Marathon and Obstacles

"But realise this, that in the last days difficult times will come.  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable,

"malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these." II Timothy 3:1-5

"The Christian life could better be described as an obstacle course of marathon length.  Think of a race course just over twenty-six miles in length. 

"Add to it walls to climb over, streams to forge, hedges to jump across, and an endless variety of other unexpected obstacles.  That is the Christian life.  It is no wonder that someone has observed 'few Christians finish well'."*

The first obstacle would be self.

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 in other countries now, as the disease spreads because of fear, lack of education and hygiene.

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

For those in Hawaii now 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. 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  25 years ago the Berlin Wall came down - pray for Germany this week.  My project has ended.  I thank Father God for this provision and look forward to learning of His new direction -- one of which may bring me home. 

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.

Please pray for Hans who has just returned from his first Christian men's conference, that he is blessed and that the fellowship and lessons he learned will grow him closer to His Saviour and perhaps, his new contacts through this time can help him find a new job.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- 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 struggle with the ups and down in his battle with cancer.  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:  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.

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.