Prudence & Prayer

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'

"And Samuel said to Jesse, 'Are these all the children?'  And he said, 'There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.'  Then Samuel said to Jesse, 'Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.'

"So he sent and brought him in.  Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance.  And the Lord said, 'Arise, anoint him; for this is he.'

"Then Samuel too the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.  And Samuel arose and went to Ramah."I Samuel 16:7-13

"Just as God's sovereignty does not set aside our responsibility to pray, it also does not negate our responsibility to act prudently.  To act prudently, in this context, means to use all legitimate, biblical means at our disposal to avoid harm to ourselves or others and to bring about what we believe to be the right course of events."*

Jesse had his ideas of what was best for God and purposed to keep his youngest son from Samuel, but God had plans for this brave, young man and this was revealed because Samuel purposed to leave the choice in the hands of the Father, yet also take action and serve his duty to the search for David, who would one day be "beloved of God".

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!  And 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's pain is mounting and his ability to cope with the changes in his meds has affected him emotionally as well as his blood pressure.  Please pray the Lord quiets his heart and gives him strength to endure whatever steps he now walks.  Give his doctors insight and sensitivity and those around him who are supporting him unmatched patience.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  Baby Saige is going to have a heart cauterization on Monday, June 23rd at 9:00 a.m. at Akron Children's Hospital.  Her grandmother writes:  "Our family would appreciate your prayers.  Michael and Jobeth will then meet with her heart surgeons on Wednesday to determine when they will be doing open heart surgery. 

"Saige is doing so well and is such a happy little baby.  She even cut her first tooth this week. She is slowly gaining weight, but the key word is she is gaining.  She is like every other little 5 1/2 month old and we have great joy watching her."  Here is her picture:

Jen has lost her two companion dogs she has loved for over 15 years -- she is heartbroken.  Please pray for her.  Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  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.  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. 

Hans needs employment where he can make an honourable contribution and has applied for a role in a nearby town that could be a healthy step up for him, where he can use his skills.  Help those who receive his resume regard Hans seriously.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Elina has had two wonderful job interviews and thanks everyone for their prayers so far for her as she searches for work. 

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. 

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

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.  Paul NS had two special second interviews last week.  Pray God will grant him patience and hopery.

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.