Ordinary Normal

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, ‘Hail, favoured one! The Lord is with you; but she was greatly troubled at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end.’" Luke 1:26-33

Those who meet angels are reminded of their mortality and so fear is a natural reaction. When it says she was greatly troubled, she was just a teenager of a normal family in a normal land in a normal world. What we must always remember is that God wants to do extraordinary things in the lives of all of us, especially those who seem ordinary on the outside.


Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene


PS: New Request: Pray for Eddie, brain surgery & possible stroke & his family. Continue to pray for: Leslie’s recovery from cancer surgery. Nancy (for patience as she recovers from her near critical head injury), Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose); Adrian (life changes); Barb (needs satisfying work). Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Tim & Barb (encouragement). God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle (recovery). Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Unbelievable !!

“And Zacharias said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.’ And the angel answered and said to him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God; and I have been sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news, ‘And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their proper time.’” Luke 1:18-20

Does it seem strange to you that the angel struck Zacharias dumb? Perhaps it was because the angel sensed that he would go out of the temple and express his doubt to others and perhaps draw others to doubt with him.
 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.” II Timothy 4:3-5
 Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene


PS: New Request: Pray for Annette’s friend Leslie’s recovery from cancer surgery. Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy (for patience as she recovers from her near critical head injury), Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose); Nancy (recovery from brain surgery); Adrian (life changes); Barb (needs satisfying work). Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Tim & Barb (encouragement). God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle (recovery). Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Job Description

“And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. And Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear gripped him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. And you will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine or liquor; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mother’s womb. And he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’” Luke 1:11-17

What an amazing job description for John: he will, first and most importantly, be great in the sight of the Lord, he will be temperate, obedient, yielded, filled and ready to be used by the infilling Holy Spirit from before birth. What qualities to pray for in our own lives! The result of this short life was to reawaken an entire people to the reality of God’s love for them and His plan for the world.

 Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

 PS: New Request: Pray for Leslie, Annette’s friend recent cancer surgery. Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy (for patience as she recovers from her near critical head injury), Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose); Nancy (recovery from brain surgery); Adrian (life changes); Barb (needs satisfying work). Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Tim & Barb (encouragement). God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle (recovery). Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Routine Duties

“Now it came about while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering.” Luke 1:8-10


Zachariah was one of the 24 groups of priests divided by families and structures as God had instructed. Each of the groups took turns serving in the temple for one week, twice a year, and for major festivals. However, an individual priest could only offer the incense at the daily sacrifice only ONCE in his lifetime. Zachariah had learned from those before and SERVED his entire lifetime in the temple. Here was his first chance to enter this holy place. He would have entered with reverential fear and hopeful expectation for God’s people. God has not changed!


“Remember those who led you, who spoke the Word of God to you; and consider the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” Hebrews 13:7-8

 Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

 PS: New Request: Pray for Leslie, Annette’s friend recent cancer surgery. Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy (for patience as she recovers from her near critical head injury), Rachael (for hope & clarity of purpose); Nancy (recovery from brain surgery); Adrian (life changes); Barb (needs satisfying work). Isaias (family safety & his mission work in Philippines). Tim & Barb (encouragement). God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle (recovery). Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Future of Hope

“In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacarias, of the division of Abjah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.” Luke 1:5-7

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it all the men of old gained approval.” Hebrews 11:1-2


As we grow up our perspective of everything changes. Large things suddenly seem smaller than before; small things annoy us in ways we never imagined. Noises are now too loud or we can’t hear because everyone seems to be whispering. Our senses seem to change or deepen. The young often regard growing older as unlikely at best; at worst, the curse of old people. Sometimes growing older means being ignored more; and sometimes it mean you’re listened to more. It can feel like there’s little left to do or so much left to do we can’t be bothered. In the greatest story of hope in the world, it began with two people, well past their prime, who never gave up hope. For this hope they were rewarded with the harbinger of the future of all hope!


Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene


PS: New Request: Pray for Leslie, Annette’s friend who just had cancer surgery yesterday. Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy - recover from a near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias’ mission work in Philippines – family’s safety. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Second Tithe

“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God. And this stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house; and of all that Thou doest give me I will surely give a tenth to Thee.’ Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the sons of the east.” Genesis 28:20 – 29:1


Jacob had no hope of returning hope, but he hoped in the God of his father and that is what motivated him to make his personal promise of a tenth of his wealth to the Father. It was not require, it was offered. God does not need our money; He only needs our hearts. If He has our hearts, what is money to us?



Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene



PS: New Request: Pray for Leslie, Annette’s friend who just had cancer surgery yesterday. Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy - recover from a near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias’ mission work in Philippines – family’s safety. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Our Father's Faithfulness

“Then Jacob departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he camet to a certain place and spent the night there, because the son had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head, and lay down in that place. And he had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, ‘I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants. Your descendants shall also be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south’ and in you and in your descendants shall all the familes of the earth be blessed. And behold, I am with you, and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’” Genesis 28:10-15


Jacob was discouraged, fearful, regretful, homeless, lost his family and was likely VERY tired of all that was happening in his life. Yet God was there with him every step of his journey and did not forget His promise to this family of the future of His plan. It is important for us to remember how faithful He is, even when we are not.



Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene



PS: Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy, to recover from a near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias’ mission work in Philippines. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Be Selective

“So Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and charged him, and said to him, ‘You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Paddan-aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father; and from there take to yourself a wife from the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother. And may God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May He also give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your descendants with you; that you may possess the land of your sojourning, which God gave to Abraham.’ Then Isaac sent Jacob away,” Genesis 28:1-5a


Isaac knew God had a plan. Isaac also knew about temptations and wanted to minimise the risk of Jacob turning to his own solutions. The journey to Paddan-aram must have seemed senseless to Jacob who would have been surrounded by a community of women eager to be his. Yet, he chose to be obedient to his father’s wishes, and unknowingly was to learn obedience and patience through this decision. God wishes to guide and teach us, so we can be better for HIS work, so we grow slowly into the image of His beloved Son!



Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene



PS: Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy, to recover from a near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias’ mission work in Philippines. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Focus on Disappointment

“So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, ‘The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.’ Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, ‘Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you, by planning to kill you. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice, and arise, fell to Haran, to my brother Laban! And stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury subsides, until your brother’s anger against you subsides, and he forgets what you did to him. Then I shall send and get you from there. Why should I bereave of you both in one day?’” Genesis 27:41-45

Esau did not realise that, his mother, (not Jacob) was the ultimate plotter in this situation, nor did he recognise or acknowledge God’s hand – he only saw his lost and his loss drove him consider to the second sin, to kill a brother. When disappointment becomes our focus we may lose the plot!



Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene



PS: Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy, to recover from a near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias’ mission work in Philippines. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Unfair of God?

“Now it came about, when Isaac was old, and his eyes were too dim to see, that he called his older son Esau and said to him, ‘My son,’ And he said to him, ‘Here I am.’ And Isaac said, ‘Behold now, I am old and I do not know the day of my death. Now then, please take your gear, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me; and prepare a savoury dish for me such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, so that my soul may bless you before I die.’ Genesis 27:1-4

A father’s love thwarted. Esau and Isaac must have had a special relationship, because Esau WAS the eldest son and would have expected and been expected to take over his father’s world after he died. Yet God had a special plan for His people that meant His promise would come through Jacob. I think of the willing eagerness (perhaps even determination to thwart God’s plan) in the heart of Esau as he took this journey to please his father. Yet it was not to be!
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. -- It was said to her, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ Just as it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’ What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs; but on God who has mercy.” Romans 8:28 & 9:12-16
Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene



PS: Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy, to recover from a near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias’ mission work in Philippines. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack.

Father's Sins

“So Isaac lived in Gerar. When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, ‘She is my sister,’ for he was afraid to say, ‘my wife,’ thinking, ‘the men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is beautiful.’ And it came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimlech king of the Philistines looked out through a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah. – Now Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the Lord blessed him, and the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy. -- Then Abimelech said to Isaac, ‘Go away from us, for you are too powerful for us.’ And Isaac departed from there and camped in the valley of Gerar, and settled there.” Genesis 26:16-17


Isaac learned from his father, Abraham. As parents, we may live through a life lesson and then try to teach it to our children. Children will do as you do and watch to see if the values you talk are in harmony with what you do. Regardless, God may still bless, as he did Isaac. For God’s love and forgiveness is not dependent on our obedience but on our helpless dependence on Him and His sacrifice for us.



Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene



PS: Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy, to recover from a near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias’ mission work in Philippines. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle. Praise for safe return of Michael & Diane.

Obedience

“Now there was a famine in the land besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham. So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines. And the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham. And I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statues and My laws.’” Genesis 26:1-5



To obey is to do what you are told to do and like “don’t think of a pink elephant”, typically when we are told to do something or not to do something, there is some part of us that would rather do anything else than obey (unless of course it means we will be harmed or disadvantaged if we do/don’t do). We learn this from the beginning.


When we come to Christ and make a decision to put Him and His desires above our own there is a new obedience that fills us as the Holy Spirit moves within our hearts to remind us of His will for us. We obey for love or fear; and there are consequences and rewards for obedience as Isaac and those before him learned.


Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Fred’s wife, Nancy, to recover from a near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias’ mission work in Philippines. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle. Praise for safe return of Michael & Diane.

Provision

"So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. And on the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. And Abraham said to his young men, 'Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship and return to you.' and Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. And Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, 'My father!' And he said, 'Here I am my son.' And he said, 'Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?' And Abraham said, 'God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.' So the two of them walked on together." Genesis 22:3-8

It is impossible for any of us to imagine the heaviness and dread, mixed with faith and hope that filled the heart of Abraham. Sometimes we are asked to be ready, to prepare, to hourney where we do not see how we can survive, yet God DOES provide for us for His purposes, even those that remain forever mysterious and pointless to us.

Take care to know God's Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Pray for: Fred's wife to recover from near critical head injury, Rachael for hope & Clarity of purpose; Nancy's recovery from brain surgery; Adrian with life changes; Barb to find satisfying work; Isaias mission work in Philippines; Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim and Barb to be encouraged; Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God's grace on USA; Billy & Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack (Adrian's ageing uncle).

Dangers of Gloating

“So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave them to Hagar, putting them on her shoulder, and gave her the boy, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheeba.” Genesis 20:14

What a dilemma. Abraham wanted a child, a son. Sarah wanted a child. God promised many children. Sarah wanted to trust but found another way to have God’s promise fulfilled. Hagar obeyed, yet gloated. The child grew strong. Then God’s promise was fulfilled for Sarah and jealousy grew in her heart. Sarah sought to punish Hagar for her own sin and so another journey began that affects us all to this day.

“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife had born him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, ‘Now behold the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my main; perhaps I shall obtain children through her.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. – And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight.” Genesis 16:1-2, 4

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Pray for Clarie’s daughter for clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery. Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Besetting Sin

“Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev, and settled between Kadesh and Shur; then he sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, ‘She is my sister.’ So Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night and said to him, ‘Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, because she is married.’ -- Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, ‘What have you done to u? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.’” Genesis 20:1-3,9

Besetting sin is sin that you repeat even though you KNOW it is not right. Abraham did this and showed us not only that it hurt him and his family, but others were hurt along the way. God’s work in another person’s heart can be damaged by our actions – sometimes we never even know this has happened.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Pray for Clarie’s daughter for clarity of purpose; Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery. Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Price

“Thus it came about, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot lived. And Lot went up from Zoar, and stayed in the mountains, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; and he stayed in a cave, he and his two daughters. – Thus both daughters of Lot were with child by their father. And the first-born bore a son, and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. And as for the younger, she also bore a son, and called his name Ben-amni; he is the father of the sons of Ammon to this day.” Genesis 19:29-30, 36-38

God promised Abraham He would save and protect Lot. Lot wanted to make his own choices outside God’s plan, and God let him. Yet, Lot ended up where God had originally planned, but the disobedience Lot had displayed toward God resulted in a tremendous fear after Lot saw the destruction of the two cities. His fear drove him to withdrawal and isolation. His daughters grew resentful and fearful as well and instead of abandoning all hope arranged a way to meet their immediate needs. What resulted was a grave, abominable sin and the birth of two nations that warred against God’s people forever.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Pray for Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery. Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Not There !

"But Lot said to them, ‘O no, my lords! Now behold your servant has found favour in your sight, and you have magnified your lovingkindness, which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest the disaster overtake me and I die; now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Please let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be saved.’” Genesis 19:18-20

Lot did not demonstrate trust in the Lord’s provision and wanted to negotiate for something easy and desirable. God knows what is waiting up ahead. He also knows why He has taken you through your journey to this moment. The only “weakness” God has is His amazing love for you, in that He has given you free will and He knows you will not always choose to trust Him. But He does know best.

“In this is love; not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (full, perfect and complete payment) for our sins.” I John 4:10

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Pray for Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery. Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle.

I Don't Want To Go!

“Then the men said to Lot, ‘Whom else have you here? A son-in-law, and your sons, and your daughters, and whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the Lord that the Lord has sent us to destroy it.’ And Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, and said, ‘Up, get out of this place, for the Lord will destroy the city.’ But he appeared to his sons-in-law to be jesting. And when morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Up, take your wife and your two daughters, who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city,’ But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city.” Genesis 19:12-19

Sometimes you KNOW you are to leave and still you hesitate for the strangest reasons. Yet, the Lord HAS a plan and His plan will unfold in our lives one way or another. The sooner we learn to trust Him, the sooner we begin to grow into the image of His beloved Son. For that is why we are here really.

‘But we all, with unveiled face behonding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:18

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Pray for Nancy’s recovery from brain surgery yesterday. Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Coming With Me

“Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kingd of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. – And they also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed for he was living in Sodom.” Genesis 14:10-12

Sometimes we get to go places we never intended to as we follow others or circumstances dictate. But God’s hand is not so short that He cannot hold ours wherever we are.

“ For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'’” Daniel 4:34-35

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Look Up & Around

“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, ‘Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if anyone can number the dust of then earth, then your descendants can also be numbered. Arise walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” Genesis 13:14-17

Abram had family, position, friends and knew his home land. When the Lord called him, he had faith to follow; but can you imagine how difficult it must have been for him? People need leadership and a vision to follow; to know there is something to move forward for. Abram was asked to separate himself, to lift up his eyes, to look around, to see, and to walk on the land he was being given. It must have seemed he was left with a dry and dusty desert land compared to Lot. But he just walked on in faith because he knew his God.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Road Not Taken

“Then Abram said to Lot, ‘Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.’ And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere – this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah – like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan; and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other.” Genesis 13:8-11

In all of our lives there are decisions we must make and some we take – do we go to the left or the right? Do we stay or go? Do we argue or hold our tongue? We make and take these decisions for many reasons. Some we make for ourselves and some we make to benefit others. No matter what decisions we make, we learn the value of seeking the Lord’s wisdom and know the Lord will guide us through them, when we reach out to Him.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Jack, Adrian’s ageing uncle.

PPS: Was off line for a few days with technical difficulties.

Separate

“So Abram when up from Egypt to the Negev, he and his wife and all that belonged to him; and Lot with him. – Now Lot, who when with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. And the land could not sustain them while dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. – Then Abram said to Lot, ‘Please let there be no strive between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.’” Genesis 13:1-8 various

Family and friends are critical gifts of the Lord in your life; and through them, many lessons are learned. Sometimes you are separated from those who love and support you. When this is true, for whatever reasons, the lessons you have learned in their presence become even more clear and valuable.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Travelling Damage

“And it came about when Abraham cane into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. And Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and gave him sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels. But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. -- So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, he and his wife and all that belonged to him; and Lot with him.” Genesis 12:14-13:1

Sometimes nothing seems to matter for us from our disobedience. But if we look around, the effect of our decisions may hurt others around us.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Dangerous Direction

“Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. And it came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, ‘See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; and it will come about when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.” Genesis 12:10-13

Going down to Egypt was a symbol of entering, what would be considered, the heathen world. Abram rationalised this as the only way to preserve his family, but the cost was his integrity. This lie was just the beginning of his weaknesses of resolve.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Keep Going

“So Abram went forth as the Lord has spoken to him; -- And Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. – And the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I will give this land.’ So he built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the West and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord, and Abram journeyed on continuing toward the Negev.” Various from Genesis 12:4-9

It was a long and seemingly pointless journey for these people. How tired they must have grown, wanting to settle down and just start this promised new life; yet God’s plan had them moving on and never knowing where they might end up. Along the way, God’s promises and provisions played out in ways they had not imagined...sort of like our lives.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Adrian with life changes. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Virgil, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Leaving All

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you;” Genesis 12:1

Could you imagine Abram saying well not now or not yet or after I do this or ask someone else? God had and has a plan; He worked and works His plan through those He created for His purpose. His promise continues in each of us!

“And I will make you a great nation; and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you , I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:2-3

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New: Pray for Adrian who needs strong prayer to hold him up right now. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Sky of Blood

“And I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth; as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. And the sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up; and every mountain and island was moved out of their places.” Revelation 6:12-14

Sometimes we just need a little reminder:

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/866749/dust-storm-turns-town-black-in-seconds

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/glance/866546/dust-storm-turns-sydney-skies-red


Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New: Pray for Adrian who needs strong prayer to hold him up right now. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Determination Thwarted

“And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, ‘Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel; because there the Lord confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:5-9

For over twenty years I have used a daily devotion called Operation World. It is rather difficult to get a copy that is easy to carry around nowadays. In it there is information about every country in the world, with many demographic and economic statistics, including the result of missionary efforts. What I have noted is the changes in language distribution as the world moves slowly and stealthy toward one language again.

“Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name;” Genesis 11:4

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New: Pray for Adrian who needs strong prayer to hold him up right now. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Determination to Stay

“Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words. And it came about as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, ‘Come let us make bricks and burn them thoroughy.’ And they used brick for stone and they used tar for mortar. And they said, ‘Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name; lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.’” Genesis 11:1-4

How clever were these first people! What a plan! What invention and industry of purpose! My, how they imagined their determination to stay was all it took to stand against God’s purposes. How surprised they must have been to realise, their will was not His will.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New: Pray for Adrian who needs strong prayer to hold him up right now. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Barb to find satisfying work. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Jo in NZ for her new direction. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Leaving Family

"These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies by their nations; and out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood.” Genesis 10:32

Noah’s family would have grown extraordinarily close after all that time in the ark, yet God called each to a separate ministry that depended on an individual call designed to “apply” gifts and abilities God gave each of them in an orderly and glorifying way.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. – But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.” I Corinthians 12:4-7, 11

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Thank you for praying for Jo, a dear friend in New Zealand as she hears His guidance on her next direction. New: Pray for Adel for career guidance. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Leaving Safety

“Then God spoke to Noah, saying, ‘Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you, birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.’ So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. – Then Noah built an altar to the Lord,” Genesis 8 15-20a

It is great to cuddle into something or someone that makes you feel safe from all the storms and dangers of the world around you, however the Father knows when it is time to cuddle and hide and when it is time to come back out and face the new challenges of the new world you must deal with for Him.

“There is an APPOINTED time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven –“ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Thank you for praying for Jo, a dear friend in New Zealand as she hears His guidance on her next direction. New: Pray for Adel for career guidance. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

First Boat Trip

“Then God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth. Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms; and you shall cover it inside and out with pitch. – But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark – you and your sons and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.’” Genesis 6:13-14, 18

Have you ever had a time in your life when you knew you were to leave something and you felt confused and unsure. That’s where trust comes to benefit us most --and most of us have the most need of more of the ability to trust. Adrian, a friend of mine, loves these verses from Proverbs; and I suppose knowing where his life has taken him, it makes perfect sense.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear (with reverence) the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:508

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Thank you for praying for Jo, a dear friend in New Zealand as she hears His guidance on her next direction. New: Pray for Adel for career guidance. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Disappeared

“Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Genesis 5:21-24

Can you imagine walking SO closely with God that you just transport to be beside Him one day! That is the depth of the relationship Enoch had with the Father! Perhaps we can walk just a bit more closely today.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Jo, a dear friend in New Zealand, needs clear guidance on her next direction, as does Adel. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Second to Leave

“And He said, ‘What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you cultivate the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you; you shall be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.’ And Cain said to the lord, ‘My punishment is too great to bear! Behold, Thou hast driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Thy face I shall be hidden, and I shall be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and it will come about that whoever finds me will kill me.’ So the Lord said to him, ‘Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him seven=fold.’ And the Lord appointed a sign for Cain, lest anyone finding him should slay him. Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.” Genesis 4:10-15

God has plans for us and we can follow them or not and when we do not, He uses our decisions knowing the path we will choose to follow nevertheless to work out His plan, one way or another. None can stay His hand and no one can say to Him, ‘What are You doing in my life!’ And that is, for all of it, a comforting thought both when you are IN His will and when you are thinking to wander away from Him.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Jo, a dear friend in New Zealand, needs clear guidance on her next direction. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

First to Leave

“Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, lest he stretch out his hand, and take also from the Tree of Life and eat, and live forever: --therefore the Lord God sent him out from the Garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So He drove the man out; and at the east of the Garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim, and the flaming sword which turned every direction, to guard the way to the Tree of Life.” Genesis 3:22-24

The first to leave was the first to live and all because Adam did not trust God’s judgment. Sometimes we ARE where the Lord wants us and we fight because we think He is missing something...but He does know best for us, if we will only lean back and listen to Him.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Jo, a dear friend in New Zealand, needs clear guidance on her next direction. Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Leaving

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3

There are many stories in the Bible that talk about people leaving for places unknown in obedience to the Father’s call. (Moses, Lot, Paul, Jesus’ disciples & many others) Perhaps you have experienced the confusing time of moving on to something else, or someone else or a new place. The Father is omniscient and He alone knows the past present and future. We can trust that, you know.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Yokes

[Jesus said:] “’All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. [So,] come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:27-30

Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul. I love that thought, but more so the thought that our God gives us hope when there seems nothing to hope in. When you are so weary that you do not know which direction to head, He is there for you; and yes He carries you many times you do not even realise as you journey through the worst! It is up to you to remember His promises and relax!

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails. Isaias, mission work in Philippines. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

Example

“’Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you will not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?’ Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” Daniel 3:15-18

Standing up for what you believe or resolve, can be dangerous; but some things cannot be compromised in our lives. And when you must take a stand then you must trust God to bring the result that will most glorify His purposes.

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, the infection is gone & they await results of the chemo, Isaias, mission work in Philippines – has recovered. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better but tired. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian and Adrian’s ageing uncle.

In A Flash

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:13-14

“’For just as the lightening comes from the east, and flashes even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.’” Matthew 24:27

Yesterday, sitting at my desk on the 30th floor of a building in the middle of Sydney, it was calm and quiet, with only the sound of key-tapping and light whispers. Suddenly, as abrupt as a loud sneeze, a huge jet plane appeared at the window and veered off as quickly as an eye blink. Everyone's heart stopped, as together we contemplated the world as we know it and wondered if this would be the day. It was over in an instant and all those who witnessed it, seemed to expel their breath together and watched and listened to see if it would return.

“’For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? – But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.’” Matthew 6:25 & 33-34

Take care to know God’s Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, the infection is gone & they await results of the chemo, Isaias, missionary in Philippines - very ill. Barb to find work. Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better but tired. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

HOW Long Ago? !!

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind; cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind’; and it was so. And God make the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good. Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” Genesis 1:24-28

Today, one of my great teachers sent me an article about scientists being unable to rationalise or justify the presence of soft tissue matter in the bones of, what they believe to be, creatures/dinosaurs who lived so many billions of years ago. I always love it when science gives a new opening for faith and discounts man’s theories to explain away God. If you would like a copy I will try to get it up on the Blog, but probably will be better if you just send me an email.

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, the infection is gone & they await results of the chemo; Isaias, missionary in Philippines - very ill, Barb to find work; Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better, but tired. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Bye For Now

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the commandment of the eternal God, has been known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 16:25-27

Paul ends the most amazing letter to both Jewish and Gentile believers with this thought: The Truth had been kept a secret from the beginning by those who were jealous and competitive to keep it to themselves; yet God always has a plan to ensure the Truth is shared, even to the most remote parts of the world and our own households!

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: Continue to pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, now has an infection; Isaias, missionary in Philippines - very ill, Barb to find work; Reg & Bev on their trip. Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Laughlin, getting better, but tired. Michael & Diane for travelling mercies. God’s grace on USA. Billy & Michelle for recovery. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Peaceful Crushing

“For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feed. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:19-21

It is said we create God in our own image...most of the time that is a sweet, indulgent God, a white-haired, most times forgetful grandfather God. Yet, here we see the clear contrast to a God of peace who will crush Satan. He’s not a God who doesn’t care about how we represent Him, He surely cares

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, now has an infection; Isaias, on mission field in Philippines - very ill, Barb to find work; Reg & Bev on their trip. Answers: Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Laughlin, getting better, but tired; Michael & Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Billy & Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Applicable Not Adaptable

“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ, greet you. Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eyes on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites, and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” Romans 16:16-18

“’Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:19-20

Francis Schaeffer warned of the dangers of mixing real world and His world to “take advantage of modern thinking” for a paradigm for the Church of today. God’s Word and model for the lives of His people is applicable for all times but it is not so flexible to be so adaptable it resembles the world.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the Truth, and will turn aside to myths.” II Timothy 4:3-4

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, now has an infection; Isaias, on mission field in Philippines - very ill, Barb to find work; Reg & Bev on their trip. Answers: Tim & Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Laughlin, now home and back to school in a wheelchair; Michael & Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Billy & Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Pray for...

“Now I urge you brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may proved acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Romans 15:30-33

Some are called to go into remote and dangerous mission fields, and some remain behind with a different call. A call to pray. No matter where we are the prayers of others strengthens us. If you find yourself drawn to a mission field, pray for those who are there, knowing His plan is perfect and He loves to hear the thoughts of His children about others. And all of His children need to be supported by prayer.

“’Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.’” Matthew 7:7-8

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, now has an infection; and Isaias, on the mission field in Philippines and very ill, Barb to find work; Reg and Bev on their trip. Answers: Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Laughlin, now home and back to school in a wheelchair; Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Resting Plan

“For this reason I have often been hindered from coming to you; but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you whenever I go to Spain – for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while--” Romans 15:22-24

For those of us who have answered the call of the Father’s hand to go out, onto the far “mission field”, we wait to be called home or Home knowing His plans are perfect. I think of my friend Isaias in the Philippines right now who is so ill and determined to serve where he is called to. I pray now that he listens closely to the Father’s leading and rests – because rest is also part of the Father’s plan for us and sometimes it is knowing God’s plan IS working out, even when we think He may be missing some of the “local” details. He knows!

“’Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, now has an infection; and Isaias, on the mission field in Philippines and very ill, Barb to find work; Reg and Bev on their trip. Answers: Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Laughlin, now home and back to school in a wheelchair; Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Where To Build

“And thus I aspire to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation; but as it is written, ‘They who had no news of Him shall see, and they who have not heard shall understand.’” Romans 15:20-21

Paul Heard, a musician had a most confronting song about missions work and where God would have us. I always wanted to go be a missionary in Uganda or Malawi because it represented what I thought missionaries did. Then I was called to a missions work with Campus Crusade for Christ, called, “I Found It!” Where we organised and mobilised to share the “Four Spiritual Laws” with every person in Atlanta Georgia (where I lived at the time) and we did. Somehow it seems easier to go to Malawi than to the neighbour next door. One thing I have learned is you need to listen to His leading and know He has a plan for everyone to hear and understand His message of amazing grace. Just keep listening!

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Pray for: Virgil (and all concerned) - see earlier emails, now has an infection; and Isaias, on the mission field in Philippines and very ill, Barb to find work; Reg and Bev on their trip. Answers: Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Laughlin, now home and back to school in a wheelchair; Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

White Fields

“For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ.” Romans15:18-19

Ever think of being a missionary in a far away and difficult country? Most of us have. There’s something noble about going far away and living a bare existence to sacrifice our comfort for the cause of Christ. People even do little mini-mission tours with this in mind...yet, our mission field is where we are now, too.

“’Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest;? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not laboured; others have laboured and you have entered into their labour.’” John 4:35-38

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Pray for Virgil (and all concerned), (has been waiting for a liver transplant for years)– has had the procedure to directly implant chemo into the tumour. Laughlin, nine year old, recovering from serious hip surgery, may be going home Monday; Reg and Bev on their trip. Answers: Nancy and Ed are reconciling. Thank you for praying! Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

You Know This!

“And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another. But I have written very boldly to you of some points, so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest of the Gospel of God, that my offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:14-16

You know this stuff. I know this stuff. Every morning I read about this stuff and then write about this stuff. Yet, you know what I discover. I still have a lot to learn. I know the basics of loving others and remembering that God loves me and has a plan for His world...but there is a point where knowing must be transformed into action...the walking the talk.

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Please pray for Virgil (and all concerned), who has been waiting for a liver transplant for years– they have found an inoperable tumour in his liver and will do a procedure Tuesday, 18 August to try directly implanting chemo into the tumour. Laughlin, nine year old, recovering from serious hip surgery, may be going home Monday; Reg and Bev on their trip. Answers: Nancy and Ed are reconciling. Thank you for praying! Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Gentiles' Hope

“And again he says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.’ And again, ‘Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise Him.’ And Again Isaiah says, ‘There shall come the root of Jesse and He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope.’” Romans 15:11-12

“And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; -- And God blessed them;...And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.... ‘And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you ALL the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”Genesis 1:27-31 selections & 12:2-3

God’s plan was to save all and the only way He could do this in the face of men’s desire to have their own way was to sacrifice His only and beloved Son. Who else would have done such a thing for the likes of me, a Gentile with no hope?

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Please pray for Virgil (and all concerned), who has been waiting for a liver transplant for years– they have found an inoperable tumour in his liver and will do a procedure Tuesday, 18 August to try directly implanting chemo into the tumour. Laughlin, nine year old, recovering from serious hip surgery & in traction for another weeks; Reg and Bev on their trip. Answers: Nancy and Ed are reconciling. Thank you for praying! Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Inclusion - His Plan

“Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God ton confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, ‘Therefore I will give praise to Thee among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Thy name.’” Romans 15:7-9

Roman is about inclusion to me. I always think of this letter as a record of Paul teaching to a room filled with both Jews and Greeks/Gentiles, believers and pre-believers. He turns from one group (I imagine they didn’t actually sit together) and shares a convicting message to them about the other group; then turns to the other group and shares a convicting message to them about the other group. Back and forth he teaches. You see God’s message was to all – not to Jews alone. And that had been missed. When Christ came He was the one that bridged the gap in misunderstanding.

“”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.’” John 3:16-17

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Please pray for Virgil (and all concerned), who has been waiting for a liver transplant for years– they have found an inoperable tumour in his liver and will do a procedure Tuesday, 18 August to try directly implanting chemo into the tumour. Laughlin, nine year old, recovering from serious hip surgery & in traction for another weeks; Reg and Bev on their trip. Answers: Nancy and Ed are reconciling. Thank you for praying! Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Two MORE Gifts !!

“For whatever was written in earlier time was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus; that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6

Just think about THAT! God gives us perseverance! He also gives us encouragement! Now those are amazing gifts. And those two on top of heaps of other gifts, including the most powerful and most profound of all – the life of Christ so we could live forever! SO MANY GIFTS !

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: For David's birthday! Laughlin, nine-year old recovering & in traction for another two weeks; pray for his healing; Reg on his trip. Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

Think So?

“I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore, do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:14-17

“’Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man;’” Matthew 15:17-20a

God said we should not call clean, unclean. Man makes judgements about all sorts of things because they “think” it is right or wrong. Yet it is the “health” of our heart that is more a concern of the Fathers. Many times we can hide what is in our heart from others, yet not from Him.

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: Laughlin, nine-year old had serious hip surgery, pray for his healing. Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.

You, Not You

“But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.’ So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:10-12

“’Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.’” Matthew 7:1-2

Zig Ziglar, a Christian and business motivational speaker, always says that when you point at someone else, you need to look at your hand because you will find three fingers pointing back at you! How true the observation of our human nature to judge others!

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: Laughlin, nine-year old had serious hip surgery, pray for his healing. Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim, Barb and Reg for encouragement. Nancy and Ed for peace and reconciliation. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.