Slipping Around

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.  They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. 

“’They have made for themselves a molten calf and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed to it, and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’

And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and behold they are an obstinate people.” Exodus 32:7-9

In some ways this is a bit of an amusing part of Scripture because it seems so ridiculous to us.  Here were a mass of people in the middle of the desert.  They’d been living like slaves, then freed, saw the Red Sea part, and a heap of miracles so far, yet they started slipping around.  God called them obstinate...perhaps we all are. 

The next verses bring us to our knees and we find Moses as our hero.  When we are slipping around, I pray there is a “Moses” in our lives to help us get back up and that we can be “Moses” to another someday.

“Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them, and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.’

“Then Moses entreated the Lord his God, and said, ‘O Lord why doth Thine anger burn against Thy people whom Thou has brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 

“Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, ‘With evil intent He brought them out to kill them in the mountains and to destroy them from the face of the earth?  Turn from Thy burning anger and change Thy mind about doing harm to Thy people.” Exodus 32:10-12

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 the Boston who are dealing with this tragic bombing and 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 170 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.  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 resigns from his job this week.  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.  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.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.