Sin Foundations - A Better Idea

"But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the first-born.  

"And he blessed Joseph, and said, 'The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lands; and may my name live on in them.  And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.'

"When Joseph saw that the father laid his right hand on Ephraim's head, it displeased him; and he grasped his father's hand to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head.  And Joseph said to his father, 'No so, my father, for this one is the first-born.  Place your right hand on his head.'

"But his father refused and said 'I know, my son.  I know; he also shall become a people and he also shall be great.  However, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations."  Genesis 48:14-19

God is full of surprises and He watches us for how humbly we entrust our desires, wants and needs into His hands, for He knows what we need even before we do.  He also knows the plans He has for us and how He works that out sometimes IS convoluted because we sometimes miss his "traffic signs". 

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?  

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 is recovering in Cleveland Clinic.  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.