Sin Foundations - Multiple Deceit

"Then he came to his father and said, 'My father.'  And he said, 'Here I am.  Who are you, my son?'  And Jacob said to his father, 'I am Esau your first-born; I have done as you told me.  Get up, please, sit and eat of my game, that you may bless me.'

"And Isaac said to his son, 'How is it that you have it so quickly, my son?'  And he said, 'Because the Lord your God caused it to happen to me.'  Then Isaac said to Jacob, 'Please come close, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.'

"So Jacob came close to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, 'The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.'  And he did not recognise him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau's hands; so he blessed him.  And he said, 'Are you really my son Esau?'  And he said, 'I am.'

"So he said, 'Bring it to me, and I will eat of my son's game, that I may bless you.'  And he brought it to him, and he ate, he also brought him wine and he drank.  Then his father Isaac said to him, 'Please come close and kiss me, my son.'  So he came close and kissed him; and when he smelled the smell of his garments, he blessed him..." Genesis 27:18-27a

This sad passage is filled with so many lies.  See if you can find each one of the.  All those lies were from lack of faith in God's plan and power.  How easy it is to fall into a similar trap when we want something badly and urgently.

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:  PB needs a heart-kidney transplant and is waiting in the hospital now.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Please pray for:   Isaac's Dad as he fights for survival at age 84 now & for Isaaic and his family in this time of deepest need especially for hospital bills.  Scott, in particular for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly. 

Tarrega who is in now home from the hospital after a heart procedure.  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, in the hospital with cancer, she's a young mother with two little boys.  Raven - in hospital, had surgery and begins chemo and radiation.  Remember Daniel Craver, now 4 years old (we prayed as he had a liver transplant last summer), seems his body is rejecting the transplant.

Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine that she will adjust to this time apart.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  I received a call yesterday from a very tired, very sore and very frustrated (his had to drive home & his car would not start & stayed nearby instead)  Adrian, who was surprisingly released from the hospital after this short time of treatment.  It would seem his stats have astounded the health care professionals.  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 again, 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 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 her Heavenly Father as He brings about the result that is His will.

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.