The Bold Message

“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  And when he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him.  Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.’  But he said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’  So he said to him, ‘What is your name?’  And he said, ‘Jacob.’

“And he said, ‘Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.’  Then Jacob asked him and said, ‘Please tell me your name.’  But he said, ‘What is it that you ask my name?’  And he blessed him there.  So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, ‘I have seen God face-to-face, yet my life has been preserved.’” Genesis 32:24-30

“One bold message of the Book of Job is that you can say anything to God.  Throw at Him your grief, your anger, your doubt, your bitterness, your betrayal, your disappointment – He can absorb them all.  As often as not, spiritual giants of the Bible are shown contenting with God.  They prefer to go away limping, like Jacob, rather than to shut God out.”*

Do you remember the first time you actually stomped your feet at God...after you realised He was your Lord?  To know He had the power to crush you and still you stood there and screamed your anger or pain or confusion or distrust at him with all your might and He listened!  That is another form of Grace I think.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:   ?

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had surgery, needs prayer that his body continues to heal.   For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Do not forget those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers, in Japan, USA and New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey