A New Power

“And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; for John baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ 

“And so when they had come together, they were asking Him saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’  He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’” Acts 1:4-8

“On Calvary, Christ dealt with our need for forgiveness when He died on the cross, but at Pentecost, He dealt with our need for power and godliness when the Holy Spirit was made freely available to anyone.  It is His presence within our lives that makes a person a Christian.”*

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live out the life of Christ in our daily walk, for we are helpless without His direction.  The Father knew that although His Son would pay the price for our sins, we still needed His moment-by-moment strength to demonstrate His love in a world of chaos.  When He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit it ensured a new life indeed!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS:  ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  I need more of you to send updates please!  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:  That the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  Hans’ (friend) and Barbara’s (sister-in-law) projects have both ended and they need new work.  (Hans needs paying work – he has been volunteering to fill the time.) 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Deborah, who recently lost her mother to cancer, her father to his subsequent suicide, had also married recently.  In her words:  “I had some good news about my husband, on Friday afternoon. His biopsy showed that the prostate cancer has returned but it is contained within the prostate and does not appear to be as serious as we had feared. We are both very relieved.  I appreciate your prayers - and those of the people I don't know who read your daily devotions. Deo Gratias!”

Adrian for new accommodation.  Kent’s mother recovering well. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Paul NS.  Adrian’s pain meds not working well.  Tim (my little brother), feeling stronger but needs financial help, especially with no health insurance.  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 (a stroke survivor who is unable to be left alone for long.  This limits Audley’s ability to travel for work).  Tim B 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, Gary and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  Galdor recovering from the loss of his mother and he needs to focus on securing a new job.  For Yourri who lost a friend.  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  For Reg and his ministry, that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways.  An unspoken request for help from mounting fear and financial failure.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who is becoming involved with a cult that is filling many unmet needs.  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 there.  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 and Blacky might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price