Monday, January 7, 2013

More to This!


 
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you, and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 

“I pray that they eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:13-18

“But we need to see beyond ‘our inheritance’ and try to understand what is ‘His glorious inheritance in the saints’.  We are not the only beneficiary in our salvation.  Remarkable as it may seem, God is a beneficiary too.  Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is that they may understand and appreciate what God has inherited in them, and so cease to tendencies to selfishness in their Christian lives by being only concerned with what they receive in Him, and seek to bring to fulfilment all that Christ has received in them.”*

When you have a day where you wonder about your purpose is in the Body of Christ, it is good to spend time reading His Word...it will remind you that there is more to our being saved than just our joy and the peace that passes understanding, but the our Father also has plans for His purposes and benefits!

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 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:  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.  Urgent prayer request for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions during this time.

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 brother John & 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

 

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