The Most Evil of Evils

"The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (full, complete and perfect payment) for our sins." I John 4:8

"And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." I John 1:5

"They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness and shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness.  The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in loving kindness.  The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works. -

"The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds.  The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:7-9, 17

"When we are in the midst of adversity and, as it frequently seems to happen, calamity after calamity seems to be surging in upon us, we will be tempted to doubt God's love. 

Not only do we struggle with our own doubts, but Satan seizes these occasions to whisper accusations against God, such as, 'If He loved you, He wouldn't allow this to happen.'  My own experience suggests that Satan attacks us far more in the area of God's love than either His sovereignty or His wisdom."*

Earlier in this series, we mentioned Rabbi Kushners book, "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People".  In his book he concludes that God is either not powerful enough to change anything in our lives or He doesn't love us enough to care...both are so untrue.  God's love is SO strong He sent His only Son to die for OUR sins so He could love us forever!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Patti's beloved husband, John has just had a stroke - the family needs prayers during this time, especially Patti.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Carla (and Paul, David and Matthew) has been hired by a group in New York and will be moving there in September.  Please pray for everything to go smoothly for them and that they will be happy in their new environment.

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.)

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 as he struggles with pain.   His battle with cancer continues.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

UPDATE ON ISAIAS' FATHER:  84 years old was back in hospital 16 July.  Please pray for his family as they wait upon the Lord.

Pray for someone suspected of having esophageal cancer - had tests in hospital recently.  No results yet.  And another who has cancer surgery.  They are hoping they got it all.

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.  He grows weary and discouraged.  Pray God will grant him patience and hope and a job so his health will also improve.

Hans:  Pray he will find a good job soon.

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.

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!

UPDATE from Elaine and Jim : "Just want to thank you for remembering us (new ministry in Hong Kong).  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."

Those dealing with the Malasian Airlines flight shot down.  That the world remains calm and take time to sort this out and come to a peaceful resolution.  That right may prevail and all the families who lost loved ones will find comfort over time.

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.