Don’t Think of a Pink Elephant!
“Why the Law then?
It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through
angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed should come to whom the
promise had been made. Now a mediator is
not for one party only, whereas God is only one.
“Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to
impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on the law. But the Scripture has shut up all men under
sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ be given to those who
believe.
But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the
law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore, the Law has become our tutor to
lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith, but now that faith has
come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Galatians 3:19-25
Does having clear word from God increase your likelihood of
obedience? It didn’t work for the
Israelites wandering in the desert. God
would say don’t fight and they fought. They
marched when told to sit tight, fled in fear when told to march, fought when
told to declare peace, declared peace when told to fight. They made a national pastime out of inventing
ways to break the 613 commands.
Clear guidance became as much of an affront to that
generation as unclear guidance is to ours.
In fact, “the clarity of God’s will seemed to have a stunting effect on
the Israelites’ faith. Why pursue God
when He had already revealed Himself so clearly? Why step out in faith when God had already
guaranteed the result? Why wrestle with
the dilemma of conflicting choices when God already resolved the dilemma?
“In short, why should the Israelites act like adults when
they could act like children? And act
like children they did, grumbling against their leaders, cheating on the strict
rules governing manna, whining about every food or water shortage.[1]”
In teaching certain managements concepts in workshops, I have
a little, hand-size, soft pink elephant.
I hold it up and ask everyone NOT to think of a pink elephant. You know what they do, they immediately think
of a pink elephant just because I said, don’t!
Nothing in the human heart has changed.
That is why Jesus had to come and die and rise again. There is no hope otherwise.
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
·
11,503,704 reported cases
·
58,502 in serious condition
·
536,641 reported deaths (some related to
pre-existing conditions)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
(NOTE: Words
underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)
·
Tracey’s Mom –
had a stroke, broke both bones in her ankle and Friday had to have surgery to
remove a pin in her elbow from an injury 20 years ago. She remains in the hospital. Pray for her health carers, her loved ones
and that she will rest and be safe.
·
Kim’s Mom –
at 92 had a rapid heart rate and was taken to the hospital. While there, she fell and hit her head and
broke her nose. She is home now but
needs to rest and heal.
·
Ray’s Dad –
(Ray Senior) doing better with the challenges of cancer treatment. Pray the Lord will touch his heart so he
reaches out for the only hand that can save him.
·
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 spread. He will continue a three-weeks at home, one
week in hospital routine for immunotherapy.
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 lots of love.
·
Patti and John –recovering
from the loss of her beloved Mom, Doris.
Please pray for the sweet comfort of her Saviour.
·
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.
Pray they will both have an insatiable hunger to read God’s Word for
themselves. Pray God sends a
Bible-Believing Christian to regularly disciple them in the Truth. Pray 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.
·
Isaias and Judith
(Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) – carrying on their
fruitful ministry in the Philippines, despite the many challenges they must
daily work with, including the impending threat of China claiming their country. Pray for those who lead, administer, work,
teach and contribute to the ministry.
Pray our Father continues to keep these servants strong, in good health,
safe and supported and that they keep a balance in their lives. They need funds
badly now.
Please go to this link o learn more or/ and contribute - email
Isaias Catorce at icatorce@gmail.com
·
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.
Pray for the World
[1]
Copyright © 1988 by Philip Yancey, Disappointment With God, published by
Zondervan Publishing House.
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