SIX KEYS TO WINNING THE BATTLES

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’  But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another.  

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” Galatians 5:13-18

Galatians is a book just PACKED with gems and they litter the page in abundance and can be easy to miss.

1.     Live in freedom, but freedom is not license to do whatever you want

2.     Don’t make excuses for bad, fleshly behaviour

3.     Keep busy loving and serving others

4.     To resist temptation, walk in the Spirit

5.     Remember there’s a war between the flesh and the Spirit

6.     Doing what pleases you is likely not going to please God

Most importantly, when the Holy Spirit is leading you, you are not under the Law, because the penalty for your sins -- under the Law -- are already paid for (past, present and future) by Jesus’ dying in your place on the Cross.

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:  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

 (NOTE:  Words underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)

Urgent – IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE NOVEL CORONA VIRUS – spreading throughout the world and more rapidly than imagined.

VERY IMPORTANT LINK (1hour and 7 minutes, but worth the time):   

As information grows, more information is now available.  Please pray for the health care workers, those trying to contain the spread and most importantly those who contract the virus – that they are wise and take precautions to protect others. (The Chinese data from the WuFlu site is no longer available.)

Latest Update:   (source John Hopkins)

• Today in 28 countries
• 40,660 confirmed cases
• 910 reported deaths (all in China except one in The Philippines and one in Hong Kong)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z05ZrMfKUDc
• NEW UPDATE - Baby Jolie – 11 months old with meningitis and kidney failure.   Has been on dialysis and a respirator.  Her breathing tube now removed and she is out of Intensive care.  However, they still MAY HAVE TO AMPUTATE her leg.  Please continue to pray her leg will be saved, her health carers to have wisdom and compassion, her parents to have patience and peace and that the Lord provides a miracle of healing for this child.  Family so grateful for all the prayers.
• NO UPDATE YET - Carla’s sister Jackie – diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and endocrine tumour.  She is in severe abdominal pain, with a blood clot in her pancreas.  Pray for traveling mercies for Carla as she goes to be with her in Canada.  Pray for the doctors and health carers and for those who love and will support her through this difficult time.
• Savannah – 15-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, diagnosed with a difficult-to-treat, psychological disorder with potential serious consequences.  New meds seem to be helping.  She has a long recover ahead, but there is progress with this brain injury.  Pray for her attitude, wisdom for her health carers, patience for her parents and complete healing. 
• Thanksgiving - Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years, has been released by doctor and is dancing again.  Still in physical therapy and needs time to totally heal, but God has healed her bone and given her back the joy dancing.
• USA President Donald Trump – It is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him.  Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan.  Pray someone helps President Trump understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that he will have a driving hunger to read God’s Word for himself and that God sends a Bible-believing Christian to regularly disciple him in the Truth and that God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who circle around him. 
• 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.
• 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 and that my laptop can be fixed soon (if you receive the email version with the full prayer list, this is why the format is different.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE