It can't be me!

"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 perfect in weakness.' 

"Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." II Corinthian 12:7-10

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"...God's honour is to take precedence over our feelings.  We honour God by CHOOSING to trust Him when we don't understand what He is doing or why He has allowed some adverse circumstance to occur.  As we seek God's glory, we may be sure that He has purposed our good and that He will not be frustrated in fulfilling that purpose."* [my emphasis]

The world teaches us the complete opposite...be strong in yourself, take charge.  Yet by this we come to imagine that somehow we are in control...that we can fix it.  And when circumstances are too big to control, we just blame circumstances!  Being excused from our responsibilities...well that is normal because it can't be our fault....

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:  Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans' surgery went well and he is home now recovering.  He had some amazing opportunities to witness to others of how the Lord has changes his spiritual life too!  Carlton (painful bone infections) is feeling a bit better finally. 

 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.  Fion's father is now in a hospice and they moved his mother to a nearer place so they can be together.  But they have had to move his father again.  Pray for the family and for his carers. 

Please increase your prayers for Adrian who is suffering with the struggle against the pain left in his spine from his cancer. 

Baby Saige faces a lifetime of surgeries, procedures and time in hospital.  Please pray for all those who care for her, especially her family.

Please pray for those who care for Deepak's wife who was "diagnosed with a level-2 breast cancer.  Her chemo is nearly over.  Please pray for her to be strong and find a stronger faith as she recovers. 

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 need our continued prayers.  "The summer here in Manila is giving us unfavourable climate and is getting hotter and hotter every day. Measles and chickenpox are rampant.  Please pray for God’s protection upon us."  They head the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

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.  

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.