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.