Sin Foundations - Lust & Impatience

"And it was told to Tamar, 'Behold your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.'  So she removed her widow's garments and covered herself, and sat in the gateway of Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah had grown up, and she had not been given to him as a wife.  When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, for she had covered her face.  So he turned aside to her by the road, and said, 'Here now, let me come in to you'; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. 

"And she said, 'What will you give me, that you may come in to me?'  He said, therefore, 'I will send you a kid from the flock.  She said, moreover, 'Will you give a pledge until you send it?'  And he said, 'What pledge shall I give you?'  And she said, 'Your seal and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.'  So he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him.  Then she arose and departed, and removed her veil and put on her widow's garments." Genesis 38:13-19

Tamar was chosen by Jacob to leave her family and her Caananite religion to convert to faith in the one true God; and accept the promise of her future as part of God's plan.  It was not her fault that the two rebellious sons of Judah died before giving her a child, but she was ignored and forgotten.  Perhaps Judah thought if she married his last son, he too would die. 

Tamar resorted to deception to see her promise fulfilled.  And although we see prostitution quite different today from the "respectable" duty it was of many pagan women (sometimes all the women in a city would serve as temple prostitutes).  In all of this what is remarkable is that God STILL worked our HIS plan for HIS glory through the fumbling determination of the people involved.

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:  This morning PaulNS, has a very important meeting that could result in his finally finding a suitable project. 

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.