“For indeed we have had good
news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit
them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.” Hebrews 4:2
“Since then we have a great
high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us
hold fast our confession. For we do not
have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who has
been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to
the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in
time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
“It
is by faith that truth becomes experience, and without it truth remains
elusive, impractical and theoretical. – One thing we cannot escape as we read
the Bible is that faith is an indispensible part of Christian experience. The Scripture tells us that we are ‘cleansed
by faith’, that we are ‘saved by faith’, that we are ‘justified by faith’ and
that we have ‘access to God by faith’.
However, having been saved by faith, we also discover that we are to ‘live
by faith’, to ‘walk by faith’, and in so doing we discover that we are to ‘fight
the good fight of faith’, to ‘take the shield of faith’, and to ‘overcome the
world by faith’.*
Don
and Elaine Lanier (my spiritual parents) who have served as lifetime Navigators
(a Christian para-ministry) taught me: “faith
is where the rubber meets the road” -- the difference between “talking the talk
of faith” and “walking the talk of faith” in our lives. Some days, when it is particularly difficult
for me, I have to stop and remind myself of how my faith DID save me and HAS
sustained me through challenges no one knows but Jesus. And you know what? He gives us our faith in good measure too!
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: 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. For J&S, special friends, now living in
their car in Florida, that they will find safe accommodation and that the job
they travelled there for will help this lovely couple start their lives
again. For Hans, that he remains calm
and clear-headed as he endeavours to confirm the details of what he hopes may
finally be a real job for him. For
Annette as she begins some new career adventures. For Linda as she begins her journey. For Cucuawe, a safe return and good health
after his 10-day mission trip. For PJ.
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Bexleigh now weighs 4 pounds 5 ounces (last report had her
at 3 pounds 3 ounces)! Pray for her
parents Tyler & Jenna as they look forward to holding her outside the
incubator this week.
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. 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
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 travelling in 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.
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.
*Christ For Real by Charles
Price
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