Reconciliation

“’If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave you offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.’” Matthew 5:23-24

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us;p we bet you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." I Corinthians 5:20

“But the Bible contained some surprises: notably that such times of frequent miracles usually did not foster long-term belief. Just the opposite – most of them stand out as examples of faithlessness.

“God’s ‘goal,’ if one can speak in such terms, is not to overpower all skeptics with a flash miracle; He could do that in an instant if He wished. Rather, He seeks to reconcile; to love, and to be loved”*

“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 althou7gh 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 1:19-22

To “reconcile” means a change of heart attitude; to change from one condition to another, one attitude toward another. Reconciliation is what God accomplishes, exercising His grace toward us as sinners when we accept His gift of hope through faith in the sacrifice of Christ’s life as full payment for our sins – past, present and future.”

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 Tuesday next week, that it be nothing and that she finds God's perfect job for her. 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 resigned 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 my friend and her relationship – reconciliation. 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