Pray and Trust and Pray

"Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.'  And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 

"Then He said to them, 'My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.'  And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.'"  Matthew 26:39

"Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.'  So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord." Job 1:12

"'Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and you when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.'" Luke 22:31

"As long as the ultimate outcome of an adversity is in doubt (for example, in the case of sickness or a spiritually rebellious child), we should continue to pray, asking God to change the situation.  But we should pray this in the same spirit as Jesus did -- not as we will but as God wills.  We certainly must never demand of God that He will change the situation.

"We should also pray from deliverance from the attacks of Satan.  As we have already seen, Satan's attacks, like the injuries of other people or the calamitous events of nature, are under the sovereign control of God.  Satan cannot attack us without the permission of God or go beyond the limits that God has set."*

You are not a helpless victim; you are His called and loved child, a member of the Body of Christ for Eternity.  God's plan for your life is that you grow more into the beloved image of His Son, Jesus Christ, which is simply a great way to begin the New Year. 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

PLEASE NOTE PRAYER UPDATES! AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO PRAY AND TO KEEP ME UPDATED ON GOD'S PROGRESS!  And 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!

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS:  Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room.  New visitors need to register for a login and password and will receive an email confirmation.  The room is open 27/7.  Go here to learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for those affected by the Air Asia Airlines that crashed.  Pray for those in the Norman-Atlantic ferry disaster.  Pray for those in the Philippines affected once again by the flooding.  Pray for all those who have no place to lay their heads, during this season of celebration -- the many shadow, street people around the world.

Pray for Adrian.  He is recovering from more cancer treatments over the holidays.  Pray for Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home) that he has understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.

For the family and friends of the police officers in NYC who were so callously slain, for the people of the city and the nation that something good will result from another tragedy.

In the aftermath of the siege in Sydney:  Please pray for the individuals who went through this ordeal and for their families and friends and all the police officers and pray for Australia that this does not become something we must get used to!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For the many individuals in Germany fighting for a new freedom.  Help the demonstrations remain peaceful and safe.  Pray for those in Russia, who are trying to demonstrate as their nation plunges into despair once more.

Bubonic and pneumonic plague has broken out on the island of Madagascar.  Last stats 40 dead, 119 confirmed cases.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads for many reasons:  missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were over 7,000 deaths from Ebola.  570 healthcare workers have been affected and of those, 324 have died.

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Pray for calm, true Christian revival and a return to founding values in the USA.

ONGOING PRAYERS:  Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  With the many typhoons and floods their financial needs continue to grow as they work in the fields training up labourers for Christ.  Please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Nancy, a friend of Hans, had surgery last week and although they did not find cancer, they will still have to perform surgery.  She does not know the Lord, yet.

Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke.  Pray for Patty and Doris (who just had her 96th birthday.  She was like a second Mom to me)

No word yet on the small project for me, but three reasonably good prospects that will have to wait till after the New Year..

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations.  Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration. 

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom.  Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Pray for Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work.  Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

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!

For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany. 

Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!)  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

*Trusting God is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.

Trust The Golden Key

"Also do not take seriously all words which are spoken, lest you hear your servant cursing you.  For you also have realised that you likewise have many times cursed others." Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

"Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?" Lamentations 3:37

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

"Our tendency is to blame the other person, to harbour resentment, and to even desire revenge.  I have found that two truths help me forgive others.

"First, I myself am a sinner, forgiven by the grace of God and the shed blood of His Son.  I have hurt others, perhaps not so often deliberately but unconsciously through an uncaring spirit or selfish actions. -- Second, I seek to look beyond the person who is only the instrument to see God who has purposed this adversity for me."*

I attended Institute for Youth Conflicts, with Bill Gothard many years in a row...and one thing I learned was that when you are angry, you are actually angry at God.  When you are not trusting, you are actually not trusting God.

Our Father is ALWAYS near to us, watching over us, comforting and teaching us through many ways.  It is His plan for your life to bring you to Him and then for Him to help you to grow more into the image of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

As we close out one more year, let us all purpose to be more trusting - for trust IS the golden key.  When we are, our lives change dramatically.

If you would like some additional material on Forgiveness, one of the series of the WeakDay Devotions has been published as an Amazon Books Kindle for you.  You can click the link above or go to Amazon Books and search Darlene Richard, author.  If you are unable to purchase one or do not have a Kindle, just send me a note and I will send you a PDF copy.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

PLEASE NOTE PRAYER UPDATES! AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO PRAY AND TO KEEP ME UPDATED ON GOD'S PROGRESS!  And 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!

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS:  Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room.  New visitors need to register for a login and password and will receive an email confirmation.  The room is open 27/7.  Go here to learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for all those who have no place to lay their heads, during this season of celebration -- the many shadow, street people around the world.

Pray for Adrian at this time.  He will be going into the hospital on the 24th to have a full day of treatments.  It takes from 3-5 days for him to recover from them, but thanks to your prayers, he will not be alone for the holidays.  Pray for Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home) that he has compassion and gentleness especially during this time of recovery for Adrian.

For the family and friends of the police officers in NYC who were so callously slain, for the people of the city and the nation that something good will result from another tragedy.

In the aftermath of the siege in Sydney:  Please pray for the individuals who went through this ordeal and for their families and friends and all the police officers and pray for Australia that this does not become something we must get used to!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For the many individuals in Germany fighting for a new freedom.  Help the demonstrations remain peaceful and safe.

Bubonic and pneumonic plague has broken out on the island of Madagascar.  Last stats 40 dead, 119 confirmed cases.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads for many reasons:  missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were over 7,000 deaths from Ebola.  570 healthcare workers have been affected and of those, 324 have died.

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Pray for calm, true Christian revival and a return to founding values in the USA.

ONGOING PRAYERS:  Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  With the many typhoons and floods their financial needs continue to grow as they work in the fields training up labourers for Christ.  Please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Nancy, a friend of Hans, had surgery last week and although they did not find cancer, they will still have to perform surgery.  She does not know the Lord, yet.

Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke.  Pray for Patty and Doris (who just had her 96th birthday.  She was like a second Mom to me)

No word yet on the small project for me, but three reasonably good prospects that will have to wait till after the New Year..

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations.  Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration. 

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom.  Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Pray for Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work.  Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

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!

For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany. 

Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!)  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

*Trusting God is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.

Our Thorns

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you."  I Peter 5:6-7

"Whenever God blesses us in any way that might engender pride in us, He will along with the blessing give us a 'thorn in the flesh' to oppose and undermine that pride.  We will be made weak in some way through one or more adversities in order that we might recognise that our strength is in Him, not in ourselves."*

I have a huge Bougainvillea bush outside my front door.  It grows so fast that I have to go and trim it from covering the window regularly.  The first time I trimmed it, I learned the size and ferocity of the thorns. 

Where Jesus lived, thorns were common.  Getting a thorn out of the flesh, however, was not easy.  There were no sharp, pointy needles.  Many times the tip of a thorn would be used to help extract a thorn in the flesh.  The danger was that it too might break off and a small piece of that thorn would be left behind to ache for weeks or maybe even forever.

[Paul speaking] "And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me -- to keep me from exalting myself! 

"'Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.'" II Corinthians 12:7-9a

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

PLEASE NOTE PRAYER UPDATES! AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO PRAY AND TO KEEP ME UPDATED ON GOD'S PROGRESS!  And 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!

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS:  Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room.  New visitors need to register for a login and password and will receive an email confirmation.  The room is open 27/7.  Go here to learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray for all those who have no place to lay their heads, during this season of celebration -- the many shadow, street people around the world.

Pray for Adrian at this time.  He will be going into the hospital on the 24th to have a full day of treatments.  It takes from 3-5 days for him to recover from them, but thanks to your prayers, he will not be alone for the holidays.  Pray for Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home) that he has compassion and gentleness especially during this time of recovery for Adrian.

For the family and friends of the police officers in NYC who were so callously slain, for the people of the city and the nation that something good will result from another tragedy.

In the aftermath of the siege in Sydney:  Please pray for the individuals who went through this ordeal and for their families and friends and all the police officers and pray for Australia that this does not become something we must get used to!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For the many individuals in Germany fighting for a new freedom.  Help the demonstrations remain peaceful and safe.

Bubonic and pneumonic plague has broken out on the island of Madagascar.  Last stats 40 dead, 119 confirmed cases.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads for many reasons:  missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were over 7,000 deaths from Ebola.  570 healthcare workers have been affected and of those, 324 have died.

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Pray for calm, true Christian revival and a return to founding values in the USA.

ONGOING PRAYERS:  Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  With the many typhoons and floods their financial needs continue to grow as they work in the fields training up labourers for Christ.  Please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Nancy, a friend of Hans, had surgery last week and although they did not find cancer, they will still have to perform surgery.  She does not know the Lord, yet.

Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke.  Pray for Patty and Doris (who just had her 96th birthday.  She was like a second Mom to me)

No word yet on the small project for me, but three reasonably good prospects that will have to wait till after the New Year..

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations.  Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration. 

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom.  Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Pray for Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work.  Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

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!

For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany. 

Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!)  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

*Trusting God is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.