Rest now...

“’He saved others; He cannot save Himself.’ He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross and we shall believe in Him. He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’’ – Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?’

“And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, ‘This man is calling for Elijah.’ And immediately one of them ran and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed and gave Him a drink. But the rest of them said, ‘Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him.’

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His Spirit.” Matthew 27:42-50

“Okay, you failed – all of you, even Peter, who had bragged about his loyalty just a few hours before the great denial. ‘I have overcome the world!' Jesus had said in the small room that night. But you simply could not reconcile His words with what happened next. Less than twenty-four hours later you saw Him hanging naked on a cross, His frail body glimmering in the torchlight. This One, the Saviour of your nation, the King of Kings? It was too much to ask anyone to believe. That was Friday.” *

[Smiles.] But God.....from the deepest disappointments, the most profound challenges and searing pain ... He is there. He knows. Most of all, most of ALL, He loves you and holds you, even when you do not feel His mighty arms holding ever you so tenderly. Rest now in Him....

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

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: A very special friend who is facing a great challenge, that she will see God’s hand in all this and trust in Him. Sean and family, just lost wife's mother. Galdor interviewing for work this week. Paul N continuing his search for work this week.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Audrey who is ill. Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Give Me your foot!

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God, and was going back to God, rose from supper, and laid aside His garments’ and taking a towel, He girded Himself about. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wich which He was girded. And so He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, ‘Lord, do You wash my feet?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What I do, you do not realise now, but you shall understand hereafter.’” John 12:3-7

“First came the incident of the foot-washing, when Jesus embarrassed Peter. And even how as He talks, Jesus’ mood wavers. One minute He seems nostalgic and comforting, and the next minute He suddenly rebukes you for dullness and lack of faith. He keeps alluding to betrayal. Some of you do not grasp. But one thing He insists on, over all protests: He is leaving. Someone else will come to take His place; someone He calls the Counsellor.” *

Put yourself in Peter’s sandals...and just think of this dialogue. Whatever could He be thinking of? And what about right now and what is happening in your life, right now. Do you hear Him saying to you, “Give Me your foot!”

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

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: A very special friend who is facing a great challenge, that she will see God’s hand in all this and trust in Him. Sean and family, just lost wife's mother. Galdor interviewing for work this week. Paul N continuing his search for work this week.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Audrey who is ill. Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Just Due

“On the next day the great multitude who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet Him, and began to cry out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.’ And Jesus finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, ‘Fear not daughter of Zion; behold your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’ These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him.

“And the multitude who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, were bearing Him witness. For this cause also the multitude went and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. The Pharisees therefore said to one another, ‘You see that you are not doing any good; look, the world has gone after Him.’” John 12:12-19

“Another scene, about six months later. This time you are dining with the rest of the Twelve in a small room in Jerusalem. A stuffy, cloistered feeling pervades the place, and you are a bit light-headed after the meal and wine. Everything’s happening too fast. Earlier this week Jesus, permitting a rare display of public acclaim, rode into the city in a triumphant procession. It seemed all your dreams would cone true after all. But tonight’s mode is foreboding.” *

How strange for Jesus to come from Heaven, where He would have been worshipped by all and all the time, to come to this hard earth, where very few even believed Him. This is the only time Jesus permitted public praise. I wonder how He felt riding into Jerusalem that day, knowing what He knew.

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

PS: ANYPRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Sean and family, just lost wife's mother. Galdor interviewing for work this week. Paul continuing his search this week.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Audrey who is ill. Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Job Jitters

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. – In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. – There was the True Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. – But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:1-2, 4-5, 10-13

“Your stomach is churning with that first-day-on-the-job tension. ‘Will I make it?’ ‘What if I do the wrong thing?’ ‘Will the boss like me?’ You glance around at the others who are squinting against the bright sun, shifting from one leg to the other, nervously carving designs in the sand with the edges of their sandals. Seventy of you received the summons to appear for a special assignment.

“Jesus is giving a full-fledged speech. He looks worried, and His words convey alarm: ‘I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.’ By the time He gets to the closing line, His voice has risen in timbre, commanding attention: ‘He who listens to you listens to Me; he who rejects you rejects Me; but he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent me.’”

He came and died for a reason, remember?

“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 will with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:19-20

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

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Galdor interviewing for work this week. Paul continuing his search this week.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Audrey who is ill. Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Morning After Regrets?

“Also the high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed; thorn and thistle will grow on their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, ‘Cover us!’ And to the hills, ‘Fall on us!’ From the days of Gibeah you have sinned, O Israel; there they stand! Will not the battle against the sons of iniquity overtake them when it is My desire, I will chastise them; and the peoples will be gathered against them when they are bound for their double guilt.” Hosea 10:5-10

“And there were following Him a great multitude of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him. But Jesus turning to them, said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘fall on us.’ And to the hills, cover us.’ For if they do these things in the green, what will happen in the dry?’” Luke 23:27-31

“’The only ultimate way to conquer evil is to let it be smothered within a willing, living human being. When it is absorbed there, like blood in a sponge or a spear thrown into one’s heart, it loses its power and goes no further.’ By Gale D. Webbe, The Night and Nothing” *

I wonder how many people who witnessed Christ’s crucifixion had trouble sleeping that night. I wonder how many of them gave Him another thought the next day.

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

JOB Related: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work. Paul as he searches for what he needs.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Audrey who is ill. Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Jesus Learned Obedience

“And He was saying, ‘Abba, Father! All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt.’” Mark 14:36

“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachtani?’ which translated, ‘My God, My God, why hast Thou Forsaken Me?’" Mark 15:34

“Would it be too much to say that, because of Jesus, God UNDERSTANDS our feelings of disappointment with Him? How else can we interpret Jesus’ tears or His cry from the cross? One could almost pour the three questions of this book into that dreadful cry, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ God’s Son ‘learned obedience’ from His suffering, says Hebrews. A person can only learn obedience when tempted to disobey, can only learn courage when tempted to flee.” *

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Unlike any other religion in the world, the mighty Creator God came to earth to bridge the gap between those He loved and Eternity! Now THAT is a miracle and a mysterious blessing we can never truly understand!

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for Audrey who is ill. For Paul N. who needs hope & had three good job interviews this week.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

God Learns

“In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been make perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:7-10

“And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, ‘Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me, yet not My will, but Thine be done.’ Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow.” Luke 22:40-45

Then the author of Hebrews– “uses some of the most mysterious language of the New Testament. He tells of Christ ‘being made perfect’ and ‘learning obedience’ through the things that He suffered. Commentators often skirt these phrases, for they are not easy to reconcile with traditional notions of an unchanging, passionless God. From Hebrews, it seems clear that the Incarnation had meaning for God as well as for us. It was the ultimate way for Him to identify with us. He, a spirit, had never before been confined in the world of matter, had never experienced the soft vulnerability of human flesh, had never sensed the clamorous warnings from pain cells. Jesus changed all that. He went through the entire human experience, from the blood and pain of birth to the blood and pain of death.” *

All this because of His amazing love for each one of us!

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for Audrey who is ill. For Paul N. who needs hope & had three good job interviews yesterday.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.


OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

God is Unfair.

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say whether things on earth or things in heaven. And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach.” Colossians 1:16-22

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed and overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7

If you read through the New Testament, you see a dramatic shift in “heart attitude”. As Philip Yancey puts it: “...an abrupt mood shift in the Bible around the Book of Acts. You will find none of the outrage of Job nor the despair of Ecclesiastes nor the anguish of Lamentations. Clearly, the writers of the New Testament were convinced that Jesus had changed the universe forever.”*

Yet why is Mr. Yancey devoting an entire book to the topic of disappointment with God? Because people are still struggling and lack the bold assurance of the writers of the New Testament. Why is it people are struggling with disappointment? The question hangs there: “Is God unfair?”

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for Audrey who is ill. For Paul N. who needs hope & has four job interviews today.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Who Can Understand?

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

“And God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Then God said, ‘Behold I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to everything that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And God saw all that He had made, and behold it was very good.” Genesis 1:26-31a

“And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people, for today in the city of David there has been born for YOU a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12

“Let me be blunt: What difference does Jesus make to our feelings of disappointment with God? How does it help us to learn that He too tasted Disappointment? – To understand the difference Jesus makes to the problem of disappointment, we must look past such words to the underlying story of God’s passionate pursuit of human beings. – What difference did Jesus make? Both for God and for us, He made possible an INTIMACY that had never before existed.” *

Ever wonder if He can understand how you are feeling right now? How could God REALLY understand? Well He can BECAUSE He came to walk in our shoes and experience life so He could know the importance of Grace. You see, He does love you so much He choose to die rather than live without you!

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for Audrey who is ill. For Paul who needs hope.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Who am I? Part 2

“And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days; and when they had ended, He became hungry. And the devil said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’’

“And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, ‘I will give You all of this domain and its glory, for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.’ And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’’...” Luke 4:1-8

“’’Madame,’ I said, ‘if our God were a pagan god or the god of intellectuals – and for me it comes to much the same – He might fly to His remotest heaven and our grief would force Him down to earth again. But you know that our God came to be among us. Shake your fist at Him, spit in His face, scourge Him, and finally crucify Him; what does it matter? My daughter, it’s already been done to Him.’” – George Bernanos, ‘Diary of A Country Priest’” *

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for Audrey who is ill.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) and for Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di, her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Who am I? Part 1

“But He said, ‘You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!’ Then the Lord said, ‘Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock;’ and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.’” Exodus 33:20-23

“What difference did Jesus make? Both for God AND for us, He made possible an intimacy that had never existed. – The book of Hebrews explores this startling new advance in intimacy. First by elaborating on what was required just to approach God in Old Testament times. Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) could one person, the high priest, enter the Most Holy Place. The ceremony involved ritual baths, special clothing, and five separate animal sacrifices; and still the priest entered the Most High Place in fear. He wore bells on his robe and a rope around his ankle so that if he died and the bells stopped ringing, the other priests could pull out his body. – But Jesus offered a long, slow look at the face of God.” *

“Then some children were brought to Him so that He may lay His hands on them, and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:13-14

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:


NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for Audrey who is ill.

PRAISE: Fred’s heart surgery was a great success!

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di her brother. Milly (and David) lost their Mom, returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb, who continues to search for work (in mid-Ohio) and Tim, that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Nancy, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Homework for Weekend

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, ‘there are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal, that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not laboured, others have laboured and you have entered into their labour.’” John 434-38

“What difference does Jesus make to our feelings of disappointment with God? How doe it help us to learn that He too tasted disappointment?*

This is the question for you to consider this weekend. I realise many of you are very busy; some of you do not even get time to read the devotions each morning. Whenever you read this, take at least an hour to review the series thus far (all are still here on the blog) and find at least three things that help you see how His disappointment affects your walk.

I would love to hear your thoughts about this, if you have a moment to send them. And perhaps you would even let me share your findings with the others who read this.

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di her brother. Milly and David lost their Mom, she returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb (who applied at the hospital where she recently had to be) and Tim that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Fred’s heart surgery is today (28 Sept) and Nancy, his wife, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Secret Resurrection

“’If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me, and where I am there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honour him. Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Thy name.’ There came therefore a voice out of heaven: ‘I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The multitude therefore who stood by and heard it, were saying, ‘An angel has spoken to Him.’ Jesus answered and said, ‘The voice has not come to My sake, but for your sakes. Now judgment is upon this world; now the rule of this world shall be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.’” John 12:26-32

“So far as we know, not a single unbeliever saw Jesus after His death. – The spectacle of the Cross, the most public event of Jesus’ life, reveals the vast difference between a god who proves himself through power and One who proves Himself through love. – Jesus Christ never forced anyone to believe in Him. He preferred to act by appeal, drawing people out of themselves and toward Him.” *

“’Come to Me, all 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 souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di her brother. Milly and David lost their Mom, she returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb (who applied at the hospital where she recently had to be) and Tim that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Fred’s heart surgery is today (28 Sept) and Nancy, his wife, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Sound of Silence

“Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him saying, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you say.’ And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He made no answer. The Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?’ And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so that the governor was quite amazed.” Matthew 27:11-14

“Now from the sixh hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?’” Matthew 27:45-45

“Why didn’t God act? Anyone who thinks about disappointment with God must pause at Gethsemane, and at Pilate’s palace, and at Calvary – the scenes of Jesus’ arrest, trial and execution. For in those three places Jesus Himself experienced a state very much like disappointment with God. --The Father has turned His back, or so it surely seemed, letting history take its course, letting all that was wrong with the world triumph over all that was right.” *

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16

That is the promise He left for us! That is powerful!

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di her brother. Milly and David lost their Mom, she returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb (who applied at the hospital where she recently had to be) and Tim that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Fred’s heart surgery is today (28 Sept) and Nancy, his wife, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Do It Again!

“And behold, they were bringing to Him a paralytic, lying on a bed; and Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, ‘Take courage, My son, your sins are forgiven.’ And behold some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This fellow blasphemes.’ And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, ‘Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, ‘Your sins re forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, and walk?’ But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ – then He said to the paralytic – ‘Rise, take up your bed, and go home.’ And he rose and went home. But when the multitudes saw this, they were filled with awe, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.” Matthew 9:2-8

“And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ In the same way the scribes and elders, were mocking Him, and saying, ‘He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel’; let Him now come down from the cross, and we shall believe in Him. He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’’” Matthew 27:39-43

A book purporting to show Jesus as a person might want Him to be showed Him performing ‘tricks’ to impress His friends. -- Whenever His father Joseph messed up an important carpentry assignment, Jesus would step in and magically repair the flaw. He was not afraid to use His power for revenge, either. When a neighbour woman hurt one of Jesus’ playmates, she mysteriously fell into a well and died of a crushed skull.

These actions are uncharacteristic of the Jesus we know about from the Gospels, who healed every time someone asked Him to. He fed the hungry, gave wine to thirsty guests. Only once did He use His supernatural powers in a showy way: when the soldiers came to arrest Him and he restored the slashed ear of one of the arresters. In short, the miracles in the authentic Gospel are about love, not power.

“With remarkable consistency, the Bible’s accounts show that miracles – dramatic, show stopping miracles, like many of us still long for – simply do not foster deep faith.” *

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

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di her brother. Milly and David lost their Mom, she returned home to find she was made redundant and her partner left her. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

JOB Related: Pray for Barb (who applied at the hospital where she recently had to be) and Tim that they find satisfying work.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Fred’s heart surgery is today (28 Sept) and Nancy, his wife, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey