Stand Alone

"The best of them is like a briar, the most upright like a thorn hedge.  The day when you post a watchman, your punishment will come.  Then their confusion will occur.  Do not trust in a neighbour; do not have confidence in a friend, from her who likes in your bosom guard your lips.

"For son treats father contemptuously, daughter rises up against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own household." Micah 7:4-6

Micah had come to this city to let them know how disappointed the Lord was with their behaviour toward Him and His laws.  We may look at leaders and blame them for the state of our world, but trouble starts at home in the heart of the individual.

"'And brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.  And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.'" Matthew 10:21-22

Jesus reminds us that holding on to His Truth is dangerous too because when you stand against wrong you many times stand alone.

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: 

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:    Pray for Hans who has seriously injured his back and is not able to work.  Pray for his patience through this time of healing.  No word yet about the result of Sergio's recent job interview.  Please pray for him.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Barbara (sister-in-law) will finally start work this Monday with a wonderful company (she has waited five years to find a job).  Carlton (painful bone infections) is feeling a bit better finally.

 PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:   Fion's father had a stroke, has had surgery and last report they have moved him to a hospice.  Pray for the family and for his carers as he prepares to go home to the Lord.  Adrian sounds very tired now as he continues having chemo one day a month, his pain is debilitating, but he's still praising his heavenly Father for each new day.  

Saige, who now is at least a couple of weeks old has been reassessed and is not a candidate for heart catherisation.  Instead they will do more surgery as she grows stronger to repair the left side of her heart which is not working.  Please pray for her and her parents Michael and Jobeth and family. 

 David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his new endeavour.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments.  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%. 

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.  PaulNS needs heart peace and assurance of the project he has been promised will start 23 January.  He has been an amazing emotional support for me during my time of need.) 

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!

Elaine and Jim in Hong Kong have begun a new ministry.  Please pray the Father keeps guiding them in their work. 

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 please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above.

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.