Just Ordinary

“And she made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thy maidservant and remember me, and not forget Thy maidservant, but will give Thy maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.’

“Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord yet been revealed to him.  So the Lord called Samuel again for the third time.  And he arose and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ 

“Then Eli discerned that the Lord was calling the boy.  And Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening.’  So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the other times, ‘Samuel!  Samuel!’  And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Thy servant is listening.’” I Samuel 1:11; 2:7-10

“And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11

“And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, ‘Is this not Joseph’s son?’” Luke 4:22

“When I was a young Christian I believed that there were certain special people that God liked to use and through whom He liked to work. – The truth is that the ordinary person is intended by Jesus Christ to be the very vehicle of His working, for He has chosen that the particular means of expressing Himself to people, is through other people.  God has no special favourites.  He is willing to work through any person who is willing to let Him.”*

There are so MANY illustrations of simple, ordinary people that God chooses to work through, that I could not imagine picking just one.  Thinking of Samuel, born of a barren woman, the shepherds who were the first to hear the Good News of the birth, the women who heard first of His resurrection.... so many – even Jesus was seen as ordinary!  Think of a few for yourself.  Perhaps, God uses “ordinary” people because “ordinary” people are not so focused on themselves and others never expect extraordinary deeds through those they know.

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 all those in Connecticut dealing with this tragic mass shooting of the 20 children 4-6 years old and 6 adults, including the shooter. Isaiac and his family as they help those affected by super-typhoon Pablo.  CNN news commented that typhoon Pablo was twice as powerful as hurricane Sandy.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Be with Deepak, whose father had a stroke as he travels to be home with the family.  Be with and comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

That those in the news media do not forget those still without homes, power and heat from super storm Sandy, and the volunteers still working.

For Mario who’s struggling with the holidays since his daughter was killed.  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, has another treatment on 24 December.  (His has the same rare type of cancer as Deb had (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/).  I’m too far away to help hands-on but am sad he will be alone for Christmas.  Please pray someone will take time to be with him.  He’s growing tired but seems a new pain treatment plan is starting to work.  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 thanks 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.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he’s able to do.  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 living in their car and need a permanent place to live.

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 for 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 and Matthew K as he grows up.  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