Sin Foundations - Impatience and Jealousy

"Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she became jealous of her sister; and she said to Jacob, 'Give me children, or else I die.'  Then Jacob's anger burned against Rachel, and he said, 'Am I in the place of God who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?'  And she said, 'Here is my maid Bilhah, go in to her, that she may bear on my knees that through her I too may have children.'" Genesis 30:1-3

God had a perfect plan for the family Jacob would create and despite the impatience and jealousy of his wives, God prevailed!  His plan is never sidelined by our selfish determination.

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 through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for:  Isaac and his family are finally home in Manila.  The Philippines are in clean up mode after typhoon Ondoy.  Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack still needs procedures. 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Elina, that our Father would give her peace in her storm.  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak asks us to pray for the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who just passed away.  Adrian is home but still suffering from the many procedures he's undergone - still very weak and unable to eat properly. 

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  PB is now feeling stronger.  Heidi has now been awarded full time work.  John, Patti's husband is recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering after a heart procedure. 

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers.  PNS is feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely to the Lord and that there will be an unexpected, satisfying job in his chosen field for him.  Please pray for a new project for me and the wisdom of my next steps. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine as adjusts to this time away.  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.  Give her focus and comfort for her hurting heart as He brings about His will in this situation. 

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 - Determination

"Now the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, and He opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.  And Leah conceived and bore a son and named him Ruben, for she said, 'Because the Lord has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.' 

"Then she conceived again and bore a son and said, 'Because the Lord has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.'  So she named him Simeon.

"And she conceived again and bore a son and said, 'Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have born him three sons.'  Therefore he was named Levi. 

"And she conceived again and bore a son and said, 'This time I will praise the Lord,'  Therefore she named him Judah.  Then she stopped bearing." Genesis 29:31-35

Reuben means "Look, a son!" and Leah believed bearing a son when Rachel could not would make Jacob love her.  When she bore Simeon she felt the Lord was justifying her time of being unloved.  Yet it was not until she bore Levi that she looked at her sons and saw that it was the Lord she needed to praise and let Jacob learn his own lessons.

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 through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for:  Isaac and his family are finally home in Manila.  They've returned to the continuing effects of the typhoon Ondoy. Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is still waiting in the hospital.

PHILIPPINES:  Monsoon rains crippled (2 of 4) Manila's airport terminal.  Most of Manila is flooded.  Worst flood since typhoon Ondoy (the worst in their history).  See here:  http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/21/world/asia/philippines-floods/index.html

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Elina, that our Father would give her peace in her storm.  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we remember the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who just passed away.  

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Heidi has now been awarded full time work.  John, Patti's husband is recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering after a heart procedure. 

Adrian is home but in much stress and discomfort from the treatment - still very weak and unable to eat properly.  Thank you all for praying for him.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers.  PNS is feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely to the Lord and that there will be an unexpected, satisfying job in his chosen field for him.  Please pray for a new project for me and the wisdom of my next steps. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine as adjusts to this time away.  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.  Give her focus and comfort for her hurting heart as He brings about His will in this situation. 

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 - Opportunism

"But Laban said, 'it is not the practice in our place to marry off the younger before the first-born.  Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you shall serve with me for another seven years. 

"And Jacob did so and completed her week, and he gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife.  Laban also gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maid.  So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and indeed he loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with Laban for another seven years."  Genesis 29:26-30

Laban was an opportunist and did not care about Jacob's feelings.  The minute he saw Jacob's love for Rachel, he plotted as carefully as Jacob and Rebekah did to steal the birthright.  Yet, we see that Jacob was also learning from his past and took responsibility to serve the required seven years again.  Unlike Esau who began to eat the dry crust of his bitterness.

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 through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for:  Isaac and his family are finally home in Manila.  They've returned to the continuing effects of the typhoon Ondoy. Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is still waiting in the hospital.

PHILIPPINES:  Monsoon rains crippled (2 of 4) Manila's airport terminal.  Most of Manila is flooded.  Worst flood since typhoon Ondoy (the worst in their history).  See here:  http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/21/world/asia/philippines-floods/index.html

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Elina, that our Father would give her peace in her storm.  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we remember the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who just passed away.

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Heidi has now been awarded full time work.  John, Patti's husband is recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering after a heart procedure. 

Adrian is home but in much stress and discomfort from the treatment - still very weak and unable to eat properly.  Thank you all for praying for him.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers.  PNS is feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely to the Lord and that there will be an unexpected, satisfying job in his chosen field for him.  Please pray for a new project for me and the wisdom of my next steps. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine as adjusts to this time away.  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.  Give her focus and comfort for her hurting heart as He brings about His will in this situation. 

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 - Calling the Kettle Black

"Then Laban said to Jacob, 'Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing?  Tell me, what shall your wages be?'  Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.  

"And Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face.  Now Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, 'I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.'  And Laban said, 'it is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man; stay with me.'

"So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.  Then Jacob said to Laban, 'Give me my wife, for my time is completed, that I may go in to her.'  

"And Laban gathered all the men of the place, and made a feast.  Now it came about in the evening that he took his daughter Leah, and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her.  Laban also gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid.  

"So it came about in the morning that behold, it was Leah!  And he said to Laban, 'What is this you have done to me?  Was it not for Rachel that I serve with you?  What then have you deceived me?'" Genesis 29:15-25

The deceiver was deceived when the woman of his dreams was supplanted by the plotting of a father who was greedy and saw the young man's eagerness (think of Esau's eagerness to sell his birthright).   

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 through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for:   Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  "My Dad is getting better now, though his blood pressure shoots up at night.  Endoscopy and Echogram is recommended by Doctors but we have to wait until money becomes available.  We surely covet your continued prayers.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is still waiting in the hospital.

PHILIPPINES:  A tanker and passenger ship collided, 35 dead and 775 trapped inside the sunken ship.  See here:  http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/20/world/asia/philippines-ferry-disaster/index.html?iref=allsearch .    Monsoon rains crippled (2 of 4) Manila's airport terminal.  Most of Manila is flooded.  Worst flood since typhoon Ondoy (the worst in their history).  See here:  http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/21/world/asia/philippines-floods/index.html

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we remember the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who just passed away.  

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Heidi has now been awarded full time work.  John, Patti's husband is recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering after a heart procedure. 

Adrian is home but in much stress and discomfort from the treatment - still very weak and unable to eat properly.  Thank you all for praying for him.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers.  PNS is feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely to the Lord and that there will be an unexpected, satisfying job in his chosen field for him.  Please pray for a new project for me and the wisdom of my next steps. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine as adjusts to this time away.  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.  Give her focus and comfort for her hurting heart as He brings about His will in this situation. 

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 - Pride & Purpose

"And Jacob said to them, 'My brothers, where are you from?'  And they said, 'We are from Haran.'  And he said to them, 'Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?'  And they said, 'We know him.'  And he said to them, 'Is it well with him?'  And they said, 'It is well, and behold Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep.' 

"And he said, 'Behold, it is still high day; and it is not time for the livestock to be gathered.  Water the sheep, and go, pasture them.'  But they said, 'We cannot, until all the flocks are gathered, and they roll the stone from the mouth of the well; then we water the sheep.'

"While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherdess.  And it came about, when Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went up, and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.  Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted his voice and wept." Genesis 27:4-11

Imagine the scene:  a young man on a journey away from home the first time, hearing such good news and then seeing this woman (the first occurrence of love at first sight).  He proudly pulled the cover from the well just for her and then made his joy at finding family known. 

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 through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for:   Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  "My Dad is getting better now, though his blood pressure shoots up at night.  Endoscopy and Echogram is recommended by Doctors but we have to wait until money becomes available.  We surely covet your continued prayers.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is still waiting in the hospital.

PHILIPPINES:  A tanker and passenger ship collided, 35 dead and 775 trapped inside the sunken ship.  Monsoon rains crippled (2 of 4) Manila's airport terminal.  Most of Manila is flooded.  Worst flood since typhoon Ondoy (the worst in their history).

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we remember the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who just passed away.  

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Heidi has now been awarded full time work.  John, Patti's husband is recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering after a heart procedure. 

Adrian is home but in much stress and discomfort from the treatment - still very weak and unable to eat properly.  Thank you all for praying for him.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers.  PNS is feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely to the Lord and that there will be an unexpected, satisfying job in his chosen field for him.  Please pray for a new project for me and the wisdom of my next steps. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine as adjusts to this time away.  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.  Give her focus and comfort for her hurting heart as He brings about His will in this situation. 

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 - Defiant Jealousy

"Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan-aram, to take to himself a wife from there, and that when he blessed him he charged him, saying, 'You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Cannan and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and had gone to Paddan-aram. 

"So Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan displeased his father Isaac; and Esau went to Ishmael, and married, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth." Genesis 28:6-9

Have you ever made a decision to take action when you were angry about not getting your way or getting something you wanted?  Have you ever made a decision to take action when someone else got something you wanted?  A defiant decision made in jealousy or anger always brings heartache with it. 

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 through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for:   Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  "My Dad is getting better now, though his blood pressure shoots up at night.  Endoscopy and Echogram is recommended by Doctors but we have to wait until money becomes available.  We surely covet your continued prayers.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is still waiting in the hospital.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we remember the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who just passed away.  

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Heidi has now been awarded full time work.  John, Patti's husband is recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering after a heart procedure. 

Adrian is home but in much stress and discomfort from the treatment - still very weak and unable to eat properly.  Thank you all for praying for him.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers.

Isaias and his wife Judith need prayers for the last days of their heavy teaching schedule in the Philippines - guard their health and hearts.   PNS is feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely to the Lord and that there will be an unexpected, satisfying job in his chosen field for him.  Please pray for a new project for me and the wisdom of my next steps. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine as adjusts to this time away.  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.  Give her focus and comfort for her hurting heart as He brings about His will in this situation. 

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 - Manipulation

"And Rebekah said to Isaac, 'I am tired of living because of the daughters of Heth; if Jacob takes a wife from the daughters of Heth, like these, from the daughters of the land, what good will my life be to me."" Genesis 27:46

Lots of plotting, destructive behaviours and manipulation.  As the world turns the world deteriorates.  Strange it took so long for physicists to formalise this thought as a universal law.

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:   Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  "My Dad is getting better now, though his blood pressure shoots up at night.  Endoscopy and Echogram is recommended by Doctors but we have to wait until money becomes available.  We surely covet your continued prayers.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we please pray for the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who passed away.

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Heidi has now been given full time work.  John, Patti's husband is now recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering from the hospital after a heart procedure.  Daniel Craver, (4 years old) released from hospital with a bad flu rather than the suspected rejection of his liver transplant. 

Adrian is home but in much stress from the results of the treatment.  Unable to eat yet.  Thank you all for praying for him.  He is still very weak.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers and sends this message 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 the 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 feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely 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 for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine that she will adjust to this time apart.  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 her Heavenly Father as He brings about the result that is His will.  She also sends special wishes for Adrian's recovery.

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 - Intrigue & Hate

"So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, 'The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'

"Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, 'Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you, by planning to kill you. 

"'Now therefore, my son, obey my voice, and arise, flee to Haran, to my brother Laban!  And stay with him a few days, until your brother's fury subsides, until your brother's anger against you subsides, and he forgets what you did to him.  Then I shall send and get you from there.  Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?'" Genesis 27:41-45

Can you imagine this family?  Everyone spying on each other and then plotting to get their own way, to do what is right in their own eyes for their own benefit.  The miracle is that God had a plan that would not be thwarted by the most careful of scheming and intrigue!

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:   Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  He's been released from one hospital and returned to another in the hopes of finding adequate care - the hospitals where he lives are primitive and Isaaic and his family are now arguing with him to let them take him to a distant, but modern hospital.  He wants to save them the cost and to die at home.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we please pray for the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who passed away.  

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  John, Patti's husband is now recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering from the hospital after a heart procedure.  Daniel Craver, (4 years old) released from hospital with a bad flu rather than the suspected rejection of his liver transplant. 

Adrian is on his way home from what was to be a much longer stay in the hospital for his cancer treatment with nearly normal blood stats.  Thank you all for praying for him.  He is still very weak.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers and sends this message 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 feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely 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 for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine that she will adjust to this time apart.  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 her Heavenly Father as He brings about the result that is His will.  She also sends special wishes for Adrian's recovery.

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 - Desperation's Result

"Then he said, 'Is he not rightly named Jacob, for he has supplanted me these two times?  He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.'  And he said, 'Have you not reserved a blessing for me?'

"But Isaac answered and said to Esau, 'Behold, I have made him your master, and all his relatives I have given to him as servants; and with grain and new wine I have sustained him.  Now as for you then, what can I do, my son?'  And Esau said to his father, 'Do you have only one blessing, my father?  Bless me, even me also, O my father.' 

"So Esau lifted his voice and wept.  Then Isaac his father answered and said to him, 'Behold, away from the fertility of the earth shall be your dwelling.  And away from the dew of heaven from above.  And by your sword you shall live, and your brother you shall serve; but it shall come about when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck.' 

"So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, 'The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'" Genesis 27:36-41

Often when things do not go our way, we may grow resentful, even bitter and brittle.  We may lash out at those around us and yet, sometimes when things do not go our way, we might do better to look back and review the journey we have taken to arrive where we are.  Perhaps some spiritual soap is needed?

"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us."  I John 1:8-10

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:   Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  He's been released from one hospital and returned to another in the hopes of finding adequate care - the hospitals where he lives are primitive and Isaaic and his family are now arguing with him to let them take him to a distant, but modern hospital.  He wants to save them the cost and to die at home.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we please pray for the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who passed away.  

Raven - her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, bone scan came back ok second time around, lungs are still iffy, but the spots are too small and too close to blood vessels to safely biopsy right now - looking at four rounds of chemo, then radiation, then pill.  Chemo starts this Thursday (15 Aug). 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  John, Patti's husband is now recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering from the hospital after a heart procedure.  Daniel Craver, (4 years old) released from hospital with a bad flu rather than the suspected rejection of his liver transplant. 

Adrian is on his way home from what was to be a much longer stay in the hospital for his cancer treatment with nearly normal blood stats.  Thank you all for praying for him.  He is still very weak.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers and sends this message 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 feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely 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 for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine that she will adjust to this time apart.  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 her Heavenly Father as He brings about the result that is His will.  She also sends special wishes for Adrian's recovery.

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 - Unfair!

"Now it came about, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had hardly gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.  Then he also made savoury food, and brought it to his father; and he said to his father, 'Let my father arise, and eat of his son's game, that you may bless me.' 

"And Isaac his father said to him, 'Who are you?'  And he said, 'I am your son, your first-born, Esau.'  Then Isaac trembled violently, and said, 'Who was he then that hunted game and brought it to me so that I ate of all of it before you came and blessed him?  Yes, and he shall be blessed.'

"When Esau heard the words of his father, 'he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, 'Bless me, even me also, O my father!'  And he said, 'Your brother came deceitfully, and has taken away your blessing.'" Genesis 27:30-35

On the face of it, Jacob was wrong.  Rebekah was wrong.  Yet also Isaac was wrong, as was Esau.  All KNEW of God's promise.  All grew impatient.  All expressed this impatience by taking matters into their own hands to "force the issue".  God's will will not be thwarted by our scheming and eagerness for things to be otherwise.  Trusting His will and His timing is so difficult....but there is no other way. 

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:   Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack.  He's been released from one hospital and returned to another in the hopes of finding adequate care - the hospitals where he lives are primitive and Isaaic and his family are now arguing with him to let them take him to a distant, but modern hospital.  He wants to save them the cost and to die at home.  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Deepak needs our prayers for his situation, asks that we please pray for the two young sons of Melanie Karunaratne - who passed away.  Raven - in hospital, had surgery and begins chemo and radiation. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  John, Patti's husband is now recovering well after his second knee surgery.  Tarrega is home recovering from the hospital after a heart procedure.  Daniel Craver, (4 years old) released from hospital with a bad flu rather than the suspected rejection of his liver transplant. 

Adrian is on his way home from what was to be a much longer stay in the hospital for his cancer treatment with nearly normal blood stats.  Thank you all for praying for him.  He is still very weak.

Betinna's husband, Jim (with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) got to go out from the hospital for the first time for his birthday!  She thanks everyone for their prayers and sends this message 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 feeling better and needs our prayers as he continues to look for a job and that he will continue to grow in 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) has had a few very promising job interviews.  Pray the Lord has one of these positions for her.  Be with Hans as he struggles through changes in his life – that he'll cling securely 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 for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine that she will adjust to this time apart.  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 her Heavenly Father as He brings about the result that is His will.  She also sends special wishes for Adrian's recovery.

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.