Zilch !

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punishment yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing...” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

Perhaps Thanksgiving is a holiday in America because it is such a “rich” nation. Originally, those who founded the holiday had nothing. They were in a new and strange land. They’d left friends and family to find themselves surrounded by strange people with a strange language and strange customs. Yet the bounty they found provided by their loving Father called forth hearts of thankfulness. From nothing comes so much. The world is moving through a challenging time and many who have never needed anything, do. Look around you. Has God given you a special opportunity to be His hands and feet and wallet? Someone other than the Father is watching to see how YOU respond.

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Prayer Request: Rook – recovery from surgery. Ulfur – unspoken request. Ongoing Prayer Requests: Australians not to forget those recovering from natural disasters (drought, fires and floods) and encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu and new baby. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the WeakDay Devotions lately!

Value the Valuable

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punishment yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich,” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

“’Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy,, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’” Matthew 6:19-21

Where is your treasure? With valuables or with the One who creates and establishes true treasure? Nothing you have is actually yours you realise...you will leave it all behind. So use it for His purposes when you can, just listen to His wisdom and you will know.

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Prayer Request: Rook – recovery from surgery. Ulfur – unspoken request. Ongoing Prayer Requests: Australians not to forget those recovering from natural disasters (drought, fires and floods) and encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu and new baby. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the WeakDay Devotions lately!

Ministry of Lazarus

“..but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punishment yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor...” From II Corinthians 6:1-10

“’Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 5:3

“’And a certain poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.’” Luke 16:20-21

Strange that the rich man’s name is not even recorded here, only poor Lazarus. The helpless one who served the rich man with a lesson we still read today, that service is not just what we do for others, but sometimes consists in waiting to be served. The Father thinks of everything!

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Prayer Request: Rook – recovery from surgery. Ongoing Prayer Requests: Australians not to forget those recovering from natural disasters (drought, fires and floods) and encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu and new baby. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Audley’s decision about his radio ministry. Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the WeakDay Devotions lately!

Joy, Not Happiness !

“ – giving no cause for offense in anything in order that the ministry be not discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punishment yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing...” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

Have you ever complained because you aren’t happy; maybe even that God would want you to be happy? Many think they have a right to be happy, but the Father does not promise this at all. Neither does He promise you misery, but he promises you that He knows what is best for you as His individual creation and beloved child. Trusting can be difficult to be sure. But He does promise us peace that passes all understanding and His JOY.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Prayer Request: Rook – recovery from surgery. Ongoing Prayer Requests: Australians not to forget those recovering from natural disasters (drought, fires and floods) and encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu and new baby. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Audley’s decision about his radio ministry. Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the WeakDay Devotions lately!

Deep Grief

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punishment yet not put to death, as sorrowful....” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

Sorrow is a feeling of deep sadness, especially sadness arising from loss or disappointment. Yet it’s more than that. It’s a consuming, nagging pain that comes from grief or distress -- sometimes bright and active, at other times hidden and deeply quiet. Sorrow can come from physical or emotional trauma. Paul knew this type of sorrow and still he persisted. Just think of the amazing list in II Corinthians 11:21-29. Most of us cannot even imagine the constant abuse Paul lived with, and yet his heart for the Lord did not waver. What an example Paul left for us!

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Prayer Request: Rook – recovery from surgery. Ongoing Prayer Requests: Australians not to forget those recovering from natural disasters (drought, fires and floods) and encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu and new baby. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Audley’s decision about his radio ministry. Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the WeakDay Devotions lately!

To Death

“–but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punishment yet not put to death..” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

When you are confronted by a world that seems upside-down, it’s like going into a room where someone has altered your perception of the point of gravity. You could find yourself walking on the ceiling or the walls. Nothing would be recognisable and you would find yourself focusing on what is at your feet, struggling to make sense of everything that seems hopeless. Your struggles can take your breath away, you can feel great fear, even fear to the point of death or because of the threat of impending death, but God is right there holding you. Now that is what we have the privilege of focusing on in times like that!

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Requests: Reed, who just had surgery for a perforated bowel. Audley’s radio ministry & family grief. Australians to not forget those recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu and new baby. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the WeakDay Devotions lately!

Punishment

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punishment...” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

“For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Hebrews 12:10-11

A 19th century, German philosopher, who eventually went mad, Frederich Nietzsche said, “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” We have probably heard this many times, or that we do not grow from what is easy. What we must remember always, is that what we are experiencing may not be for us, but for someone who is watching us go through what we are going through. It is sad to think Nietzsche did not know the Truth:

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyone what you are able, but with the temptation will provide you the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Requests: Audley’s radio ministry & family grief. Australians to not forget those recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu and new baby. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the WeakDay Devotions lately!

Because He Does

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live;..” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

God created us with a mysterious way to value the life He gave us no matter what is happening in our lives. One of my dearest, lifetime friends has had so many heart attacks, strokes and a variety of other ailments and illnesses that I stand in wonder at how much courage they have. Have you ever had someone like that in your life? God gives us the grace and courage we need for the worst of situations because He lived and died to save and comfort us.

“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 9:26-28

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Requests: Audley’s decision for his radio ministry & for ongoing family grief. Australians will not forget those recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu delivered a 4 lb 13 oz boy (!) both need prayer. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the WeakDay Devotions lately!

Gone...

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying...” II Corinthians 6:1-10

“’If it be so, out God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. BUT even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” Daniel 3:17-18

Facing a fiery furnace, three men defied a king; sure of their God, yet unsure of their fate. Yet they believed! You may be facing a “fiery furnace” in your life today and you may be unsure of your fate, yet you can be sure of your loving Father.

“In this is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (full, complete and perfect payment to appease wrath) for our sins.” I John 4:10

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Requests: Audley’s decision for his radio ministry & for ongoing family grief. Australians not to forget those recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu delivered a 4 lb 13 oz boy (!) both need prayer. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s ministry. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the Weakday Devotions lately!

I Knew That!

“...giving no cause for offense in anything in order that the ministry be not discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known,...” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

“Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Freedom comes into your life when you see the ultimate Truth that Jesus loves you so much, He chose to die for you rather than live without you and that your life is safe in His care for Eternity.

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Requests: Audley’s decision for his radio ministry & for ongoing family grief. Australians will not forget those recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu delivered a 4 lb 13 oz boy (!) both need prayer. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s generosity. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the Weakday Devotions lately!

Didn't Know That

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown...” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, of who became His counsellor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore were saying to him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’” John 20:24-25

Either you believe that the unknown in your life is there for a reason or you do not...it comes down to trusting your Father actually.

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Requests: Audley’s decision for his radio ministry & for ongoing family grief. Australians will not forget those recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu delivered a 4 lb 13 oz boy (!) both need prayer. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s generosity. Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life. And amazing ways God is using the Weakday Devotions lately!

Is That True?

“And working together with Him, ---’ –giving no cause for offense in anything in order that the ministry be not discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true;" from II Corinthians 6:1-10

I saw a most interesting video recently about the “tells” (physical micro-behaviours that indicate when someone is lying, for example a nervous tic or like when you were a kid and you crossed your fingers behind your back). I had no idea there was so much research on this topic. But it’s clear God’s so created us with a deep understanding of what’s right and wrong, that our very bodies betray us when we try to step outside the truth. This series is how we are to “commend” ourselves to others to help fulfil His plan. Our ministry for Him is impacted by our willingness to be truthful and to know His Truth.

“Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Request: Audley’s decision for his radio ministry & for his family working through their grief. That Australians will not forget those recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu, pregnant in hospital for months to save her unborn. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s generosity and Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life.

Lie to Me...

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers...” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

“For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12-13

Sometimes when you tell the truth about the Truth, others will not believe you because they hope we are lying – the Truth can hurt. Yet delivering it gently and with love and understanding, like the Lord did, will begin to soften the hearts for His purposes. Be encouraged, my friends!

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Request: Audley’s decision for his radio ministry & for his family working through their grief. That Australians will not forget those recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu, pregnant in hospital for months to save her unborn. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb to find the new job God has for her; wisdom for doctors caring for Gary, Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Randy’s generosity and Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life.

Whose Report?

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report...” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

“And when the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, began to stir up all the multitude and laid hands on him, crying out, ‘Men of Israel, come to our aid. This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere against our people, and the Law, and this place; and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.’” Acts 21:27-28

“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tone is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6

How discouraging it must have been for the Apostles as they began to labour in the harvest fields, so dear to our Lord and to find how many would speak against them and yet, God took that opposition and turned it for His good.

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Request: Audley’s family to be comforted by His Truth and travelling mercies for him. Efforts to support Australians recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu, pregnant in hospital for months to save her unborn. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb and Gary to find new, satisfying jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life.

Another Interrruption

“Blesses be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” II Corinthians 1:3-5

“And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:2-3

Yesterday, waiting to cross at a busy intersection, I noticed a rather large, older woman, sitting in an electric wheel chair across the street. She had perched herself almost into traffic, waiting for the light to change. One of her legs was completely gone; the other only partially there, covered with part of a prosthetic limb. The light changed. We moved toward each other. I smiled and told her “Thank you” as I passed, thinking what courage it would take to live her life. In a local shop, I asked if they had seen her. They told me her name was Lottie. When she was 18 she fell in love but the man rejected her, so she threw herself under a train. She now lives in a boarding house and terrorised everyone she meets with her seething bitterness and hatred. Please join me in praying for her.

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Request: Audley’s family to be comforted by His Truth and travelling mercies for him. Efforts to support Australians recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu, pregnant in hospital for months to save her unborn. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb and Gary to find new, satisfying jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life.

In Dishonour?

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonour,...” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

Paul was not a regular guy you know...he went through a high-speed roller coaster ride of life. One day a reputed, honoured leader in his world, trusted with amazing powers and authority by men; just as quickly he fell into a no-man’s zone of suspicion by those he had known and the leaders in the new Way; to dishonour and brutalities at the hands of men he struggled to minister to. When difficulties come -- and they will -- you do not walk through them alone. Like Paul, you can draw on the Power of our Lord.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Request: Audley’s family to be comforted by His Truth and travelling mercies for him. Efforts to support Australians recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods), encouragement for support workers still labouring. Marilu, pregnant in hospital for months to save her unborn. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb and Gary to find new, satisfying jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life.

Glory

“--but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left, by glory..” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

The tone of this changed when we went to more action...so now we are commending ourselves as servants of God by glory. Surely not our glory, but His. And how do others see His glory today? By staying in His presence and exposing ourselves to His glory and Truth.

“And it came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses’ hand as he was coming down from the mountain) that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him. So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.” Exodus 34:29-30

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Request: Audley’s family to be comforted by His Truth and travelling mercies for him. Efforts to support Australians recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods) and encouragement for emergency and support workers still labouring. Marilu –pregnant in hospital for months to save her unborn. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb and Gary to find new, satisfying jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life.

Handedness

“ -- giving no cause for offense in anything in order that the ministry be not discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distressed, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness, for the right hand and the left,” from II Corinthians 6:1-10

“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17

Weapons have “handedness”. So you may be using your left hand and right hand to hold your “swords”. One hand is for defending yourself (through confession and repentance) and the other is for attacking the enemy (the one who would tempt you away from the Lord). Sometimes you can even shift a sword from one hand to the other, few can use two swords at the same time.

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Ongoing Prayer Request: Audley’s family to be comforted by His Truth and travelling mercies for him. Efforts to support Australians recovering from natural disasters (fires and floods) and encouragement for emergency and support workers still labouring. Marilu –pregnant in hospital for months to save her unborn. God’s hands on new USA political administration. Barb and Gary to find new, satisfying jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Michael, David and Adrian. Randy’s family moving to Canada. New work projects for me. Praise: Lyle’s brother and girlfriend, as he continues to recover his life.