Feeling

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”  Ephesians 4:30-5:2

“Now I urge you brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,” Romans 15:30

“I once heard George B. Duncan say that ‘We grieve the Holy Spirit when we fail to allow Him to do in us that for which He was given to us.’  It is a sobering thought to realise that we can bring either joy or sadness to God the Spirit.  He can look upon us and be glad or He can look upon us and be grieved.  When we love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind there is no greater incentive to holy living than to know it is possible to bring Him pleasure, and to avoid at all costs that which brings Him pain.”*

Somehow, the easiest things are the hardest to live out in our lives...such as being truly grateful not only in our minds for our salvation from death, but also in our hearts and everyday actions.  Only in this way do we exhibit the attractive qualities that He is building in us.  When we choose other ways....just think of how sad and disappointed the Lord is.  Yet, He loves us still and always. 
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:  The first Kindle version from the WeakDay Devotions series was just published at Amazon Books, entitled:  Secrets of a Deeper Life in Christ.  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