Primarily

“And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’  And they immediately left the nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:19-20

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘if anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.  For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”16:24

“And behold one came to Him and said, ‘Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?’  And He said to him, ‘Why are you asking Me about what is good?  There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ 

“He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’  And Jesus said, ‘You shall not commit murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honour your father and mother and you shall love your neighbour as yourself.’

“The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?’

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” Matthew 19:16-21

“God does not want us primarily to be dedicated to causes, but to be available to Christ.  He may call us to give our lives in the interest of some particular cause, but our commitment is primarily to Christ, and consequently, to anything He has given us to do.”*

There are so many good and admirable distractions to keep us from following the Lord...always be watchful and aware of who or what you are following.

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 Kent & his family.  His mom has passed away.

Another project has also been shared with me and looking for confirmation about Friday meeting.  Help me keep focused on His will.

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:   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.  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 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!  

Isaiac dealing with the aftermath of super-typhoon Pablo 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