Draw Closer

“For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of the soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 

“Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:12-16

When a child does something they are not supposed to do, how the parent reacts to this action from the beginning, will make all the difference to the person as they grow up.  So if a parent is emotional and angry or abusive, the child learns to hide their mistakes.  Shame and distrust grows within them.  

If a parent takes time to understand and forgives and teaches new behaviour from the mistake, the child learns not to hide; and shame is not such a problem for them in their lives.  

God is right here, right now, and He loves you unconditionally.  And only God is able to love unconditionally.  He gives us the freedom and the right to draw close to Him, even if we have made a mistake.  And that is what forgiveness and grace is all 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:  Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Bettina’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in November 2012. They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor. A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  Be with Hans as he resigns from his job this week.  For Paul NS & PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans has found joy and new support in his Christian fellowship.  For my new project.  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.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation. For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger every day & Fred as he cares for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

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.  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. Pray for Annette as she begins some new career adventures. 

Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.