Housecleaning Pathways, Part 2

"A voice is calling, 'Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.  Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley;" Isaiah 40:3-4

"Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." Joshua 22:5

"Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them.  For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them." Hosea 14:9

God has a plan and path for our lives.  Part of that plan is to follow Him.  If we crown our pathways with self-care, indulgence, work for work sake, etc., we may miss the opportunity to learn His lessons the "easy" way. 

And remember, although He is growing us up in His ways, His efforts aren't just for us, they are for the people around us.

"And He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" Matthew 4:19

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

·        Dave - a friend of Adrian's was running a lengthy race and they found him badly injured on the course but not sure what happened.  Have treated the facial fractures and sent him home from hospital.  He has no memory of the accident.

·        Emily - who needs someone to sponsor her so she can stay in Australia and complete her studies in health care.

·        Paul N-S -had a good fourth interview yesterday and has been asked to return on Friday.  Please pray a little extra for him this week.  He has not had work since 2012.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

·        Kajal - a sweet young woman, who is living here now.  Thank you for praying for her.  She had a good first week at work.  She has just moved from far North Queensland (where all the cyclones were) and is feeling lonely.  Let the love of Christ touch her.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.

·        Elina - has not heard the results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is very grateful for your prayers. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

·        Adrian   The pain is not much improved in his cervical spine (neck) as was hoped and the medications are nearly incapacitating in themselves and are not managing the pain well.  They plan a similar procedure on his lumbar spine.  No prognosis yet.  He remains thankful and hopeful in His Lord Jesus.  Thank you so much for praying for this sweet man.

·        Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home):  for understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness.

·        My brother, Tim with COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease), that he has patience and wisdom to manage his health and the limitations to his breathing and to cope with the limitations. 

·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges. 

·        Audley's and Beverly's (stroke) situation and his return to the ministry. 

·        Nancy  who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury and for Fred as he cares for her. 

·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop. 

·        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. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB RELATED CHALLENGES

·        Hans - needs wisdom and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a reasonable job.

·        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 - that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

ONGOING PRAYERS

·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.

·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges. 

·        Bettina to give her strength and wisdom. 

·        Isaias & Judith (in Philippines) were called to train other Christian lay leaders and they work tirelessly in challenging conditions.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  Ambassadors for Christ --look for Isaias Catorce.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  

·        For Christ-centred revival in the USA to continue.   

·        Birgit who is in Germany. 

·        For the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (The WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!) 

·        The Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS

·        That 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!

·        Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life. 

·        Linda and Ian.  Rob and his daughter.  Reg.  Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support over the years.  

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

·        Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room.  It is open 27/7 and there is an army or prayers waiting to serve in prayer.  Go here to learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room