Willingness

“’There is a conspiracy of her prophets in her midst, like a roaring lion tearing the prey.  They have devoured lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in the midst of her.  Her priests have done violence to My law and have profaned My holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the profane, and they have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they hide their eyes from My Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 
 
“’Her princes within her are like wolves, tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain.  And her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God’, when the Lord has not spoken. 

“’The people of the land have practiced oppression and committed robbery, and they have wronged the poor and needy and have oppressed the sojourner without justice. 
“’And I searched for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I have found no one.  Thus I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their way I have brought upon their heads,’ declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 22:25-31

“In other words, there is always more to be done than there are people willing to do it.  God states there that because He could not find a man through whom He could work, the word did not get done, and He was left with no option but to pour out His wrath.  God is not outwitted by our disobedience, but the principle is that He has chosen to work through people and not by-pass people.”*

God is all wise and all knowing and always present in all time.  He knows your Heart and chooses to be “handicapped” by your reluctance and your reticence.  Oh to be found willing to be His hands and feet in this lost and lonely world!

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 new project for me 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:   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 living in their car and need a permanent place to live.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Adrian, as he prepares for more treatments.  (His is the same rare type of cancer Deb had (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/).  He’s growing tired but a new pain treatment plan is starting to work.  If anyone’s near there, please let me know.  He still needs some visitors & love!

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.

Be with Deepak, his father had a stroke and he has new challenges for his work.  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, a friend 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.  For Rik who recently lost his mom.

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