“Like a city that is broken into and without
walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.” Proverbs 25:28
“seeing that His divine power has granted to us
evetything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him
who called us by His own glory and excellence.
For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises,
in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
“Now for this very reason also, applying all
diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence,
knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control,
perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness,
brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” II Peter 1:3-7
“The Bible
does not talk about coming under ‘Spirit control’, but rather that the Spirit
will bring us under self-control. Talk
of being ‘controlled by the Spirit’ has evolved over the years but is not,
strictly speaking, a biblical idea.
“The Spirit
will not ‘control’ us in the sense that He makes us do thing, but He will
enable us to control ourselves. – The Spirit enablers us to have ourselves
under control, so that instead of doing what we are driven to, we act under
control.”*
We can
blame many things for controlling us, such as our habits, greed, power, selfishness,
pride, stuff (drugs, alcohol, possessions, money, etc.). In the end we are responsible for our
actions. Only with the Holy Spirit
living within our hearts do we have any hope of resisting and exercising
self-control.
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: For
all those who have been remembering September 11 tragedy. For Cucuawe as he prepares for a 10-day
mission trip this month. Bexleigh is now ten days old and
continues to struggle for life. Pray for
her parents Tyler & Jenna. Please pray for God's Will in this situation and
strength for all the challenges ahead for all involved.
PRAISE
& THANKSGIVING: Hans needs clarity and
hope. (Thank you, Andy, thank you so
much for answering his letter!) Deborah’s
husband is home from surgery. Adrian is
doing better in his attitude but is still in much pain. If anyone is near Caboolture (an hour north
of Brisbane), please contact me so we can help Adrian in a more practical way!
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: For Daniel Craver (3-4 yrs
old), home recovering from liver surgery. Paul
NS. Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs
financial help, especially with no health insurance - needs a disability
pension. 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! 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 Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines
and the clean-up after the flood where more than 85 people died. If the Lord lays it on your heart to help,
contact Barbara Hanak at Ambassadors for Christ in Atlanta Georgia (bhanak@afciworld.org)
Cucuawe
as he recovers from the trauma of his 17-year old daughter’s death. 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 travelling
mercies as Reg and Beverly visit South Africa.
Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.
For
travelling mercies for Michael C & Diane on their extended cruise. For Roger as he considers options for a
pledge of heart. Adam who’s 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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