https://www.jeandarnall.com RSS feeds for Jean Darnall Ministries 60 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1169/Faith-for-the-Journey--Video.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1169 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1169&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1169/Faith-for-the-Journey--Video.aspx video { width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; margin-top: 50px; } Your browser does not support the video tag.   Jean Darnall Thu, 15 Jul 2021 01:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1169 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1173/1st-Beatitude--Poor-but-Happy.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1173 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1173&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1173/1st-Beatitude--Poor-but-Happy.aspx video { width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } Your browser does not support the video tag.   Jean Darnall Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1173 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1172/2nd-Beatitude--Sad-but-Happy.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1172 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1172&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1172/2nd-Beatitude--Sad-but-Happy.aspx video { width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } Your browser does not support the video tag.   Jean Darnall Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1172 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1171/3rd-Beatitude--Humble-But-Happy.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1171 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1171&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1171/3rd-Beatitude--Humble-But-Happy.aspx video { width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } Your browser does not support the video tag.   Jean Darnall Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1171 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1170/4th-Beatitude--Hunger-and-Thirst.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1170 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1170&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1170/4th-Beatitude--Hunger-and-Thirst.aspx video { width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } Your browser does not support the video tag.   Jean Darnall Wed, 14 Jul 2021 23:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1170 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1167/SOFT-WITH-SHOWERS.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1167 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1167&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1167/SOFT-WITH-SHOWERS.aspx "You water its ridges abundantly, you settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, you bless its growth." Psalm 65:9-13 (v.10) Hard ridges in sun-baked furrows of dry ground are hard on the feet of the sower. God sends Spring rains. April showers softens the soil. The seed is sown and God makes it grow. Sowers, partners with their Creator, sing in the rain, sink their toes in the mud. Showers of blessing create songs and paint visions of an overflow harvest in the soul. Poets and artists are inspired by the cycle of sowing and reaping as man and God work together. Faith for the future abounds. Hope bursts in full bloom. The sower becomes a prophet who dreams about the day when showers bring flowers and fruit and seed for tomorrow. The old hymn, "Showers of Blessing" is a prayer for outpoured grace to saturate us, fill us to overflow. Streams in the desert pour through the hard ridges of our dried-up souls and over the shards of our broken hearts. Let the showers come, even when they blow hard and harsh, some with the sting of death and bitter tears. SING IN THE RAIN: God waters, softens and blesses, yes, blesses, to make you grow. Showers are not storms sent to destroy, but sudden showers, outbursts of the unexpected, sent to be replaced with deeper intimacy as God comes closer to you. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, water the ridges, the hard ridges, of my soul. Soften me with showers. May seeds of faith planted in earlier times of my life sprout and grow strong for this harsh season. I trust you, Jesus, for you are Lord of the harvest. Control what grows within with softening showers. Amen Jean Darnall Thu, 06 Apr 2017 23:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1167 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1166/LAUGH-WITH-GOD.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1166 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1166&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1166/LAUGH-WITH-GOD.aspx "And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying," This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17 The very thought of Jesus causes the Father to smile. He is pleased by the Son's obedience. Jesus' water baptism pleased Father God. He had planned it all and was eager to get all the joy possible out of it. Since whatever pleased the Father, pleased His Son, it was mutual pleasure. Joyous! Imagine the Father's happy thoughts as Jesus submits to John the Baptist. The Son yields to extended arms ready to support him as He bends. He let's go, yields. The river gurgles with the joy of the Son.. He is over His head with happiness. The sky opens into a radiant smile to create a brilliant entry for the Spirit. John and Jesus shout, happy young men. Father smiles, creation laughs. Joyfully react to good things that happen in your life. It pleases Father God. Don't miss the big moment and rob God and yourself of the sheer pleasure and huge thrill of what is going on. It is not inappropriate to laugh with God and His children. Enjoy God's generosity! Does His grace really amaze you? We disappoint our Father when we pout with fake unworthiness or sulk under self-condemnation while He blesses us! When we fail to share His happiness in all we receive, we cheat ourselves. There is a pleasure built into every obedience to God's Word and will. Both the believer and his God enjoy it together. They are meant to smile and laugh with joy unspeakable and full of glory! God shares with us a delightful inner enjoyment. REMEMBER: IT IS HIS PLEASURE TO SHARE THE THRILL WHEN YOU ENJOY HIS WILL. He laughs with you, enjoys your laughter. Whatever delights you, pleases Him. Share the joy! God the Father rejoices when you are happy. This is true especially when we express our gratitude with genuine joy and pleasure. Be a happy child of God. Feel good about yourself. It blesses your God who is happy to see you happy. Bless the Lord with joy! PRAYER: Father God, I can ruin the pleasure of it all when I either question whether I deserve to be happy or not, or when I fail to see my blessing as something You have provided. May my joy over things You do for me, cause us to laugh together. Amen   Jean Darnall Tue, 07 Feb 2017 22:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1166 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1165/THE-FLOW-OF-SAVING-POWER.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1165 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1165&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1165/THE-FLOW-OF-SAVING-POWER.aspx "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Cor. 1:18 It has been said, "I have been saved, I am being saved, I will be saved." What does that mean? It means once you enter salvation, that is accept Christ as your personal Savior, you are on the way to salvation in salvation! Salvation is not just a one off personal experience; something that happened on a certain time at a certain location, at a specific time. That is a good starting point, but it is just the beginning. Salvation flows like a river. It is not a frozen lake. The message of the cross, the call to salvation, demands a definite, personal decision. But once that decision is made, salvation streams as a constant flow of God's power within us. We are saved into eternal life, not into an eternal state. God's infinite plan for each of His children is so vast, it will take all eternity to reveal it. His inexhaustible grace towards us will never run out. JUST THINK OF IT! Today you are saved, and tomorrow you will know the same saving goodness of God. Grace is at work in you. It saves you from perishing. The outer destructive forces that threaten you are not greater than the power of God that works in you, saving you, keeping you day by day. PRAYER: I thank you, Lord, that when you saved me, you did not leave me on my own. I know my life flows within the river of eternal life forever. Praise God. Jesus, You live in me and I live in You. Your power dwells within. Amen     Jean Darnall Mon, 25 Apr 2016 18:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1165 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1164/FAMILIAR-YET-UNFAMILIAR.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1164 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1164&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1164/FAMILIAR-YET-UNFAMILIAR.aspx "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection...." Philippians 3:10 After His resurrection, Jesus visited His disciples various times in various places. He just showed up!..There He was, His dear familiar self. Familiar, yet unfamiliar. The Twelve knew how He had died, had been placed in a tomb that was sealed. Yet He had suddenly appeared alive before them; a reality that made Him strangely unfamiliar. Everything was different. The disciples had no prior experience with a resurrected Master. Before the cross, He had been one of them. Now, He was Another, different, yet the same. How should they relate with a Teacher risen from the dead? They fumbled, awkward in their reactions. Jesus understood. So He appeared in familiar places in familiar ways. He shared bread with them, talked to them, touched them, taught them. He eased them into an expanded knowledge of Himself. When He finally had to leave them and go to His Father, He offered them a Tutor, someone who knew Him intimately. The Blessed Holy Spirit would take over. He would continue to teach them. They would learn more about Jesus and the power of His resurrection. Reach Beyond: As 21st century followers of Christ we go beyond the open tomb to discover more about our risen Lord. He lingers to share bread with us, talk to us about an intimate relationship with the dear Holy Spirit, the Father's Gift to all who love His Son. Prayer: Father God, I thank you for the cross where Jesus died. Your power raised Him from the dead.That same power quickens and fills my life today. Holy Spirit, teach me. I want to know more about Jesus than I have ever known before. Amen Jean Darnall Tue, 29 Mar 2016 20:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1164 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1163/A-WALK-THROUGH-THE-VALLEY.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1163 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1163&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1163/A-WALK-THROUGH-THE-VALLEY.aspx "Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me."Psalm 23:4 There is a childhood prayer I recall. " Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." Child-like faith expressed in that prayer is often sadly lost in growing up, unless the adult holds on to it. If faith is maintained, the fear of death is replaced by the comfort of the expectation of heaven. A psychiatrist said, "I have never seen a case of senile psychosis in the aged when they have faith in God and are free from the fear of death." The fear of death is usually wrapped up in the fear of old age. When such fears are surrendered in the hands of God, faith rises for an exciting adventure in old age and at the time of death. When we are young we live like we will never die. As we age, we begin to think about where we will spend eternity. Sometimes the death of a loved one will prompt serious thoughts about our own mortality. Inner fears cannot be concealed. They show, even when one pretends they are not there.God sees what is in our hearts. Does fear show through our attempts of bravado?  Ask Jesus: To walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. He faced and defeated the power of death and the fear of it. He renamed the valley after Himself, "The Way." PRAYER: Lord, when the time comes for me to go into eternity, I will not walk alone You have promised to be with me all the way. If fear attacks, You will ward it off by your resurrection power. You are The Way. Thank you Jesus! Amen Jean Darnall Sun, 13 Mar 2016 19:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1163 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1161/MAKE-THE-MASTER-PROUD-OF-YOU.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1161 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1161&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1161/MAKE-THE-MASTER-PROUD-OF-YOU.aspx "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." I Peter 2:13-17 The accelerated speed of the secularization of America, the epidemic proportions of the decline of moral standards, the redefinition of the family and public disdain for Christian values hurls us into a frightening free-fall from traditional values. American Christians, like their fellow-believers around the world, face increased opposition. Their values clash daily with those of the society around them. What should Christians do to balance civil obedience and biblical mandates? They must revere the Scriptures and respect authorities. When the apostles, Peter and John, were ordered not to preach the gospel, they replied: "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20) The Message translation of our text instructs us in these words: "Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government." In today's world there is an increased hostility towards Christians who openly declare their convictions. We have a very different America than our forefathers hoped for us. We face a challenging future, but not without hope. God holds the future in His hands. Fully depending upon God, we must pray and have courageous faith. STAND UP: SPEAK UP AND LIFT UP A STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, make me a good citizen who brings glory to your Name. Amen Jean Darnall Tue, 08 Mar 2016 21:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1161 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1160/ENJOY-FRESH-BREAD.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1160 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1160&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1160/ENJOY-FRESH-BREAD.aspx "Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." Luke 6:21 My son-in-law, Alan, enjoys baking bread. I enjoy the mouth-watering aroma that fills our house. There's nothing better than a buttered slice of bread from a fresh baked loaf. Forget about the calories and fully yield to the temptation! Enjoy! There is an enjoyment of another kind. It is the pleasure brought to my spirit when I enjoy God. With delight I savor His presence, whether in the house, in the church or wherever my soul is stirred by his nearness. I hunger for Him. I long to enjoy Him more. I know He is always present, but there are times I sense a fresh awareness. I stop and breathe it in. My appetite for God is aroused and I look to see where He is. I wonder if God has something fresh for my soul to enjoy? The Shepherd David found continual enjoyment in worship. It was a love-feast, an overflowing cup. The more of God he tasted, the more he wanted. In the Psalms he extends an invitation to taste and see how good God is. We are urged to abandon our proud inhibitions and give ourselves fully to the enjoyment of God. Accept his invitation. Breathe in the fragrance of the fresh things our Lord has ready for your enjoyment. Allow your hunger for more of God to lead you to his banqueting table. Discover the delightful things God has prepared for you. See how truly good God is. David found that enjoying God prepared him for times when invaders attacked him and his flock. He was ready to fight off any thief who tried to take away his satisfaction in God's goodness. His victories ring with songs of deliverance and laughter. BREATHE IN HIS PRESENCE: He is near and awaits to satisfy your hunger for a fresh taste of His goodness. Feast on the Word. It will turn your tears into laughter. Let your house be filled with the fragrance of the Bread of Life. PRAYER: Lord, You are the delight of my life. I have tasted and I know You are good. I long for more. Refresh me and sustain me. As I read your Word, I am fed. As I wait in prayer before You, I am filled and blessed. I love you, Lord. Amen Jean Darnall Wed, 02 Mar 2016 20:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1160 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1159/FOR-PEOPLE-LIKE-US.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1159 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1159&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1159/FOR-PEOPLE-LIKE-US.aspx "For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham." Hebrews 2:16 'It's obvious, of course, that he didn't go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That's why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.' Message Bible What are we like, you and I? We are not angels. We know that. As members of the human race, we are flesh, soul, able to be spiritual, prone to be unspiritual, likely to struggle with ourselves. We sin, yet we are loved and can receive God's forgiveness. Often, like ungrateful children who refuse to admit any wrongs, we demand our rights on our own terms. We hurt ourselves. Bruised proud flesh, we break and bleed, cry and blame others, even God. At times we openly confess our need of God. Other times we hide. sullen and silent, too hard of heart to ask for help. God does not disregard us when we hurt, even when we sulk! His Son felt all our pain, so he understands. It is hard to take in, but He entered into every detail of human life. He experienced it himself, the pain, the tests. He went through it all for people like us. What are you like? Bitter, broken-hearted, forsaken? When life's tests are too hard and you are crushed by failure, he will heal you and restore your soul. Feel like you must not trouble God with your problems? You are mistaken. He took the trouble to come into our world, experience every detail of life here. He chose to go by the way of the cross, to the grave and ascend to God's throne. He experienced it all. Now he intercedes for people like us. Turn to Jesus: Are there things about yourself you wish changed? He can change what you are like. He will make you more like Him in the way you live. You must decide to give Him a chance to help where help is needed. PRAYER: Savior, you entered into every detail of human life. You passed every test. You won for people like me. Forgive and help me where I fail. I believe you understand. In your name, Jesus. Amen  Jean Darnall Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1159 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1157/THE-TIDE-IS-RISING.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1157 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1157&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1157/THE-TIDE-IS-RISING.aspx "Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." Romans 13:11 It rained hard here in Los Angeles yesterday and most of the night. We are told to expect more rain over the next few days. It is cooler than usual. Although we do not have typical Southern California weather at present, we realize our worse conditions are mild compared to the extreme conditions in other places nationwide. Nature's rising tides are not good news for us who live in Greater Los Angeles. An alert makes us scurry to check if we are in any trouble due to unpreparedness. Often we wait until the last minute before we consider mud slides, flooded drains and a multitude of inevitable disasters. Here on the West Coast we are accustomed to sun-shine; blue skies and safe beaches in the shadow of mountains that rise beyond our valleys. We play on the beach right up to when the storms start and have to hurriedly fill bags with sand to save ourselves, with little chance to think of saving others! So it is, I am sorry to say, many times with believers who have been warned of coming spiritual 'bad weather'. The rising tides of Islam and evil forces around us threatens the salvation of people we know. The main thing is to be ready for whatever comes.That applies to spiritual conditions as well as natural circumstances. Changes are ahead and we must not be unprepared. The Bible has lots to say about unpreparedness. Jesus' most repeated warning was, "Watch and pray...." He spoke of being ready for the unannounced coming of the Son of Man (Mt. 24:24; 25:13) BE AWARE: Wake up and stay alert. It is important for you and for each member of your family. Have faith for them and pray earnestly, speaking their names. Remember Noah in Hebrews 11:7 PRAYER: Lord Jesus, wake me up. Shake me free from my apathy and drowsiness. Let me hear the alarm the Holy Spirit sounds to awaken me.The night is long and the darkness deepens. Let me shine with the armor of light. In your Name, Amen. Jean Darnall Fri, 08 Jan 2016 06:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1157 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1155/A-Timely-Harvest.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1155 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1155&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1155/A-Timely-Harvest.aspx "The harvest is past. The summer is ended, and we are not saved....." Jeremiah 8:20 The verse above is a lament of lost opportunity. Someone had good intentions but didn't persevere. These words prod us with their sad pronouncement of failure. It is important to not put things off until later. Something unexpected could happen in our lives to cut off future opportunities given to us by the Lord. The Holy Spirit endeavors to teach us that prompt obedience to God's will is vital. It is important that we respond quickly because God has a larger plan than we can perceive. That puts a cosmic dimension on day-to day actions and links them to eternity. When we do not fully learn the lesson, even in old age, our Teacher, the Holy Spirit nudges us persistently. We may be annoyed, yet we do not change. We fuss and condemn ourselves and stay as we are. Often the things we feel we must do and fail to do are self-imposed. That's part of the difficulty. If someone else demanded it, or there was a deadline or a penalty if not done in time, then we would do it. But who cares? The self-imposed thing is difficult to do because there is no one else demanding it be done, except the Word of the Lord in your heart. But your agreement is important in anything God wants you to do. AGREE WITH JESUS: You may feel that no one cares. But there is One in heaven who cares. The Maker of heaven and earth cares. So, if we love God, we must care. We must respect His sovereign will. Learn to do God's will at the right season so we do not lose any of the harvest. PRAYER -Lord Jesus, release me from the habit of procrastination. I seek Your help. Let inspiration flow from a mind yielded to You. I do not want to block the flow of inspiration. I will to do Your will. Amen Jean Darnall Mon, 02 Nov 2015 21:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1155 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1154/GIVE-PRAISE-FOR-THE-PERSECUTED.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1154 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1154&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1154/GIVE-PRAISE-FOR-THE-PERSECUTED.aspx "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."Matthew 5:11,12 The opposition against Christians in America is related to what happens to Christians in other parts of the world. It is Satan's master plan and is aimed primarily against the Lord. Satan who leads, directs and devises persecution against those who love the Name of Jesus, has raged and burned with an intense jealousy against God himself ever since he opposed His sovereignty in Heaven. Christians suffer for Christ in America, victims of culture-wars, jailed without bail. Each day reveals increased confrontation by those who wish to rid our country of all evidence of Christianity. But Jesus says, 'Rejoice!' Christians suffer in many parts of the world. Christian families are forced to leave their homes and flee for their lives as ISIS takes control. Their world, as they have known it, will never be the same. But Jesus says, "Be exceedingly glad!" RID THE WORLD OF CHRISTIANITY! That is the purpose of the pressure groups who cry out against Christians here in America. They labor to get rid of all Christian influence in our country. Their hateful conduct to force surrender to judicial tyranny and to re-define marriage is an evil plan to not only change our American culture, but a plan to change the world. JESUS WILL REWARD -those who witness to His victory. They are part of a much larger plan than Satan has devised. It will come as a great surprise for those who oppose Christianity to discover that their opposition propels Christians to rise up with bold faith that can change the world. PRAYER: Jesus, I give praise for all those who suffer persecution. Thank you, Lord for all those who love you more than life, willing to die rather than to disown you as Savior. May the opposition stir all of us to rise up as bold witnesses in these last days. I pray for those who unwittingly are a part of Satan's age-old hatred against You. I pray our enemies will repent, so they can receive eternal life. In Your name, Amen Jean Darnall Thu, 24 Sep 2015 02:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1154 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1153/LOVE-IS-WHAT-MAKES-THE-WORLD-GO-ROUND.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1153 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1153&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1153/LOVE-IS-WHAT-MAKES-THE-WORLD-GO-ROUND.aspx "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." I John 4:10 If love is what makes the world go around, then let it speed up a lot! Especially the special love Jesus gives. Angry groups clash across our world and many bleed. News commentators add opinionated arguments to the conflict. At times their discussions infer religion is the cause of our problems. Sometimes that may be true, but not always. It should never be said what Christians believe breeds hate and conflict in their hearts against others. That is exactly the opposite of our heavenly Father's intentions when he sent his Son to the cross. Love is what makes Christianity more than a religion. Christianity cannot be defined simply as a religion. It is personal love relationship of the deepest and highest affections between God and a sinner. It is an amazing divine love affair, initiated by God who first loved us. God's love catches fire and burns deep into a personality, to evict all conflicting loyalties, to purify all remaining affections within the soul. It changes us and it can change the world around us. The love-relationship is activated when one surrenders to God's Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior. The degree of love we have for God should reveal a similar degree of care and concern for others. WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US and gave Himself to die in our place upon the cross. He took our sins and bore the judgment for our sin as the Lamb of God. May we share a place in our hearts with those who need God's love. May our love for Jesus grow each day. Allow his love to change us on a daily basis. Let the changes his love makes in us show in our daily relationships and alter our behavior. Let's be willing to take another's burden, rather than another's life. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, my heart cannot comprehend it, but I know your love continues to change me. I love you, Lord. I humbly desire to serve you with all my heart and soul. I long to live in a way that will cause others to know your transformational love. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Jean Darnall Sat, 05 Sep 2015 04:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1153 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1152/ABLE-TO-DELIVER.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1152 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1152&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1152/ABLE-TO-DELIVER.aspx "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us."II Co. 1:9-10 The apostle's desperate situation reduced them to a state of helplessness. They had already gone through a lot and knew how to pray, but the seasoned servants of God had to admit they could not cope on their own. There was no previous pattern or formula that applied to their present circumstances. When Paul surveyed his situation and asked himself what the end would be, he had to sentence himself to death. It was futile to trust in himself. There was no available human aid. It was all over for him. What a difficult admission for the apostle to make! Would he blame God and give up? Would persecution drive him to discover a new depth of trust in God? Would the probability of death produce faith for possible resurrection life? Many Christians face today what Paul and his companions faced in the first century. Persecution continues. The beheadings of people loyal to Jesus, who would rather die than deny their love for Him, takes place today. Forced out of their homes and churches, many run for their lives, Christian communities break apart, but they hold fast to their faith. They are the Diaspora of the 21st century. DESPERATE TIMES DEVELOP UNUSUAL FAITH. Christians face unexpected challenges to their beliefs everyday. Usual methods of resistance don't always work. When we can't work things out as usual, there is a better chance we will allow God to work things out His way. At that crucial point it is possible to discover a new confidence in God, available only when we no longer think we can handle everything on our own. Unusual times can produce unusual faith. PRAYER: Lord, when I face things that I can't handle, help me to be honest enough to admit it. May I not be too clever, too proud to totally trust you, even if I should die. At the crucial point , keep me faithful. In Jesus' name, Amen. Jean Darnall Tue, 14 Jul 2015 01:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1152 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1151/THE-DAY-AFTER-THE-FOURTH.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1151 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1151&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1151/THE-DAY-AFTER-THE-FOURTH.aspx "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." Proverbs 13:34 Give serious thought to what the 4th of July really means to Americans. Recent decisions in our courts can adversely effect American's religious freedom in the future. Current events, the history we make today, should concern all of us. I remember how concerned my parents were when the stock market crashed in the 1920's. I was seven years old. My father, still weak and struggling to breathe, poisoned by chlorine gas in the trenches of France during WW1, felt the futility of it all. He had fought to make the world safe for democracy. At that time, it looked like the bastion of democracy would suffer total economic collapse. My parent's concern was not because they might lose everything when the banks closed, or they had any business with those who jumped out of the windows of the financial towers in New York's Wall Street. Their concern was because they looked at me and wondered what America would be like for me when I grew up. They didn't have much hope, but I recall later, when we became Christians and attended church, how they found faith to pray for our country. They claimed God's promises as they tithed, even in the hard times of the Great Depression. All the 4th of Julys after that were milestones of renewed faith. Each year we prayed for God to bless America. And He has. Sadly, it appears the sanctifying passion called patriotism; a felt debt of gratitude to God, pumps less in the hearts of our citizens today. Our national sense of God-given purpose is diminished. I hope I'm wrong, but it seems patriotism gives way to self-fulfillment, ravenous and self-destructive. "WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY?" a child may ask someday. A lost sense of God-given destiny and a lost respect for those who framed our constitution could leave us with no answer. Will our children only hear firecrackers bang and burn or just fizzle out? Hopefully, as in my childhood, may they hear parent's prevailing prayers of faith for their country. A PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN: "Lord, thank you for Christian foundations. May we instill gratitude in our children for the Founders of our nation who framed The Constitution. Pour into our children a sense of purpose and courage. Help us train them to know right from wrong and to be faithful to You. In Jesus Name, Amen Jean Darnall Thu, 02 Jul 2015 19:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1151 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1150/DEBT-FREE.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1150 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1150&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1150/DEBT-FREE.aspx "And you being dead in your trespasses.....He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all your trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us,which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14 In Paul's day the 'handwriting of requirements, or the written code that was against the debtor, could mean two things. It could refer to the record of debts or crimes which stood against an offender's name; or it could refer to the IOU's or promissory notes unpaid by the offender. Under certain circumstances, those requirements could be cancelled or annulled. To indicate this the record was either sponged away, blotted out, or a nail was driven through them to indicate the power to condemn had been cancelled. The executed criminal who paid for his offenses by death would be buried and all the records of his debts and crimes. Nothing remained to perpetuate the charges against his name. Death cancelled it all. Paul saw in the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross the accounts and records of every guilty sinner, Jew and Gentile, nailed to the cross. The blood of Jesus shed upon the cross blotted out the whole record of broken Law, so that it could never be brought up against the offender again. What does that mean to us? When Satan brings counterfeit charges, as forgiven sinners, we can shout with joy,"The account is totally settled! Jesus paid it all." APPROPRIATE WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU: When you are troubled by Satan's accusations about your past, confess and declare you believe Jesus forgives you and clears you of the guilt of your sins. Believe He took your guilt Himself to the cross. If the Accuser still condemns you, write on a piece of paper, 'All My Sins'. Fasten it on a doorpost or somewhere visible. Every time you see it remember your Savior was nailed to the cross to cancel your debt. Declare: "Jesus paid it all, hallelujah!" PRAYER: Thank you Father. Jesus shed His blood to cancel my debt. What a great feeling to be free of the weight of guilt! All I owe is undying gratitude to You. Amen Jean Darnall Thu, 14 May 2015 03:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1150 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1149/GODS-GRACE.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1149 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1149&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1149/GODS-GRACE.aspx "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8   My hard-working Irish mother was a woman of fortitude, even before she became a woman of faith. Yet, who am I to say that there was not always a mixture of both in her? I can hear her say, 'It won't do you any good to look back, look ahead."  Mother's never-give-up attitude developed early. Her parents died in the Great Flu Epidemic in 1900, soon after her birth. Shifted from one relative to another to do child labor, she developed a determined will to survive. Her determination to look ahead was a kind of faith. She trusted there must be a future better than the present and that it held a reward for not giving up. Her forward-looking attitude carried her through to womanhood. It gave her hope for happiness when she met and married John, the man who became my father. When he returned from the trenches of France in WWI, sick and disabled from chlorine gas, a positive disposition carried her through the tough times. She kept us together as a family while she made a living washing and ironing for other families. She took pride that we never had to go on welfare during The Great Depression. Mother's hope of reward for perseverance was justified when President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave disabled WWI veterans a bonus in the 1930's. Mother saw the check as a chance to get ahead. She and dad agreed to open a restaurant on Summit St., near a large tent and awning factory. It was not long before "Mrs. Murphy's Restaurant, specializing in Southern Fried Chicken and Home Made Pies," became a favorite eating place in Toledo, Ohio. It was during that time my mother's fortitude shifted from fatalistic self-survival to faith in Jesus Christ. At the foot of the cross she found new life and the reason to look ahead, into eternal life. The Lord became all in all to her. She never looked back, except just a glance to thank God for the new life He gave to her. GOD'S FREE GRACE: She did not labor for it, He gave it freely to her. The Savior's unconditional, sacrificial love upon the cross gave richer meaning to her name, Grace. PRAYER: Lord, I'll stick with what I learned and believed through my mother. I receive the full measure of Your gift of grace given to me. For Your sake, Amen Jean Darnall Fri, 08 May 2015 05:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1149 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1148/MY-ISAAC.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1148 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1148&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1148/MY-ISAAC.aspx "...The lad and I will go yonder and worship and we will come back to you." Genesis 22:5 April is my birthday month. Since it is on the second day, the celebration continues. I've had greetings, gifts and friends turning up all month long. It is heart-warming to be remembered over and over. I'm grateful to all of you and to God. April is resurrection month this year. Jesus is alive! We have revisited His cross, His tomb and found Him again in the garden. As Mary heard Him speak her name long ago, I have heard Him speak mine again as we met in the garden of prayer. This month my calendar is marked each week with a scheduled watercolor class. Through the encouragement of my daughter and my neighbor, Ellen, I have attended classes for two years with a well-known Southwest Impressionist artist, David Dyell. At the age of 90 I picked up something I laid down over seventy years ago. Prior to my conversion at the age of 16, I dreamed of pursuing a career in art. Through the influence of my art teacher in junior high school, I won a three year scholarship to the Toledo Art Museum in my home town of Toledo, Ohio. My life was going in that direction when I became ill with a life-threatening kidney disease. That crisis proved to be a turning point for me and my parents. In desperation, we sought help from the Lord and it changed our lives. Soon after my healing, I sensed a call from God to surrender my life to His service. Instead of attending the art course I chose to go to LIFE Bible College in Los Angeles. The rest is the story of my life in the service of the Lord. When my art teacher, David Dyell, remarked to the class that I was his oldest student, I shared this testimony with them. David summed it up when he said "This is your 'Isaac'! GOD REMEMBERS what we lay aside when we take up our cross to follow Him. Some things are not worth getting back, but the things He planned when we were born and born again, He is careful to restore. God sees when we love Him more than anything. PRAYER: Lord, the years have not dimmed my vision of You.. You have my heart forever. May Your glory shine in the hearts of my children and their children eternally. Amen Jean Darnall Thu, 30 Apr 2015 16:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1148 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1147/DAY-BY-DAY.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1147 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1147&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1147/DAY-BY-DAY.aspx "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." II Co. 4:16 It is common for any of us to feel like giving up at times. But then, how could we? Even though outwardly it often looks like things are falling apart, yet on the inside God is doing a restorative work. We can draw daily renewal from His inner Presence. The Apostle Paul learned the secret of lasting endurance in ministry. His ministry was itinerate and he labored under very difficult circumstances. He suffered terrific opposition in a culture hostile to the gospel. Yet, as he traveled he wrote his letters. Paul cared for the needs of many young churches and tended to their growing pains. Although his struggles took their toll on his physical strength, Paul's spiritual vitality gave him the will to go on and to not give up. He lived life on two levels at the same time. While he talked to those around him, he also talked to God. When he walked with others on his long journeys, he also was aware of God within. Communion with God taught him to evaluate things in a different way. When faced with problems he handed things over to the Lord on a regular basis. What happened on the outside did not alter his awareness of God's action within him. His spiritual discipline developed a dual perspective that renewed him constantly. BE RENEWED DAY BY DAY. No matter how you feel, don't let a day go by without awareness of God at work within. Daily inner renewal overcomes weakness and weariness due to outer circumstances and prevents loss of spiritual strength. PRAYER: Lord, develop in me a dual perspectives. While I walk with others, I walk with you. While I talk with others, I talk with you. When I listen to others, I listen to you. Our partnership renews me day by day. Lord, In Jesus' Name, Amen. Jean Darnall Thu, 23 Apr 2015 00:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1147 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1146/SECOND-CHANCES.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1146 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1146&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1146/SECOND-CHANCES.aspx "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22: 31-34 Ever since the women who discovered the empty tomb ran to tell everyone, "He's alive. He is risen!" the resurrection of Jesus Christ has changed countless lives.Those first witnesses could not suppress the news. They felt obligated, more than obligated, they were eager to go and tell the disciples. Their real joy and genuine excitement delivered a message to dispel doubt and produce faith. It was hard to believe, but the disciples wanted to believe. It was a message they needed to hear. The room was full of men who had failed. Among them was Peter, full of shame for what he had done. When he thought about it, he wept. Depressed, he could have become suicidal. Except for one thing; Peter could not forget the words Jesus said. Jesus forewarned he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed that early morning. And it happened. Peter had denied him and the precision timing of the rooster's shrill alarm broke his heart. But Peter remembered other words Jesus spoke..."....I have prayed for you." He realized he had a second chance because Jesus prayed for him and he received it! Forgiven, he became stronger and stronger, able to strengthen others.  Remember: Jesus prays for you and for me. Through his intercession he gives us a second chance to enter into the joy of his resurrection. Prayer: Lord, I have failed. I humbly ask forgiveness. Take me to your cross. I receive the chance you offer me now. I am grateful for your faithful love. Make me stronger to help others who need a second chance. In Your Name,Jesus. Amen Jean Darnall Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1146 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1145/OUR-PLANS-FIT-GODS-APPOINTMENTS.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.jeandarnall.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=108&ModuleID=468&ArticleID=1145 https://www.jeandarnall.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1145&PortalID=0&TabID=108 https://www.jeandarnall.com/Contact/Articles/tabid/108/ctl/ArticleView/mid/468/articleId/1145/OUR-PLANS-FIT-GODS-APPOINTMENTS.aspx "Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus saying to Him, "Where do you want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?' And He said, 'Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, "The Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at Your house with My disciples." Matthew 26:17-18 The disciples had done it all before, finding a place, selecting a lamb, shopping for herbs and bread, setting the table. For them it was preparation for the Passover. For Jesus it was the Last Supper. In His company, ordinary tasks became part of an unrecognized greater plan of redemption. We look back to celebrate the past. Our Lord looks forward to celebrate the future. We recall what He has done; He anticipates what He will do. As He is in our past, we are in His future. Notice the everyday tasks He gave in preparation for the future; go into the city, find a certain man, speak to him! My friend, don't undervalue the ordinary tasks He asks of you today. BE EXPECTANT: HIS INTENTIONS AND YOUR PLANS CAN COMBINE TO BRING ABOUT HIS PURPOSES. PRAYER: Lord, make my table Yours, my house, Yours. You alone know the greater meaning of everything I do in obedience to You. I don't want to miss Your appointments as I make my plans. So I pray, speak Lord that I may do Your will. Amen Jean Darnall Wed, 25 Mar 2015 03:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1145