THROUGH Their Will

"But Sihon king of Heshbon was not willing for us to pass through his land; for the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, in order to deliver him into your hand, as he is today.  And the Lord said to me, 'See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you.  Begin to occupy, that you may possess the land.'" Deuteronomy 2:30-31

"Joshua waged war a long time with all these kings.  There was not a city which made peace with the sons of Israel except the Hivites living in Gibeon; they took them all in battle. 

"For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, to meet Israel in battle in order that he might utterly destroy them, that they might receive no mercy, but that he might destroy them, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." Joshua 11:18-20

"...God does this without violating or coercing their wills, but rather that He works in His mysterious ways THROUGH their wills to accomplish His purposes.

"God is never at a loss because He cannot find someone to cooperate with Him in carrying out His plan.  He so moves in the hearts of people -- either Christians or nonChristians, it makes no difference -- they willingly, of their own free will carry our his plans."*

God has a plan for you and me; and like a great storm rolling around us, we are in the eye of this storm.  Most we only just imagine is happening - so much we do not even perceive...yet ALL is in the mighty hands and care of our loving Heavenly Father.  Think about this as you pray.

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 has returned to a different doctor and has been placed back on his previous meds as they work to discover more about how his blood pressure has reacted so dramatically to the change.  Please pray for wisdom and insight for his doctors.

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

Paul NS had an important final job interview yesterday.  There are no results yet.  Pray his spirits do not flag.

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. 

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%. 

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. 

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.