Fog Cloud (1)

"And He asked his father, 'How long as this been happening to him?'  And he said, 'From childhood.  And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him.  But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!'

"And Jesus said to him, 'IF You can!'  All things are possible to him who believes.'  Immediately the boy's father cried out and began saying, 'I do believe, help my unbelief!'" Mark 9:21-24

"'The only way in which the 'sufferings of the present time' may seem to come between the Christian, and the love of God and Christ, is when he falls before them as a temptation, or in unbelief sinks under them.  Then a cloud comes between him and the light of his Father's countenance. 

"'But the cloud is not the affliction, but the sin; and it is a merciful arrangement that it is so.  The want of comfort tells him that something is wrong.' [John Brown, 'Analytical Exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1981, reprinted from 1857 edition), page 269]"*

On Monday this week, as the weather is changing so quickly and dramatically, as often happens, there is dense fog.  It always looks so soft and beautiful, yet it makes seeing things outside quite difficult.  So is doubt in our hearts. 

Love is offered freely by our Heavenly Father.  Demonstrated in the sacrifice of Jesus life for our sin.  Will you believe despite the fog that surrounds you?

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

VERY URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   From Patti:  "Just a few minutes ago I received the following text message on my phone from Sean M. who leads Crisis Relief International (CRI). We then spoke briefly on the phone and I assured him that we would share this urgent prayer need with all of our contacts.

"'We lost the city of Queragosh (Qaraqosh). It fell to ISIS and they are beheading children systematically. This is the city we have been smuggling food to. ISIS has pushed back Peshmerga (Kurdish forces) and is within 10 minutes of where our CRI team is working. Thousands more fled into the city of Erbil last night. The UN evacuated its staff in Erbil. Our team is unmoved and will stay. Prayer cover needed!'"

For the family and friends of James Foley, so brutally slain in Syria and for the situation developing around this.

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

UPDATE:  Patti's beloved husband, John who recently had a stroke is home now and starting rehab to help him read and see more clearly again -- the family needs prayers during this time, especially Patti.  She thanks each of you for your faithfulness...the Lord has given John a soft peace that is making this time of growth easier for all.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  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 - Baby Saige is doing so well and her parents thank each of you for praying for her.  She comes to church with her parents and sister now. She is a very happy little one who looks and acts like a "normal" 8 mo. old!  She will not need another surgery until she is 3-5 yrs. old!

UPDATE -Heath's grandma writes: "Heath started school the first day. His hand continues to get stronger. He is taking keyboarding which will help his hand development and he will be graded differently. I know that without all the prayers and good Christian friends his outcome would have been different. Once again, I want to thank you so much, words can't express my gratitude." Laurie

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: Pray for Paul N-S - he is close to having a two-day temporary position.  Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration and praise the Lord for the installation of his wheelchair ramp on his birthday.

Carla (and Paul, David and Matthew) has left for New York.  Please pray for travelling mercies in her long trip.  Pray for Paul and the boys as they manage alone now.

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 the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he struggles with pain.   His battle with cancer continues.  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:  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 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.