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