Theocracy

“’Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.  I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;’ and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.’” Acts 20:28-30

“The church is not intended to be a democracy, where the leaders do what the majority of the people want, but a theocracy where the leaders implement what God wants.  In the Bible the majority were almost always wrong!  A church run on democratic principles is almost bound to come into conflict with the will of God sooner or later.”*

Democracy works in the real world, especially if those who lead are humbled and inspired by the Holy Spirit within their hearts.  But democracy is not the founding principle of the body of believers.  There is only one head and that is Jesus Christ.  Sometimes is seems so difficult to take worldly concepts out of heavenly matters...but it must be done!

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