Your Personal Valley of Elah

“What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works?  Can that faith save him [a believer].  If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled.’  And yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?  Even so faith, if it has no works is dead, being by itself. 

“But someone may well say, “You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 

“You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone. – For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” James 2:14-18, 24, 26

“You may learn the principles [sitting in church or studying the Bible or reading books about God] in these ways, but the laboratory in which this will be made real in your experience will be your Valley of Elah, with a giant against which you have no reasonable hope of victory were you to meet him on your own, but with the promise of God behind you and the life of God within you, step out and enjoy a display of the glory and goodness of God!  You will pay for it, as David did, becoming a fugitive on the run from Saul for many years, but it was worth it.”*

My Navigator teacher, Don Lanier said, “Daily life is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to what you say and do as the Lord’s plan is worked out in and around you”. 

Being born again is not dependent on works at all, but faith alone.  Once faith enters your heart, your life is defined by your obedience as He works out His will in your life...and how you demonstrate the joy of your salvation.

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 my friend Isaiac and his family and those who work beside him now in the Philippines.  His quick note to me said:  “I am sending you some photos of the damages wrought by super-typhoon Pablo.  CNN news commented that typhoon Pablo is times two compared to hurricane Sandy.”

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Be with Deepak, whose father had a stroke ten days ago and he needs to be home with him.  Be with and comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, and those who watch her passing, that the Lord uses this time in a mighty way!  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business meeting yesterday. 

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

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, is resting now from his treatment.  Pray that since his doctor has taken holidays, that the hospital can sort out a sensible treatment schedule until he returns.  (His is same rare type as Deb’s was. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/).  I’m too far away to help hands-on.  Please pray someone will take time to be with Adrian for the holidays.  He’s growing very tired and the pain meds no longer help.  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, especially now.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he is 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 of 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. 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