Sin Foundations - Self-Reliance

“And Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.  And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 

As for Zillah, she also gave birth to Tubal-cain, the forger of all implements of bronze and iron; and the sisters of Tubal-cain was Naamah.” Genesis 4:20-22

God gave man many wonderful gifts and abilities, including the ability to imagine and create.  However, here we see the first attempts of man to thwart the effects of God’s curse:  living in cities meant they did not have to till the ground, being nomadic meant they did not have to till the earth, raising livestock meant and being meat eaters meant they did not have to rely on food grown from the earth, working with metal to make weapons offered a way to “cheat” when fighting, it also meant they could develop tools to ease the toil of the curse.  

Musical instruments were devised to mitigate the sorrow of the toil, and as we saw yesterday polygamy was introduced instead of adhering to the monogamous form of marriage, and finally poetic boasting, as in Lamech’s song (see yesterday) assert man’s self-sufficiency and independence from God. 

Today we take pride in our self-sufficiency and ingenuity, yet Father-God longs to care for us and will as we lean upon Him!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”  Proverbs 3:5-7

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 those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Betinna’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lukemia in November 2012.  They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor.  A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  Also be with Peter, who just lost his mom.

Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his understanding of God’s plan for his life – that he will cling quietly to the lord as he goes through this time and that hope will reign in his heart.  For Paul NS & PJ.

 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  

 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation.  For Carlton still suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cared for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

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.  Isaias 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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first. 

Sin Foundations - Sticks & Stones

“As for Zillah, she also gave birth to Tubal-cain, the forger of all implements of bronze and iron; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.  And Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, Listen to my voice, you wives of Lamech, give heed to my speech, for I have killed a man for wounding me; and a boy for striking me; if Cain is avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.’” Genesis 4:22-24

We met Lamech yesterday, the man who took two wives.  Here we see his anger and temper lashing out, yet somehow perhaps, in his words is a bit of a lament.  We always know when we are outside God’s will and sometimes our anger is so intense at ourselves that we wound those around us for little if any reason.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

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 those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Betinna’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lukemia in November 2012.  They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor.  A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  Also be with Peter, who just lost his mom.

Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his understanding of God’s plan for his life – that he will cling quietly to the lord as he goes through this time and that hope will reign in his heart.  For Paul NS & PJ.

 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  

 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation.  For Carlton still suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cared for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

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.  Isaias 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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first. 

Sin Foundations - Polygamy

“Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.  And Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son. 

“Now to Enoch was born Irad; and Irad became the father of Mehujael; and Mehujael became the father of Methushael; and Methushael became father of Lamech.  And Lamech took to himself two wives:  the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah.” Genesis 4:16-19

God found a way to work through the disobedience of His children at every step and although some will say that it was necessary for men to have more than one wife as they were told by God to populate the earth, this is not the model that God first gave. 

“And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.  And the man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’

“For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”  Genesis 2:22-24

God’s Word is not negated by circumstances...it is not situational...it is forever true and unchangeable for His glory!

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 those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Betinna’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lukemia in November 2012.  They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor.  A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  Also be with Peter, who just lost his mom.

Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his understanding of God’s plan for his life – that he will cling quietly to the lord as he goes through this time and that hope will reign in his heart.  For Paul NS & PJ.

 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  

 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation.  For Carlton still suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cared for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

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.  Isaias 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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first. 

Sin Foundations: Murder

[God speaking]:  “’If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?  And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.’

“And Cain told Abel his brother.  And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and killed him.

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel, your brother?’  And he said, ‘I do not know.  Am I my brother’s keeper? 

And He said, ‘What have you done?  The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground.  And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.  When you cultivate the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you; you shall be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.’

“And Cain said to the Lord, ‘My punishment is too great to bear!  Behold Thou hast driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Thy face I shall be hidden; and I shall be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and it will come about that whoever finds me will kill me.’

“So the Lord said to him, ‘Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.’  And the Lord appointed a sign for Cain, lest anyone finding him should slay him.” Genesis 4:7-15

Cain was angry at God and took his anger out on his brother.  Imagine this last conversation between Cain and Able.  Perhaps Cain accused God of being unfair and Able would not agree.  Cain being the big brother was supposed to be right, yet his attitude stunk!

God knew what had happened and His heart must have been crushed with grief over this action and then when God came to speak with Cain, his attitude was one of self-defence and deflecting and disrespect to the Father who still loved him.

The sins of the heart – our heart attitude plays out in our daily life and the Lord tells us in His word that the heart is where sin begins!  Give your heart to the Lord and be resolute in this decision!

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?  I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:9-10

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 those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Betinna’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lukemia in November 2012.  They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor.  A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  Also be with Peter, who just lost his mom.

Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his understanding of God’s plan for his life – that he will cling quietly to the lord as he goes through this time and that hope will reign in his heart.  For Paul NS & PJ.

 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  

 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation.  For Carlton still suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cared for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

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.  Isaias 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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first. 

Sin Foundations - Pride

“Now the man had relations with his wife, Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, ‘I have gotten a man child with the help of the Lord.’ 

“And again she gave birth to his brother, Abel.  And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 

“So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground.  And Abel, on his part also brought the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. 

“And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard.

“So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.  Genesis 4:1-6

As we delve a bit deeper into Genesis you will realise the importance of Eve’s first words after the Fall, but for now, look at where she gives credit for the birth of Cain.  Also, this is the very beginning of man trying to “fix” things with their own efforts.  She wanted to fulfil the promise that God had given them about the future victory only His Son could fulfil. 

When Able is born, there are no words from Eve...well second borns are typically not as important and go unnoticed unlike the hope and responsibility placed in the first.

Cain, the competent, set the example, proudly bringing the first fruit of his labour (which was perfectly acceptable as a sacrifice to God) and Able, admiring his big brother, follows suit with what he has (also perfectly acceptable as a sacrifice to God).  

God had watched the boys, as He watches each of us, throughout their lives.  He knew Cain expected recognition and thanks, rather than a lesson.  Rather than being “teachable”, Cain grew angry at God and fixated this anger against his brother as he realised in his heart he could not lash out at God successfully.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.”  Romans 1:16-19

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 those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Betinna’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lukemia in November 2012.  They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor.  A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  Also be with Peter, who just lost his mom.

Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his understanding of God’s plan for his life – that he will cling quietly to the lord as he goes through this time and that hope will reign in his heart.  For Paul NS & PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  

 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation.  For Carlton still suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cared for her.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

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.  Isaias 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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first. 

More Sin Foundations

 

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. 

 

“And they hear the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day; and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God, among the trees of the garden.

 

“Then the Lord called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’  And he said, ‘I heard the sound of Thee in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.’

 

And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked?  Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’

 

“And the man said, ‘The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.;  Then the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’  And the woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’” Genesis 3:7-13

 

We usually don’t look with compassion at the Father because we are typically too busy looking after ourselves or our friends or interests.  But can you slip for a moment into the heart of the Creator (with no disrespect) and imagine how sad it made Him feel. 

 

They took His ingenuity and creativity and used it to cover themselves, they tried to avoid God; they blamed each other and proudly refused to accept responsibility for their choices. 

 

All this in the first few chapters of the foundation of all life.  How sad the Father must have been.  His anger burned through His tears as He extracted punishment He put into action that would bring about a radical solution to the rejection of His promises and love...and loneliness for His children.

 

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 those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Betinna’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lukemia in November 2012.  They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor.  A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  Also be with Peter, who just lost his mom.

 

Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his understanding of God’s plan for his life – that he will cling quietly to the lord as he goes through this time and that hope will reign in his heart.  For Paul NS & PJ.

 

 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  

 

 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation.  For Carlton still suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cared for her.

 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended. 

 

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.  Isaias 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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first. 

Sin Foundations

“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.’ Genesis 2:18

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.  And he said to the woman, ‘Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’? 

“And the woman said to the serpent, ‘From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.’’

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from the fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:1-3. 6

Today I had a simple idea: search for the origins of sin in our lives that relate to competition.  But now I am distracted by the concept of sin and how “crafty” it really is.  So I’m off on a tangent for awhile about how we have so easily “eaten the fruit” of forbidden trees.  I hope it makes sense to everyone else, it is certainly touching my heart.

Just look at these verses!  First you see God observing His first “not good thing” --that man was alone.  Then the craftiness of that old serpent, who twisted words to suit his purposes.  How the woman, fearful of her lack of power, found the power of lying.  Then lust of the eyes and senses took over and the justification of gaining wisdom sealed the fate of our future as she shared her discovery; and Creation took its first fall.  Interesting!

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 those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Bettina’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November 2012. They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor. A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  

Be with Hans as he tried to resign from his job this week and found the Lord there preparing something unexpected from his courage and forthrightness.  For Paul NS & PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans has found joy and new support in his Christian fellowship.  For my new project.  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 and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  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. 

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.  Isaias 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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first. 

Greatly

“Sing to the Lord all the earth; proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.  Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.  For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods, for all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 

“Splendour and majesty are before Him, strength and joy are in His place.  Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.  Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him; worship the Lord in holy array.  Tremble before Him, all the earth; indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved. 

“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.’  Let the sea roar, and all it contains; let the field exult, and all that is in it.  Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord; for He is coming to judge the earth.  O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” I Chronicles 16:23-34

Great is our Lord and yet He is not too great that He does not care for your every moment to hold you, to carry you when it is difficult and rocky, to comfort you when you are lonely or hurting.  And He rejoices for your victories in growing up in Him in a way we can never understand.  Our God is a mighty and tender God who cares for us profoundly!  He deserves our praise!

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 those in Texas after this incredible explosion, for all the families of the 15 dead and 160 injured and those who will be emotionally scarred from this, and those who are helping. 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston, dealing with this tragic bombing.  That sanity and care will guide those healing and those seeking wisdom at this time.  Please pray for the 3 families who’ve lost a loved one, the 183 injured, 17 of whom are critical suffering in the hospitals and for those who love them.  Pray for those who will remember this day forever and for the surviving young man who lost his way and caused this horror with his brother. 

Please pray for Adrian, that this new T-cell therapy will work against his cancer.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Bettina’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November 2012. They just got the news that he’s in remission and that his brother is a match as a bone marrow donor. A bone marrow transplant is next on the schedule.  

Be with Hans as he tried to resign from his job this week and found the Lord there preparing something unexpected from his courage and forthrightness.  For Paul NS & PJ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans has found joy and new support in his Christian fellowship.  For my new project.  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 and satisfying work that he’s able to do.  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. 

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.  Isaias 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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.