Monday, January 6, 2014

Focus on the Right


"'With what shall I come to the Lord and bow myself before the God on high?  Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, with yearling calves?  Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil?  Shall I present my first-born for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 

"'He has told you, O man, what is good:  And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?'" Micah 6:6-8

I'm reading the most amazing book, called "Abba's Child" by Brennan Manning.  It speaks so clearly of the vast difference between focusing on a "false self's pharisaic focus on defining and arguing what is or is not the right thing to do and doing the right things out of love for the Lord.

We know what is right, the Lord installed this "compass" in our hearts at birth, we learn more from parents and eventually, we refine our learnings when we meet the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour. 

"And it happened that as He was reclining at the tabgle in the house, behold many tax-gatherers and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples.  And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, 'Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?'

"But when He hears this, He said, 'It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.  But go and learn what this means, 'I desire compassion, and not sacrifice, for I do not come to call the righteous, but sinners.''" Matthew 9:10-13

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 through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  After a five year strubble, Barbara (sister-in-law) will start work this month with a wonderful company.  Carlton (painful bone infections) is feeling a bit better finally.

From Raven:  "thank you so VERY much for the patience and kindness...love and support you have shown me thru this.... the treatments are DONE!!! =))))))....now it is time to rest and heal..... but I wanted to let you know...that YOU are a big part of what has helped me so far... and I wish to say thank you for that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! soon I will be back to my old self and driving everyone insane.... grins...looks innocent... that will be a good day!!!!!!!... thank you again my friend!!!! for helping me get this far!!! sleep well...be safe...and have an amazing new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hugs you!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:    Elaine and Jim in Hong Kong have begun a new ministry.  Please pray the Father keeps guiding them in their work.  No word yet about the result of Sergio's recent job interview.  Please pray for him.

Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%. 

 PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:   Fion's father had a stroke, has had surgery.  They're unsure of the prognosis yet, but he's a man who loves the Lord.  Pray for his recovery and the family.  Adrian sounds very tired now as he continues having chemo one day a month, his pain is debilitating, but he's still praising his heavenly Father for each new day.  

 David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his new endeavour.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Continue to pray for Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Pray for the two surviving sons of Melanie Karunaratne in New Zealand. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.  PaulNS needs heart peace and assurance of the project he has been promised will start 23 January.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

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!

Isaias & Judith who head the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines, need strength and encouragement as they work with other ministers recovering and serving after one of the world's worst typhoons in history.  Their financial needs are so great please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above.

Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans.  For Linda and Ian For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  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 and individuals suffering from global financial mismanagement.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

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