Has anyone ever given you a book, you just
didn’t want to read, but you graciously accepted? Well I have.
Over the years, a few in truth.
These books become dust catchers on my
bookshelf. I move them to a lower shelf
or into a bookcase in a different room.
And even from a distance they seemed to radiate with soft conviction.
In the case of this book, I found myself parroting
the words of the friend who gave it to me, ‘it is really worth reading’. And wouldn’t you know it, God would raise up
a different friend to give me the same book!
In 1990, when I received my first of three
copies of Disappointment With God[1],
written by Philip Yancey. After I received
it, I moved twice carrying that copy along with me to and from New Zealand –
well one of the copies at least.
I found the title off-putting and ‘unacceptable’. How could anyone be disappointed with God! As I resettled back in my home church in Australia,
I resumed my teaching ministry. Often, I
would find myself for some ‘strange’ reason recommending the book. By then, I had read the back cover and
thought the three questions were worthy of consideration.
And then I read -- well consumed -- the book. I was brought to my knees with the tender reminder
by the perspective it offered of life from God’s perspective through the book of
Job. Then I began to REALLY recommend it
to others. But like so often happens
your personal passion is not as contagious as you hope it is.
In my prayer time I felt it was a book worthy
of a new study series. The goals were to
get people to dive into God’s Word for themselves, to help the participants
read through the book, regardless of their reading or educational limits or
busy schedule and come away with some new revelations.
Over several years we offered the study once
or twice a year. Many came to love their
journey. I hope you do as well as I
offer this new series here for you.
Take care, your servant and friend in Christ,
Darlene (who prays for you each morning).
PS: My statement of
faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by
doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.
(Also, there is an android ‘Goggle Blogger’ app you can download to read
them on your phone.)
COVID-19
(NOTE: Words underlined
have a link embedded to provide more details)
Please pray for all those involved in making critical
decisions during this time of pandemic.
Pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who contract the virus,
the healthcare workers, those on the front line and for all those feeling
afraid, lonely or confused. Pray all are
wise, patient and take precautions to contain the effects. For practical information, please visit https://newsaboutcovid19.blogspot.com/
Latest Statistics
·
Today in 215 countries
·
4,780,197 reported cases
·
44,868 in serious condition
·
315,646 reported deaths (some are related to
pre-existing conditions)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
·
David R– home
now and growing stronger. Pray for the
wisdom of his healthcare providers, doctors and for his patience; and for his
daughter, Heidi who is caring for him.
·
Doris
(my second Mom) – at 101, has suffered from the lack of regular visitors and
was moved to hospice care where Patti and other family are spending last
precious moments with her. She is no
longer eating and sleeps most of the time as she heads Home to be with the Lord
and her beloved husband Owen.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized, home
for the next three weeks before he resumes chemo. Pray for his healthcare providers, his
patience and wisdom. Pray he is
surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him
through this journey. Pray for his Mom
(age 83) is unwell herself. Pray their
time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and love.
·
Scott –
recently married. Pray he finds a job
soon so he can provide for his new wife and two children. Help him reach out for the hand of our loving
Heavenly Father so he recognises God is working in all this for the best
outcome for them all.
·
Penne –
recently widowed after 43 years, the last ten of which she was her husband’s
full-time caregiver. She suffers mental
problems from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (who asks for
wisdom and patience). Penne has
‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer, does not attend fellowship
for support. Please pray for her peace
of mind and God’s guidance.
·
USA President
Donald Trump – As Christians it
is our responsibility to pray for our leaders and know that God has a plan for
the USA through this man. If you doubt
the importance of his appointment, just look at the baseless antagonism against
him. Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan. Pray someone helps President Trump and Melania to understand the true meaning of a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that they will both have a
insatiable hunger to read God’s Word for themselves – and that God sends a
Bible-Believing Christian to regularly disciple them in the Truth – and that
God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who regularly circle around them.
·
Fred I – planning a move from California to Tennessee in
the Fall of 2020 (if possible). Pray for
his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health, as he makes
these life changes.
·
Unnamed
– lost both her parents within six months after a lifetime of caring for
them. Her husband’s mother died in
January and his 94-year old father now lives with them. Pray they take time for each other and keep
their faith strong.
Pray for those in full-time service
During this time, when the entire world is struggling to
understand this new ‘plague’, it is critical for us to uphold our Christian
leaders. They will be needed
everywhere. Pray for their wisdom,
safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones who are
fragile health wise. It is important to
protect them in practical ways and most important we must pray even more for
them that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
[1] Copyright
© 1988 by Philip Yancey, published by Zondervan Publishing House.
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