“For if I do wish to boast I shall not be foolish; for I shall be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one may credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelation, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me – to keep me from exalting myself!
“Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’
“Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:6-10
“I was twelve years of age when I first met Major Ian Thomas. At the end of one of his meetings in the Town Hall in Hereferd, I asked him to sign his name in my New Testament. He wrote, ‘All that God is, you have. You cannot have more, you do not need to have less.’”*
In my life many times, I have hoped for more strength, more faith, more devotion, more dedication. I have inadvertently watched another and thought, ‘If only I could be like them.’ We talk of God orchestrating a personal life course to bring us to our knees at the foot of His Cross to meet Him. Once we do, somehow it seems most of us do not see that that same personal care of our steps and challenges are still personally tailored for us to strengthen and prepare us for whatever He has in His plan for His creation. We have it all...all that we need...right now! Think about that.
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’s battle against painful broken ribs (from mishandling by ambulance staff) combined with pneumonia and high fever, still in hospital. Please pray his carers are gentle with his brittle body & that he knows how to proceed to protect himself – give his pastor wisdom in advising Adrian.
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 (he’s offered to go visit Adrian for me too!). 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: Jack’s family to see the future now that he is gone. 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: Pray for the world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful (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: 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
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