Thursday, November 6, 2014

Strength Appropriation


"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

"The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. 

"But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.  Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 

"I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

"...without His strength we can do nothing, but with it we can do all we need to do.  We are called to persevere -- to do God's will despite the obstacles and discouragements -- but in His strength and His alone."*

Being strong in Him is knowing the truth about our own weakness.  Jim Bridges sums it up for me with these words:  "You trust God...when it's out of your hands." 

Sad, but true, because we seem destined to, like a child, want to do stuff all by ourselves.  What a blessing to have such a patient and loving Father watching over our every step! 

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.

25 years ago the Berlin Wall came down - pray for Germany this week.

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. 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For the USA as the results of the mid-term election begin to settle into some positive action for the country.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and that he continues to grow in grace and love 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 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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