Sin Foundations - Protective Deceit

"But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.  Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, 'What is this you have done to me?  Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?  Why did you say, 'She is my sister, so that I took her for my wife?  Now then, here is your wife, take her and go.'  And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they escorted him away, with his wife and all that belonged to him." Genesis 12:17-20

Two things here to consider:  God wanted Abram to obey and trust Him and not be in Egypt enjoying himself.  Since Abram was so "comfortable" enjoying the luxury his deceit had brought him, even knowing he had betrayed his wife, it was difficult to motivate him to move on and then there was the issue of Sarai, who did obey her husband and was compromised.  Abraham would not leave such comfort even though it must have been stressful for him, but still a self-satisfying result.

Most important of all in their weakness their testimony of the power and trusworthiness of Jehovah was compromised to all who knew them (family, friends, servants) and all of Egypt starting with Pharoah.

"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  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 10:11-13 

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:   Isaias in the Philippines has sent me this message"  "Dear praying friends.  How I wish I could finish doing my ministry report for May 2013, but flu strikes me down.  Cough, cough, could, sneeze, sneeze, sneeze...pain all over me.  Please pray for me."

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  PNS is finally recovering.

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.  Adrian as he continues to struggle through his cancer.

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

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.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

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.

For Tarrega, as his hearts settles and strengthens.  For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter. For Reg.  Pray for Annette and her 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 and individuals suffering from global financial mismanagement.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first. 

There are now four Amazon Kindles I've created from the many years of devotions I've written.  These are here to support you and this ministry that has continued since 1999.  The last one I put together is one of my favourite:  “Genesis & Discrimination”.  There are three others that may serve you and your friends:  Secrets of a Deeper Life in Christ , A Missing Psalm, Forgiveness.  Would you please share your thoughts on having these printed into hardcopies.