“’For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’” John 3:16-18
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way and the Truth, and the Live; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6
“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?’ And Simon Peter answered and said, ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’” Matthew 16:13-17
In the last pages of the book, as Philip Yancey, is drawing things together, he shares his own personal experience with the Father with Richard: “But conversion only makes sense from the inside out, to the fellow converted. We were back where we had started in our conversation five years before: we had arrived at the mystery of FAITH, a word Richard detested.
“I found myself wishing I could make faith crystal clear for him, but I felt powerless to do so. I sensed in Richard the same restlessness and alienation that I had lived with, and that God had gradually healed. But I could NOT transplant faith into Richard; he must EXERCISE it for himself.”*
To those who do not believe (yet), no answer will do until the time is right for them. To those who do believe, they do know the difference but cannot “define” faith anymore than anyone can define WHY the heart beats. It is the Father’s ability to appeal individually and personally to each of us through a life time of preparation to a point of “recognition” of Jesus’ amazing gift of grace.
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: For the world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful.
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Galdor got a wonderful job! Kimberly is home with her parents now. Reg for his ministry and patience. Adrian is out of ICU, but still hospitalised. Please continue to pray for those who care for him.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis. For Carlton’s recovery from surgery. 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, Annette’s friend Sue.
ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS: Jack’s family is grieving his loss. That Tim secures a disability pension now that he’s unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease. For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future. For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.
PRAY FOR THE WORLD: (Please do not get bored with this request). Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers and governments 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: Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: Paul needs work. 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!
OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: Paul needs work. 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!
*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey
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