First Sin?

“So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war.  And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. 

“And it happened as they were coming when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments.  And the women sang as they played and said, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’ 

“Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands.  Now what more can he have but the kingdom?’  And Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on.” I Samuel 18:5-9

“When a Christian will not let God be God in his own experience, he will always begin to dislike those who will.  We will make heroes of men like this provided they are in history books or live a long way from us, but there’s little the superficial Christian will like less than someone close to them whose godliness and activity exposes their own failure to take God really seriously and let Him be God.”*

The first time someone was suspicious in the Bible, it was Eve who was suspicious of the goodness of God’s plan and instruction.  Perhaps, this is the first sin:  to imagine that God does not have our best interests at heart?  Perhaps this is also why Satan made his decision?

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!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Pray for my friend Isaiac and his family and those who work beside him now in the Philippines.  His quick note to me said:  “I am sending you some photos of the damages wrought by super-typhoon Pablo.  CNN news commented that typhoon Pablo is times two compared to hurricane Sandy.”

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Be with and comfort those who loved Deb and those who watch her passing, that the Lord uses this time in a mighty way! 

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.

For Linda as she closed her practice that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health.  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, went yesterday to have the first round of treatments and sent me a text at 1 AM to say he has horrible pain.  Please pray for someone nearby to help him or that the hospital will find a way to let him stay there rather than drive the hour each way for the treatments.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb’s was.)  http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ).  I am too far away to help hands-on.  Please pray someone will take time to be with Adrian for the holidays.  He’s growing very tired and the pain meds no longer help.  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.

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) is eager to find new work since her project ended, especially now.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he is able to do.  Paul K who is setting up a consultancy.  Pray for a new project for me and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans, is enjoying his new-found fellowship and is thankful for his new job (first full-time role since 2004).  Thanks everyone for praying for him.  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still need a permanent place to live – still in car.

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.  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