Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Purposefully Discouraged, Part 1



“Then God spoke all these words, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.  You shall have no other gods before Me. 

“’You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.  You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. 

“’You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, dor the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain....’” Exodus 20:1-7

“”If we take the teaching and commands of Jesus seriously without an understanding of His own role in their fulfilment we can only be discouraged!  His commands are humanly impossible.  This is why Christendom is such a fertile field for hypocrisy and pretence, as people try desperately hard to obey, but without drawing on the resources of God’s strength to fulfil what He commands.”*

There were 10 Commandments, 613 precepts, 265 prohibitions, 248 “you wills and thou shalts” that were not even allowed to be written down.  We all know when something is wrong in our lives even when we say we cannot see it...and if we don’t see it, it is guaranteed someone else does or will.  Is the purpose of these only to discourage us?  Read tomorrow’s devotion to learn more about this.

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!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For all those affected by super storm Sandy in the 13 states across America, we pray for each of you that this will be a time of faith.  (So happy to have found Barbara!)  Pray for all volunteer workers, especially those who represent the Body of Christ (such as Samaritan’s Purse) now engaged in round-the-clock support for people who have lost so much, some everything, and now new storms are coming!

For Kent’s 80 year old mom, the radiation for her nasal cancer seems to be making things worse, please pray for her and Kent.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth.

Adrian’s having pre-treatments for his scheduled time in hospital and is not doing well, though his heart is still filled with praise for his Lord.  The cancer (same rare type as Deb below with link) has spread to create lesions on his neck vertebrae and cranium.  The pain meds are not helping much.  He’ll soon be in the Royal Brisbane Hospital for a month of treatment.  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.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Hans has found a fellowship of believers!  Lorelai had her child – both are healthy.  Bexleigh (born at 28 weeks, now 10 wks old weight 7 lbs 15 oz, still in hospital, they discovered the problem with her eating and have fixed it now.  Pray for her parents Tyler & Jenna.  For J&S, special friends, now living in their car in Florida, started his job and they hope to have safe accommodation soon.  

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.  Heidi starts her new job this week.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me...many irons in the fire, but unsure now if I will even have Internet connection soon.

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!  Hans, a new hungry baby Christian urgently needs to find fellowship (and a job) --if you know any Christians near Essen Germany, please contact me as soon as possible.  (Thank you, Andy, for answering his letter!)

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  For Linda C. - wisdom.  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

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