Weekend Body Exercise

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He lifts up; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. 

I am the Vine, you are the branches, he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; and 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.” John 15:1-2, 5, 7-8

“I do not know how you personally may have to come to know Christ, except for one thing.  There was some human agency involved. -- Whatever the cause, somewhere along the line, God used people to speak to you about Himself. 

“In His sovereignty and wisdom God is perfectly free to send angels to do His work, and there are times when He does, but His general means of working on earth is through His own Body, which is the Church, which is people, which is you and me!”*

Weekend exercise:  take time to remember the people who influenced you and/or inspired you to reach out and take Jesus Christ’s hand this weekend.  Write their name(s) on an index card, the back of a business card or just a slip of paper and carry it with you over the next 7 days. 

Start praying for them.  If you can make a way to see them, call them or write to them, then do so, because they were obedient to Him and part of the personal journey God planned to bring you to your knees at His feet.  If you have a moment to drop me a note and let me know what transpired from this exercise, I would enjoy the encouragement!

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 brother John & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.

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

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.  

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.

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. 

For “T”, a friend as his hearts settles and strengthens.  For Linda, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit and for Ian.  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.  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