The End

“For the good that I wish, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not wish.  But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.  I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do go.  For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law o f my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.  Wretched man that I am!  Who will set me free from the body of this death? 

“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our lord!  So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.  There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 7:19-8:2

“This is the Christian life.  Having faced our failure to express His likeness and image in the world, we come to the Cross for forgiveness, and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and become incorporated into Christ, to become the vehicle for the expression of His life and purpose.

“The world desperately needs to know this, but will have no grounds on which to believe it until they see the life and character of Jesus Christ lived out in your life and mine.  This is God’s purpose for you!  It was His purpose when He first created man, and is therefore the only thing that makes life make sense in any ultimate way.  Have you found reality in Jesus Christ, or have you substituted it with something else?”*

Discipleship is about learning how to lean on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Like physical exercise, it takes regular, consistent, sets of repetitions once you realise how important it is to stay physically fit.  Throughout your physical life your dedication to exercise will help you have a more robust life till the end. 

So too your life in Christ will be stronger, as you practice and grow in strength in the principles of discipleship.  This makes lifting the heavy weights of obedience easier as others watch until the end.

Today, marks the final instalment of the book by Charles Price, Christ For Real.  I pray these instalments have been as much a blessing for you to read as they have been for me to read again and write about.

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 with floods again.

Three projects now loom (but nothing is yet confirmed).  Progress is being made with one, 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