Circumstantial or Accidental?

"Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!'  Nathanael said to Him, 'How do You know me?'  Jesus answered and said to him, 'Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.' 

"Nathanael answered Him, 'Rabbi!  You are the Son of God/ You are the King of Israel.'  Jesus answered and said to him, 'Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe?  You shall see greater things than these.'" John 1:47-50

"WHO you are is not a biological accident.  WHAT you are is not a circumstantial accident.  God planned both for you."*

As a child, I was told I was an accident and the reason my Mom had to marry my father...a very unhappy union that I was to blame for.  Yet, God worked through everything to see me and my entire family become dependent on His saving grace.  Think about your own life for a minute...see the miracles along the way.  No accidents with God!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa and the disease spreads because of fear and lack of education and hygiene.

For the situation developing in the world today around the group called ISIS or IS.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:   My project seems to be coming to an end the middle of October, please pray I find a new one quickly.   For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, has fallen and needs to regain her strength.  For Louise for healing in their family.

UPDATE:  For 29 year old Sara - that she goes home to the care of her parents while she is so unwell. and for her brother who needs God's wisdom for a business-related matter.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   It would seem that Jeff (cataract surgery) is beginning to do a bit better -- keep praying for him and Rachael his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John is responding well to the rehabilitation after a stroke -- he needs patience as he retrains his brain to allow him to read well again. 

Carla is now safely in New York City.  Paul, David and Matthew are managing alone till the end of the year, pray for patience and awareness and gratefulness as they miss Carla.

Update on 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%.  There has been little progress with her yet, a very difficult loss for her, to be sure." 

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 for David R as he manages his macular degeneration. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he continues to struggles with pain.   His battle with cancer continues.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.

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:  Hans:  Pray he will find a good job soon.  Pray for Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work.

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 is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

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 starting a new ministry in Hong Kong - that the Lord will strengthen their resolve and their hands.

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.