The Great Handoff

“And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. And seeing the multitude, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like a sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

“He seems to do nothing of Himself which He can’t possibly delegate to His creatures. He commands us to do slowly and blunderingly what He could do perfectly and in the twinkling of an eye.

Creation seems to be delegation through and through. I suppose this is because He is a giver.” - C.S. Lewis, The World’s Last Night

Matthew 9:37-38 were the first Bible verses the Lord gave to me when I was only nine years old. I knew they were meant for me in the remote depths of my heart, but I did not really know Him, and I wasn’t really sure what the verses actually meant. It took ten years for Him to work through His Word that He compelled me to read many times, before I understood a bit of what this personal call was about. When I bowed my knee to His love and grace at that time, my life became a remarkable journey of two steps forward and one step back. How about you?

“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. – And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:28-29, 31

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, facing a great challenge, that God will give her wisdom and grace during a trying time. Sean and family, after funeral his family was in a car crash. Paul N is looking for decisions from his work search this week. Torgo who was badly injured at work.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Barb, who continues her search for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me) that she not grow discouraged and for Tim, that they find the jobs God has prepared for them.

ONGOING BEREVEMENT: Please remember to pray for the hearts of those left behind after the loss of loved ones recently, including for: Cris, Jay, Greg, Di, Milly and David, Linda and Lavie. (details in earlier postings).

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Galdor got a job after three years of unemployment! Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. David (great health now!). Fred, whose surgery went very well. Nancy, his wife is progressing well. Reg for his wonderful ministry. Paul and Carla both found jobs.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: 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: Please pray for those in around Christchurch NZ who continue to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake there; Adrian, that his life has new love and meaning. 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 and Ulfur has major life changes. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey