Where are you?

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘but who do YOU say that I am?’” Matthew 16:13-14

“So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, ‘Give glory to God; we know that this Man is a sinner.’ He therefore answered, ‘Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing that I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.’

“Jesus heard that they had put him out; and finding him, He said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered and said, ‘And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have both seen Him, and He is the One who is talking with you.’ And he said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ And he worshiped Him.” John 9:24-25, 35-38

“Job has put God on trial, accusing Him of unfair acts against an innocent party. Angry, satirical, betrayed. Job wanders as close to blasphemy as he can get – just to the edge. His words have a startlingly familiar ring because they are so modern. He gives voice to our most deeply felt complaints against God. But chapters one and two prove that, regardless of what Job thinks, God is NOT on trial in this book. Job is on trial.

The point of the book is not suffering; Where is God when it hurts? The prologue dealt with that issue. The point is faith: Where is Job when it hurts? How is HE responding? To understand the Book of Job, we must begin there.”*

As we look toward the start of a New Year, perhaps we might begin there too!

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

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Many who face the holidays with fear, sadness or loneliness in their hearts, that they may find something to do for others to fill that emptiness with love and hope & that those who have something to share find creative & surprising ways to share with others who have little or are alone.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Please continue to pray for those in & around Christchurch NZ who have just had strong aftershocks again and are dealing with the aftermath of the terrible earthquake, including families of the lost miners. 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. Galdor resigned and now need the right job, not just a job.

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: Jo has work now to help with those affected by the earthquakes in NZ. My friend and her broken relationship is strengthening again. 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/ ). Earl good results from bone marrow transplant, but complications. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey