The Real You

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven inasmuch as we, having put it on, shall not be found naked. 

“For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.  Now He who prepared us for this purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge.” II Corinthians 5:1

“Your body is not you, it is only the place where you live.  The physical bodies we possess only house the real person! – The person is not the body, and the body is not the person. – The church is the home of the Lord Jesus Christ, but it is not He Himself."*

I remember my Mom dying in the hospital.  I was left alone in her room, after they had pulled all the tubes out of her.  Her body was still warm and I lay on her bed holding her, watching for some residual sign of life that would prove to everyone she was alright. 

It took a while for me to realise she was truly gone.  And through my tears I could still rejoice, knowing she had fallen into the arms of her Saviour and was finally home.  We are not our bodies, we are His.

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!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Isaiac dealing with the aftermath of super-typhoon Pablo in the Philippines.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those who will be alone for the holidays and may feel lost and forgotten, that His calming love surrounds them in a special way.  Wisdom for police officers and doctors and all health care workers, helping so many at this busy time of year.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian was invited to share Christmas dinner with some friends.  Tim B finally having relief from his massive headaches.  Hans, is enjoying his new-found fellowship and new job (first full-time role since 2004).  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still living in their car and need a permanent place to live.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Adrian, had a treatment Christmas eve. (His is the same rare type of cancer Deb had (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/).  He’s growing tired but a new pain treatment plan is starting to work.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He still needs some visitors & love!

David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets  life after a stroke.  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.

For Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work.  For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara’s (sister-in-law) is eager to find new work since her project ended.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he’s able to do.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

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 in surprising and wonderful ways!  

Pray for all those in Connecticut grieving after the mass shooting of the 20 four-six year olds and six adults.  Be with Deepak, his father had a stroke and he has new challenges for his work.  Comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

That those in the news media do not forget those still without homes, power and heat from super storm Sandy, and the volunteers still working.

For Mario who’s struggling with the holidays since his daughter was killed.  For Linda, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.

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 and Matthew K as he grows up.  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

Missing Jesus

As always, he arrived early on Christmas morning to give the church a thorough inspection.  He was thankful to see that the aisles and seats had been swept and dusted after the midnight Christmas Eve service.   The lost purses, Bibles and gloves would have been taken to the office and left in the lost and found box.  The left behind service bulletins and flyers had been gathered from the pews and hymnals and thrown away.

He loved this time of the day, just as the sun was coming up.  It was quiet and the gentle light just was beginning to fill the chapel.  He moved to where the Christmas candles flickered and smiled as he watched the way they cast shadows around the floor and walls.  Sometimes their light was enough to highlight the colours in the stained-glass windows.  It was cold now, before the furnace had a chance to warm the space, but not unpleasant.

The Nativity Scene

To the left side of the room, they had taken out the first five rows of pews to make room for the traditional, almost life-sized nativity scene that had been donated to the church long before his time here.  He considered what this scene meant to him personally and said a Christmas prayer of thanksgiving to the One whose birth is celebrated. 

The figures were lovingly carved out of wood and painted skillfully.  In the flickering candle light they seemed so lifelike.  The little stable itself was of rough planks.  Everything was placed onto an elevated, small stage so even the person who sat in the back of the auditorium could see it clearly. 

There was a draped, dark blue velvet curtain hung behind the stable that went all the way to the ceiling to represent the night sky.  A delicate silver-looking star was hung from the ceiling above it.  Just like someone imagined it looked the night a special star led the shepherds and the wise men to the Messiah.  A translucent light ray appeared to flow through the roof of the manger and could be seen shining onto the manger. 

The shepherds in their dusty and tattered robes were just entering, eyes wide in obvious awe.   A few sheep followed them and other kinds of livestock stood in stalls or lay on the edges of the scene. 

In the center was the Holy Family.   Mary, so beautiful and radiant; Joseph looking tired but happy; both focused on the manger.  The pastor could see the care with which the artist had created the expressions on these faces and almost feel the reverence of the two of them.  

Something Was Wrong!

But something was wrong.  A puzzled frown crept slowly across his brow as it dawned on him.   “What is this”, he gasped, and his words echoed off the walls of the empty church.

The manger was empty!   The small figure representing the baby Jesus was gone!

He must be somewhere.  The pastor carefully searched around the manger and behind all the characters but found no baby Jesus.  He began to look throughout the chapel, wondering how this could have happened. 

He peered through each of the aisles, nearly crawling on his hands and knees to see all the way under each pew.   But found nothing.  He found the custodian in his workshop, thinking he may have moved the figure of the infant Jesus to do make some unexpected repair.  But the custodian had no idea where the baby Jesus was.

He woke the assistant pastor with his next call, but he had no explanation -- the last time he had looked at the Nativity scene, all the figures were there and looking perfect. 

He called the church secretary, who always knew what was happening everywhere, but she was as puzzled as he was.  After an hour of searching and for all his phones calls, he sadly accepted the truth that the baby Jesus was gone.  The figure was not moved, mislaid or lost, as far as he could discover.  He hated to imagine that it would have been stolen.  But that was what it looked like.

Morning Service Plea

During the service that morning the pastor reported the apparent theft to the congregation and asked for their help in locating and returning the baby Jesus.  His voice trembled as he shared his disappointment and could not imagine who would do such a thing -- To steal the very symbol of their reason for celebrating Christmas -- the very reason for hope - well, he just didn’t understand.   His gaze swept over the faces as he prayed someone would return the figure before the end of the day.

Yet, each time he visited the manger throughout the day, the manger bed of the baby Jesus was empty.  The star light so carefully focused on the manger bed highlighted that something precious was missing from the scene.

Discouraged Walk

In the early evening, the pastor went out to get something to eat before the last service of the day.  His heart was heavy and discouraged.  The snow was falling onto the carefully shoveled sidewalks.  It was quite cold and the snow was beginning to stick so not many people were out.  But there ahead of him was one of the youngest members of his flock, little six-year old, Timmy. 

His family had been struggling for the last few years after his father was injured at work, so his little coat was a bit shabby now.  His mother, who was always busy with some craft or another, had knit him a bright blue scarf and hat to keep him warm.  Timmy trudged up the sidewalk pulling a beautiful, new red wagon.  He had such a happy look on his face. 

The pastor smiled knowing what sacrifice of scrimping and saving the parents would have made to purchase this toy for Timmy.  They could barely make ends meet, now. 

This was such a beautiful example of family love!  The pastor forgot all about his discouragement over the loss of the figure in the manger as he quickened his pact to catch up to the little boy.  He was eager to wish Timmy a Merry Christmas and admire the new wagon.

The Surprise

As he came alongside Timmy, he noticed there was something in the bed of the wagon.  All bundled in a blanked, but peeking out, was the sweet face on the figure of the baby Jesus.

The boy stopped and looked up.  The pastor slowly crouched down beside Timmy, and looked at him with sadness.  The little boy had such a proud and happy look on his face, but before he could say anything, the pastor told the boy how disappointed he was.  That even though he might be just a little boy, he must know that stealing was very wrong. 

Tommy listened intently to the pastor’s words and his face fell and his eyes filled with tears.  The pastor, pleased with himself, thought he had gotten through to the child and that these tears were tears of repentance.

The little boy wiped the tears from his little cheeks and answered him, "But Pastor, I didn't steal the baby Jesus.   It wasn't like that at all."  He paused to swallow hard and wipe a few more tears.  "I've been asking Him for a red wagon as a Christmas present all year long - and I promised Him that if He would get me one, I would give Him the very first ride in it.”

Conclusion

Sometimes we don’t register what we see, as the pastor did when he looked at the empty manger; and finding the baby Jesus, it was easy to assume and mistake intent in the heart of another. 

This Christmas it might be good to think about how our world is missing Jesus and they don’t even realize this…because they can’t see what is missing and even those who say they “see” do not see clearly or the Truth. 

I received a very lovely greeting card and must share what it said on the front because it is so important:

“Jesus came not to a throne, but to a manger.  He lived, not as a king, but as a servant.  He chose not an earthly kingdom, but a Cross.  He gave not just a little, but everything.” (by Holley Gerth)

For all our presents and the amazing foods we may have shared, for all the family and friends we shared with…nothing can compare with His love…He IS the Gift of Eternal Life!  Halleluiah!

Take care with love, to share His is the best gift ever!  Darlene

"Added"!

“’For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.’  And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation’.  So then, those who had received his word were baptised; and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:39-41

“And at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.  But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem.  And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number,” Acts 5:12-14

“Then when he had come and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and off faith.  And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.” Acts 11:23-24

“When a person becomes a Christian, there are two things which take place in their experience:  Christ comes to live in them, and they come to live in Christ. – On the day of Pentecost, a large crowd of people responded to the preaching of Peter, and the book of Acts records, ‘there were added that day about three thousands souls.’”*

This expression “were added” to the Lord is unique to the New Testament and to Paul’s writings.  It highlights something very unique about being a born-again believer, because it speaks of an “enfolding” relationship. 

In a real and marvellous way, when you accept Christ’s sacrifice for you and lean into His grace, you establish an intimate association with His very person and identity. 

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!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Pray for all those in Connecticut dealing with this tragic mass shooting of the 20 children 4-6 years old and 6 adults, including the shooter.

Isaiac and his family as they help those affected by super-typhoon Pablo.  CNN news commented that typhoon Pablo was twice as powerful as hurricane Sandy.  In his words:  “Thank you so very much for those of you who bears with the great burdens of our brethren in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

Television news today says that the latest dead body count reaches 1,047 and 841 missing.  After packing all the relief goods my team left this morning with loads of relief goods and reported desperate situations of the evacuees and also hustles they face as they distribute goods. At least they were able to do relief distribution to four (4) churches but not without problems. Many of those who were not able to receive goods due to limited resources were angry at them. We praise the Lord however for the success of our team’s relief assistance.”

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Be with Deepak, whose father had a stroke as he travels to be home with the family.  Be with and comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans.  For those who will be alone for the holidays and may feel lost and forgotten, that His calming love surrounds them in a special way.

That those in the news media do not forget those still without homes, power and heat from super storm Sandy, and the volunteers still working.

For Mario who’s struggling with the holidays since his daughter was killed.  For Linda, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian, had a treatment yesterday and continues to battle.  He has another on 24 December.  (His is same rare type of cancer Deb had (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/).  I’m too far away to be with him.  Please pray someone will take time to be with him, especially over the holidays.  He’s growing tired but seems a new pain treatment plan is starting to work.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and thanks for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  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. Tyler & Jenna as they continue to care for baby Bexleigh.

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.

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) is eager to find new work since her project ended.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he’s able to do.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans, is enjoying his new-found fellowship and is thankful for his new job (first full-time role since 2004).  Thanks everyone for praying for him.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still living in their car and need a permanent place to live.

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!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.

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 and Matthew K as he grows up.  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

Our Part in God's Strategy

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.  In His was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” John 14:6

“For ‘whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.’  How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:13-15a

“Although it is true that God’s plans are people, it is, in itself, an inadequate statement concerning His strategy in the world.  A more accurate statement would be to say that His plan is Christ.

“God has no plans outside of Jesus Christ, and we share in the outworking of those plans by virtue of being ‘in Christ’.  It is our union with Him which qualifies us for participation in His strategy.”*

Jesus left us “the great commission”.  It’s ours to accept or ignore, but His strategy is for us to share His vision and to see the world around us with His eyes and heart.

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” Matthew 9:37-38

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!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Pray for all those in Connecticut dealing with this tragic mass shooting of the 20 children 4-6 years old and 6 adults, including the shooter.

Isaiac and his family as they help those affected by super-typhoon Pablo.  CNN news commented that typhoon Pablo was twice as powerful as hurricane Sandy.  In his words:  “Thank you so very much for those of you who bears with the great burdens of our brethren in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. 


Television news today says that the latest dead body count reaches 1,047 and 841 missing.  After packing all the relief goods my team left this morning with loads of relief goods and reported desperate situations of the evacuees and also hustles they face as they distribute goods. At least they were able to do relief distribution to four (4) churches but not without problems. Many of those who were not able to receive goods due to limited resources were angry at them. We praise the Lord however for the success of our team’s relief assistance.”

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Be with Deepak, whose father had a stroke as he travels to be home with the family.  Be with and comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

That those in the news media do not forget those still without homes, power and heat from super storm Sandy, and the volunteers still working.

For Mario who’s struggling with the holidays since his daughter was killed.  For Linda as she closed her practice, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian, has another treatment on 24 December.  (His has the same rare type of cancer as Deb had (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/).  I’m too far away to help hands-on but am sad he will be alone for Christmas.  Please pray someone will take time to be with him.  He’s growing tired but seems a new pain treatment plan is starting to work.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and thanks for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  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. Tyler & Jenna as they continue to care for baby Bexleigh.

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.

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) is eager to find new work since her project ended.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he’s able to do.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans, is enjoying his new-found fellowship and is thankful for his new job (first full-time role since 2004).  Thanks everyone for praying for him.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still living in their car and need a permanent place to live.

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!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.

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 and Matthew K as he grows up.  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

Just Ordinary

“And she made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thy maidservant and remember me, and not forget Thy maidservant, but will give Thy maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.’

“Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord yet been revealed to him.  So the Lord called Samuel again for the third time.  And he arose and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ 

“Then Eli discerned that the Lord was calling the boy.  And Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening.’  So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the other times, ‘Samuel!  Samuel!’  And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Thy servant is listening.’” I Samuel 1:11; 2:7-10

“And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11

“And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, ‘Is this not Joseph’s son?’” Luke 4:22

“When I was a young Christian I believed that there were certain special people that God liked to use and through whom He liked to work. – The truth is that the ordinary person is intended by Jesus Christ to be the very vehicle of His working, for He has chosen that the particular means of expressing Himself to people, is through other people.  God has no special favourites.  He is willing to work through any person who is willing to let Him.”*

There are so MANY illustrations of simple, ordinary people that God chooses to work through, that I could not imagine picking just one.  Thinking of Samuel, born of a barren woman, the shepherds who were the first to hear the Good News of the birth, the women who heard first of His resurrection.... so many – even Jesus was seen as ordinary!  Think of a few for yourself.  Perhaps, God uses “ordinary” people because “ordinary” people are not so focused on themselves and others never expect extraordinary deeds through those they know.

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!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Pray for all those in Connecticut dealing with this tragic mass shooting of the 20 children 4-6 years old and 6 adults, including the shooter. Isaiac and his family as they help those affected by super-typhoon Pablo.  CNN news commented that typhoon Pablo was twice as powerful as hurricane Sandy.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Be with Deepak, whose father had a stroke as he travels to be home with the family.  Be with and comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

That those in the news media do not forget those still without homes, power and heat from super storm Sandy, and the volunteers still working.

For Mario who’s struggling with the holidays since his daughter was killed.  For Linda as she closed her practice, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian, has another treatment on 24 December.  (His has the same rare type of cancer as Deb had (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/).  I’m too far away to help hands-on but am sad he will be alone for Christmas.  Please pray someone will take time to be with him.  He’s growing tired but seems a new pain treatment plan is starting to work.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and thanks for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  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. Tyler & Jenna as they continue to care for baby Bexleigh.

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.

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) is eager to find new work since her project ended.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he’s able to do.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans, is enjoying his new-found fellowship and is thankful for his new job (first full-time role since 2004).  Thanks everyone for praying for him.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still living in their car and need a permanent place to live.

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!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.

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 and Matthew K as he grows up.  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

Now or Then

“Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.  Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord -- for we walk by faith, not by sight – we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.  Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” II Corinthians 5:5-7

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.  For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18

“It does not mean that every day is going to be comfortable, or every story is going to be triumphant, for there are times God will lead you into circumstances for which He will give you no explanation, and at times you will be involved in events for which you do not see the significance, but ‘we live by faith, not by sight’ and God does not have to keep explaining Himself.”*

I did a series once on Bible paradoxes and am always amazed at how these “word puzzles” teach us.  Here’s a perfect example:  We long for life here and yet know Heaven awaits us and as Paul asked, “which IS better?”  Do we accept the “challenges” dangers, difficulties, sorrows and sufferings with thanksgiving, as Paul also tells us, “Rejoice always!” or do we focus on the pain and long to escape them? 

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!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Pray for all those in Connecticut dealing with this tragic mass shooting of the 20 children 4-6 years old and 6 adults, including the shooter. Isaiac and his family as they help those affected by super-typhoon Pablo.  CNN news commented that typhoon Pablo was twice as powerful as hurricane Sandy.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Be with Deepak, whose father had a stroke as he travels to be home with the family.  Be with and comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

That those in the news media do not forget those still without homes, power and heat from super storm Sandy, and the volunteers still working.

For Mario who’s struggling with the holidays since his daughter was killed.  For Linda as she closed her practice, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian, has another treatment on 24 December.  (His has the same rare type of cancer as Deb had (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/).  I’m too far away to help hands-on but am sad he will be alone for Christmas.  Please pray someone will take time to be with him.  He’s growing tired but seems a new pain treatment plan is starting to work.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and thanks for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  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. Tyler & Jenna as they continue to care for baby Bexleigh.

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.

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) is eager to find new work since her project ended.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he’s able to do.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans, is enjoying his new-found fellowship and is thankful for his new job (first full-time role since 2004).  Thanks everyone for praying for him.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still living in their car and need a permanent place to live.

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!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.

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 and Matthew K as he grows up.  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