What About Evil?

"Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the commander, to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their colleagues who live in Samaria and in the rest of the provinces beyond the River:  'Peace.  And now the document which you sent to us has been translated and read before me. 

"'And a decree has been issued by me, and a search has been made and it has been discovered that the city has risen up against the kings in past days, that rebellion and revolt have been perpetuated in it, that mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem, governing all the provinces beyond the River, and that tribute, custom, and toll were paid to them. 

"'So, now issue a decree to make these men stop work, that the city may not be rebuilt until a decree is issued by me.  And beware of being negligent in carrying out this matter; why should damage increase to the detriment of the kings?'

:Then as soon as the copy of King Artaxerxes' document was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their colleagues, they went in hast to Jerusalem to the Jews and stopped them by force of arms.  Then the work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it was stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia." Ezra 4:17-24

"Of course, God does not always restrain the wicked and harmful actions of others toward His people...We do not know why God allowed the enemies of His people to prevail at one time and restrained them at another. 

"It is enough to know that God can and does restrain the harmful acts of others toward us when that is His sovereign will.  Furthermore, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, intends that good ultimately come from those harmful acts."*

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:   Adrian, is trying to adjust to the new meds (Oxycontin) they have put him on after two years on morphine.  Please pray for him, that he will have wisdom and get medical care during this time.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:   Deepak's father passed away yesterday and he is travelling home to Colombo to be with his family.  Thank God, Deepak is part of the Body of Christ.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  

 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 mother is now settling into her new home so she can be near her husband in a new hospice.  Pray for the family and for his carers. 

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 Deepak's wife recovering from treatment for stage-2 breast cancer.  Her chemo is over. 

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.  

ONGOING JOB RELATED:   Sergio seeking new employment - is 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.  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. 

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 for protection and good health.  They lead 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 Birgit who is in Germany.

Please pray for the many individuals in India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  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.