Wednesday, January 1, 2020

EFFECTIVE NEW YEAR



“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!  How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

“When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.

“I acknowledged my sin to Thee, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’; and Thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. 

“Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to Thee in a time when Thou mayest be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not reach him.  Thou art my hiding place; Thou dost preserve me from trouble; Thou dost surround me with the songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:1-7

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [full and complete, perfect payment] for our sins.” I John 4:9-10

When the Psalmist prayed, his hope would be focused on God’s justice and the individual’s obedience to God’s laws and rules.  Disobedience could lead to punishment from others or even physical difficulties (such as not obeying dietary laws and falling ill). 

Today, it is different.  Jesus died and paid for it all – sins past, present and future.  He is the complete and perfect payment for our disobedience.  He offers us the gift of forgiveness for our sins – past, present and future.  As we submit to His love and plan, we grow more into His image.  In this way, others are attracted to Him. 

The New Year provides a shadow of hope to try to do better, to make resolutions or amends, to eliminate harmful behaviours, to mend broken fences, to strengthen our hearts, to learn something new -- to start again. 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS:  My statement of faith is here:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES

  • ·      Savannah – fifteen-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, is suffering from a psychological disorder that is difficult to treat and could lead to very serious consequences.  She NEEDS all the prayers that can be said on her behalf.
  • ·      Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years has just broken her food and is devastated that she can’t compete in dance completions and feels she is letting her teams down.  She will be in a boot for 6 weeks.  Please pray for complete healing, peace and patience while she heals.
  • ·      UPDATE Fires in AustraliaContinue with no rain in sight.  Seventeen have died.  Pray for the firefighters, those caring for those seeking shelter, for those suffering from and in the path of the fires, for those who have lost everything, the animals and the tragedy that accompanies this.  Please pray for God’s mercy on this dry and sunburnt, burning land and that His people will rise up and show their extraordinary love and compassion at this time!
  • ·      URGENT -USA - Pray the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
  • ·      Chris H recently lost his sister (the last of his family) and will be facing his first Christmas without her.  Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this time of change and pain. 
  • ·      Christine’s husband – broke his arm and wrist and is home recovering.  Pray during this time that the Lord will speak to him through his loving wife and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
  • ·      Doris (my second mom) celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December.  She is growing frail and sleeping more and deeply now.  Pray for Patti, her daughter, as she remains so faithful in sacrificing time to demonstrate God’s love to her precious mother.  Pray for Freddy, Doris’ son that he will be there with her more.  Doris (and her husband, Owen, now waiting for Doris in Heaven) both prayed faithfully to bring me to the foot of the Cross from age 12. 
  • ·      SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness to grow through this dark time and for wisdom of his counsellors.  Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
  • ·      Lachlan –Has completed his seminary studies and now urgently needs to find housing for himself and his three children.
  • ·      Paul Pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to find a role.  He’s been unemployed since 2010.  Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  Pray for my wisdom and patience as he stays here.
  • ·      Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John -- a Proverbs 31 woman. Pray she enjoy precious time with John and that her heart is strong for her Mom.
  • ·      Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken, and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
  • ·      Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
  • ·      Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

No comments: