Conditional Faith?

“You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?  This is the only thing I want to find out from you:  did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 

“Are you so foolish?  Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?  Did you suffer so many things in vain – if indeed it was in vain?  Does He then, who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

“But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.  Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:1-5, 23-26

“Many Christians recognise the need for Christ to save them, and the act of becoming a Christian by faith is a basic and fundamental idea to them.  However the problems come when there is a failure to recognise the equal necessity to live each day by faith in the same way that they became a Christian by faith in the first place.

“Do we receive the Spirit on the basis of our works and own abilities, or do we receive Him by faith?  The answer is that we receive Him by faith.”*

The Law exists to reveal your need of Jesus Christ...it keeps you humble on a moment-by-moment basis, realising that the power to LIVE the Christian life is the same power that was needed to save you. 

Once you accept Christ’s free and gracious gift of salvation, your walk continues in faith, relying on His power to overcome your fears and reluctance to put one foot in front of the other as His child!  It is not by struggling to keeping a list of dos and don’ts.

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!

Something seems wrong with the email system I am using and one of the distribution lists is refused – so please pray it gets fixed please.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: For Kent’s mom who had radiation for cancer in her nasal passages today.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  David R (on Veterans benefits) has lost the first doctor that’s been able to figure out how to deal with his complicated health problems and is now fearful.   Laura S asks for prayer:  to “shed physical and emotional clutter; get into the flow; secure a means of financial freedom so that I may regain confidence; and, share joy & success with others.” 

For Hans, that he remains calm and clear-headed as he endeavours to understand God's will for a job for him. For Annette as she begins some new career adventures. For Linda C. and her husband travelling mercies. For PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Lorelai had her child – both are healthy. Bexleigh now weighs 4 pounds 15 ounces (last report had her at 3 pounds 3 ounces)! Pray for her parents Tyler & Jenna. For J&S, special friends, now living in their car in Florida, started his job and they hope to have accommodation soon. Cucuawa is home safe from his mission trip.

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. Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. Deborah’s husband is home from surgery. Adrian is doing better in his attitude but is still in much pain - has a new doctor. If anyone is near Caboolture (an hour north of Brisbane), please contact me so we can help Adrian in a more practical way!

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 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. Pray for a new project for me...many irons in the fire, but nothing has come to fruition.

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. (Thank you, Andy, for answering his letter!)

Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and is back from China. 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. Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

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

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price