It Is Just NOT FAIR!

"So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground.  And Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions.  and the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard.  So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell." Genesis 4:3-5

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varied coloured tunic.  And his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms." Genesis 37:4

"Anger is not sin, but it can lead to sin.  Perhaps your anger doesn't lead you to shed blood, but it does make you touchy, irritable, quick-tempered, quick to take offense?  Do you fly off the handle?...

"This is the first appearance of Anger in the Bible.  He'll pop up some four hundred more times between here and the maps in the back, but this is the first occasion.  He pulls up to the curb and gets out of the car, and look who is in the front seat with him -- Rejection.  Anger and Rejection in the same sentence.  This isn't the only time the couple are spotted in Scripture."*

There are many instances Scripture that illustrates some kind of unearned favouritism.  The act is typically something the favoured person is not responsible for. 

Yet circumstances, such as a father's hidden reason for his special love, leads others to "discriminate" against the "favoured" person.  Think also of Esau and Jacob. 

This is interpreted as rejection and anger builds.  It is a historic theme that continues to dominates today's news.  God has a plan.  He is working out His plan in and through others around us.  "Be angry and do not sin."

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• Adrian- I received a text yesterday.  After he visited his doctor they have scheduled a special procedure to investigate the profound pain he is experiencing in his abdomen and these muscle spasms which are flooring him.  No news about the tumour they found near his ear.  He is growing tired -- yet he is still praising the Lord and is thankful for your prayers. 

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

Carla and Paul and their son, Matthew are moving to Dallas now and on driving from New York.  Please keep them in your prayers for travelling mercies.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Rachael asks:  Please pray for Chris, who is on the wait list for a heart transplant - that if it is God's will for him to get one that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers.
• ·        My brother, Tim with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that He has patience and wisdom to manage his health and the limitations to his breathing.  He has had three upper respiratory infections in the past months and did not get his flu shot this year.
• ·        David R - as he manages his macular degeneration and a host f other health challenges and for Heidi who cares for him.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke) for their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        Nancy has reached a plateau in her efforts for full recovery from a life-threatening head injury.  Pray she and Fred will be at peace and take some time to be grateful and stop striving for more from her.
• ·        BG that is blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of very serious 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.  And bring someone to him to share Christ's decision for him.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans - needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.
• ·        Elina - no word yet on results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is grateful for your prayers.
• ·        Deepak - that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works to make his business more profitable.
• ·        Paul NS - Needs work of some kind.  He has not had work since 2012.

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 24/7 and there is an army of prayers waiting to serve.  Go here and learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYERS

• ·        Shan - Needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and for his choice of life partner.
• ·        Wezley an 18 year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.
• ·        Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home) for understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        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 personal challenges
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
• ·        Isaias and Judith (in Philippines) were called to train other Christian lay leaders and they work tirelessly in challenging conditions.  Please keep them in your prayers as they plan the future of the ministry.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  search Ambassadors for Christ and look for Isaias Catorce.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds, that he and his family will have the energy and good health to feed the flock he has been entrusted with.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians.
• ·        For the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (it seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected geographic locations).
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope that he will always put Jesus first.
• ·        Those around the world being affected by the radical Islamic groups, especially ISIS and Boko Haram.
• ·        Those in Europe who are migrating to other lands to escape wars and devastation, especially those headed for Italy now.
• ·        Those in Kenya who have lost loved ones in the senseless attack on an university there.  As many as 147 may be dead and the ongoing clashes.
• ·        Families grieving for the loss of their loved ones from the plane crash of the Germanwing plane that killed 150 people.
• ·        Those in Vanuatu - The cyclone was described as apocalyptic.
• ·        Growing tensions in the Middle East, especially right now in Yemen.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  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.