Look back...

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

..."fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

"The Christian life is intended to be one of continuous growth.  We all want to grow, but we often resist the process.  This is because we tend to focus on the events of adversity themselves, rather than looking with the eye of faith beyond the events to what God is doing in our lives. 

"...we are to fix our eyes on HIM and follows HIS example.  We are to look beyond our adversity to what God is doing in our lives and rejoice in the CERTAINTY that He is at work in us to CAUSE us to grow."* [emphasis mine]

We have to look back sometimes to realise how far we have come...have you ever found an old photo album and been surprised at just how many changes you have made in your physical appearance?  Then consider how much you have learned in that time...we are always growing through adversity and with the reading, praying and studying of His Word.

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 those who may be affected by the powerful typhoon racing toward southern Japan and the cyclone in China and the volcanos erupting.

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.   Please pray for my dear friend, Carla who has just relocated to New York City, that she is safe and stays healthy while she settles.

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 - for those who have a special ministry of prayer especially for this delightful child, contact me for more details.  (if you want to see an updated picture:  http://www.weakdaydevotion.com

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 re-trains his brain to allow him to read well again. 

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.