Little Let-Me-Downs

“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. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8

“This book of theology -- speaks to those who lose their faith because of a sharp sense of disappointment with God” (no matter how deeply hidden or consciously rejected). “They expect God to act a certain way, and God’ lets them down.’” (as they read the Bible and draw their own conclusions or listen to others who tell them He should).—“Others may not lose their faith, but they too experience a form of disappointment. They believe God will intervene, they pray for a miracle, and their prayers come back unanswered.” *

A believers faith usually doesn’t come crashing down with some dramatic change, although a dramatic change is a “great” opportunity to use it as an excuse; most lose hope when they stop to count the number of “wrong-in-their-minds” answers to their prayers. They consciously or unconsciously have a laundry list of little let-me-downs that grow into a spoken or hidden litany of complaints that distances them from the love of the Father. Trusting God is the answer.

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Deb, a very special friend in the States (diagnosed with multiple Myeloma); Michael (his mum grows more frail); Randy (unexpected changes in his life); Helen (Wendy & her mom, Helen’s husband had a heart attack). For Kevin (wisdom with his son). Praise: David (great health now!); Leslie (growing stronger from chemo); Both Nancys (growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma)); Thanksgiving for: Reg, Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait); Freddy (to come home & see his mom); Eddie (responding to chemo); Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose); Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Jealous Christians

“For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren – that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,.’ And ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas, and ‘I of Christ.’ Has Christ been divided?” I Corinthians 1:11-13a

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7

“What YOU think about God and believe about God matters – really matters – as much as anything in life matters.” Some Christians are paralysed by their life circumstances and the state of their walk with the Father. They compare themselves with “better Christians” who apply the extravagant promises of faith more determinedly. They blame themselves for their weak faith and failures. Yet God loves you personally. He saved you by HIS sacrifice. He is working HIS will in your life for HIS purposes. His main purpose for you is to have you keep your eyes on HIM while He works in your life to grow you into the image of His beloved Son! It just takes trust!

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Deb, a very special friend in the States (diagnosed with multiple Myeloma); Michael (his mum grows more frail); Randy (unexpected changes in his life); Helen (Wendy & her mom, Helen’s husband had a heart attack). For Kevin (wisdom with his son). Praise: David (great health now!); Leslie (growing stronger from chemo); Both Nancys (growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma)); Thanksgiving for: Reg, Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait); Freddy (to come home & see his mom); Eddie (responding to chemo); Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose); Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Hate the Title!

“And He said to them, ‘Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, IF you have the faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.’” Matthew 17:20-21

“Again I say to you, that if two of you AGREE on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together IN My name, there I am in their midst.’” Matthew 18:18-20

“Some Christians would reject the phrase “disappointment with God’ out of hand. Such a notion is all wrong, they say. Jesus promised that faith the size of a grain of mustard seed can move mountains; that anything can happen if two or three gather together in prayer. The Christian life is a life of victory and triumph. God wants us happy, healthy, and prosperous, and any other state simply indicates a lack of faith.”*

A friend gave me a copy of “Disappointment” and loved it, but I hated the title and put it on my shelf for a couple of years, then found it again and once I read it, created a new Bible study around it because of its power to pull anyone back to His Word in new ways. In the quote above are two amazing promises to seize, but there is a condition in both: to pray in agreement with those who believe God’s will is more important than their own; and that having just a little faith first is necessary for our walk with Him, because God provides enough, if we will only trust Him.

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Michael (his mum grows more frail); Randy (unexpected changes in his life); Helen (Wendy & her mom, Helen’s husband had a heart attack). For Kevin (wisdom with his son). Praise: David (great health now!); Leslie (growing stronger from chemo); Both Nancys (growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma)); Thanksgiving for: Reg, Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait); Freddy (to come home & see his mom); Eddie (responding to chemo); Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose); Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.






*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Why Pray?!

“O Lord, Thou has searched me and known me. Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinise my path and my lying down, and art intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, Thou dost know it all. Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, and laid Thy hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.” Psalm 139:1-6

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2


“Like the woman embarrassed over her depression, I feel ashamed even to mention such an unanswered prayer. It seems petty and selfish, maybe even stupid, to pray for car to start...petty disappointments tend to accumulate over time, undermining my faith...I start to wonder whether God cares about everyday details – I’m tempted to pray less often...I am even less prepared for times of major crisis...Can God be trusted? Is so many7 small prayers go unanswered, what about the big ones?”*

I used to attend this wonderful Bible study where we focused on God’s seven thousand promises. Did you know that every promise comes with a condition? Consider: “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Neat, isn’t is! Just think what that means to YOU! Oh did you miss that first phrase, “Delight yourself in the Lord”? Do you know what happens when you obey? Your desires change. He always is working His will for your good...just look back over your life...and you will see it!

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Michael (his mum grows more frail); Randy (unexpected changes in his life); Helen (Wendy & her mom, Helen’s husband had a heart attack). For Kevin (wisdom with his son). Praise: David (great health now!); Leslie (growing stronger from chemo); Both Nancys (growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma)); Thanksgiving for: Reg, Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait); Freddy (to come home & see his mom); Eddie (responding to chemo); Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose); Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.






*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Trivialities

“And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; and Jesus also was invited, and His disciples, to the wedding. And when the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what do I have to do with you? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’ Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the headwaiter.’ And they took it to Him.” John 2:1-8

Philip Yancey wrote: “Disappointment with God does not come only in dramatic circumstances. For me, it also edges unexpectantly into the mundaneness of everyday life.*” Think about the many times you pray to the Father for every little thing that is on your mind as you travel throughout your day. There is great comfort in knowing He cares for your life circumstances and He cares to listen.

“’Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.’” Matthew 11:28

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: For Michael as his mum grows more frail; Randy with unexpected changes in his life. For Helen (Wendy’s mother), Wendy and her husband (who just had a heart attack). For Kevin, wisdom with his son. Praise: David for great health now! Leslie is growing stronger from chemo. Both Nancys growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma). Thanksgiving for Reg and for Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait). Freddy (to come home & see his mom). Eddie (responding to chemo). Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose). Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Haiti survivors. God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.






*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Needed Contrasts

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; and the earth was formless and void, and darkness as over the surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light. And saw that the light was good; and God separated the light fro the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.” Genesis 1:1-5



Annie Dillard, an author, once said, “You do not have to sit outside in the dark. If, however, you want to look at the stars, you will find that darkness is required. The stars neither require it nor demand it.” Makes you think how God works contrasts in our lives.


“No temptation that 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 to escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13


Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene


PS: New Request: For Randy with unexpected changes in his life. For Helen (Wendy’s mother), Wendy and her husband (who just had a heart attack). For Kevin’s son. For me with a difficult situation & thanksgiving at one judgment made. Praise: David for great health now! Chandler is better. Leslie is growing stronger from chemo. Both Nancys growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma). Thanksgiving for Reg and for Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait). Freddy (to come home & see his mom). Eddie (responding to chemo). Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose). Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Haiti survivors. God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Some Doubted !

“’He is not here, for He has risen just as He said. Come, see the place where He was laying. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going before you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.’ But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they SAW Him, they worshiped him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:6-7, 16-20

At a Navigator conference, my spiritual leader, Don Lanier, gave the most moving message I have ever heard and it was a call to all of us who were Christ’s followers to do what we could, were we were, when we could and with what we had instead of putting things off until we were “more ready to meet the challenges we faced.” He ended by speaking one phrase three times and I can still hear his voice booming out: “And some doubted. And SOME doubted. And some DOUBTED !!” The book Disappointment is a bout about faith, but it looks at faith through the eyes of those who doubt. The truth is...we all doubt sometimes.


Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene


PS: New Request: For Randy with unexpected changes in his life. For Helen (Wendy’s mother), Wendy and her husband (who just had a heart attack). For Kevin’s son. For me with a difficult situation & thanksgiving at one judgment made. Praise: David for great health now! Chandler is better. Leslie is growing stronger from chemo. Both Nancys growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma). Thanksgiving for Reg and for Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait). Freddy (to come home & see his mom). Eddie (responding to chemo). Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose). Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Haiti survivors. God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Friday - What's Good About It?

He leans down to lift the wood off Me. For one moment our eyes meet and I know he knows Me. His eyes are the most dazzling green and I marvel, even at this moment, at My Father’s ability to be so generous with even small details.

His body is strong but the wood is so heavy even for him and rough. He is afraid and struggles to hold the cross beam over his shoulder. Yet he embraces Me with his right arm, helping Me stand and walk this last distance, rather than be dragged along.

The screams from the crowd, such a contrast from just a few days ago, mock Me and My mission. Yet I know that although I could straighten up and walk away from this entire mess at any moment and crush those who would dare to take My life, this is the only way to offer them hope in eternity. As difficult and painful as it is to submit to this, My Father and I agree, that it is better to die now than to live without one of these children having an opportunity to come to Him.

“And after weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they kneeled down before Him and mocked Him saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ And they spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. And after they had mocked Him, they took His robe off and put His garments on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. And as they were coming out, they found a an of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross. And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots; and sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there.” Matthew 27:29-36

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: For Chandler. For Kevin’s son. For me with a difficult situation & thanksgiving at one judgment made. Praise: David for great health now! Leslie is growing stronger from chemo. Both Nancys growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma). Thanksgiving for Reg and for Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait). Freddy (to come home & see his mom). Eddie (responding to chemo). Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose). Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Haiti survivors. God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Such Quiet...

My eyes open slowly to total darkness. I lay still and listen carefully. The only sound is of water-dripping somewhere near to where I’m laying. The smells surrounding Me are a mixture of dirt, mould, urine and something sour. I moved My fingers just enough to feel the cold, damp stone floor I am laying upon. My back is sore and throbbing. My forehead is pierced with small dots of pain that dance around a raging headache. I do not move and reclosed My eyes to gather strength to move a bit more.

I straightened My legs and find them very stiff and numb for the way they are twisted under Me. I have no idea how long I have laid like this. I push myself up with My hands and sit back on my legs slowly, resting my hands on My knees. Every part of Me is cold and sore. I look around. The only light I see is from a small hole above My head that seems so far above Me.

I close my eyes again and take a deep breath, slowly releasing it and remain still wondering at the steps that have brought Me to this place and thank My Father that His love for Me never wavers even in this dark place.

“And the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him, and beating Him, and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, ‘Prophecy, who is the one who hit You.’ And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming. And when it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber saying, ‘If You are the Christ, tell us.’ But He said to them, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe.’”Luke 22:63-67

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: For Chandler. For Kevin’s son. For me with a difficult situation & thanksgiving at one judgment made. Praise: David for great health now! Leslie is growing stronger from chemo. Both Nancys growing stronger & more patient (one with chemo - the other recovering from serious head trauma). Thanksgiving for Reg and for Carla and Paul. Pray for: Tim & Barb (need work & encouragement as they wait). Freddy (to come home & see his mom). Eddie (responding to chemo). Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose). Adrian (many life changes); Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Haiti survivors. God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.