2. Man Chooses Sin

"And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." Genesis 50:20

"'For truly in this city there were gathered together against Thy holy servant Jesus whom Thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Thy hand and Thy purpose predestined to occur." Acts 4:27-28

"For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be fulfilled." Revelation 17:17

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He himself does not tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust." James 1:13-14

"The second truth we must keep in mind is that God is never the author of sin.  Though people's sinful intents and actions serve the sovereign purpose of God, we must never conclude that God has induced anyone to sin."*

God uses our bad choices and weaves them into His plan to accomplish what He knows is best for His world and His glory and for each of us.  Just think back to realise how this is true even in your own life!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

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

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 having serious trouble with his blood pressure.  Pray he has the wisdom to know when to seek more medical care and that the doctors/ carers are compassionate and wise.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:   Deepak's father passed away last week and he travelled home to Colombo (Sri Lanka) to be with his family.  Thank God, Deepak is part of the Body of Christ.

Paul NS had an important final job interview last week, but has heard nothing yet.  There are no results yet.  Pray his spirits do not flag.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  For probably a couple of years now we have been praying for God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there.  Here is what I received today from Patti:

"I just want to share what I think is a positive happening to your prayer for: God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there

"Just recently the U S Supreme Court justices upheld the right to have prayer to open town government meetings! (An atheist and a Jew apparently protested it), and the Supreme Court voted 5-4 that it did not violate the Constitution.

"Also, just recently there has been a surge of Christian movies at the theatres across the nation! The first one (that I did see and enjoy) is "God is Not Dead", then there is "Heaven is for Real" (I read the book and saw the movie -- both very good based on a true account).

"Then coming out this weekend is "Mom's Night Out" which I don't know is necessarily Biblically based, as the other two I mentioned, but it is made by the same ones who made "Fireproof" a couple of years ago. Anyway, my hopes are up that the Christians are finally taking a stand instead of being as passive as we have in the past."   

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. 

Things seem to finally be settling down for Fion and his family.  Please keep them in your prayers. 

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%. 

Prayer update......Scott is doing a little better, he is taking baby steps but he still needs lots of prayers for healing, and ability to think clearly,  he also needs prayers to focus on God which he is NOT doing right now.  He thinks he can do everything himself.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:   Sergio seeking new employment - is in Mexico City. 

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:  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.