Blind Rich

"And Jesus said to His disciples, 'Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'" Matthew 19:23-24

"'Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law:  justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.

"'You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!  Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.  You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may be come clean also.'" Matthew 23:23-25

Micah is a book devoted to a prophet burdened by the abusive treatment of the poor by the rich and influential.  These people, in this day, used their social or political power for personal gain. 

Enjoy the weekend and if you get a chance to read through Micah it may bless your heart through this journey we take together.

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?  My friend PaulNS - he goes to the hospital tomorrow for tests after three of his teeth suddenly fell out and more seem ready to.

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.