Just Out Of Reach

“Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.  

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.  All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.  Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbour.” I Corinthians 10:10-14, 23-24

“After a while it was hard to know what I was really looking for.  Were my sights to high?  To be honest, it didn’t seem that many of the Christians I knew were living as they should, although I did know w few who were.  Were the standards of the Bible unrealistic?  Did God give an extra high standard in order to motivate us to keep pressing on, but which it would be unwise to take too literally?  If that were so, it would appear that God was teasing us by dangling fantastic promises like a carrot in front of a donkey’s nose, knowing that every time we move toward them they would always remain just out of reach.”*

A relationship has two sides.  With our spiritual relationship it can be hard to “see” God’s perspective (we just finished a series on “Disappointment With God”, that attempted to help us see this more clearly) and because of this we can also forget that we have a love-obligation to choose to listen to Him and follow Him.  Many/most times this means we do not live our lives in a cavalier way, but a thoughtful way focused on Christ and His sacrifice for us.

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:  Adrian is home now, returning to the hospital by ambulance each Monday for treatment.  Those who have offered him a home have taken this time to go away for a holiday leaving him alone.  Please pray for his safety and those who care for him.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience.  For God’s support during difficult times through unexpected friends.


PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  Gwen (13 year old) and her headaches and attitude toward her mom.  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:  That Tim secures a disability pension 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:  For those affected by Hurricane Irene.  The world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful.  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters this last year, 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:  For Carla to have good health, satisfying work and life balance.  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! 
 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price