Belief?

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.  By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Hebrews 11:6

“If however, you are fulfilling the royal law, according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself,’ you are doing well.  But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.  For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” James 2:9

[when it comes to aspirin] “What I am asking is, ‘If you have a headache, do you take aspirin and allow it to work on your behalf?’  Belief, in this sense, is being prepared to let what you know exists, to work.  This is the ‘belief’ used of our relationship to Christ in the New Testament.  It is not just a belief in His existence, but the kind of belief that lets Him work.”*

I wonder what Noah was thinking as he spent all that time planning, building and preparing the Arc.  His faith allowed him to “condemn” the world, leave it all behind for his belief in God!

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!

Something seems wrong with the email system I am using and one of the distribution lists is refused – so please pray it gets fixed please.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: For Heidi, lost her job after 9 years as a day-care/infant carer, to know the Lord has a new role for her.  For Kent’s mom growing weaker from cancer in her nasal passages.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  David R (on Veterans benefits) has lost the first doctor that’s been able to figure out how to deal with his complicated health problems and is now fearful.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.

Adrian had a new series of tests.  The cancer’s spread to create lesions on his neck vertebrae and cranium.  The pain meds are not helping much.  He’ll now be in the Royal Brisbane Hospital for a month of treatment.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

For Hans, that he remains calm and clear-headed as he endeavours to understand God's will for a job for him.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures. For Linda C. and her husband travelling mercies. For PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Lorelai had her child – both are healthy.  Bexleigh (born at 28 weeks, now weighs 6 pounds 4 ounces! Pray for her parents Tyler & Jenna. For J&S, special friends, now living in their car in Florida, started his job and they hope to have accommodation soon. Cucuawa is home safe from his mission trip.

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: For Daniel Craver (3-4 yrs old), home recovering from liver surgery. Paul NS. Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension. Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. Deborah’s husband is home from surgery.

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 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. Pray for a new project for me...many irons in the fire, but nothing has come to fruition.

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. (Thank you, Andy, for answering his letter!)

Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and is back from China. 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. Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD: God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price