Hope in the Fire

“’For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you, who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. And you will tread down the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing says the Lord of hosts.’” Malachi 4:1-3

“No summary of the prophets would be complete apart from one last message: their [prophets] loud insistence that the world will not end in ‘universal final defeat,’ but in JOY. There will be no fear then, and no pain. No infants will die; no tears will fall. Among the nations, peace will flow like a river, and armies will melt their weapons into farm tools. No one will complain about the hiddenness of God in that day. His glory will fill the earth, and the sum will seem dim by contrast. For the prophets, human history is not an end in itself but a transition time.” *

Fire and brimstone is part of the message of the prophets and probably that’s why many people avoid them. But, as there are conditions with every promise God makes, there is always hope in the prophets’ messages. You just have to know your God.

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

PS: 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 is dying in S. Africa. 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