But What About NOW?

Jesus said: “’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 and steal’ for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’” Matthew 6:19-21

“’All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me [therefore], all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:27-30

“’But what about right now? Must we wait past death for all meaningful answers to the problems of disappointment with God? – [The prophets] force-feed the hope of heaven to the poor in order to keep them from demanding too much on earth. [Yet] the church has abused the prophets’ visions. You will never find that ‘pie in the sky’ rational in the prophets themselves. – The people of God are not merely to mark time, waiting for God to step in and set right all that is wrong. Rather, they are to model the new heaven and new earth, and by so doing awaken longings for what God will someday bring to pass.’” *

The Father gives us so much that were we to actually thank Him for all the blessings in our lives, we would spend the rest of our lives on our knees humbled. But He wants us on our feet and growing into the image of His beloved and only Son, so others are irresistibly drawn, not to us, but to the image of Christ IN us.

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

PS: URGENT PERSONAL PRAYER REQUEST: for my dear sister-in-law, Barb and my little (not really little any more, of course) brother, Tim. Barb was rushed to the hospital last night – no word yet how they are. They have been together since they were 16. I cannot be there right now to help and hold them.

NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE. New Prayer Requests: Greg’s father passed away – pray for him and his family. Pray for Joan caring for her Aunt Marge, who just had a massive stroke. Milly, whose mother died on Monday. Jim passed away, pray for his family, especially Linda, who has no Comforter in her life. For Di whose brother (55 years old) just passed away suddenly.

Fred’s heart surgery - 28 September and Nancy his wife, dealing with major head trauma. 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. Michael as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. 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 & Thanksgiving: Adrian who’s found a job and home. Leslie is doing great with no remaining signs of cancer. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry.

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