Sin Foundations - Power & Jealousy

"Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.  And when Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished; and Esau said to Jacob, 'Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished.'  Therefore his name was called Edom. 

"But Jacob said, 'First sell me your birthright.'  And Esau said, 'Behold I am about to die, so of what use then is the birthright to me?'  And Jacob said, 'First swear to me'; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank and rose and went on his way.  Thus Esau despised his birthright." Genesis 25:28-34

The two boys were rivals from the time they were in the womb.  One a hunter in times of plenty, the other a "solid-hearted" man who tapped his foot waiting for the birthright to be transferred.  Add parents who choose their favourites and you have trouble brewing.  Esau did not care about his birthright and Jacob did not care to wait for God's plan to work out. 

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 Adrian, his physical pain is so difficult now for him.  He needs the arms of the Lord surrounding him with warmth and love right now.  His isolation is difficult as he begins this 4-6 week journey as they kill his immune system before they replace his T-cells in the hope of stopping this cancer.  He will be in isolation in Royal Brisbane Hospital for 4-6 weeks. If any of you can help by sending him an email or card and perhaps paying him a visit in a couple of weeks, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Please pray for John, Patti's husband how has had his second knee surgery and is not progressing well.  He needs to manage his health now to prevent blood clots and infections.  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.  Remember Daniel Craver, now 4 years old, he had a liver transplant last summer.  Now he has signs of fever and that his body is rejecting the transplant.

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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out for the first time on Monday, his birthday!  Please thank everyone again, for their prayers.  She sent this message today for Adrian:  "Jim and I can send an encouraging email.  We know that God is God and that He has Adrian in His hands." 

Isaias and his wife Judith need prayers for their ministries in Mindanao, Philippines from 31 July to 20 August, as they have a very heavy teaching schedule during this time - guard their health and hearts.   PNS is finally recovering and has arrived, pray for him finding a job and continued growing strength and bless him for his patience.

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 PJ

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 and that there will be an unexpected, satisfying job in his chosen field for him.  My project, actually the product and entire department where I was working, has been dissolved.  Please pray for the wisdom of my next steps. 

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - Habitual Favouritism

"And Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived.  But the children struggled together within her, and she said, 'if it is so, why then am I this way?  '  So She went to inquire of the Lord.  And the Lord said to her,

"'Two nations are in your womb; and two peoples shall be separated from your body; and one people shall be stronger than the other; and the older shall serve the younger.'

"When her days to deliver were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.  Now the first came forth, red  all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau.  And afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding on to Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob; and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them.

"When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.  Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob." Genesis 25:21-

God had a plan.  Isaac and Rebekah had their plan around their view of the future.  The newborns reflected a future of grasping and competition.  The parents picked their "winner" and set one against the other from the beginning. 

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 Adrian, he is in pain and unable to sleep as the treatment has just begun to kill his immune system before they replace his T-cells in the hope of stopping this cancer.  He will be in isolation in Royal Brisbane Hospital for 4-6 weeks. If any of you can help by sending him an email or card and perhaps paying him a visit in a couple of weeks, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS.  My project, actually the product and entire department where I was working, has been dissolved.  Please pray for the wisdom of my next steps.  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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out for the first time on Monday, his birthday!  Please thank everyone again, for their prayers.  She sent this message today for Adrian:  "Jim and I can send an encouraging email.  We know that God is God and that He has Adrian in His hands." 

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 has arrived, pray for him finding a job and continued growing strength.

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 PJ

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 and that there will be an unexpected, satisfying job in his chosen field for him. 

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - Getting My Way Hurts

"Therefore she said to Abraham, 'Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.'  And the matter distressed Abraham greatly because of his son.  But God said to Abraham, 'Do not be distressed because of the land and your maid; whatever Sara tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named.

"'And of the son of the maid I will make a nation also, because he is your descendant.'  So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave them to Hagar, putting then on her shoulder, and gave her the boy, and sent her away.  And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheba." Genesis 21:10-14

Sin has consequences.  Where Abraham AND Sarah rejoiced when Ishmael was born and were grateful for Haggar's contribution to their plot to get around God's delay, now the jealousy from their own personal gratification of having Isaac caused pain to all involved 

They were in the middle of a harsh and vast desert.  As Abraham equipped Hagaar for a journey that could only have resulted in doom for the child and the mother, how sad he must have been.  However, God still had His plan that He would work around their disobedience.  It would never be as perfect as He had imagined, and would always cause trouble into the future, but would bring Him Glory nevertheless.

"But it is not as though the word of God has failed.  For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; neither are all children because they are Abraham's descendants, but 'through Isaac your descendants will be named.'  That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as the descendants.  For this is a word of promise, 'At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.'" Romans 9:6-9

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:   Please pray for Adrian, he is in pain and unable to sleep as the treatment has just begun to kill his immune system before they replace his T-cells in the hope of stopping this cancer.  He will be in isolation in Royal Brisbane Hospital for 4-6 weeks. If any of you can help by sending him an email or card and perhaps paying him a visit in a couple of weeks, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS.  My project, actually the product and entire department where I was working, has been dissolved.  Please pray for the wisdom of my next steps.  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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out for the first time on Monday, his birthday!  Please thank everyone again, for their prayers.  She sent this message today for Adrian:  "Jim and I can send an encouraging email.  We know that God is God and that He has Adrian in His hands." 

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.

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

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - Comparison

"Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised.  So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.  

"And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.  Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.  Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

"And Sarah said, 'God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.  And she said, 'Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?  Yet I have born him a son in his old age.'

"And the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.  Now Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had born to Abraham, mocking.  Therefore she said to Abraham, 'Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be heir with my son Isaac.'" Genesis 21:1-10

Instead of focusing on her blessing, she focused on others around her and compared herself with them and selfishly wanted the best for her son, no matter who might be hurt.  It was her idea anyway to share her husband with Hagar.  Yet her desire to speed up God's plans and to worry about future riches, position and power soon drove her to forget about compassion. 

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 Adrian, he is in pain and unable to sleep as the treatment has just begun to kill his immune system before they replace his T-cells in the hope of stopping this cancer.  He will be in isolation in Royal Brisbane Hospital for 4-6 weeks. If any of you can help by sending him an email or card and perhaps paying him a visit in a couple of weeks, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS.  My project, actually the product and entire department where I was working, has been dissolved.  Please pray for the wisdom of my next steps.  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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out for the first time on Monday, his birthday!  Please thank everyone again, for their prayers.  She sent this message today for Adrian:  "Jim and I can send an encouraging email.  We know that God is God and that He has Adrian in His hands." 

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.

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

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - Partial Truth

"So Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, 'What have you done to me.  And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin?  You have done to me things that ought not to be done.'  And Abimelech said to Abraham, 'What have you encountered, that you have done this thing?'

"And Abraham said, 'Because I thought surely there is no fear of God in this place; and they will kill me because of my wife.  Besides, she actually is my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife; and it came about when God causes me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, 'This is the kindness which you will show me:  everywhere we go, say of me, 'He is my brother.'''

"Abimelech then took sheep and oxen and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored his wife to him.  And Abimelech said, 'Behold, my land is before you; settle wherever you please.'

"And to Sarah he said, 'Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.'

""And Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maids, so that they bore children.  For the Lord had closed fast all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife." Genesis 20: 8-18

Have you ever toyed with God, trying to get what you wanted?  Have you ever forgotten, even for a moment that your Father is watching over you, even during the most awful and frightening times -- that as His child you are NEVER alone and NEVER without hope. 

Here Abraham fell back into his besetting sin (lying) and rationalised it way, never imagining that God would punish someone else for his sin.  Yet, God also used this as a way to work out another step of His plan for Abraham.

I've been getting regular text messages from Adrian (see prayer request below).  Yesterday, right before one of these dangerous procedures, when, had I been in his place I would have been so afraid, he texted me:  "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow."  Please hold him up right now.

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 Adrian, he is in pain and unable to sleep as the treatment has just begun to kill his immune system before they replace his T-cells in the hope of stopping this cancer.  He will be in isolation in Royal Brisbane Hospital for 4-6 weeks. If any of you can help by sending him an email or card and perhaps paying him a visit in a couple of weeks, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS.  My project, actually the product and entire department where I was working, has been dissolved.  Please pray for the wisdom of my next steps.  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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) has had a good result from the bone marrow transplant and she has asked me to thank everyone for their faithfulness in prayer.

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.

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

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - Let Me repeat

"Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev, and settled between Kadesh and Shur, then he sojourned in Gerar.  And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, 'She is my sister.'  So Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 

"But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, 'Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married.  Now Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, 'Lord, wilt Thou slay a nation, even though blameless?  Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister'?  And she herself said, 'He is my brother.'  In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have not done this..'

"Then God said to him in the dream, 'Yet I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.  Now therefore, restore the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will life.  But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.'" Genesis 20:1-7

A "besetting sin" is one that haunts you because you fall back to a familiar behaviour under stress.  Here we see the mighty of prophet, confident of God's promise of a nation from his loins, trying to protect himself from danger by endangering his wife.  Now, take a few moments and think of why our loving Father would want to remind us of this.

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 Adrian, he is fearful for the first time as he faces this, hopefully last step in his treatment to replace his T-cells.  First they will kill his immune system, he will be in isolation in Royal Brisbane Hospital for 4-6 weeks starting tomorrow. If any of you can help by visiting him, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS.  Yesterday evening, I had a late call to let me know that my project, actually the product and entire department where I was working has been dissolved.  So please pray for the wisdom of my next steps.   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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) has had a good result from the bone marrow transplant and she has asked me to thank everyone for their faithfulness in prayer.

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.

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

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - Me and My Choice

"Thus both of the daughters of Lot were with child by their father.  And the first-born bore a son, and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day.  And as for the younger, she also bore a son, and called his name Ben-ammi; he is the father of the sons of Ammon to this day." Genesis 19:36-38

From the despicable union of the two desperate daughters came two enemy nations, the worst carnal seduction in the history of Israel (Baal-Peor, Numbers 25) and the cruellest religious perversion (sacrifice of children, Leviticus 18:21). 

Although the nations that resulted from their selfish choice were generally idolators, yet even here God worked for His good.  Ruth, a Moabite became one of the ancestors of Jesus, an Amorite woman was a wife of Solomon and mother of King Rehoboam, who was also in the ancestral line of Jesus.

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only; but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13

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:   Please pray for Adrian, he is fearful for the first time as he faces this, hopefully last step in his treatment to replace his T-cells.  First they will kill his immune system, he will be in isolation in Royal Brisbane Hospital for 4-6 weeks starting tomorrow. If any of you can help by visiting him, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) has had a good result from the bone marrow transplant and she has asked me to thank everyone for their faithfulness in prayer.

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.

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

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - Following An Example

"Then the first born said to the younger, 'Our father is old, and there is not a man on early to come in to us after the manner of the earth.  Come let us make our father drink wine, and let us lie with him, that we may preserve our family through our father.'  So they made their father drink wine that night, and the first-born went in and lay with her father; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 

"And it came about on the morrow, then the first-born said to the younger, 'Behold, I lay last night with my father; let us make him drink wine tonight also; then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve our family through our father.'  So they made their father drink wine that night also, and the younger arose and lay with him; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose." Genesis 19:31-35

The sisters were born in a city filled with the worst examples of impurity, yet their father protected their virginity for their future marriage.  However, the father also used his daughters as an offering to the evil men in the city of Sodom to save his guests from them. 

Fleeing the luxury of their home to a tiny town and then leaving there in fear, living in a cave eventually would have devastated the hopes of these young women. They desired and were determined to have children and didn't hesitate to seduce their father with drink to impregnate themselves.  It always seems easier to follow the example of others, rather than be responsible for our own decisions.

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 Adrian, who has completed the last two, exhausting days of chemo before being hospitalised for 4-6 weeks (after 27 July), when he undergoes a very serious procedure to replace his T-cells.  He will be in the Royal Hospital in Brisbane...If any of you can help by visiting him, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) has had a good result from the bone marrow transplant and she has asked me to thank everyone for their faithfulness in prayer.

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.

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

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - No Toothless Grandpa!

"Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the lord; and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the valley, and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land ascended like the smoke of a furnace.  Thus it came about, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot lived." Genesis 19:27-29

Lot reluctantly left the land he left.  He went slow, he argued with the angels, he did not watch after his wife, but worried about how he would be successful ever again and in the midst of this God cauterised the place where Lot had basked in glory.  Having visited this land it was and remains a site of natural ingredients for destruction with abundant petroleum, bitumen, salt and sulphur.  God is able to remove us from temptation and temptation from us.  He is no toothless grandpa!

"Therefore let him who thinks 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 10:12-13

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:   Please pray for Adrian, who has the last two days of chemo before being hospitalised for 4-6 weeks (after 27 July) when he undergoes a very serious procedure to replace his T-cells.  He will be in the Royal Hospital in Brisbane...if any of you can help by visiting him, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) has had a good result from the bone marrow transplant and she has asked me to thank everyone for their faithfulness in prayer.

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.

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

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - In a Flash

"And he said to him, 'Behold, I grant you this request also, not to overthrow the town of which you have spoken.  Hurry, escape there, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there.'  Therefore the name of the town was called Zoar. 

"The sun had risen over the earth when Lot came to Zoar   Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven. and He overthrew those cities and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.  But his wife, from behind him, looked back; and she became a pillar of salt." Genesis 19:21-26

Here is Lot still haggling with the Lord's messengers for a little bit of convenience and comfort - he wants a little bit of his "paradise-Sodom" again.  His wife must have watched this and wondered, "If Lot complains so much about the horrors of the cities we/re were fleeing from, is there still something there for her?  The grip of the world around us, even when we can plainly SEE that it is evil, is so strong!  The judgment was complete in a flash with no turning back.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

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 Adrian, who has the last two days of chemo before being hospitalised for 4-6 weeks (after 27 July) when he undergoes a very serious procedure to replace his T-cells.  He will be in the Royal Hospital in Brisbane...if any of you can help by visiting him, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) has had a good result from the bone marrow transplant and she has asked me to thank everyone for their faithfulness in prayer.

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

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! 

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

Sin Foundations - Wheeler-Dealer

"And it came about when they had brought them outside, that one said, 'Escape for your life!  Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley; escape to the mountains, lest you be swept away.'

"But Lot said to them, 'Oh no, my lords!  Now behold, your servant has found favour in your sight, and you have magnified your lovingkindness, which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest the disaster overtake me and I die; now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small.  Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be saved.'" Genesis 19:17-20

We can read the Bible impassionately, never imaging ourselves "like those people".  Yet the Lord put these examples in His Word to keep us from prideful thinking.  The Lord loves us and He always welcomes our thoughts, yet, here you see Lot "helpfully informing" these powerful angels so he could save time and energy and likely profit from his choice.  His worldliness was stronger than his spirituality.

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 Adrian, who has the last two days of chemo before being hospitalised for 4-6 weeks (after 27 July) when he undergoes a very serious procedure to replace his T-cells.  He will be in the Royal Hospital in Brisbane...if any of you can help by visiting him, please contact me.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

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:  Betinna’s husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) has had a good result from the bone marrow transplant and she has asked me to thank everyone for their faithfulness in prayer.

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

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! 

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