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