“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
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2 comments:
Thanks as always Darlene. I am putting Yancy on my book reading list for the library yet again!! I have been skipping over email a bit due to the EQ but we are settled in our place and doing ok. could the team pray for our communities this week as we wait for information on land and sewer repairs. Grace and peace Jo
My wonderful Jo (and Steve). I am sorry I missed your comment. I think it may be the only one anyone ever left! I will ensure that South Island New Zealand restoration from the earthquake is put on the prayer list tomorrow (29 Oct). Keep me updated please. Most of all, I thank God that you and those you love are safe! Hugs.
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