Sin Foundations - Premeditated Lies

"So Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the tent of the two maids, but he did not find them.  Then he went out of Leah's tent and entered Rachel's tent.  Now Rachel had taken the household idols and put them in the camel's saddle, and she sat on them.  And Laban felt through all the tent, but did not find them.

"And she said to her father, 'Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is upon me.'  So he searched, but did not find the household idols."  Genesis 31:33-35

I wonder if Rachel heard the exchange between her father and her husband about what would happen if the idols were found.  I wonder if she feared her husband or her father more.  I wonder why she chose such deceit. 

Sometimes I wonder why I do the things I do too, even when I know I should not!

"For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish.  But if I am doing the very things I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.  I find then, the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. 

"For I joyfully concur with the law  of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the waw of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.  Wretched man that I am!  Who will set me free from this body of this death?'" 

"Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!  So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my felsh the law of sin.'" Romans 7:19-25

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:  PNS, as he waits to hear the results of his pursuit of a great project role.  Pray that Deborah has God's grace in a very difficult situation.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Liz just had a miscarriage at four months.  David R just been declared legally blind from macular degeneration.  "Squid" just lost his very special uncle.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Thank you for all your prayers for my brother, Tim, and his wife Barb.  And he may have an opportunity for satisfying work!  Through a State-funded program, their mortgage payment will now be made for the next 18 months.  Carlton (painful bone infections) is feeling a bit better finally.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Raven - is still in hospital undergoing cancer therapy.    For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his new endeavour.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Pray for the two sons of Melanie Karunaratne (recently passed away).  Adrian is home but so agitated from all the procedures and treatments for his cancer, he is beginning to forget about thanksgiving.  Pray for the person who has so kindly given him a place to live during these many long months of disability. 

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.  

For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.  Please pray for a new project for me and 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!

Isaac and Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack still needs procedures and for the unrest and civil war in the Philippines where his ministry is searching for the Lord's fruit.  Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine as she adjusts to this time away. 

Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans.  For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and her wonderful family.  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.