What is Providence?

"'Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they? 

"'And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?  And why are you anxious about clothing?  Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil dor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.

"'But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith?  'Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves? 

"'For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.'" Matthew 6:26-34

"Well-known theologian J. I. Packer defines providence as, 'The unceasing activity of the Creator whereby, in overflowing bounty and goodwill, He upholds His creatures in ordered existence, guides and governs all events, circumstances, and free acts of angels and men, and directs everything to its appointed goal, for HIS own glory.'

"I have developed a slightly shorter definition that I can more easily remember:  God's providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people."*

He cares for the big things and the little things that touch us; He watches and holds us when it seems to be too much - for His glory.  Have a good weekend!

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 Jen as she recovers from a terrible flu.  Pray for Bon who lives in the floor-ravaged Cornwall UK.  Pray for Emily that she can find a way to extend her Visa to Australia.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Pray for Adrian who has had a bit of respite from his growing pain from this cancer.  Please pray for wisdom for his doctors.  He has suffered so and yet still praises our Father! 

Thanks that the Lord held Deb's hand during her court appearance and that what eventuates, gives her heart peace.

Thanks to the Father for the blessing to Carla and Paul yesterday!  Thank our Father for His finding an unexpected way for Hans to not lose his income while he takes time to heal rather than return to work and for his having time to attend his first Christian conference and begin the journey in earnest! 

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 is now in a hospice.  Pray for the family and for his carers as he prepares to go home to the Lord. 

Baby Saige is improving.  Please pray for all those who care for her that the Lord comforts all as this little life unfolds."

Please pray for those who care for Deepak's wife who was "diagnosed with a level-2 breast cancer.  Op done in December to remove cancer now going for 2nd lot of chemo!" 

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 return to the ministry.  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:   Sergio walked out of his abusive work environment yesterday and needs our prayers now more than ever - he lives in Mexico City.  Paul NS has had such an adventure trying to find a role again.  Please keep him in your prayers that he does not give up.   

 For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs

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.  

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