GRACE IS NOT AN EXCUSE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US3-OMbiaBY&t=1s

Romans 7:22–8:2

No Condemnation // The Greatest Chapter

Desiring God, John Piper

[Jesus teaching] “’Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets, I did not come to abolish, but to fulfil.  For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.

“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 5:17-19

“What shall we say then?  Is the Law sin?  May it never be!  On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’  But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 

“And I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive, and I died; and this commandment which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; for sin taking opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it, killed me.  So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” Romans 7:7-12

What is the relevance of the Law once we are saved?  Before we are saved it is clear the Law is there to show us how much we NEED the Lord Jesus to save us.  But after, we could mistake grace as an excuse for license. 

The fact is that we remain sinful and daily, moment-by-moment express our willfulness to do what is right in our own eyes.  The Law keeps us aware of the line that was drawn to show us how hopeless and helpless we are without Christ. 

Jesus lived to fulfil the Law and died to pay for our sin debt.  He lives today to give us unexpected strength to resist the temptations of self, but He does not force us.  It is our choice.  (I Corinthians 10:13).  How we follow is a choice, difficult sometimes, but our choice

Take care, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene (who still prays for you each morning).

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

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

To serve you in a new way, I’m researching and writing practical information for you about the pandemic.  Please visit:  https://newsaboutcovid19.blogspot.com/

Please pray for all involved, for health care workers, those trying to contain the spread; for those contagious, for those who contract the virus, for those feeling afraid and lonely and for the families who have lost loved ones.  Pray they are wise, patient and take precautions to protect others. 

Latest Update:  

·        Today in 212 countries

·        3,558,893 reported cases

·        50,041 critical condition

·        247,973 reported deaths

• ·         Hans – A good friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized, has returned home for the next three weeks.  Please pray for his healthcare providers and for his patience.  Pray he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  And pray for his Mom, who is unwell herself, as they share this time together.
• ·         Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December 2019, is suffering from lack of visitors and has fallen twice, hitting her head.  She is not eating well and is being carefully watched but doesn’t understand why no one is visiting her.  Thank the Lord for Patti, (daughter), and her husband John for their faithful support by daily face-time calls with her. 
• ·         Baby Jolie– (one-year old) now home with a full-time nurse, but a long journey back to full health for her after meningitis and kidney failure.  Decision on whether she will keep her leg still not made.  Parents so grateful to all for the love and prayers.
• ·         Scott – Thanks you for praying for him.  Please pray he finds a GOOD job soon.  So many challenges for him to provide for his sweet family of new wife and two children.  Help him trust in the wisdom of our loving Heavenly Father so he knows God is working in all this for the best outcome for them all.
• ·         Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, now in his third marriage, does more to help while she is still here and that he reaches out to his Father in heaven for guidance and hope. 
• ·         Penne – just lost her husband of 43 years after being his total caregiver for the last 10 years.  She suffers mental problems, stemming from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (pray for her wisdom and patience), but seems unstable and confused.  She has ‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer does not attend fellowship for support.  Please pray for peace and God’s guidance for her that her faith may be invigorated once more.
• ·         USA President Donald Trump as he leads us through this pandemic – It is especially 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. 
• ·         Fred – is making plans to move from California to Tennessee in the Fall of 2020.  Pray for his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health as he makes these life changes.
• ·         Me – my laptop was not fixed and I am back to using the old one, sorry for the inconvenience and formatting of the devotions in your email versions. 

NEW Prayer Updates

• ·         Sarah – had run away from home.  Police returned her home, put her in treatment and she is now with her parents.  She is not happy being there and watches every move her mother makes to escape again.  Very stressful during this time of ‘sheltering in place’.  They hope she will find a job when possible.  Thank you for praying and that she is finally home, getting help and support.
• ·         Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching online so less stress.  Adrian (9-year old) is on new medication that is finally working and Micah (6-year old with Type 1 diabetes) have been getting along well.  Continue to pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• ·         Patti’s Best Friend – lost both her parents within six months after a lifetime of caring for them.  Her husband’s mother died in January and his 94-year old father now lives with them.  Help them take time for each other and keeping their faith strong.   

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

During this time, when the entire world is struggling to understand this ‘plague’, it is critical that each of us upholds our Christian leaders.  They will be a very stretched resource for us all.  Pray for their safety and strength their families and most of all, their wisdom to pace themselves.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones who are fragile health-wise.  It is important to protect them in wise and practical ways and most important we must pray even more for them that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD