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