“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.
“If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murdered, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.
“For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” I Peter 5:12-19
“It i not the will of God to alleviate every suffering, for there are times when the will of God is for us to suffer. This will vary from person to person, but when we find ourselves suffering, the will of God is not that we begrudge it, but commit ourselves to our Creator.”*
I watched a YouTube video of Larry Burkett (click on Larry’s name or cut and paste this into your browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFIpoU42BE0 ) yesterday and was reminded that there is so little “apparent and visible difference between Christians and pre-Christians that it’s surprising and rather sad. How easy it is the get the real world and the spiritual world mixed up. I have a little business-sized card that I carry with me. On it it says: "If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Would there be?
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 Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. Deborah and her son Michael, who just lost her mother to cancer and her father to suicide. For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she had a stroke a few years back and remains physically challenged and cannot be left alone for long. This limits Audley’s ability to travel for work.). Cucuawe recently lost his 17-year old daughter and now his father-in-law is in the hospital with terminal cancer. Please pray for Michael C, his mother is fading with Alzheimer’s and ill health.
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Adrian is doing better. I received a call about a potential new project and need to submit an acceptable proposal to win the business – please pray for my wisdom and insight with this.
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: 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.
*Christ For Real by Charles Price
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