“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not make out of things which are visible.
“And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Sampson, Jepthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteous, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mocking and scourging, yet, also chains and imprisonments.” Hebrews 11:1-2, 32-35
“And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
“In a sense, our days on earth resemble Job’s BEFORE God came to him in a whirlwind. We too live among clues and rumours, some of which argue against a powerful, loving God. We too must exercise faith, with no certainty.
“Frankly, I doubt whether God feels any ‘obligation’ to prove Himself...He did so many times in the Old Testament, and with finality in the person of Jesus. What further incarnation so we require of Him?”*
Many times, it seems easy to “take our relationship with the Father for granted”. Think of those in the Old testament who never got to see the Promise fulfilled, yet their faith still inspires today. Faith under pressures we are likely never to experience, yet they believed regardless.
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: Pray for Jen who has lost precious friends recently.
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.
Please do not get bored with this request: Those putting their lives together 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.
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
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