“And after some days Paul said
to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we
proclaimed the Word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ And Barnabas was desirous of taking John,
called Mark, along with them also. But
Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them
in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
“And there arose such a sharp
disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with
him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul
chose Silas and departed, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the
Lord. And he was travelling through
Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Acts 15:36-41
“The
Love of God in our lives is not a love that reinforces the natural divisions
amongst people by only making the love we already have for certain people
stronger, but it is a love that breaks down the natural barriers. -- In a
loving context we should face difficulties honestly and securely, and there may
even be times when separation is inevitable as a result.”*
When
you speak with people who’ve not read the Bible for themselves - and only know it
from others, you typically get two ideas.
One is that God is a sweet “grandfatherly”-kind of sleepy person who
loves everything and everyone with ultra-forgiveness for mistakes; or that everything
you do has to be perfect or you’re damned - where everything is either
forbidden or sinful or a waste of time.
I
love the Bible because it illustrates challenges we all face. When it comes to people it clearly shows that
people ARE difficult...relationships ARE difficult but never perfect. As you read through the Gospels see how Jesus
walked courageously through the rejection of so many yet was steadfast in His
love, but He did not agree with everyone!
Take
care with love, especially His! Your
servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY? Please send updates! 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: A very special friend from my youth passed
away yesterday of a terrible cancer...please pray for strength for Bill’s
family and friends at this time. Pray
for Deborah, that she has wisdom as she prays for her new husband, Dennis. He had a recurrence of prostate cancer and
will have surgery this week at St Vincent’s.
Due to radiation therapy in 2004, there are additional complications and
ramifications.
Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family
and ministry in the Philippines clean-up after the flood where more than 85 people
died. If the Lord lays it on your heart
to help, contact Barbara Hanak at Ambassadors for Christ in Atlanta Georgia (bhanak@afciworld.org)
For
Adrian who is suffering much pain with his deteriorating spine from the
cancer...the pain meds are not working anymore, yet the Lord has found him a
new place to life for now in Caboolture (about an hour north of Brisbane). If anyone is near there, please contact me so
we can help him!
PRAISE
& THANKSGIVING: That the Lord loves
and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good
friends during times of difficulty. The
project in Canberra has not come through and I’m trusting the Lord has
something better – this is an urgent need.
PRAY
FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: For Daniel Craver (3-4 yrs
old), home recovering from urgent liver surgery! Paul
NS. Tim (my little brother), with CPRD, needs
financial help, especially with no health insurance - needs a disability
pension. David still needs prayer for
his health, but is doing better. Steve
Barns for relief from great pain and depression.
For
a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer
during the day so Audley can go out and work).
Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for
relief. For Carlton suffering from
horrible infections in his bones.
Deb,
special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK.
(http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many,
including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.
ONGOING
PRAYER REQUESTS: Pray the Lord’s hand is
dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this
devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His
purposes! Hans, a new hungry baby Christian urgently needs
to find fellowship --if you know any Christians near Essen Germany, please
contact me as soon as possible.
Cucuawe
as he recovers from the trauma of his 17-year old daughter’s death. Galdor recovering from the loss of his mother
and companion dog of 17 years --he also needs a new job. For Yourri who lost a friend. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles
through some challenges. For travelling
mercies as Reg and Beverly visit South Africa.
Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.
For
travelling mercies for Michael C & Diane on their extended cruise. For Roger as he considers options for a
pledge of heart. Adam who’s becoming
involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs. Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows
(for Donna as she encourages him). For
David K, in his studies. For Kevin
(Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.
PRAY
FOR THE WORLD: God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His
children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial
mismanagement.
ONGOING
JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) and Hans’ (friend) projects have both
ended and they need new work. (Hans especially
needs paying work – he’s been volunteering to fill the time.) For Tim, my amazing brother that he might
find satisfying work. Paul K who
resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.
*Christ For Real by Charles
Price
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