meaning ‘the mind’.  Quite simply, ‘repentance’ means ‘to change the mind’.  It is not a FEELING, but an ATTITUDE of mind, a thinking process.  The key to God’s working in our lives is in our THINKING. – It has been said that a person is not what they think they are, but what they think, they are!”*

As Jesus noted of the Pharisees, you can DO all the right things, look good, say the right sounding things; yet your heart -- like a cup clean on the outside and dirty on the inside -- is still needing an attitude change.

After all it is the actions arising from our heart/spirit attitude that are the problem if the CORE of our lives is not focused on Christ.  The closer we are to Him, the easier it is to see, sense and take action in response to those attitudes/thoughts.

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:  Galdor’s mother has just passed away.  Please pray for him and his family.  Please pray for Blacky, Freddie and Deepak as they struggle through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  I did not get the project and I need help getting through this now.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

A Little Closer Please

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.  For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:25

Therefore from now on we recognise no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.  Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come.”  II Corinthians 5:17

“All of us are a near to God as we want to be!  We may not be as close as we would like to be in that often we might ‘feel’ we would like to be closer, but never actually meet the requirements and pay the price.   Repentance is the response that enables God to get into business in our lives.”*

Pre-Christians sometimes express how they want the Lord in their lives; yet sometimes they never step across the faith line into His arms.  I am unsure about this, but could it be that sometimes His children have forgotten the power of repentance in their life?  Tomorrow we will explore the word further.

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:  Galdor’s mother has just passed away.  Please pray for him and his family.  Please pray for Blacky, Freddie and Deepak as they struggle through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  I did not get the project and I need help getting through this now.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Independence From God

“For the love of Christ control us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.  Therefore from now on we recognise no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.  Therefore if any man is in Christ he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come.

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” II Corinthians 5:17

“—whenever there seemed to be a problem in our relationship with God it was never on His side but always on ours. – Christ does not come in to a person’s life just because He is asked.  There are things that have to be dealt with that have created the barrier which has kept him out up until that time.”

When Charles Price, the author of the book we are working through relates a story about a woman speaking with him about how God had failed her, he asked the question:  “’You may be desperate’, I acknowledge, ‘but what are you desperate for?  For God, or for fulfilment?  You’ve given no evidence of concern to meet God’s requirements, and although you want Him to please you, I am not sure that you are equally concerned about pleasing Him.  Your problem seems clear; you have never repented of your independence of God and of your 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:  Please pray for Blacky, Freddie and Deepak as they struggle through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  Will hear the results of the proposal this Friday - should I get this, will need wisdom and strength to manage this huge body of work.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

First Sermons: Repent

“Now in those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 3:1-2

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 4:17

“Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30

“Repentance then, spoken of as being ‘commanded’ to ‘all people everywhere’ is a key word in our response to God.  There can be no avoiding the need to repent, or compromising the command to repent, and any attempt to do so will short circuit the work of God and bankrupt the blessing!

One evening, I was in a discussion about evangelism with a great friend, Audley McLean.  Audley is from Jamaica and has such enthusiasm about his relationship with Christ!  I will never forget him abruptly getting up off the sofa and marching with exaggerated animation into my dining room as he began to define repentance in his booming voice.  Then he turned around, faced me, marched back and sat down.  Repentance he said, was just like that...going in one direction and then turning completely around in our lives.  Who could ever forget that illustration!

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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  Will hear the results of the proposal this Friday - should I get this, will need wisdom and strength to manage this huge body of work.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Bone & Steak

“’But these things I have spoken to you, that when the hour comes you may remember that I told you of them.  And these things I did not say to you at the beginning because I was with you.  But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’  But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.

“’But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Healer shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.  And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness and judgment; concerning sim, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer behold Me; and concerning judgment because the ruler of this world has been judged.’” John 16:4-11

“Our job is to preach Christ, to lay out the ‘steak’ and to let people see Him.  When the Holy Spirit does reveal sin, it is not in order to condemn us, or to humiliate us, or to make us grovel in our own dirt, but ALWAYS as a prelude to cleaning us up and equipping us for a new quality of life.”*

Christ said He would draw all men to Him, once He was lifted up.  Men are drawn to Christ as they see the contrast of the One who lived a sinless, self-sacrificing and thoughtful life to those they see around them.  Like a dog with a bone; if you offer them a steak, they know the difference once they see it.  People are looking for the steak in our lives!

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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  Will hear the results of the proposal this Friday - should I get this, will need wisdom and strength to manage this huge body of work.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Getting To Know Him

“The grass withers, the flower fades.  But the Word of our God stands forever.  Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; lift it up and do not fear, say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’ 

“Behold the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him, Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.  Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom, He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” Isaiah 40:8-11

“But I reminded her that I had talked about how good and kind Jesus Christ was. – In contrast to Him, she was seeing her sin.  This part of the Holy Spirit’s task, to make us aware of our sin by bringing into focus the Lord Jesus Christ whose quality of life we have come short of.”*

The reason Jesus came to earth was to demonstrate the immense, unexplainable depth of God’s love for you.  His unlimited sacrifice of life for you -- of His care for the “smallest and most lost of God’s lambs, gives you reason to live for Him.  The more we learn of Him, the easier it becomes to follow Him.  That is why He left us His Word and the Holy Spirit in our hearts – so we keep getting to know 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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  Will hear the results of the proposal this Friday’ should I get the work I will need wisdom and strength to manage this huge body of work.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, who are recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Black & White

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.  When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High;” Hebrews 1:3

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” II Peter 1:3

“It is only as people become conscious of Jesus Christ that they are able to recognise their own need.  It is only as we see the ‘glory of God’ in the life of Jesus Christ that we see our own need in its true perspective and recognise that we have ‘fallen short of the glory of God’.

“People rarely become aware of their sin by hearing someone preach sin to them!  They become aware of their sin by preaching Christ, in contrast with who they recognise their sin.”*

Without black, white would not seem white and without white we could not see how black black is.  Most of us would have heard the argument from pre-Christians of comparison:  “I am not as bad as a murderer or even my neighbour so I’m doing alright...I don’t need Christ.”  Focusing someone’s eyes on who Christ is is like seeing white next to black....they may see their life as “relatively OK” and it may BE, when compared with others...but not with Christ’s life!

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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  Have created the proposal that was submitted and hope to hear soon.  Need the wisdom and strength to manage this huge body of work if it should eventuate.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, who are recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Once Seen

“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.’  Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’  And at this point His disciples came, and they marvelled that He had been speaking with a woman; yet no one said, ‘What do You seek?’ or, ‘Why do You speak with her?’  So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city, and said to the men, ‘Come see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it.?’” John 4:25-29

“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;” Romans 3:21-23

“It is only as people become conscious of Jesus Christ that they are able to recognise their own need.  It is only as we see the ‘glory of God’ in the life of Jesus Christ that we see our own need in its true perspective and recognise that we have ‘fallen short of the glory of God’.

Remember the day – the moment you “saw” the Truth of Christ’s righteousness for yourself!?  Sometimes going back to that pivotal moment and thinking about how different your heart is – not necessarily your circumstances – but that there is strength within you that is as unexplainable as the peace that also took up residence in your heart on that day! 

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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  Have submitted a proposal for a new project and now await the decision.  Should I win this business I will need the wisdom and strength to manage this huge body of work.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, who are recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Living Life

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.  For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for His soul?”  Matthew 17:24-26

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.  If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also, from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”  John 14:6-7

“Isn’t it good to know that such a positive and adventuresome attitude to life is designed to be part of the normal experience of every Christian?  It is our willingness for this, to present our lives to Jesus Christ as wholly available to Him and expendable in His service that will have this man to ‘reign over us’.  Will you?  Do you live each day on that basis?”*

Christ asked us to come to Him as a child comes to their loving father...when we do there are lessons and treasures awaiting 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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  Have created the proposal that will be submitted today and need the wisdom and strength to manage this huge body of work if it should eventuate.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, who are recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Looking Back

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that the tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.   For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 4:3-8

“...that if you die today, you will die on time, and it won’t be very long before you understand everything.  Everything! – It is our willingness for this, to present our lives to Jesus Christ as wholly available to Him and expendable in His service that gives us the right to call ourselves Christians.”*

You’ve heard the expression:  “You’ve come a long way baby.”  In a way that saying holds true for Christians if we take a moment to look back at how far we’ve come in His amazing care.  Our step-by-step path to the Cross to meet Him and decide to follow Him and every step since!  Sometimes it’s a good thing to look back just to see how many “miracles” you’ve already experienced because of His love!

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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  Have created the proposal that will be submitted today and need the wisdom and strength to manage this huge body of work if it should eventuate.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, who are recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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

Keep Moving Me Closer!

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep My commandments; for length of days and years of life, and peace they will add to you.  Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  So you will find favour and good repute in the sight of God and man. 

“Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes.  Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  It will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones.  Honour the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce, so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:1-10

“What is more, in the process of guiding us, God is under no obligation to explain what He is doing. – when God gives you a vision of His purpose for your life, it is that you might still believe it when the going is tough and it all seems impossible!

“But as we awake each morning we can turn to the Lord Jesus Christ with thankful anticipation that this day is in His hands, and that God has purposes to unfold that re good, perfect and pleasing.”*

That is what trust is about...not that you always understand what He is doing in your life, but that you move a bit closer to the Father each day you walk with Him.  The way you move closer is by trusting Him more.  To trust Him more you need to walk with Him and learn of Him a little more every minute; and then makes choices that draw you even closer.  Have a wonderful weekend.

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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  My meeting went well with two potential client, now I need wisdom to create a proposal that will be mutually beneficial and have the strength to manage this huge body of work.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, who are recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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 and have two meetings today about projects.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price