“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
“For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus; sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” II Corinthians 4:11
“What was needed on my part was not so much a ‘dedication’ to live for God, but a ‘dying’ to myself and to self-sufficiency, coupled with a reliance upon God ‘to will and to act according to His good pleasure.”*
In the series based on “Disappointment With God”, the lesson was that it is not about us, but about a world of lost individuals that the Lord loves, longs for, died for and seeks.
For us, our focus must be on the Lord and how HE works HIS good pleasure for HIS perfect plan: that no man or woman can stand at the judgment seat and not have been offered the only (free) acceptable “ticket” to be there.
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 those reliving the terrible memories of the 9/11 disaster. Pray for an angel of mercy to come and help Adrian as those who were to be there to help him when he arrived home are gone on holiday. The church he depended upon is focused on budget cuts; the pastor on a new post. He is frightened, alone, barely able to care for himself with no energy, in a cumbersome brace and struggling for every little thing. Yet, his last text to me ended by him saying how thankful he was to God that he had the mental resources and energy to communicate what is going on now. (Adrian, by the way, lives as far away from me as Atlanta is to NYC, so I cannot be there.)
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Reg for his ministry and patience. For God’s support during difficult times through unexpected friends.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive. 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: Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help. Pray he 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
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