Spiritual Soap

“Now in those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. – Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea, and all the district about the Jordan’ and they ere being baptised by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.” Matthew 3:1-2, 5-6

“Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing praises.  Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.  Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.  The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:13-16

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

“Confessing sin involves naming it, identifying it, and being specific about my rejection of it.  Repentance, although a general attitude of mind towards God, myself and sin, must be applied specifically.  Naming our sin helps us to understand it too.  If I tell lies, why do I tell lies?  Am I trying to hide something?  Am I too insure to face truth in certain areas?

There are physical, mental and spiritual disorders that are a consequence of sin that needs identifying and confessing.  This is not only necessary for forgiveness, but can in itself be therapeutic.”*

I John I:9 is God’s spiritual soap.  A new, fresh and fragrant bar of it is given to each of us every day.  We must take off the wrapper (remember His promise) and then use it to cleanse our hands and hearts more often than we would wash our hands in an epidemic...because sin IS in epidemic proportions around 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!  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 time.  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.  I put in a proposal for a long-term project yesterday and have several meetings next week (thank you for your prayers).

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