Thanksgiving AGAIN?

"I thank my God in all my remembrances of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jeus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and home, that I shall not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, al always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!  Let your forebearing spirit be known to all men.  The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

"...for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Selected verses from Philippines

I got the dates wrong but then two Thanksgivings in one month can't be a wrong thing!  Hope your day is special and filled with the memory of blessings far beyond turkey and pumpkin pie.

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!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  By some amazing miracle (why ARE we always surprised by God) I have been short listed for a technical writing project at one of our financial institutions.  I just need some work before the end of the year and I know the Father knows this.  Thanks also to those of you who have contacted me with your love and well wishes.    Barbara (sister-in-law) has been hired by a wonderful company.  It has been a five year struggle for them.  The role will begin in January!   PaulNS finally landed a wonderful project, start date in January.  Please pray God's would let him begin before the end of the year.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  .  for me:  will still need enough funds to cover this and the next months expenses even if I get this project.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?   

Thanks to Rachael and Jeff for their generous gift.  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%. 

 PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  Raven - began chemo for her cancer.  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. 

Adrian is 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.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Continue to pray for those working in the aftermath of one of the world's worst typhoons in history.  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!

Isaias and Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines to strengthen and encourage those in this ministry as they recover from the typhoon and continue to search for the Lord's fruit.   

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.  

Puns for Punch

"Tell it not in Gath, weep not at all, at Beth-le-aphrah roll yourself in the dust.  Go on your way, inhabitant of Shaphir, in shameful nakedness.  The inhabitant of Zaanan does not escape.  The lamentation of Beth-ezel:  'He will take from you its support.' 

"For the inhabitant of Maroth become weak waiting for good, because a calamity has come down from the Lord to the gate of Jerusalem.   Harness the chariot to the team of horses, O inhabitant of Lachish -- she was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion -- because in you were found the rebellious acts of Israel.  Therefore, you will give parting gifts on behalf of Moresheth-gath; the houses of Achzib will become a deception to the kings of Israel. 

"Moreover, I will bring on you the one who takes possession, O inhabitant of Mareshah.  The glory of Israel will enter Adullam.  Make yourself bald and cut off your hair, because of the children of your delight; extend your baldness like the eagle, for they will go from you into exile."  Micah 1:10-16

There is clever word play here we would miss because we are not fluent in Hebrew.  Micah uses puns to punctuate his message:  Saphir sounds like a word meaning beauty; Zaanan sounds like the verb meaning 'to go forth'; and Beth-ezel sounds like a word for "foundation".  

If you read the passage above and make these substitutes, you will see a new message.  Micah was a clever wordsmith who wanted to catch the attention of those involved.  Their actions and lack of trust in the Lord had seeped closer and closer to compromising God's people and could not be allowed to continue.  

Being bald in those days, by the way, was a sign of grieving or it meant you were not "covered"/watched over by God, so even here there is a hidden message.

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!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Barbara (sister-in-law) has been hired by a wonderful company.  It has been a five year struggle for them.  The role will begin in January!   PaulNS finally landed a wonderful project, start date in January.  Please pray God's would let him begin before the end of the year.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  .  for me:  Urgently need enough funds to cover this and the next months expenses.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?   

Thanks to Rachael and Jeff for their generous gift.  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%. 

 PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  Raven - began chemo for her cancer.  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. 

Adrian is 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.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Continue to pray for those working in the aftermath of one of the world's worst typhoons in history.  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!

Isaias and Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines to strengthen and encourage those in this ministry as they recover from the typhoon and continue to search for the Lord's fruit.   

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.  

Ostriches & Jackals

"Because of this I must lament and wail, I must go barefoot and naked; I must make a lament like the jackals and a mourning like the ostriches.  For her wound is incurable, for it has come to Judah; It has reached the gate of my people, even Jerusalem." Micah 1:8-9

These two animals are enemies.  The jackal is a small fox-like carnivore of carrion, meaning they, like hyenas do not typically kill their own but wait for leftovers.  They are stealthy and secretive and wherever they feed are typically areas of desolation abandoned by humans.  Their cry in the night is like weeping.

Ostriches are careless with their precious eggs (and future), laying them in the open.  Many are stolen and when this happens the bird destroys all the eggs and searches for a new place to lay new eggs.  Jackals are known as their enemy.  The sound an ostrich makes is deep and rich and even lions typically avoid confrontation with them.  

"'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!  How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.  Behold, your house is being left to you desolate!  For I say to you, from now on you shall not see Me until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!''"  Matthew 23:37-39

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!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Barbara (sister-in-law) has been hired by a wonderful company.  It has been a five year struggle for them.  The role will begin in January!   PaulNS finally landed a wonderful project, start date in January.  Please pray God's would let him begin before the end of the year.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  .  for me:  Urgently need enough funds to cover this and the next months expenses.   

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?   

Thanks to Rachael and Jeff for their generous gift.  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%. 

 PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  Raven - began chemo for her cancer.  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. 

Adrian is 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.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Continue to pray for those working in the aftermath of one of the world's worst typhoons in history.  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!

Isaias and Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines to strengthen and encourage those in this ministry as they recover from the typhoon and continue to search for the Lord's fruit.   

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.  

Two Sins

"All this is for the rebellion of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel.  What is the rebellion of Jacob?  Is it not Samaria?  What is the high place of Judah?  Is it not Jerusalem?  For I will make Samaria a heap of ruins in the open country, planting places for a vineyard.  I will pour her stones down into the valley and will lay bare her foundations. 

"All of her idols will be smashed, all of her earnings will be burned with fire, and all of her images I will make desolate, for she collected them from a harlot's earnings, and to the earnings of a harlot they will return." Micah 1:5--7

There are two sins identified in Micah's message:  the perversion of worship and injustice toward others.  These two attitudes toward God and His people infiltrated and infected the entire country, replacing His principles with more "appealing" principles of their own making.

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:  

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?   Barbara (sister-in-law) now has two remarkable job opportunities she's applying for.  Please pray one will finally be God's will for her. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  PaulNS finally landed a wonderful project, but no decision on his start date yet.  Please pray God's would let him begin before the end of the year.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

Thanks to Rachael and Jeff for their generous gift.  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%. 

 PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  Raven - began chemo for her cancer.  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. 

Adrian is 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.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.  for me:  Urgently need enough funds to cover this and the next months expenses.   

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Continue to pray for those working in the aftermath of one of the world's worst typhoons in history.  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!

Isaias and Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines to strengthen and encourage those in this ministry as they recover from the typhoon and continue to search for the Lord's fruit.   

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.  

Who is Micah?

"The word of the Lord which came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

"Hear, O peoples, all of you; listen, O earth and all it contains, and let the Lord God be a witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple." Micah 1:1-2

Micah's whose name means "Who Is Like Yahweh?' is the prophet of the downtrodden and exploited people of Judea society.  He was a simple man from a small agricultural town about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem on the border of Judah and Philistia, near Gath.  He lived at about the same time as Isaiah.  Little is known of his family or occupation, but his focus was clearly on the sufferings of the people around him.

"My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favouritism.  For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' and you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,' have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?'" James 2:1-4

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:  PaulNS meeting last week went well, but no decision on his start date yet.  Please pray God's would let him begin before the end of the year.  Continue to pray for those working in the aftermath of one of the world's worst typhoons in history.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?   Barbara (sister-in-law) now has two remarkable job opportunities she's applying for.  Please pray one will finally be God's will for her. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  PaulNS finally landed a wonderful project (it will not start till January), but at least he can sleep now (he will just need to be able to make it until his work begins - please do not stop praying for him.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

Thanks to Rachael and Jeff for their generous gift.  Kaitlyn (five year old) heart surgery went well and she home now.  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 - is 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:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration. I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  Raven - began chemo for her cancer.  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.

for me:  Urgently need enough funds to cover this and the next months expenses.   

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.  

Happy Thanksgiving

To all of you who are part of my family and the friends who have supported me through so much over these many years...here is a little something, that hopefully, will bless your heart a little and make you smile!

My Thanksgiving

"'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the whole world should be saved through Him.  He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.'" John 3:16-18

"Gut God being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 

"For by Grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works , that no one should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:4-10

"I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you in the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.." I Corinthians 4:1-8

"For while we were still helpless at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man;' though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were YET sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (full and perfect payment) for our sins." I John 4:10

"And the witness is this that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life." I John 5:11-12

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  and you will seek Me, and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Happy Thanksgiving to every one of you who is here to ensure that my relationship and my walk with my loving, heavenly Father is guided, protected and encouraged.  That I have the strength to love and support others as I walk or crawl; and that when I am so exhausted from fear and tears that you are here to hold me and love me through my own failings and weaknesses.  You know who you are!  Thank you!

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:  PaulNS has an important meeting today with his new employer and is going to press to begin work now.  Please pray that this is God's will for him.  For all those caught in the aftermath of one of the world's worst typhoons in history that hit the east side of the Philippines and for all the volunteers and others who are trying to help them in what has become a very dangerous situation.  More than 10,000 could be dead.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?  Barbara (sister-in-law) has a remarkable job opportunity she has been told of and will be applying for this week. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  PaulNS finally landed a wonderful project (it will not start till January), but at least he can sleep now (he will just need to be able to make it until his work begins - please do not stop praying for him.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

Thanks to Rachael and Jeff for their generous gift.  Kaitlyn (five year old) heart surgery went well and she home now.  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 - is 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:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration. I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  Raven - began chemo for her cancer.  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.

for me:  Urgently need enough funds to cover this and the next months expenses.   

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.  

Big God

"For behold, the Lord is coming forth from His place.  He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.  The mountains will melt under Him and the valleys will be split, like wax before the fire, like water poured down a steep place." Micah 1:3-4

The casual way we have come to describe God marginalises Him.  We no longer understand statements which describe a loving God who hates sin.  So we picture God as gentle and kind - a cosmic "pushover"; and our concept of what he hates is tempered by our misconceptions and wishful thinking.  Yet, the mountains will melt and valleys split at his coming.  And come He will when we least expect it because we have lost our first love!

Here is a video message by Paul Harvey to consider:  "If I were the devil."

"'This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one that this, that one lay down his life for his friends.  You are My friends, if you do what I command you.  No longer do I call you slaves for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give t you.  This I command you, that you love one another." John 15:12-17

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:  For all those caught in the aftermath of one of the world's worst typhoons in history that hit the east side of the Philippines and for all the volunteers and others who are trying to help them in what has become a very dangerous situation.  More than 10,000 could be dead.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?  Barbara (sister-in-law) has a remarkable job opportunity she has been told of and will be applying for this week.  My friend PaulNS - went to the hospital for tests after three of his teeth suddenly fell out, they've put one back temporarily and don't know the cause.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  PaulNS finally landed a wonderful project (it will not start till January), but at least he can sleep now (he will just need to be able to make it until his work begins - please do not stop praying for him.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

Thanks to Rachael and Jeff for their generous gift.  Kaitlyn (five year old) heart surgery went well and she home now.  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 - is 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:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration. I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  Raven - began chemo for her cancer.  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.

for me:  Client has been sent the proposal for a new two-month project.  A second 6-month project looks to be granted the end of November and another role has suddenly begun to look like it may come through!  Still, however, urgently need enough funds to cover this and the next months expenses, if I am able to do this work.   

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.  

Key Verses for Micah

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

"Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession?  He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love."  Micah 7:18

In our busy lives, sometimes it is easy to forget God's focus and purpose for us in His plan and that is to bring Him glory.  Sometimes it seems unlikely He is working on this, but, even in the most difficult of situations His hand is there holding you up & there to guide you through.  Follow Him!

"'And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me.  And I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.'  

"For thus says the Lord, 'Just as I have brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them.'" Jeremiah 32:40-42

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:  For all those caught in the aftermath of one of the world's worst typhoons in history that hit the east side of the Philippines and for all the volunteers and others who are trying to help them in what has become a very dangerous situation.  More than 10,000 could be dead.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?  Barbara (sister-in-law) has a remarkable job opportunity she has been told of and will be applying for this week.  My friend PaulNS - went to the hospital for tests after three of his teeth suddenly fell out, they've put one back temporarily and don't know the cause.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  PaulNS finally landed a wonderful project (it will not start till January), but at least he can sleep now (he will just need to be able to make it until his work begins - please do not stop praying for him.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

Thanks to Rachael and Jeff for their generous gift.  Kaitlyn (five year old) heart surgery went well and she home now.  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 - is 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:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration. I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  Raven - began chemo for her cancer.  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.

for me:  Client has been sent the proposal for a new two-month project.  A second 6-month project looks to be granted the end of November and another role has suddenly begun to look like it may come through!  Still, however, urgently need enough funds to cover this and the next months expenses, if I am able to do this work.   

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.