“For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
“Therefore from now on we recognise no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” II Corinthians 5:13-17
“—man does not just have a need for forgiveness, but also a hunger for goodness. A person’s consciousness of guilt derives from his desire to be good and it is the establishment of goodness that is the purpose of the work of Christ. Christ forgives us our sin, not because being clean is the end product of His work, but in order that He might come and live His life within us by the Holy Spirit. It is the coming of the Holy Spirit on the basis of our cleansing that actually makes a person a Christian.”*
He didn’t save us so our lives remain the same. He saved us for His work and His vision. His plan is not just to save US, but to save all men and women. He needs us as His examples. Now that is a little scary sometimes. And on our own it should be. Yet, when we give our lives wholly and trustingly into His hands, He never leaves us alone...the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts and waits for us to give Him access to our lives moment-by-moment and inch-by-inch.
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! Barbara’s (sister-in-law) project has just closed and she will need new work. Deborah, who recently lost her mother to cancer, her father to his subsequent suicide, had also married recently. Now doctors have just discovered her new husband’s prostate cancer has returned.
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: God has found a wonderful place for Adrian to live and even though his health is not good, at least now he will be able to sleep and rest –he still needs some basics, but he is in. Kent’s mother is doing far better than expected after her surgery and is eating again. Blacky has found a work-study program (no pay, but internship) in his country and is very thankful but desperately needs a paying job!
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Paul NS was in hospital again. 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. 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
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