Love & Faith

“The one who does not love, does not know God, for God is love.  By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 

“In this is love; not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [full and perfect payment] for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.  By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

“By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the Day of Judgment; because as He is so also are we in this world.  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.  We love because He first loved us.” I John 4:8-13, 17-19

“Faith is not an alternative to facts, but faith is valid only when i is placed in facts!  Faith must be placed in something.  Faith does not exist in itself, but only as an attitude towards an object.  In this respect it is like love.  Love does not exist, other than in an attitude towards something or someone.”*

In Philip Yancey’s book, “Disappointment With God”, he brings up the idea that God opened Himself to risk when He chose to send Jesus to die for you and me.  Take a moment and consider the passage above.  Could faith and love be this close? 

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 Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  Lorelai, having her first child, but has profound anemia – please pray for the health of child and mother.  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. 

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 as she begins her journey.  For PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Bexleigh now weighs 4 pounds 15 ounces (last report had her at 3 pounds 3 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.  Adrian is doing better in his attitude but is still in much pain - has a new doctor.  If anyone is near Caboolture (an hour north of Brisbane), please contact me so we can help Adrian in a more practical way! 

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.  (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.

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.

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price