Designed Priorities

“’All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father, nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.  Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:27-30

“And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.  And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” Matthew 9:35-38

“They were not to run off and do as much as they possibly could, but to be in touch with the ‘Lord of the harvest’ so that He could direct them to whoever He might choose whenever He might choose.  The Lord is the strategist, and He alone knows where He wants us to be and what He wants us to do.”*

Jesus didn’t send people out without a plan; and He certainly did not send anyone out into the harvest to wear themselves out or miss the “designed priorities” of their lives, such as:  personal health, family and friends.  “Work-life balance” is not a modern idea, the Lord created it for our benefit. 
 
In Creation we find the seeds of comparison, competition and jealousy begin to sprout.  These drive us away from His plan if we do not keep our eyes on Jesus.  He is the Head of the Body...remember?

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:  For Kent & his family.  His mom has passed away.

For a phone meeting about a new project for me today and wisdom and strength from the Lord to make faith-based decisions during this time.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For all of us as we move out into this New Year, that we would have the heart of the Lord in all that we do.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Adrian is preparing for a new treatment and is sounding stronger than he has in a year.  For Deepak, who is home now, his father seems better.  For Linda and Ian and the wisdom they have so generously shared.  Tim B finally having relief from his massive headaches.  Hans, is enjoying his new-found fellowship and new job (first full-time role since 2004).  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.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets 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.

For Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work.  For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

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. 

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 in surprising and wonderful ways! 

Isaiac dealing with the aftermath of super-typhoon Pablo in the Philippines.  Pray for healing of hearts in Connecticut grieving after the mass shooting of the 20 four-six year olds and six adults.  For those affected Government decision makers and volunteers still working on the aftermath of super storm Sandy.

Comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

For Tarrega, as his hearts settles and strengthens.  For Linda, 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.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth. 

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  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