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