What About Sinners? !

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. 

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world." I Peter 5:8

"'Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.'" Luke 22:31

"The wisdom of the chess player is displayed more in winning over a capable opponent than over a novice.  The wisdom of the general is displayed more in defeating a superior army than in subduing an inferior one. 

"Even more so, the wisdom of God is displayed when He brings good to us and glory to Himself out of confusion and calamity rather than out of pleasant times."*

Can a sinner, saved by the Grace of the Almighty God, do good in this world?  Can a sinner, saved by the Grace of the Almighty God, contribute in this world of chaos?  Is God able to take the mess of a sinner's life and weave it into good?

We are all sinners, saved by the Grace of the Almighty God.  Every day we have opportunities to trust His wisdom and know that even through our many sins, He works out His perfect plan for our good and His glory.  A true mystery!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: 

UPDATE ON ISAIAS' FATHER:  "My Dad (84 YEARS OLF) is a bit OK for now. Please pray as he will be back in the hospital on July 16. He has some disorientation, lost a lot of weight.  Feet and other body parts are still swollen due to kidney problem. Please continue to pray with us. We all (his children) decided to let him go, but still we have to wait upon the Lord. Thank you for praying."

UPDATE ON HEATH:  13 yr. old, Heath Harris, is now at home recovering.  Thank you for praying!  Attached is photo of Heath in hospital.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  Rachel writes:  "Scott our son, just lost his job today.  Please ask everyone to pray for a good job for him.  He is recently divorced and dealing with that and has 2 small children.  Thanks, I am in shock.  God Listens, I know that so please ask people to pray for a GOOD JOB that will work for him."

My brother has asked us to remember:  Dale, a life-long friend, suspected of having esophageal cancer - had tests in hospital on last Monday.  No results yet.  And Sue, the wife of another of his friend's (Bucky) has had cancer surgery.  They are hoping they got it all.

Carla has asked us to pray for:  Tanya who has lost her senior role.  Please give her grace through this time and trust, to know God has things firmly in His hands.

UPDATE from Elaine and Jim in Hong Kong have begun a new ministry.  Please pray the Father keeps guiding them in their work.  "Just want to thank you for remembering us.  We surely appreciate prayers for God's leading and protection.  It's no surprise that the enemy doesn't like what we are doing, so it shouldn't be a surprise for us to be battling spiritual warfare, but we need God's loving protection to handle all."

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  UPDATE Baby Saige:  Her Grandmother writes that she is growing stronger and:  "I would ask that you SPECIFICALLY PRAY THAT SHE IS ABLE TO COME HOME WITHOUT OXYGEN." (See pictures on blog site - You have to wonder at this smile...warning you may cry with joy)

David R (losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration).  He and his daughter Heidi are finally in their new place.  David seems to be doing alright.  Pray the Lord continues to protect him during this time of change and adjustment.  (I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.)    

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%." 

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. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart, gives him insight, peace and warmer weather.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, 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, has an interview today.  He grows weary and discouraged and has spent the entire last couple of weeks having tests in the hospital.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope and that the doctor he visited yesterday will give him peace of mind.

Hans:  Pray he will find a good job 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. 

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!

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.