Sin Foundations - Doing & Denying

"Then they said to him, 'Where is Sarah your wife?'  And he said, 'Behold, in the tent.' 

"And he said, 'I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.  And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him.  Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sara was past childbearing.  And Sarah laughed to herself, saying, 'After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?' 

"And the Lord said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?'  Is anything too difficult for the Lord?  At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.' 

"Sarah denied it however, saying, 'I did not laugh', for she was afraid.  and He said, 'No, but you did laugh.'"  Genesis 18:9-15

Had Abraham spoken with his wife about the promise or not?  Well we can't be sure, but it seems she was trivialising the words of the angels, making it more about sensuality rather than the promise.  Yet, because she did laugh and did deny it, we have one of the great verses in the Bible to assure us of the omnipotence of our Father God (v. 14)!

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:   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS.  Deepak:(who still needs our prayers for his situation) asks that we please pray for Melanie Karunaratne, a young mother who has two little boys and is in the hospital with cancer.  Raven - they found a lump under her arm and are doing further tests.  Pray for Paul R, that his present challenges will work out and that he would grow his time management skills.  Pray for Milo and Sabine as they travel to Germany, that they are safe and healthy and accomplish what they need to during the next six weeks.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Isaias is feeling better, yet some of his family seems also to be unwell now.  Also thank you for the local support Isaias has been given.   PNS is finally recovering and will be here for a visit soon.  Thank you, Father for giving me the ability to get on line again and for this unexpected  time of rest and reflection.

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.