Heart Revenge?

“Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.’” Romans 12:16b-20

That is pretty clear. But if your attitude is that you will be nice to someone you hate, so you can see burning coals heaped on his head by the Father,, you are missing the point. God has plans for each of His children; personal plans to bring them to Him. The attitude of your heart is your responsibility.

“’Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.’” Matthew 6:1

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: Laughlin, nine-year old who goes in for serious hip surgery today. Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Identify

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly.” Romans 12:14-16a

“There but for the grace of God, go I.” I wonder what saint or sinner penned those words for the first time? Interesting, they still suit.

“Now These things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be bale to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:11-13

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity to the needs of others through prayer. New Request: Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Looking for Love?

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honour; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13

“Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:4-7

You learn how to pretend to love others from an early age – sometimes called “watch your manners/mouth.” You can speak kindly, avoid hurting feelings (even if you must....lie). You can pretend you care about someone or something (for political correctness). You sometimes know how to pretend to yourself that this is the best way. However, God calls us to authentic love that goes beyond surface behaviours and emotions. Real love is hard work. It means doing something for the people you love so that they will be better people. It demands your time and resources and your personal involvement. Where do you find it? Look around....so many need your love...when you give it, somehow it comes back.

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity to the needs of others through prayer. New Request: Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Diversity Plus

“...let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6b-8

From the beginning, God made man and woman in His image. When you think about this and consider the diversity in the people you know just in your circle of family and friends, it seems God is expressing that the grandness of His diversity is inexhaustible!

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity to the needs of others through prayer. New Request: Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Presents & Presence

“And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly:” Romans 12:6a

“Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith.” Habakkuk

“Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry?
The Lord sets the prisoners free. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous; the Lord protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, but He thwarts the way of the wicked.” Psalm 146:6-9

The word faith occurs 250 times in the Bible, but only four times in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit came and went in the lives of men in the Old Testament, but came to dwell within men after Christ’s resurrection. Perhaps that is another reason we can consider our gifts – His presents empowered by His presence!

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

New Family

“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:4-5

“Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6

Even if you made a list of your spiritual blessings in Christ, you would never realise the value of many of them, especially the new family He has given you. Many are praying for you right now, some may be giving or helping or holding you in a practical way. God has called a special family to embrace you and some of them you may not even know or have met yet. Pray for your spiritual family this weekend!

Take care, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Comparison's Evil

“For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

“And Jesus answered saying to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him..” Mark 11:22-23

“...’But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!’ And Jesus said to him, ‘If You can!’ All things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, ‘I do believe; help thou my unbelief.’” Mark 9:22b-24

God created you to be who you are and He loves you as you are. He saw and saved you as you are and He knows the truth of your heart. He gifted you to serve where He needs you, even when you do not see this and see others around you who are “better”. You cannot be someone else and comparing yourself with others can lead to heartache and much more.

“And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Genesis 4:8

PS: New Request: Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Butterflies !

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“And He was saying to them, ‘Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.’ And six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them.” Mark 9:1-2

I just love God’s Word! And here is one more reason! Did you know that the word “transformed” and “transfigured” come from the same word “metamorphoo”; and so does our word for the change that happens with a caterpillar to a butterfly...to be reborn! It is a onetime event that seals our new life. Yet our walk is a day-by-day renewal to walk in this new life.

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

PS: New Request: Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Dead or Alive !

“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Romans 12:1

“For the wages of sim is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Christ calls us to be a living sacrifice knowing we are dead in our sins, hopeless and willful. He is, for us -- each of us -- a sacrifice of such purity it cannot be imagined; and as the living and perfect One, He sacrificed His life and body to death so we could live forever. Hallelujah!

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

PS: New Request: Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Great Start !

“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, or 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

Read that passage again!

What a wonderful way to start the week! Is it really a question whether you CAN trust your Father with all parts of your life?! So much of what goes on for each of us never seems to make sense, but just imagine...He does know the sense of it. Hard as it is sometimes, choosing to trust Him is the easiest way. He is worthy of your trust, but it is always YOUR choice!

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

PS: New Request: Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

Reason for Delay

“For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.’ And thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, ‘The Delivered will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.’ And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’ From the standpoint of the Gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:25-28

God delays returning to take us all home because He remains focused on His “chosen people,” the Jews! God is not thwarted by their hardened hearts! Softly He works to melt these hearts and one way He does this is by saving Gentiles -- right in front of His chosen people so they grow jealous of the Gentiles’ relationship with Him. Then God will decide when it is time!

“For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing. But He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou done?’” Daniel 4:34b-35

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

PS: New Request: Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian.

One Way

“—and if the root be holy, the branches are too. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:16b-18

“He presented another parable to them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away. But when the wheat sprang up and bore grain, then the tares became evident. – And the slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No; lest while you are gathering up the tares, you may root up the wheat with them. Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” Matthew 13:24-26, 28b-30

The Jews were the predominant followers of the one true God in these days, until Jesus began His work in the hearts of all men (as the original plan intended). Many Jews and Gentiles were confused and some competitive, never realising the truth of God’s plan that He wished all to come to Him. God still has a special plan for His chosen people that is mysterious and His secret, but the Way to Him remains through His precious Son, Jesus.

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

PS: New Request: Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me and for improving health.

No Strings

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. What then? That which Israel is seeking for, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written, ‘God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, down to this very day.’ And David says, ‘Let their table become a snare and a trap, and a stumbling block and a retribution to them. Let their eyes be darkened to see not, and bend their backs forever.’” Romans 11:6-10

Do you think it’s easier for God to love you when you are good? Do you secretly suspect God chose you because you deserve to be chosen? Do you think some people’s behavior is so bad that God couldn’t possibly save them? If you ever think this way, then there is more you need to understand about God’s grace. Impossible as it may seem, salvation IS free -- a gift, no strings. It cannot be earned or bought in whole or part…it can only be accepted with thankfulness, humility and praise.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

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

PS: New Request: Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me and for improving health.

Never Alone

“God has not rejected His people [the Jews] whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? ‘Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, they have torn down Thine altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.’ But what is the Divine response to him? ‘I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’” Romans 11:2-4

Being one of God’s prophets sometimes means you stand very much alone against a world focused on self-gratification and winning at all costs, yet you are called to decide where you stand on a moment-by-moment basis. And no matter how alone you may feel in following Christ, God has others who stand too. Just do not grow too weary to care about standing. When you are tired, come away and rest so you can continue. But never imagine you are alone!

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.’” Deuteronomy 31:6

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

PS: New Request: Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me and for improving health.

Reason for Delay

“But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? At the first Moses says, ‘I will make you jealous by that which is not a nation, by a nation without understanding will I anger you.’ And Isaiah is very bold and says, ‘I was found by those who sought Me not, I became manifest to those who did not ask for Me.’” Romans 10:19-20

God has a unique and mysterious relationship with His chosen people, the Jews. They were told to share His Truth to the ends of the earth, but choose instead to keep the treasure to themselves, thinking their obedience to God’s Laws would be enough. The Law was never enough due to the corruption of man’s heart, so God extended His hand to all and waits for the Jews to accept His Son’s sacrifice. That is why He delays coming back. God is reaching out to all.

“’And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you ALL the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” Genesis 12:2-3

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

PS: New Request: Poetry needs a heart. Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. Ongoing Requests: God’s hand on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me and for improving health.

Ultimate Hearing Aid

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; ‘Their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’” Romans 10:17-18

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom; preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the Truth, and will turn aside to myths.” II Timothy 4:1-4

Over the years of writing the WeakDay Devotion it has been surprising to me to have some write to complain that they are too long or that it would be better if they had more stories than Scripture. Funny, these comments are like the ultimate hearing aid for me, helping me know that more, not less of God’s amazing Word, is needed!

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

PS: New Request: Poetry needs a heart. Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. Ongoing Requests: God’s hand on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me and for improving health.

All! It's True!

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him, for ‘Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!’” Romans 10:12-15

Have you heard the argument against Christ that goes something like this, “I would never want to believe in a God who would let people in remote areas go to Hell because they didn’t hear His Gospel – that is so unfair! Well, God promises He will make a way for every person to hear the Truth...sometimes He hopes one of us will go and share...even if it is on the other side of the world or just next door. When He calls, it is time to consider His plan for ALL.

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith;” Romans 1:16-17a

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

PS: New Request: Poetry needs a heart. Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. Ongoing Requests: God’s hand on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me.

Nutshell Gospel

“But what does it say? ‘The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ – that is the Word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation, for the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.’” Romans 10:8-11

The basics and rational of faith, all in one verse: “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved”.. Sometimes if you have time to only memorise a few verses in your lifetime, you can find some that tell the entire story easily and clearly. The one above is a delight for your lips.

“’Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in Heaven.’” Matthew 10:32

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

PS: New Request: Poetry needs a heart. Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. Ongoing Requests: God’s hand on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me.

First Taste

“As He says also in Hosea, ‘I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people’; and her who was not beloved, ‘Beloved,’ and it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ there they shall be called sons of the living God. – What shall we say then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith, but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law? Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works.” Romans 9:25-26, 30-32a

“And the serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” Genesis 3:4-5

When our “eyes are open” we look around and indulge in the “first sin” – to know what is right and then compare ourselves to others and judge our behaviour, belongings, status, friends, etc., by what we have; this includes our relationship with God. No matter how much or little we have, the comparison naturally leads to dissatisfaction or pride and often competition. The Jews thought they “owned the Law” and that put them in good stead with God. They didn’t want the Gentiles to hear about the one true God, yet it was His plan to appeal to all from the beginning through the Jews.

“’And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you ALL the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” Genesis 12:2-3

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

PS: New Request: Poetry needs a heart. Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. Ongoing Requests: God’s hand on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me.

For This Reason !

“For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.’ So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. You will say to me then, ‘Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?’ On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing moulded will not say to the moulder, ‘Why did you make me like this.’ Will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honourable use, and another for common use?” Romans 9:17-21

God’s omnipotence and complete holiness over His creation, when taken alone, are enough to make any “thinking heart” faint with fear and humiliation, knowing the true nature of the human heart. Yet, God never gave up on His children and made a way to “raise us all up with Him” for all eternity. The price was unimaginably high for our Heavenly Father, but He saw our value from His perspective and choose to accept the loving sacrifice of His obedient Son for us....for THIS reason, we can know we are safe in His hands.

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

PS: New Request: Poetry needs a heart. Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. Ongoing Requests: God’s hand on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me.