“Love endures long and is
patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy; is not
boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited – arrogant and inflated
with pride; it is not rude (unmannerly), and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on
its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or
fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it – pays no
attention to a suffered wrong.
“It does not rejoice at injustice
and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything
that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes and
fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything (without weakening). Love never fails – never fades out or becomes
obsolete or comes to an end.”
I Corinthians 13:4-8a – Amplified Bible Paraphrase
“If
you were to read that passage again and replace the word ‘love’ with ‘Christ’
it would make perfect sense. Jesus
Christ was the incarnation of love for God is love. But this too is the goal of the Holy Spirit
in your life and mine. It may be a
challenging and humbling process, for read through these same verses some time
and instead of “love’ read your own name!
“The
extent of your embarrassment reveals how far we have to grow, as well as how
honest we are! In this life we will not
be perfect, although the day will come when we shall be perfectly restored to
the likeness of Christ. In the meantime,
this is our goal, and the appetite to be like Christ is the effect of the Holy
Spirit’s presence and working with us.”*
A
new week end assignment...
Take
care with love, especially His! Your
servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY? Please send updates! For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth
taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of
our loving Father in action!
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: Last
night I saw a woman killed and another badly injured as they walked across the
street and were struck by a hit and run driver in front of my house. It was most tragic. Please pray for the families of these
women. A very special friend from my
youth passed away of a terrible cancer...please pray for strength for Bill’s
family and friends at this time.
Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines
and the clean-up after the flood where more than 85 people died. If the Lord lays it on your heart to help,
contact Barbara Hanak at Ambassadors for Christ in Atlanta Georgia (bhanak@afciworld.org)
PRAISE
& THANKSGIVING: Hans has seen the mighty
hand of the Lord working in his life and Deborah’s husband is home from surgery
and they hope he will be much better now.
Adrian is doing some better in his attitude but is still in much
pain. If anyone is near Caboolture (an
hour north of Brisbane), please contact me so we can help Adrian in a more
practical way!
That
the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him
and for good friends during times of difficulty. The project in Canberra has not come through
and I’m trusting the Lord has something better – this is an urgent need.
PRAY
FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: For Daniel Craver (3-4 yrs
old), home recovering from urgent liver surgery! Paul
NS. Tim (my little brother), with CPRD, needs
financial help, especially with no health insurance - needs a disability
pension. David still needs prayer for
his health, but is doing better. Steve
Barns for relief from great pain and depression.
For
a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer
during the day so Audley can go out and work).
Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for
relief. For Carlton suffering from
horrible infections in his bones.
Deb,
special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK.
(http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many,
including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.
ONGOING
PRAYER REQUESTS: Pray the Lord’s hand is
dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this
devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His
purposes! Hans, a new hungry baby Christian urgently needs
to find fellowship --if you know any Christians near Essen Germany, please
contact me as soon as possible.
Cucuawe
as he recovers from the trauma of his 17-year old daughter’s death. Galdor recovering from the loss of his mother
and companion dog of 17 years --he also needs a new job. For Yourri who lost a friend. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles
through some challenges. For travelling
mercies as Reg and Beverly visit South Africa.
Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.
For
travelling mercies for Michael C & Diane on their extended cruise. For Roger as he considers options for a
pledge of heart. Adam who’s becoming
involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs. Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows
(for Donna as she encourages him). For
David K, in his studies. For Kevin
(Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.
PRAY
FOR THE WORLD: God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His
children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial
mismanagement.
ONGOING
JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) and Hans’ (friend) projects have both
ended and they need new work. (Hans especially
needs paying work – he’s been volunteering to fill the time.) For Tim, my amazing brother that he might
find satisfying work. Paul K who
resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.
*Christ For Real by Charles
Price