"if we say that we have no sin,
we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and
righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make
Him a liar, and His word is not in us." I John 1:8-10
Eight Truths About God Regarding Sin
1. Sin has evil, on-flowing (even
radiating to others) effects.
2. While sin runs free in our lives, so do
the effects of sin on each individual who chooses sin.
3. Through it all, God's love prevails
unconditionally.
4. God allows the natural
"punishment" that results from sin itself to run its course in our
lives as an instrument to draw us back to Him.
5. There may be tangible consequences to
our choice to sin for ourselves and others around us.
6. God provides a way to restore our
relationship with Him.
7. It is in the power and privilege of
each believer to accept or refuse this provision.
8. It is not God's wrath or His
punishment that is to blame. If someone
chooses sin over godliness; and sorrows and suffering results, they have only
themselves to blame.
Revelation is a poetic effort by a mortal man to describe an
insight from God's perspective of His disappointment and growing discouragement
in a world "off the rails". Yet,
the faithfulness of His unconditional love prevails; as does our privilege of
confessing and repenting of our sins.
When we first understand the magnitude of our sinful nature and
the amazing message of salvation, we have the choice to repent. That is salvation and being born anew.
However, every day we have choices to make about our thoughts,
words and actions. And no day goes by (where
we are conscious) that we walk faithfully in His will.
John 1:9 is God's provision of an extra powerful gift that is
somewhat like a very special "spiritual soap". Using
it is the only way to wash the smudge of our continual sinful choices away. And it gently and graciously removes every trace
of our ongoing sin, easily each time we choose to use it.
God doesn't just hate sin, it hurts His loving heart to see us
hurting!
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays
for you each morning, Darlene
URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?
NEW PRAYER REQUEST
- · Adrian - has colonoscopy yesterday. Thank God for Stewart who picked Adrian up at the hospital after the procedure (he walked to the hospital which is over five kilometers away). Please pray the results of the examination do not show any new complications. His monthly cancer treatment is 24 Feb. On 4 March his first appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon for his painful, broken shoulder. He still needs help from the local social agency to find proper assisted living so he can rest and have his little companion dog, Toby. His patience is deteriorating.
- · Paul - The role he has been endeavouring to secure did not come through. He is losing his hope Please pray for his strength and fortitude. He has not worked since 2012.
- · BG is having new symptoms as well as his blinding headaches. He will have a series of tests to identify the source. The earliest these were able to be scheduled was 18 and 22 of this month. Please pray for their wisdom and compassion.
- · Sergio continues to look for a new job but hurt his back. Pray for a speedy recovery. He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare.
- · Hans is scheduled to be released from the health clinic 23 February. He will return home to wait for a time to travel to a new clinic (which could take up to 6 months). Pray his healing continues and that he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
- · The project I was working on lost budget support for now. I am looking for a new project. Pray I will wait patiently and without stressing.
PRAISE AND
THANKSGIVING?
- · Raven - they've found no signs of new cancer and changed her meds which are a great relief from the 2.5 years of yukky chemo.
- · Fion: Parents settled now but Fion misses them. He is working far too many hours. Pray the organisation he works with will improve conditions for him.
- · TG now back at work since the industrial accident that burned his lungs so badly.
- · Pray for Shan and Gemma as they plan the details of their wedding. May they stay ever close to His leading.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH
HEALTH CONCERNS
- · My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing.
- · David R has had another stroke that has caused the complete loss of vision in his left eye.
- · David's daughter Heidi has been working for Macys for over three years and they are closing her store. Pray she finds something even better.
- · Please pray for Rik, a good friend who has been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and is undergoing very expensive, long-distance treatment to restore his health.
- · Adrian asks: Pray for my friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer - for energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him; and that someone will come share Christ with him soon.
ONGOING PRAYER
- · For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife, especially at this time of year when memories are so precious. Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
- · Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
- · Pray for Toron who at 18 is needing encouragement, care and direction.
- · Keep praying for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class: Angie and Liz.
- · There has been no update to numerous follow-ups regarding Wezley an 18-year old who lost her way. The Lord knows where she is, just keep praying for her that she turns to Him.
- · Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME
SERVICE
- · Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to ministry.
- · Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - a family serving in full-time ministry in New Zealand. Keep them strong, healthy and resolute.
- · Isaias and Judith in the Philippines. Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance. They give so much to so many for so little. Take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry: Go to: http://www.afciworld.org Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
- · Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
- · Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
- · The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.
PRAY FOR THE WORLD
- · That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions. That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
- · For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
- · Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line. The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.
SOMETHING NEW FOR
PRAYER WARRIORS
- · Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7. There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you. Please pray for them and go here to learn more: Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room
ADDITIONAL PRAYER
REQUESTS
- · Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business.
- · Elina needs clarity of purpose for her life and relationships.
- · Jen needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.
- · Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, Reg, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families. Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.
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