His Glory & our good

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who built it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. 

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labours for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep." Psalm 127:1-2

"Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in Thee; and in the shadow of Thy wings I will take refuge, until destruction passes by. 

"I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me.  He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me.   God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth." Psalm 57:2

"All of our plans, all of our efforts, and all of our prudence is of no avail unless God prospers those means.  In a sense, the verse sums up all of our responsibilities in life. -- Whether it be in the physical, the mental, or the spiritual, we should always be building and watching. -- The obvious meaning is that in every respect we are dependent upon God to enable us and prosper our efforts."*

Ambition, energy, enthusiasm, determination, initiative all have a place in our lives, yet only God can bring the increase not because our efforts are in vain, but because, in wanting His will in our lives, we must trust Him to know what is the absolute best for His glory and our good.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Isaias has written:  "I would like to solicit your prayers in behalf of my Dad, 84 years old, who is ailing and suffering from pain.  He stays at home waiting for God's intervention. Please pray with us that God will take him home without suffering terribly. Our only sister Tita is the one nursing him with some assistance from my brothers."

No updates about Baby Saige's surgery which happened THIS MONDAY, JUNE 30th at 8:00AM (EST)!  I shared her picture is on the blog site if you missed it in your mail.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  He and his daughter Heidi are moving this week and the stress is mounting for David.  Pray the Lord protects him during this time of change and adjustment.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.    

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans was baptised and it was a most delightful and thank-filled ceremony of the state of his heart today!  Pray he will find a good job soon.

The Lord has just provided Adrian with a week of peace, to relax without distractions.  Pray the Lord quiets his heart, gives him insight, peace and warmer weather.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

Jen has found a new puppy and is delighted.  Thank you so much for your prayers for this amazing woman! 

Sergio has found a wonderful new role (lives in Mexico City and thanks everyone for praying for him.

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%." 

Scott is doing better, taking baby steps but still needs lots of prayers for healing, and ability to think clearly,  he also needs prayers to stay  focused on God and not be so independent.

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. 

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. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Paul NS continues to struggle in finding work.  He grows weary and discouraged.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope and that the doctor he visited yesterday will give him peace of mind.

Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works through the grief of his father passing.  He needs strength and resolve to make wise decisions.

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:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and 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.