Mutual & Double Risk

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. – Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned – for until the Law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

“For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:8, 19-21

“God’s plan includes risk on both sides. For us, it means risking our independence by committing to follow an invisible God who requires of us faith and obedience. For God, it means risking that we, like the Israelites, may never grow up; it means risking that we may never love Him. Evidently, He thought it a gamble worth taking.” *

“’A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’” John 13:34-35

This mutual risk is demonstrated in our lives when we love another person in our lives, because we must risk our hearts to love another...and hope they do the same! The double risk for God is that others watch us to see if there can be a Love that actually works!

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

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Paul, my friend had a mild heart attack yesterday. 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 quit their jobs and now 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