“Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this said, ‘This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?’ But Jesus conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, ‘Does this cause you to stumble? What then if you should behold the Son of Man ascending where He was before?
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.
“And He was saying, ‘For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father.’ As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. Jesus said therefore to the twelve, ‘You do not want to go away also, do you?” John 6:60-67
“Jesus never made it easy for people to follow Him, spelling out the cost and the demands of discipleship to any who showed interest. Jesus, I began to understand, was not under a pressure to get ‘results’ from His ministry but to communicate truth and discharge the responsibility given to Him by His Father irrespective of whether or how people responded. He loved people more than He loved results! He loved people enough to be honest with them.”*
Evangelism has become confused with worldly concepts, such as sales and persuasion and hit rate and prospect list and demographics and most of all with the concept of success. When you think about it, by all standards of most of today’s ideas of evangelism, Jesus was a failure.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment