1,275 Denominations

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, allowing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

“There is one Body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." Ephesians 4:1-7

“The change from the visible presence of God in the wilderness to the invisible presence of the Holy Spirit involves a certain kind of loss as well. We lost the clear, sure proof that God exists. Nowadays, God does not hover over us in a cloud that we can gaze at for reassurance.

“In fact, God’s reliance on the church almost guarantees that disappointment with God will be permanent and epidemic.

“But 1,275 denominations in the U.S. alone attest to the difficulty of the Chruch agreeing on God’s will about anything nowadays. The confused voice of the modern church is part of the cost, the disadvantage to living today rather than with the Hebrews in the desert or among the disciples who followed Jesus.” *

“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no division among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apploos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and I of Christ.’

“Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptised in the name of Paul?" I Corinthians 1:10-13  

No wonder the world and His children sometimes get concerned and confused.

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

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Barb, having a biopsy on Wednesday this week that it be nothing and that she finds God's perfect job for her. A sweet friend for grace and wisdom about a relationship. Misty with burns that need to heal. Many who face the holidays with sadness or loneliness in their hearts, that they may find something to do for others to fill that emptiness with love and hope.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Please pray for those in around Christchurch NZ who continue to deal with the aftermath of the terrible earthquake there, including families of the miners lost;.Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son). 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 for Ulfur with major life changes. For strength and wisdom for me.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Tim, who continues to support Barb as she searches for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me), that they have an understanding of God's plan in all this. Carla and Galdor both need the right jobs, not just jobs.

ONGOING BEREVEMENT: Please remember to pray for the hearts of those left behind after the loss of loved ones recently – holidays always hurt a great deal. This includes: Sean, Cris, Jay, Greg, Di, Milly and David, Linda and Lavie. (details in earlier postings).

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: For all those who have had wonderful suggestions for people job searching. Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. David (great health now!). Nancy, continues to progress well. The other Nancy is doing well against her cancer. Reg for his wonderful ministry.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Torgo, recovering from work injury. Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey