Exclusiveness of Peace

"And He will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty, distant nations.  Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nations will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they train for war.

"And each of them will sit under his vine and under his fig tree.  With no one to make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.  Though all the peoples walk each in the name of his god, as for us, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever." Micah 4:3-5

Every day, if we see or hear the news, we know how nations war against nations, neighbors against neighbors, families fight internally, atrocities are common and the world is increasingly desensitised to the sadness and horror that sounds it.  

All around us people seek peace as if it was their right, yet only those whose hearts are owned and guarded by the Lord Jesus Christ can know the peace that passes all understanding.  

"'And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me; and concerning judgments, because the ruler of the world has been judged.'" John 18:8-11

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:   Fion's father had a stroke last week and has had surgery.  They're unsure of the prognosis yet, but he's a man who loves the Lord.  Pray for his recovery and the family.

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 23 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.) 

Carlton (painful bone infections) is feeling a bit better finally.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:    Sergio has had a very important job interview on Tuesday.  Please pray for him.

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: Adrian is still having chemo one day a month, his pain is debilitating, but he's still praising his heavenly Father for each new day.  

 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:  For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.  Unsure when the start date will now be for the new project.  Thanks for praying for me. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Continue to pray for those working in the aftermath  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 & Judith who head the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines, need strength and encouragement as they work with other ministers recovering and serving after one of the world's worst typhoons in history.  Their financial needs are so great.  Pray and see if the Lord would have you share some funds to support these devastated and exhausted pastors.  Just specify their ministry.

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 Lyle and their 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.