Under the Circumstances

“Blesses is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 

“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 

“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.  In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.” James 1:12-18

I remember a wonderful lesson from someone who laboured to disciple me.  I was upset and said:  “all things considered I’m doing alright ‘under the circumstances’.  He must have waited decades to have someone use that phrase.  He smiles and said to me, ‘What are you doing UNDER the circumstances, when the Lord would have you have victory every day?” 

What I realised from our talk that day is that it is not the circumstances that cause me stress, but my attitude TOWARD the circumstances.  What about you? 

“Therefore let him who things he stands take heed lest he fall.  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and god is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:12-13

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:  Please pray for Adrian after his ordeal on Tuesday, that he is resting comfortably and with little pain.  I’ve not heard from him yet. 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Hans has found joy in Christian fellowship but his work is consuming him physically and emotionally!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will put Jesus first always.  For a new project – that it will start soon, that it will last and that I’ll enjoy the challenge once all the paperwork is sorted.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  The Lord is so “just in time” for me!  For Linda and Ian and the wisdom they have so generously shared.

Tim B finally having relief from his massive headaches.  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.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation. For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger every day & Fred as he cares for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) 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!

For Kent as he grows through the loss of his mom.  Isaiac as his ministry in the Philippines.  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. Pray for Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  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.