1. Mystery or Responsibility?

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.  Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 

"There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard.  Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their utterances to the end of the world. 

"In them He has placed a tent for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; it rejoices as a strong man to run his course.  Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit to the other end of them; and there is nothing hidden from its heat." Psalm 19:1-6

"The first is that God is infinite in His ways as well as His being....The relationship of the sovereign will of God to the freedom and moral responsibility of people is one of those mysteries.

"Basil Manly,...said, 'The Scriptures do not undertake to explain mysteries.  They leave them unexplained.  There is a difference between difficulties, and mysteries: -- difficulties may be removed; -- mysteries cannot, without a new revelation, or the bestowment of a higher intellect.' (in Southern Baptist Sermon on Sovereignty and Responsibility)"*

There is no way to explain how amazing and infinite and wise AND loving our Father God is.  Only trust lets us rest in Him.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PLEASE NOTE THE PRAYER UPDATES! AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO PRAY AND TO KEEP ME UPDATED ON GOD'S PROGRESS!

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  Please send updates!  For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   Adrian is having serious trouble with his blood pressure.  Pray he has the wisdom to know when to seek more medical care and that the doctors/ carers are compassionate and wise.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:   Deepak's father passed away last week and he travelled home to Colombo (Sri Lanka) to be with his family.  Thank God, Deepak is part of the Body of Christ.

Paul NS had an important final job interview last week, but has heard nothing yet.  There are no results yet.  Pray his spirits do not flag.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  For probably a couple of years now we have been praying for God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there.  Here is what I received today from Patti:

"I just want to share what I think is a positive happening to your prayer for: God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there

"Just recently the U S Supreme Court justices upheld the right to have prayer to open town government meetings! (An atheist and a Jew apparently protested it), and the Supreme Court voted 5-4 that it did not violate the Constitution.

"Also, just recently there has been a surge of Christian movies at the theatres across the nation! The first one (that I did see and enjoy) is "God is Not Dead", then there is "Heaven is for Real" (I read the book and saw the movie -- both very good based on a true account).

"Then coming out this weekend is "Mom's Night Out" which I don't know is necessarily Biblically based, as the other two I mentioned, but it is made by the same ones who made "Fireproof" a couple of years ago. Anyway, my hopes are up that the Christians are finally taking a stand instead of being as passive as we have in the past."   

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

Things seem to finally be settling down for Fion and his family.  Please keep them in your prayers. 

Baby Saige faces a lifetime of surgeries, procedures and time in hospital.  Please pray for all those who care for her, especially her family.

Please pray for Deepak's wife recovering from treatment for stage-2 breast cancer.  Her chemo is over. 

David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments.  Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%. 

Prayer update......Scott is doing a little better, he is taking baby steps but he still needs lots of prayers for healing, and ability to think clearly,  he also needs prayers to focus on God which he is NOT doing right now.  He thinks he can do everything himself.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:   Sergio seeking new employment - is in Mexico City. 

For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.  Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

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 in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim in Hong Kong have begun a new ministry.  Please pray the Father keeps guiding them in their work. 

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For the many nations and individuals suffering from global financial mismanagement.  Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.

Please pray for the many individuals in India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious! 

Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.