“And they brought the boy to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling about and foaming at the mouth.
“And He asked his father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood. And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!’ And Jesus said to him, ‘’If You can!’ All things are possible to him who believes.’
“Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, ‘I do believe, help my unbelief.’” Mark 9:20-24
“It is true that in due course I may feel very sorry and sad about it, but every sin I commit, I commit because at the time, I wanted to, because it looked good and felt good. This is why I need to draw on the strength of God even in repentance.
“Repentance is not a change of FEELING toward sin (sin will go on appearing attractive) but it is a change of mind. If a person will weep over their sin yet not change their mind ABOUT sin, they have not repented. On the other hand, a person can change their mind about sin without ever shedding a tear, and they have repented.”*
Some mornings it’s difficult to find just the right Scripture to represent an idea because always there are many choices. As you read them, I hope you think of favourites. In this case, perhaps you have a verse or two memorised to help you when you remember that repentance is not a feeling, it is a heart attitude of determination to “walk” in the opposite direction from what you know is not pleasing to your Lord.
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: Galdor’s mother passed away last week and he has a significant job interview he needs to get through. Please pray for him and his family. Kent’s mother has Alzheimer’s and cancer in her nasal passages – she is just starting radiation, but is very frail. Blacky is needing hope during a very difficult week. Please pray he finds employment.
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: 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. 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. Today I have a meeting and have three other meetings this week about potential projects.
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
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