Sin Foundations - Cravings

"When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took her maid Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife.  And Leah's maid Zilpah bore Jacob a son.  Then Leah said, 'How fortunate!'  So she named him Gad. 

"And Leah's maid Zilpah bore Jacob a second son.  Then Leah said, 'Happy am I !  For women will call me happy.'  So she named him Asher." Genesis 30:9-13

On a human level this entire family story demonstrates the craving of human beings for love and recognition, and the price of thwarting.  Jacob continued to sow his bitterness with his, now four wives and set as a measurement of excellence the bearing of a child.  The only measurement that counts is our response to the Lord.

"Now as they were travelling along, He entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.  And she had a sister called Mary, who moreover was listening to the Lord's word, seated at His feet. 

"But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to him, and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?  Then tell her to help me.'' 

"But the Lord answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'" Matthew 10:38-42

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, strength and courage 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.