Just Let Go!

 “’I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He lifts up [Greek word is airo.  It means to lift up off the ground to ensure the plant gets more air circulating around it and to clean off the dust, so more light gets in]; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  Abide in Me, and I in you. 

“’As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. 

“’If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.  By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.  Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.  These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.’” John 15:1-11

“For Christ to be in us gives us POWER.  We can live effectively in no other strength than that which derives from the life of Jesus Christ...But, for us to be in Christ gives us PURPOSE.  It is not a power that enables us to live for ourselves, but to equip us to fulfil the plans of Christ who is the head of the body.”*

For me, nothing is more difficult than to trust another...My life experiences make me wary and reluctant to lean on anyone else, and sometimes when I focus more on the circumstances whirling around me (like Peter in the midst of the storm on the Sea of Galilee), I even stop leaning and trusting in Christ.  He knows this about me, as He knows everything about me. 

It started me thinking again of how much He loves me to just wait while I persist in thrashing about on my own until I realise it is hopeless without Him to “lift me up” for His purposes.  What about you?

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:  For those affected by the Australian cyclone ripping through the east coast of the country.

Three projects now loom (but nothing is yet confirmed) and I’m overwhelmed with hope and thanksgiving.  Help me keep focused on His will.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Hans, is struggling with his work and his need for fellowship.  For all of us as we move out into this New Year, that we would have the heart of the Lord in all that we do.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Adrian is preparing for a new treatment and is sounding stronger than he has in a year.  For Deepak, who’s home now, his father seems better.  For Linda and Ian and the wisdom they have so generously shared.  Tim B finally having relief from his massive headaches.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still need a permanent place to live.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  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.  

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!

For Kent as he grows through the loss of his mom.  Isaiac as his ministry in the Philippines.  Pray for healing of hearts in Connecticut grieving after the mass shooting of the 20 four-six year olds and six adults.  For those affected, Government decision makers and volunteers still working on the aftermath of super storm Sandy.

Comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

For Tarrega, as his hearts settles and strengthens.  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.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth. 

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