IS DISAPPOINTMENT CHRISTIAN?

1.     “He presented another parable to them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.’” Matthew 13:31-32

2.     “And He said to them, ‘Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ;Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.’” Matthew17:20

3.     “’Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  Again, I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.  For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.’” Matthew 18:18-20

“Some Christians, I know would reject the phrase ‘disappointment with God’ out of hand.  Such a notion is all wrong, they say.  Jesus promised that faith the size of a grain of mustard seed can move mountains; that anything can happen if two or three gather together in prayer.  The Christian life is a life of victory and triumph.  God wants us happy, healthy and prosperous, and any other state simply indicates a lack of faith.”[1]

Upon further study, these three common Scripture passages would seem to give Christians permissions to ‘command God’ – we see this in some mega churches that err on this ‘apparent message’ believing they are entitled to health, wealth and prosperity.  However, these passages, in context, have specific applications:

·        Passage 1 - Was a message of encouragement for the disciples.  The Jews knew the coming kingdom would be unstoppably powerful.  They thought they would take high positions of rulership in this new kingdom because they kept the Law.  Yet, Jesus was using a metaphor of the coming kingdom as starting with the insignificant littleness of a simple carpenter from Galilee.

·        Passage 2 – is about showy magic tricks (which many assumed the Messiah would demonstrate as He set up His kingdom on earth).  God is not in the magic business and does not do tricks to amaze or surprise for foolish reasons such as to give more money.

·        Passage 3 – is a favourite of many, even mine to think of the fellowship or corporate prayer.  Yet it also is not simply a passage about you and me agreeing on something we want God to do.  Instead, it refers to God’s support of those who lead His Body, the Church on earth. 

When we cavalierly apply God’s promises to our purposes, we miss the point and are often disappointed.  And when this happens, we might be tempted to blame God and be disappointed that He did not act as we think He would or should.

Take care, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene (who prays for you each morning).

PS:  My statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com  (also you will find a series of beginner Bible studies there.). Also, 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

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

·        6,343,320 reported cases

·        53,410 in serious condition

·        376,297 reported deaths (some are related to pre-existing conditions)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

(NOTE:  Words underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)

·        USA – Pray the Lord will demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.  For Christ-centre, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.

·        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.

·        Ravi Zacharias – is home with the Lord, now.  Pray for his family and friends as they grieve his loss and for the continuation of his ministry. 

·        Those who loved Doris – pray for those of us who grieve the loss of a remarkable woman who helped bring me to His Cross.

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.

Pray for the World

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