1st Consequence of Repentance

“’Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified.’  Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?’  And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.’” Acts 2:36-40

It is this forgiveness that is the first consequence of repentance. -- ’Forgiveness’ in these terms means that our guilt is erased.  We are now regarded as ‘not guilty’ of the sins of the past, and they will NEVER be recalled against us or used as evidence to condemn us.  That is a staggering claim, easy to accept as biblically and doctrinally correct, but hard to believe as being true for ourselves.”*

There is an idea that’s crept into some Christian thinking that you must pay in lifetime guilt for your past.  Not true!  Christ paid the accurate, full and complete price for our sins – past, present and future.  If we could settle our sin debt any other way –by work, money, good intentions, etc. -- then He didn’t have to die.  The first consequence of personal repentance is forgiveness...of ourselves and others.

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!  I need more of you to send updates please!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  There was a serious earthquake around Mexico City day before yesterday.  Pray for those coping with it and the rescue efforts.  Kent’s mother has Alzheimer’s and cancer in her nasal passages – they have advised surgery for her now.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Blacky has some good news about a work-study program in his country!  Adrian is doing better and desperately needs a healthy place to live. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Tim, my little brother, struggling with Cardio Pulmonary Artery Disease, needs financial help, especially with no insurance for his illness.  Pray he secures a disability pension.   For Michael C, with his own health concerns & for his wife, Diane, as his mother is fading away with Alzheimer’s and ill health.  David still needs prayer for his health, but is doing better.  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).  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.  Galdor’s mother passed away last week and he has a significant job interview he needs to get through.  Please pray for Freddie and Deepak as they struggle through some challenges.  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.  Adam who is investigating a cult that is filling many unmet needs for him.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows.  For David K, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Isaias (health, strength and family safety as he continues 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 K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  

NOTE:  (I will be sending a separate email asking your opinion about publishing on Kindle soon.  It would be very helpful to hear from you in response, please.))

*Christ For Real by Charles Price