Wednesday, October 3, 2012

What Faith Isn't, Part 2



“And as they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up.  And being reminded, Peter said to Him, ‘Rabbi, behold the fig tree which You cursed has withered.’ 

“And Jesus answered saying to them, ‘Have faith in God.  Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him.  Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.

“’And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions.’” Mark 11:20-25 

“Believing something, never, in itself, changes the facts.  Faith is not a mystical power that makes things happen by the sheer force or belief.”*

Sometimes we pray for something we want or need and forget that praying is not just a privilege, it is a responsibility for those who have given their lives to Christ...the responsibility is to “keep our hands and hearts clean before Him” so He can fill them with answers and clarity when we do not get what we pray for.  God is not some kind of glorified order taker...He is the One who wants the best for us.  Believing in His best and trusting He knows best is never easy – it does take faith. 

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:  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 J&S, special friends, now living in their car in Florida, that they will find safe accommodation and that the job they travelled there for will help this lovely couple start their lives again.  For Hans, that he remains calm and clear-headed as he endeavours to confirm the details of what he hopes may finally be a real job for him.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  For Linda as she begins her journey.  For Cucuawe, a safe return and good health after his 10-day mission trip.  For PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Bexleigh now weighs 4 pounds 5 ounces (last report had her at 3 pounds 3 ounces)!  Pray for her parents Tyler & Jenna as they look forward to holding her outside the incubator this week.     

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.  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 travelling in 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

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