Sin Foundations - Vengeance

"Now their words seemed reasonable to Hamor and Shechem, Hamor's son.  And the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he was delighted with Jacob's daughter.  Now he was more respected than all the household of his father.  So Hamor and his son Shechem came to the gate of their city, and spoke to the men of their city, saying, 'These men are friendly with us; therefore let them live in the land and trade in it, for behold, the land is large enough for them.  Let us take their daughters in marriage, and give our daughters to them. 

"Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people:  that every male among us be circumcised as they are circumcised.  Will not their livestock and their property and all their animals be ours?  Only let us consent to them, and they will live with us.' 

"And all who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor and to his son Shechem, and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.  Now it came about on the third day , when they were in pain, that two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dina's brothers, each took his sword and came upon the city unawares and killed every male.  And they killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem's house, and went forth."  Genesis 34:18-26

Jacob was absent it seems and his council not sought about this matter.  The eldest brother of Dinah and Judah were not interested in bloodshed.  Justice is not about vengeance and here we see disobedience to all the family of Jacob believed compounded by a blasphmeous corruption of the holy meaning of circumcision, surrounded with lies and deceit.  Not good!

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.  Help me know how to deal with a business matter concerning a charitable foundation I founded.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  "Squid" just lost his very special uncle.  Fand's uncle very ill and near death.  Barb (sister-in-law) was called about a job (networking and persistence seems to be paying off for her!)  Interview is this week.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   The fighting in the Philippines is nearly over now.  Thank you for praying.  God had a gentle surprise for Deborah as she faced her difficult situation.  Carlton (painful bone infections) is feeling a bit better finally.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Raven - is now in a recovery facility as she completes her cancer therapy.  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  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 surviving sons of Melanie Karunaratne in New Zealand.  Adrian is home and in such significant pain he is no longer able to think clearly.  Pray for the person who has so kindly given him a place to live during these many long months of disability.  Randir has angina and will need to manage it. 

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