“And
not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation
brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven
character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been
poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
“For
while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the
ungodly. For one will hardly die for a
righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to
die. But God demonstrates His own love
toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:3-8
“The
devil can counterfeit the ‘gifts’ of the Spirit (the purpose for which they are
given we will comment on later), but he cannot counterfeit the fruit of the
Spirit for it is an expression of the very character of God, and he hates that!
“This
changed character will be expressed in three ways: (a) A changed attitude to people; (b) a
changed attitude to circumstances; (c) a changed attitude to ourselves.”*
They
say it grows darkest before the dawn. For
some of us, the darkness has grown so dark at times it’s hard to imagine a dawn
again. But God is always on time with
His plan for our lives. We can try to
hide and we can try to deny our new life in Christ; yet once we are His child,
He always holds us or carries us in His arms through it all.
And
why, you ask? Because God loves us and
has a wonderful plan for our each of our lives in Him that will grow His
kingdom in the hearts and minds of those around us!
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: Pray for Isaiac Catorce,
his family and ministry in the Philippines where clean-up’s just beginning (
see column to the left of this blog for more information): “85 people confirmed dead.” So much is needed after this devastating
flood. If the Lord lays it on your heart
to help, contact Barbara Hanak at Ambassadors for Christ in Atlanta Georgia (bhanak@afciworld.org)
For
Adrian who is suffering much pain with his deteriorating spine from the
cancer...the pain meds are not working anymore, yet the Lord has found him a
new place to live for now in Caboolture (about an hour north of Brisbane). If anyone is near there, please contact me so
we can help him!
For Moe, as he deals with difficulties. For Daniel Craver (3-4 yrs
old), is home now recovering from urgent liver surgery! They send thanks for your faithful prayers. Cucuawe
as he recovers from the trauma of his 17-year old daughter’s death. Hans, a new hungry baby Christian urgently needs
to find fellowship --if you know any Christians near Essen Germany, please
contact me as soon as possible. Pray for
me for a project in Canberra – the decision was delayed waiting to hear news –
this is an urgent need, if it is in the Lord’s will. Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals
with an important matter.
PRAISE
& THANKSGIVING: That the Lord loves
and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good
friends during times of difficulty.
PRAY
FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Pray for
Deborah’s husband. Paul NS. Tim (my little brother), with CPRD, needs
financial help, especially with no health insurance - needs 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’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer
during the day so Audley can go out and work).
Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for
relief. For Carlton 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 so many,
including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.
ONGOING
PRAYER REQUESTS: Pray 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! Galdor recovering from the loss of his mother and
companion dog of 17 years --he also needs 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.
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 (for Donna as she encourages him). For David K, in his studies. 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
mismanagement.
ONGOING
JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) and Hans’ (friend) projects have both
ended and they need new work. (Hans especially
needs paying work – he’s been volunteering to fill the time.) For Tim, my amazing brother that he 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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