Merciful Probation

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, wih whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the Word of Truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.” James 1:13-18

“When the prophets complained loudly about God’s hiddenness, God didn’t argue. He agreed with them - To Jeremiah, God expressed His disgust with what He saw in Israel: dishonest gain, the shedding of innocent blood, oppression, extortion. – To Ezekiel, God explained that once Israel’s rebellions had passed a certain point, He simply ‘gave them over’ to their sins. He withdrew, letting the people choose their own way and bear the consequences. To Zechariah, He said, ‘When I called, they did not listen’ so when they called, I would not listen. My slowness to act is a sign of mercy, not of weakness.’ When God did not punish quickly, the people of Israel presumed He had lost His power. God’s restraint marked an interlude of mercy, a time of probation He was granting Israel.” *

We all make our own choices...

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

PS: New Prayer Requests: Greg’s father who just had a stroke. Joan caring for her Aunt Marge, who just had a massive stroke – please pray for both. Milly, whose mother is dying in S. Africa. For Jim’s family, he passed away, especially Linda, who has no Comforter in her life. For Di whose brother (55 years old) just passed away suddenly. Fred’s heart surgery. Lavie, whose 28-year old brother died unexpectedly. Sue, not doing well battling paraneoplastic syndrome. Earl, with cancer and Lyle, his brother, now in Canada, preparing for procedure for bone marrow transplant. Ulfur and David P – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions.

JOB Related: Pray for those seeking work, that they will trust the Lord to be preparing the perfect role for them, even now as we pray: Barb and Carla both having job interviews, but God has not shown them which ones yet; and for Tim (as he supports Barb) who also needs work, and Paul, recently quit his job and is now looking.

Praise: Chris’ father is home and growing stronger. Adrian who’s found a job and home. Leslie is doing great with no remaining signs of cancer. David (great health now!); Nancy (with head trauma) dealing with her husband’s pending heart surgery (28 September). The other Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer.

Thanksgiving for: Reg, Carla and Paul.

Continue to pray for: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ), Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary. Michael (his mum grows more frail); Randy (unexpected changes in his life). For Kevin (wisdom with his son).


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey