Sin Foundations - Discrimination 1

“When Noah awoke from his drunken stupor, and learned what had happened and what Ham, his younger son, had done, he cursed Ham’s descendants:  “A curse upon the Cananites,’ he swore.  May they be the lowest of slaves to the descendants of Shem and Japheth.’  Then he said, ‘God bless Shem and may Canaan be his slave.  God bless Japeth, and let him share the prosperity of Shem, and let Canaan be his slave.’” Genesis 9:25-27

This is the first use of the word “servant” in Scripture and therefore important.  The word is used more often to refer to one who is ‘steward’ in a household and does not mean slave.  We know that Canaan and his older brothers [Cush, Mizriam and Phut] shared the carnal and materialistic nature of their father, Ham. 

They became the Phoenicians and Hittites, two of the greatest nations of antiquity for a long time.  The reason this passage is important to continue to explore is because some use this passage as a foundation to discriminate against others.

Tomorrow the three fundamental types of duties to perform as God’s stewards of His world.

“Listen, my beloved brethren:  did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?  But you have dishonoured the poor man.  Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?  Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?  

“If, however you are fulfilling the royal law, according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself,’ you are doing well.  But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”  James 2:5-9

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 Deepak as he walks through some unexpected life changes that he would stay strong in his faith and trust in the Father.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:    Adrian finally contacted me, has been very ill with the treatments, his precious companion dog was badly attacked and as he struggled in his weakness to save his pet, his phone was broken beyond repair cutting him off from contacting anyone. 

Please pray for the three women and the child who were captured and held for a decade in Ohio.  Please pray for Deborah as she deals with a difficult situation, that she would keep her focus where it must be and that her hurting heart is soothed by the Father as He brings about the result that is His will.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Some of you will remember praying for Daniel Craver who needed a liver transplant.  Here is some news about his progress:  http://us4.forward-to-friend.com/forward/show?u=556f29b2852a83bb4481904e0&id=3cf11e192d

 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.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his new endeavour. 

For Carlton still suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her.  For Paul NS & PJ.  Betinna’s husband, Jim, with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to find new work since her project ended.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he will cling quietly to the Lord. 

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! 

Please continue to pray for those in Boston and Texas, dealing with the tragedies.  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 and Ian.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health and for the health of his daughter. 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.