[Jesus last message to His disciples – and us] “’Go
therefore and make disciples of all the nations – help the people to learn of
Me, believe in Me, and obey My words, baptising them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that
I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always – remaining with you
perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion – even to the
end of the age.’” Matthew 28:19-20
“Our passport to Heaven is having Christ as our Saviour, but our
reward in Heaven is for how we live for Him.
Saving faith always produces good works.
– We are justified before God by faith in Christ; we are justified
before man by how we live. Saving faith
must produce fruit. Good works are an
outward sign to others that we are in Christ.[1]”
All that happens in our lives before and after we accept Jesus Christ’s gift of salvation, is part of His plan for our good and His glory.
Being saved to do good works is
not about being the first one at church each week or serving tea and cookies after
the service, it is not about giving stuff or money to His works or helping ‘little
old ladies’ across the street or giving all you have away and heading out to some remote and primitive mission field dodging lions, tigers and alligators (or bears).
It is being willing to obey His Word and follow Him into a personal lifetime of adventures designed just for you that is meant to bear fruit in His orchard. We must be willing and ready to serve. Because it is important (I Corinthians 3:9-15).
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still
prays for you each day)
PS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com
(where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to
share). You can easily 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. Not sure about Apple.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)
·
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old
wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).
Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning. Pray for their wisdom and that God will send
trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now
must be made.
· UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff
and Rachael – is entering her second year of college. Please continue to pray for her that she does
well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the
Lord.
·
Adam –
please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the
Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the
loving supporter he badly needs.
· Barb – my brother’s
faithful and kind wife. Thank you for
praying for her. She needs prayers to
sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional
stress and challenge.
·
UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend who is
chronically unwell and frail. Please
pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms
and heal her.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be
working for now. Pray for his ongoing
strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he
is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support
him through this journey. Pray for his
Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with
extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
·
Callilah
- a lost child. Pray the Lord will
capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
Pray for the World
[1]
© 1958, Moody Bible Institute
of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 126-7.
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