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