Simple But Difficult

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead – by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 

“He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the very corner stone.  And there is salvation in no one else; for there is NO OTHER name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we MUST be saved.’” Acts 4:8-12

“They [Pharisees and Sadducees] were so hardened against Jesus, that even acknowledging the supernatural elements in His ministry they would rather attribute it to a demon than to the Spirit of God.  To resist and to blaspheme the Spirit in this way was to close off any possibility of forgiveness. 

“Thus, the unforgiveable sin is not an act that one can commit in a moment with no possibility of erasing it, but it is a REFUSAL to accept the only means of obtaining forgiveness, and in thus resisting the Holy Spirit, choose to remain in ones’ sin, unforgiven, and with no other possibility of cleansing.”*

The Father’s truth is simple but difficult.  Simple in that a price was required to pay the debt from for sin.  Christ was (and is) the only one who could (and can) pay this debt.  He paid it. 

Once we recognise the great debt of our sin, we have two choices:  1. Imagine we can figure this out alone, reject Him and refuse His gift, or 2. Accept His plan. 

His plan calls for us to repent from our sin and ask (not beg) Him to pay this debt for us.  When we do, we receive His full forgiveness (there IS no fine print).  The moment we accept this treasure and trust in His love, we have a new life and eternal life.  Rejecting this truth will lead only to an eternity alone without hope!

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:  ?

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 – his move has exhausted him and 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! 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Paul NS is 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:  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.  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. 

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