Pride & Disobedience

“And all the people perceived the thunder and the lightening flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance.  Then they said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, lest we die.’ 

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.’  So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.” Exodus 20:18-21

“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron, and said to him, ‘Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’  And Aaron said to them, ‘Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.’ 

“Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.  And he took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, and make it into a molten calf; and they said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.’” Exodus 32:1-4

[Saul] “now had a history of failure as well as the success of his early days, and rather than face up to the fact that he was the cause of the failure through his pride and disobedience, he doubted the sufficiency of God.  Faced with Goliath, he really knew what he should do, but unlike David, he had a history of only selective obedience that had deprived himself of learning how consistently God was wholly trustworthy.”*

Aaron, being Moses brother had more reason to trust in the Lord, as he had seen God work around and through Moses so often.  Yet, who knows what was in Aaron’s heart as he “took the reins” of these lost Israelites, lacking a leader in the middle of the desert.

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 Deepak, whose father had a stroke ten days ago and he needs to be home with him.  Be with and comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, 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 homes, power and heat from super storm Sandy, and the volunteers working tirelessly.

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, had his treatment yesterday and no one showed up to help him get to and from the hospital and pray, since his doctor has taken holidays, that the can sort out a treatment schedule for Adrian until he returns.  (His cancer is the same rare type as Deb’s was.  http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ).  I’m 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 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, 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 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 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