“And He also told this parable to certain ones who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and viewed others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, ‘God I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I fast twice a week, I pay tithes of all that I get.’
“’But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted.’” Luke 18:9-14
“I wanted to, because it [sin] 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 sim, they have not repented. On the other hand, a person can change their mind about sim without ever shedding a tear, and they have repented.”*
The tax-gatherer had not yet met the Saviour! Christ took his sins and gave him a new life. The power and appeal of sin remained however as it does with us. The closer we walk with Christ, the easier it becomes to recognise our own sin. And then:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
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
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