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