Bootstraps

“And Jesus said to him, ‘If You can!’  All things are possible to him who believes.’  Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, ‘I do believe, help my unbelief.’” Mark 9:-24

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’  And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’  He said to them, ‘But who do YOU say that I am?’” Matthew 16:13-15

“We are not told to pray for guidance, but to ‘acknowledge Him’, and in response ‘He will direct our paths’.  Directing our paths is God’s responsibility, and it is as much His responsibility as getting us to heaven is.”*

There’s an expression:  “lifting yourself up by your own bootstraps”.  But you can’t really.  You can buy the boots.  You can put them on.  You can walk or dance in the boots, but you cannot pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.  You can however trust that Jesus can.  Separating our activity from His will is certainly as difficult as prayer is because it is all about resting in Him and trusting Him.

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:  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression  For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she is a stroke survivor who remains physically challenged, unable to be left alone for long, limiting limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.).  Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Adrian is doing better.  My meeting went well with two potential client, now I need wisdom to create a proposal that will be mutually beneficial and have the strength to manage this huge body of work.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David still needs prayer for his health.  Adrian is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs a “healthy” place to live.  Tim B and Losa with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- 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:  Deborah and her son Michael, who are recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  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) 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 that is filling many unmet needs for him.  Scott, as he struggles and grows.  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 still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  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. Paul has resigned from his job and will need employment again. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia. I still need a new project and have two meetings today about projects.

*Christ For Real by Charles Price