“And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard from Me; for John baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’
“He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’” Acts 1:4-8
“Jesus Christ has great plans for this world, and he has created a means of accomplishing them. It is a body! A body in which He is to live, and through which He is to speak His thoughts, fulfil His plans and perform His work. It is not the single body He once lived in as He spent His thirty-three earthly years in and around Israel, but it is a new body given to Him on the day of Pentecost, which was its birthday.”*
The disciples were all excited to see Jesus alive but still focused on the here and now and themselves. Our Father God was focused on the health, vigor and life of His new body and body building.
As the New Year begins, it is a perfect time to reconsider and realign our focus to be more in synch with 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 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. 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
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