Sin Foundations - Defiance

"Now Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.  but Er, Judah's first-born was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord took his life.  Then Judah said to Onan, 'Go in to your brother's wife, and perform your duty as a brother-in-law to her, and raise up off-spring for your brother.' 

"And Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so it came about that when he went in to his brother's wife, he wasted his seed on the ground, in order not to give offspring to his brother.  But what he did was displeasing in the sight of the Lord; so He took his life also."  Genesis 38:6-10

Judah went to live with unbelievers; to marry outside the faith of his fathers.  For Judah's first son, although not specified, the sin was likely focused on the different family's approach to faith, since he would be influenced greatly by his mother.  After Er died, Onan defied his family duty because he didn't want to give a child to his brother.  His sin was not that he wasted his seed, but that he wasted his seed in defiance of his father's wishes.

In Genesis we see this recurrent theme of an immediate plunge from grace, whenever faith is no longer an active force in someone's life.  When Judah, in his grief and guilt, chose to leave his family and live away from believers, his faith began to cool.  But God's plan would be met one way or another -- Tamar would be in the linage of Jesus Christ.

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:  Pray for those in the aftermath of the bushfires in New South Wales.  PNS, as he continues his search for a new project role. 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?  

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%.  Thank you for continuing to pray for Adrian - his pain is lessening and he's getting some normal movement back and preparing for more hospital time to relieve the pain from the damage done to his spine from the cancer.  Carlton (painful bone infections) is feeling a bit better finally.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Raven - has just had the final dose of chemo and is recovering, surrounded by the healing support of her family.  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration. I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his new endeavour.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Continue to pray for Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Pray for the two surviving sons of Melanie Karunaratne in New Zealand.  

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) that the Lord would encourage her as she waits for a new project or full time role. 

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 - the end of the month is a brick wall for me now.  A 6-12 month project that looks like I will get won't start till late November.

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's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack still needs procedures and for Isaac 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.