At My command

“And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and when they had come to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’  And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the Gospel to them.” Acts 16:6-10

“The right to preach or do anything, is not that the activity is good, but that the Holy Spirit has sent us and we are operating under His authority.  HE must be the strategist in our lives and work, and we MUST give Him the right to give us our direction.”*

Christians who are overly eager, young; or sometimes those who hold onto their guilt, look for “things to do for God”.  They can be first in the Church door each time it opens, tireless servants it seems, or first to volunteer for projects or committees.  They may stand on street corners shouting the Gospel at passers-by.  Though all these activities may please men, they may fall short of the Father’s plan if they are not led by the Holy Spirit.

In the passage above, these motivated Christians set off in one direction, thinking they would do good things FOR God.  But God doesn’t need our activity any more than He needs our money.  He needs our hearts...and we need to learn to wait, listen and obey the commands of the Holy Spirit.

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

PS:  ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  Please send updates!  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:  Kent’s mother recovering well. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for Deborah’s husband and her strength.  Paul NS.  Adrian’s pain meds still 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 (she needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work, as she recovers from a stroke).  Tim B with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton who is suffering from horrible infections in his bones. 

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 for strength.  Galdor recovering from the loss of his mother and his quest for 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’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows ( and for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies.  Isaias (health, strength and family safety as he continues his mission work in Philippines); for Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mis-management.

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