“And while they were listening to these things, He went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
“He said therefore, ‘A certain nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself and then return. And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’ But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’
“And it came about that when he returned, after receiving the kingdom; he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him in order that he might know what business they had done.” Luke 19:14
“It is the demands of kingship that divide. People will come to Christ for what they can get from Him, but when He demands their allegiance they will turn their backs. Jesus had few ‘converts’ but many enemies at the end of His ministry because the rock bottom issue the people eventually had to face was His kingship. You have to face that issue. And so do I. Not just once, but continually.”*
We all know this story and how one of these slaves invested his money wisely and another simply invested it and a third buried it, so his wrath would not be directed to him. The parable reminds us all of the investment He has made in each of us to “Do business with this until I come back.” It’s your choice!
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: ?
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Thank you Reg for being His man.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Tim’s surgery was successful. He’s home and still in a lot of pain. Please pray for him and Barb during this time. Adrian has seen an orthopaedic specialist for his deteriorating spine. He’s in much pain and needs encouragement. David is “slowing down” now and the treatments that have been giving him a new lease on life are seen as too expensive. Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief. Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him. For Carlton. Gwen (13 year old) -- 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: Pray for Deborah who just lost her Mom. For Cucuawe and his family, recovering from the death of their 17 year old daughter. For Reg and his ministry, that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways. For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart. Tim (my brother) is doing better but needs financial help, especially with this surgery and no insurance. Pray he secures a disability pension with his coronary pulmonary artery disease. Adam who is investigating a cult. Scott, as he struggles and grows. Pray for David K that his path forward is filled with faith. 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.
PRAY FOR THE WORLD: For those affected by the failure of MF Global funds. . For those still affected by the many natural disasters that have raged in many places over the last year, including: east coast of the USA from Hurricane Irene, Japan and New Zealand earthquakes, 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.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.
*Christ For Real by Charles Price
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