1 Corinthians 15:35-58
 
Tell the Lord how much you are looking forward to a glorified, spiritual body and thank Him.
 
I have a brother-in-law who is dying of cancer. He is not a believer and needs to hear the hope of eternal life in a new, imperishable body. Maybe you know someone in a similar situation.  Ask the Lord to provide opportunities to share and the boldness to do so.
 
Our culture majors in hiding signs of aging and pretending away death. Pray that we, as Christians, can humbly accept the reality of our perishable bodies without fear and keep our focus on our place in the eternal kingdom of Christ.
 
Lord, enable me to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in Your work. I know that my labor for You is never in vain.  (verse 58)
 
Calvary Family
 
Deni Martin reports that neurologists have examined her daughter Rosie and diagnosed a generalized seizure disorder and concussion. Deni asks that we continue to pray for healing, for good response to new medication, for wisdom and patience as parents, and that Rosie would come to Christ. Deni writes, “I am so thankful for our praying, loving, supportive church family, great doctors, effective medication, and God’s peace and presence.”
 
Lift up Esther Whitney, who began chemo last week for a recurrence of cancer. Ask the Lord to care for Esther in every way during a difficult time.
 
Pray for generous hearts among us to provide Christmas gifts for the 107 children and staff at the Hacienda Victoria orphanage in Rosarito, Mexico. 
 
Be praying for Jim and Lynette Hatcher, our missionaries to Vienna, Austria, as they arrive in Orange County today. Pray that they will connect in one way or another with everyone in the Calvary family and that the bonds between us will be strengthened. Pray that we can be an encouragement to them.
 
In Revelation 3:8, the glorified Christ says to believers suffering for their faith, “I know you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Bring persecuted Christians around the world before the throne of heaven. I’m including this prayer topic under “Calvary Family” because that is how we should view believers in Christ wherever they live – as family. You received a brochure in your bulletin yesterday with excellent suggestions of how to pray for persecuted Christians. You can also check out this Voice of the Martyrs website.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea