Thanks - Part 1

"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things; and he made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth,

"having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God, if perhaps they might group for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His offspring.'" Acts 17:24-28

"For who regards you as superior?  And what do you have that you did not receive?  But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" I Corinthians 4:7

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Thanksgiving is not a natural virtue; it is a fruit of the Spirit, given by Him. -- Thanksgiving is an admission of dependence. -- As God's children we are to give Him thanks in ALL circumstances, both the good and the bad."*

One of the most special books I have read is one that is called "Power to Praise" by Merlin Carothers.  It is about a man who was in the military and discontent because his antics had landed him in the brig (jail).  He came to the Lord while serving time there and of course his life changed - slowly - but it changed as he learned just one simple lesson...the power of praise and thanksgiving. 

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

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS:  Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong.  We have been praying for them that the Lord will strengthen their resolve and their hands. 

Now they have some great news for you who have the gift and heart for prayer:  "We so appreciate your ongoing prayer for us, and I wanted to let you know that our online church has just opened up a Prayer Room.  "We realise you know the value of prayer as we've seen your WeakDay Devotions widen to increase more prayer over the years, so of course, we want to invite you to use the Prayer Room as an additional place from which to receive prayer. 

"We have a team of committed intercessors, so you can be sure of prayer coverage for you.  Of course, it's open to all so this includes your friends, so please don't hesitate to let others, who need and value prayer, know that this is a forum that they too can use. 

"There is a registration system for the first visit so that visitors can receive a login and password of their choice and once they receive an email confirmation, they're good to go and can post in the room 24/7.  Here is a direct link:

https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For the Philippines:   Typhoon Hagupit has torn apart homes and dumped fierce rains across the eastern Philippines, killing at least two people while creating more misery for millions after a barrage of deadly disasters.  Click here to see more.   - pray for Isaias and his family and ministry there.

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 is 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 most of all safe as Adrian is very frail now.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   There is a bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreak on the island of Madagascar.  Last stats 40 dead, 119 confirmed cases.  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.

Pray for calm and a return to founding values in the USA.

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:  Nancy, a friend of Hans, had surgery last week and although they did not find cancer, they will still have to perform surgery.  She does not know the Lord, yet.

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.

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!

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.