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.