Wisdom from Counsel

"Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counsellors, they succeed.  A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word!" Proverbs 15:22-23

"The mind of man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

"All the wise counsel in the world cannot enable our plans to succeed contrary to the sovereign will of God.  But God uses the wise counsel of others to bring our plans into line with His sovereign will."*

Often we push the Lord off the throne of our lives and feel it is time WE make decisions for ourselves, especially when something is particularly important to us. 

Others may counsel us to be cautious, yet we persist, thinking it's time to take matters into our own hands...wouldn't that be a good idea?  God can't care about EVERYTHING, now CAN He? 

God's plans will not be frustrated by our will and our hard work!  And His love will not be thwarted by our determination and stubbornness.

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.  It is better to be a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 

"He who gives attention to the Word shall find good, and blesses is he who trusts in the Lord.  The wise in heart will be called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness." Proverbs 16:18-21

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   Baby Saige - her heart cath went very well on 23 June.  Everything they were checking is exactly where it is supposed to be!  God gave her doctor the amazing ability to perform such delicate surgery.  NEWS FLASH  Saige is having surgery THIS MONDAY, JUNE 30th at 8:00!  I shared her picture is on the blog site if you missed it in your mail.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  Hans will be baptised on the 29th and would appreciate your prayers as he dedicates his life to the Lord in this outward demonstration of his changed heart.  He also needs to find work.  The role he was so hoping for has not come through. 

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. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  The Lord has just provided Adrian with a week of peace, to relax without distractions.  Pray the Lord quiets his heart and gives him insight and peace.  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. 

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. 

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.

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.