Swords & Sticks & Stones

“Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him.  When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance.  And the Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’  And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.  The Philistine also said to David, ‘Come to me and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.’

“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.  This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. 

And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.’” I Samuel 17:41-47

“But the principles by which David lived his life in that story are intended to be the principles by which you and I live our lives.  This is not a story to be relegated to moments of escapism and fantasy, but it is the record of how a child of God became a man of God.”*

Read all of I Samuel 17 this weekend and mark all the lessons there!  It’s an amazing demonstration of one young, naive, but trusting boy accomplished with his faith and a stone!  I wonder why King Saul didn’t take this as a warning and reminder.  We all need to pray that our hearts are tender and open to the Lord’s leading and that we do not pride ourselves in “knowing what we should do” without risking “following” what we see in Scripture.

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

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

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans, a new hungry baby Christian has found a fellowship and started his new job yesterday.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  That those in the news media do not forget those still without power and heat from super storm Sandy and the volunteers who are still working tirelessly.  Barbara was found, but still things are very difficult for her.

For Linda as she closed her practice that the Lord will open new doors for her.  For Rob as he grows through some things.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian, really struggling with ongoing pre-treatments for his deteriorating spine.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb below with link).  It’s sad that he faces this battle without friends or family with him to support him.  He’s growing very tired and the pain meds no longer help.  He’ll soon be in Royal Brisbane Hospital for a month of chemo.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. Tyler & Jenna as they continue to care for baby Bexleigh.

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work). Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many, including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) project ended and she needs new work.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Excuses?

“And David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’  Then Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.’

“But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant was tending his father’s sheep.  When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.  Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear, and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.’ 

“And David said, ‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’  And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and may the Lord be with you.’” I Samuel 17:31-37

“What a person will believe about God’s readiness to work in and through someone else is never the test of what we believe about God!  We all believe in the great God who worked through George Muller or D. I. Moody, but we do not believe in the sufficiency of the same God behind us!  We will rejoice over stories of God working through our contemporaries too, and acknowledge the good things that have been done.  But it is what WE believe about God in our own lives that reflects what we really believe about God!”*

Everyone had excuses that day when Goliath came to taunt the army of the most high God.  All but David, who innocently BELIEVED God and took action -- against all odds -- because David KNEW who his God was!  How do you get to know God?  Spend more time in God’s Word.  What excuses will you have today to do other things?

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

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

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Hans, a new hungry baby Christian has found a fellowship and started his new job yesterday.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  That those in the news media do not forget those still without power and heat from super storm Sandy and the volunteers who are still working tirelessly.  Barbara was found, but still things are very difficult for her.

For Linda as she closed her practice that the Lord will open new doors for her.  For Rob as he grows through some things.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian, really struggling with ongoing pre-treatments for his deteriorating spine.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb below with link).  It’s sad that he faces this battle without friends or family with him to support him.  He’s growing very tired and the pain meds no longer help.  He’ll soon be in Royal Brisbane Hospital for a month of chemo.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. Tyler & Jenna as they continue to care for baby Bexleigh.

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work). Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many, including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) project ended and she needs new work.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Thankful Faith

“And it came about while He was on the way to Jerusalem, that He was passing between Samaria and Galilee.  And as He entered a certain village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ 

“And when He saw them, He said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’  And it came about that as they were going, they were cleansed. 

“Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him.  And he was a Samaritan. 

“And Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed?  But the nine – where are they?  Was no one found who turned back to give glory to God, except this foreigner?’  And He said to him, ‘Rise, and go your way, your faith has made you well.’” Luke 17:11-19

“We will rarely see God at work unless we are prepared to take risks.  I do not mean wild risks where we go beyond what God has said and to test Him in some way, but where in sheer obedience we step into seemingly impossible situations and rely upon only one fact:  That God has told us to go and therefore God will take the consequences.”*

I always loved this story...what is remarkable is that the ten believed Christ and started on their way to approach the temple and priest – something completely forbidden to them and on their way they were healed.  That took faith.

However, greater is the faith that remembers to give credit where credit is due.  And in this case a most unlikely person was overwhelmed with thanksgiving for his new life thanks to Jesus Christ.  Hummm, gets you thinking, doesn’t it?

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

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

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Hans, a new hungry baby Christian has found a fellowship and started his new job yesterday.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  That those in the news media do not forget those still without power and heat from super storm Sandy and the volunteers who are still working tirelessly.  Barbara was found, but still things are very difficult for her.

For Linda as she closed her practice that the Lord will open new doors for her.  For Rob as he grows through some things.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

 

Adrian, really struggling with ongoing pre-treatments for his deteriorating spine.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb below with link).  It’s sad that he faces this battle without friends or family with him to support him.  He’s growing very tired and the pain meds no longer help.  He’ll soon be in Royal Brisbane Hospital for a month of chemo.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. Tyler & Jenna as they continue to care for baby Bexleigh.

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work). Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many, including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) project ended and she needs new work.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Living by Faith

“Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king.  Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, ‘Is it true, - that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? – 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?’

[The three]“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.’” Daniel 3:13-13, 15b-17

“What is ‘living by faith’? – No, what they needed was someone who would obey what God had said and trust who God is!  God was not going to work outside of their obedience, or prove anything in advance of their obedience.  If Goliath was going to fall, someone would have to act in unreserved obedience followed by unreserved trust.”*

Living by faith is not holding prayer meetings or “believing” God for what you want to happen, it is about trusting the Lord and keeping your heart clean before Him, so you are able to focus on Him in the midst of anything...even quiet and times of ease and joy.

In the case of the three friends of Daniel, they knew God was able to save them in many ways, but must never have imagined how powerful the Lord was until it was “too late”.  Their willingness to “step out on faith” was all they knew to do and trust God for the rest!

“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 3:18

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

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

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Hans, a new hungry baby Christian has found a fellowship and started his new job yesterday.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  That those in the news media do not forget those still without power and heat from super storm Sandy and the volunteers who are still working tirelessly.  Barbara was found, but still things are very difficult for her.

For Linda as she closed her practice that the Lord will open new doors for her.  For Rob as he grows through some things.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian, really struggling with ongoing pre-treatments for his deteriorating spine.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb below with link).  It’s sad that he faces this battle without friends or family with him to support him.  He’s growing very tired and the pain meds no longer help.  He’ll soon be in Royal Brisbane Hospital for a month of chemo.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. Tyler & Jenna as they continue to care for baby Bexleigh.

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work). Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many, including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) project ended and she needs new work.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Oh, Be Realistic!

“Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him.  Saul’s servants then said to him, ‘Behold now, and evil spirit from God is terrorizing you.”

“Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle, --And the Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them.  Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath. 

“And he stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, and said to them, ‘Why do you come out to draw up in battle array?  Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul?  Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.  If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be come our servants and serve us.’” I Samuel 17:14-15, 17:1a, 3-4,8-9

[When David heard Goliath mocking the Israelite army]“’But isn’t God on your side?  Goliath is not just defying the Israelite army, he is defying God!  God has promised that the Philistine army will be defeated and that Israel will be delivered from their oppression.  It is not you he is challenging, but God!’

“’David, don’t be so spiritual about these things!  We all know God is on our side, but we have to be practical about these things too, you know.  It is all very well you coming in and being simplistic and spiritual about the answer, but we have to be realistic.’”* 

Sometimes when you’re trusting in the Lord, those around you may, and usually do, see you as foolish.  Trusting the Lord is difficult in the good times – because you sort of “forget” He’s there.  When times are tough, you tend to focus more on the problem thank trust the Lord, thinking He expects you to use your own resources to figure out or fix what’s broken.  As your Father watches you struggle, what He actually wants is for you to come to Him and ask Him to fix what is wrong! 

Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for reading along each day. 

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

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

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE USA.   Hans, a new hungry baby Christian has found a fellowship and of all things a new job, which he finishes the paperwork for on Friday (correction from yesterday)!   Heidi started her new job a day earlier.  Lorelai had her child – both are healthy. 

Bexleigh (born at 28 weeks) is now 75 days old, home and weighs 8 pounds 15 ounces.  Pray for Tyler & Jenna it is very difficult reorienting her from the hospital.  For J&S, special friends, now living in their car in Florida, started his job and they hope to have safe accommodation soon.  For a special servant of the Lord in my life.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For all those struggling after the super storm Sandy and the volunteers who are working tirelessly – many are still without power and heat and the weather is still foul.  Have not heard more from Barbara but continue to pray for her.

For Linda as she closed her practice that the Lord will open new doors for her.  For Rob as he grows through some things.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian, really struggling with ongoing pre-treatments.  He was in hospital most of yesterday to restore his immune system before they can continue treatments for his deteriorating spine.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb below with link).  It is sad to know he faces this battle without friends or family to support him.  He is growing so tired and the pain meds no longer help.  He’ll soon be in Royal Brisbane Hospital.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension. Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression.

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work). Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief. For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many, including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) and Hans’ (friend) projects have both ended and they need new work. (Hans especially needs paying work – he’s been volunteering to fill the time.)  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make wise decisions.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  For travelling mercies as Reg and Beverly visit South Africa.  Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

Fizzling Out Big Time

“Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jechiliah of Jerusalem.  And he did right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah had done.  And he continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him.

“And in Jerusalem he made engines of war invented by skilful men to be on the towers and on the corners, for the purpose of shooting arrows and great stones.  Hence his fame spread afar, for he was marvellously helped until he was strong.

“But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. [only the priests of God were permitted to offer incense on the altar and they opposed Uzziah in this act of his]

[the result?] “And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the Lord.  And jotham his son was over the king’s house judging the people of the land.” II Chronicles 26:3-5, 15-16, 21

“Many in the Bible, and many in history have fizzled into oblivion after such great evidence of blessing, because they became self-sufficient, and wrongly interpreted God’s victories as their own.”*

It is amazing to watch the Lord work in and through your life...if you ever begin to imagine this is your power and feel self-confident and self-sufficient it will destroy you.  We can never rely on our own abilities...for we are utterly bankrupt apart from Father-God.

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

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

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE USA.   Hans, a new hungry baby Christian has found a fellowship and of all things a new job, which he finishes the paperwork for on Friday (correction from yesterday)!   Heidi started her new job a day earlier.  Lorelai had her child – both are healthy. 

Bexleigh (born at 28 weeks) is now 75 days old, home and weighs 8 pounds 15 ounces.  Pray for Tyler & Jenna it is very difficult reorienting her from the hospital.  For J&S, special friends, now living in their car in Florida, started his job and they hope to have safe accommodation soon.  For a special servant of the Lord in my life.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For all those struggling after the super storm Sandy and the volunteers who are working tirelessly – many are still without power and heat and the weather is still foul.  Have not heard more from Barbara but continue to pray for her.

For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian’s really struggling with the continual pre-treatments.  He went in yesterday  for another course of the preparatory chemo before he recovers enough to be hospitalised for months of treatment.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb below with link).  I’ve never heard him too tired to praise the Lord, but he was and it breaks my heart that he has to go through this without a friend or family member with him.  The pain meds are not helping much and he is very tired.  He’ll soon be in the Royal Brisbane Hospital.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  For Daniel Craver (4 yrs old), recovering from liver surgery.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension. Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression.

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work). Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief. For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many, including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) and Hans’ (friend) projects have both ended and they need new work. (Hans especially needs paying work – he’s been volunteering to fill the time.)  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make wise decisions.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  For travelling mercies as Reg and Beverly visit South Africa.  Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price

False Confidence

[Saul, in desperation goes to a witch seeking wisdom] “Then Saul disguised himself by putting on other clothes, and went, he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night; and he said, ‘Conjure up for me, please, and bring up for me whom I shall name to you.’  But the woman said to him, ‘Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those who are mediums and spiritists from the land.  Why are you then laying a snare for my life to bring about my death?’  “And Saul vowed to her by the Lord, saying, ‘As the Lord lives, there shall no punishment come upon you for this thing.’

[Saul asks her to bring up Samuel] “Then Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’  And Saul answered, ‘I am greatly distressed; for the Philistines are waging war against me, and God has departed from me and answers me no more, either through prophets or by dreams; therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I should do.’

“And Samuel said, ‘Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has departed from you and has become your adversary?  And the Lord has done accordingly as He spoke through me; for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbour, to David.  As you did not obey the Lord and did not execute His fierce wrath on Amalek, so the Lord has done this thing to you this day.” I Samuel 28:8-11, 15-18

[with regard to King Saul] “In the light of his past and his great experiences of God, he began to become familiar with God to the extent that he felt free to pick and to choose what he obeyed.  We must be very much on guard against experience of God that does not leave us in an attitude of humility and dependence.  When God’s victories create a self-confidence in us they have become dangerous!”*

Saul tried everything he thought possible to fix things his own way...what he found was that there was only ONE way to fix the problem and he choose to defy the Lord and use the power he thought he had a right to use, despite the Lord’s love and guidance.  Even here he brings in “the name of the Lord” as if Saul commands God to obey him.  All God longed for was that Saul would turn to Him and give up his arrogance and lean on Him!

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

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

 PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans, a new hungry baby Christian has found a fellowship and of all things a new job, which he starts on Wednesday!   Heidi started her new job a day earlier.  Lorelai had her child – both are healthy.  Bexleigh (born at 28 weeks) is now 75 days old, home and weighs 8 pounds 15 ounces.  Pray for Tyler & Jenna it is very difficult reorienting her from the hospital.  For J&S, special friends, now living in their car in Florida, started his job and they hope to have safe accommodation soon.  For a special servant of the Lord in my life.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For all those struggling after the super storm Sandy and the volunteers who are working tirelessly – many are still without power and heat and the weather is still foul.  Have not heard more from Barbara but continue to pray for her.

For Kent & his mom, the doctors have stopped treatment for her cancer and are making her comfortable.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.  For Rik who just lost his mom.

Adrian’s really struggling with the continual pre-treatments.  He goes in again today for another course of the preparatory chemical before he recovers enough to be hospitalised for many months of treatment.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb below with link).  I’ve never heard him too tired to praise the Lord, but he was.  The pain meds are not helping much and he is very tired.  He’ll soon be in the Royal Brisbane Hospital.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He needs some visitors & love!

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets the challenges of life after a stroke.  For Daniel Craver (4 yrs old), recovering from liver surgery.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension. Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression.

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work). Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief. For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ) Wisdom for doctors caring for so many, including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) and Hans’ (friend) projects have both ended and they need new work. (Hans especially needs paying work – he’s been volunteering to fill the time.)  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make wise decisions.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines. Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges and searches for sponsorship for his work.  For travelling mercies as Reg and Beverly visit South Africa.  Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price