"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