Sparrows and You

"You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

"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." I Peter 5:6-7

"'Are not five sparrows sold for two cents?  And yet not one of them is forgotten before God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear, you are of more value than many sparrows.'" Luke 12:6-7

"God cares for you!  Not only will He never leave you -- that's the negative side of the promise -- but He cares for you.  He is not just there with you, He cares for you.  His care is constant -- not occasional or sporadic.  His care is total -- even the very hairs of your head are numbered. 

"His care is sovereign -- nothing can touch you that He does not allow.  His care is infinitely wise and good so that again in the words of John Newton, 'If it were possible for me to alter any part of His plan, I could only spoil it.' [Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 5, pages 621-622]"

He is with you now as you peer at your screen or read the page you have printed out...right now He is holding you in His loving arms.  He is not even waiting for you to ask Him because He will NEVER leave you!  That is a sobering and comforting thought.

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

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For the unfortunate peaceful people having to live through the riots and destruction in Ferguson Missouri, especially those trying to restore peace and protect.

For Nancy, a friend of Hans, who had surgery last week, hoping it is not cancer.  She does not know the Lord, yet, so perhaps this is a time for her to hear of Him.

Pray for the man who has opened his home to Adrian that his heart would soften toward Adrian.  Adrian's pain and the damage from the cancer in his spine seems to be causing increasing pain.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.  Please pray for the little walks he takes each day with his beloved pet, Toby, that they are always inspiring and safe.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   There is a bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreak on the island of Madagascar.  Last stats had 40 people, out of a known 119 confirmed cases, have died.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads for many reasons:  missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were over 7,000 deaths from Ebola.  570 healthcare workers have been affected and of those, 324 have died.

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They have asked us to pray for the wife of one of their co-workers in the field, Edna, in hospital recovering from a high blood sugar count.  Isaias and Judith 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. 

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke. 

No word yet on the small project for me.

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. 

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. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

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:  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.

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.  Paul, David and Matthew are managing alone till the end of the year, pray for patience and awareness and gratefulness, as they miss Carla.

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.

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, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

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, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  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.

Let me interrupt...

"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.  And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we commanded. 

"And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." II Thessalonians 3:3-5

"And for this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will to all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

"so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

"strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience, joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."  Colossians 1:11

For many who read this WeakDay Devotion, this is a day set aside in the United States to stop, share a meal with family and loved ones, even a few strangers and remember how fortunate we are.

To remember how the year, just past -- although filled with both delights and challenges -- is always overseen by a loving Father-God who drew us to Him, who cares for us and watches over us in ways we will never realise or appreciate. 

As we break bread together today, even if you are alone today, remember the steadfast love of the Lord in your life -- although everything else changes, His love never ceases and never changes. 

Happy Thanksgiving.

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

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For the unfortunate peaceful people having to live through the riots and destruction in Ferguson Missouri, especially those trying to restore peace and protect.

For Nancy, a friend of Hans, who had surgery Monday, that they did not find cancer.  She does not know the Lord, yet, so perhaps this is a time for her to hear of Him.

Pray for the man who has opened his home to Adrian that his heart would soften toward Adrian.  Adrian's pain and the damage from the cancer in his spine seems to be causing increasing pain.   Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.  Please pray for the little walks he takes each day with his beloved pet, Toby, that they are always inspiring and safe.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   There is a bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreak on the island of Madagascar.  As of yesterday, 40 people, out of a known 119 confirmed cases, have died.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads because of missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were 15,351 confirmed cases with 5,459 individuals dying, according to WHO. 

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They have asked us to pray for the wife of one of their co-workers in the field, Edna, in hospital recovering from a high blood sugar count.  Isaias and Judith 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. 

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke. 

No word yet on the small project for me.

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. 

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. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

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:  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.

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.  Paul, David and Matthew are managing alone till the end of the year, pray for patience and awareness and gratefulness, as they miss Carla.

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.

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, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

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, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  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.

So where is He?!

"Behold, I go forward but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; when He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him.  But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."Job 23:8-10

"Truly, Thou art a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, Saviour!" Isaiah 45:15

"You and I will sometimes have the same experience as Job -- perhaps not in the same kind of intensity of sufferings -- but in the seeming inability to find God anywhere.  God will seem to hide Himself from us. 

"We should learn from Job and Isaiah, so that we are not totally surprised and dismayed when, in the time of our distress, we can't seem to find God.  At these times we must cling to His bare but inviolate promise, 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."*

Remember the caboose?  Well here is a great application for it. 

If you spend too much time putting your fuel and trust (the coal car) in the caboose (your feelings), rather than maintaining your efforts to keep putting your trust in the fact of God's promises (the engine of the train), the train simply will not go. 

You can put all the coal you want in the caboose but it is not the engine of your faith! 

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

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For the unfortunate peaceful people having to live through the riots and destruction in Ferguson Missouri, especially those trying to restore peace and protect.

For Nancy, a friend of Hans, who is to have surgery Monday, that this is not cancer.  She does not know the Lord, yet, so perhaps this is a time for her to hear of Him.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   There is a bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreak on the island of Madagascar.  As of yesterday, 40 people, out of a known 119 confirmed cases, have died.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads because of missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were 15,351 confirmed cases with 5,459 individuals dying, according to WHO. 

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They have asked us to pray for the wife of one of their co-workers in the field, Edna, in hospital recovering from a high blood sugar count.  Isaias and Judith 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. 

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke. 

It seems the Lord has found a small project for me.

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 struggle with the ups and down in his battle with cancer.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.  Please pray for his walks, that they are always inspiring and safe.

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. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

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:  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.

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.  Paul, David and Matthew are managing alone till the end of the year, pray for patience and awareness and gratefulness, as they miss Carla.

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.

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, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

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, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  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.

Not - Not

"Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have, for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.' so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.  What shall man do to me?'" Hebrews 13:5-6

"The Puritan preacher Thomas Lye remarked that in this passage the Greek has five negatives and may thus be rendered, 'I will not, not leave thee; neither will I not, not forsake thee. [Puritan Sermons 1659-1689, Volume 1, page 378.]' 

"Five times God emphasizes to us that He will not forsake us.  He wants us to firmly grasp the truth that whatever circumstances may indicate, we must believe, on the basis of His promise, that He has not forsaken us or left us to the mercy of those circumstances."*

"'My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." John 10:25-29

In Greek, there were no superlatives.  To express that something was more than just good, for instance, you would repeat the word, so "good-good" would be better or more important than just "good". 

Another instance is when Jesus would say, "Truly, truly I say to you", this indicated that what followed was more important to note than if He just said "Truly I say to you". 

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

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For the unfortunate peaceful people having to live through the riots and destruction in Ferguson Missouri, especially those trying to restore peace and protect.

For Nancy, a friend of Hans, who is to have surgery Monday, that this is not cancer.  She does not know the Lord, yet, so perhaps this is a time for her to hear of Him.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   There is a bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreak on the island of Madagascar.  As of yesterday, 40 people, out of a known 119 confirmed cases, have died.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads because of missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were 15,351 confirmed cases with 5,459 individuals dying, according to WHO. 

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They have asked us to pray for the wife of one of their co-workers in the field, Edna, in hospital recovering from a high blood sugar count.  Isaias and Judith 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. 

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke. 

There is still no confirmation of a project for me before the end of the year.

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 struggle with the ups and down in his battle with cancer.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.  Please pray for his walks, that they are always inspiring and safe.

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. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

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:  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.

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.  Paul, David and Matthew are managing alone till the end of the year, pray for patience and awareness and gratefulness, as they miss Carla.

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.

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, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

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, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  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.