Pit Power?

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 

"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father. 

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, BOTH to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:5-13 [my emphasis]

"The attack caught him [Joseph] off guard.  So did yours.  Joseph's pit came in the form of a cistern.  Maybe yours came in the form of a diagnosis, a foster home, or a traumatic injury.  Joseph was thrown in a hole and despised. 

"And you?  Thrown in an unemployment line and forgotten.  Thrown into a divorce and abandoned, into a bed and abused.  The pit.  A kind of death, waterless and austere.  Some people never recover.  Love is reduced to one quest:  get out and never be hurt again.  Not simply done.  Pits have no easy exits."*

Max Lucado also has a book called, "It's Not About You" where he unpacks the idea that what is happening is not only about our growth and development in Christ but that there is a plan God is working out for His world.  He desires your obedience so you can be there and be believable as He needs you, rather than thinking about the pit that you think is insurmountable!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Judith has come through six hours of gall bladder surgery and is in recovery.  Isaias is compressing his teaching in another area so he can return to be with her as soon as possible.  Pray for travelling mercies for him.  The emergency surgery cost over $5,000.  Please pray the Lord finds members of His family who are ready, willing and able to help them with this unexpected expense.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about their wonderful work by searching for Ambassadors for Christ Philippines (Http://www.afcphilippines.com/) and look for Isaias Catorce.
• ·        Adrian - struggled through the weekend and sent me a few texts today to keep me aware of his condition, which has not improved much.  He has managed to find a second-hand battery for his phone.  Please pray someone fit and compassionate, who is nearby, will come to help him get to and from the doctors/ hospital today and in the future.  His battle with this horrible form of cancer has been heroic, but he grows tired.  Yet, continues to look to the Lord and is grateful for you as you pray.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        In 2000 during the Sydney Olympics a young evangelist, DB, stayed with me.  After which, he began to travel with his mission of sports evangelism.  Over the years he followed the WeakDay Devotion and would email me regularly.  Due to technical difficulties with his travels, since 2006, he was unable to access that particular email box until this week while he was in China.  There found all the devotions!  He sent me an email to say he was blessed and will keep in touch more often now and is happy to know the devotions continue and he can access the blog site.  What a blessing for me.  Thank you DB and please pray for travelling mercies for him.
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• ·        The Lord has met Han's monthly debts in a most amazing way...and he is so thankful.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        My project ends in June and I will need to find a new one.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Rachael has asked us to pray for Chris who remains on the wait list for a heart transplant.  "Pray 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 help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing.  Spring brings some relief from the cold temperature, but the pollen takes its toll.
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Chester continues to struggle through many serious medical conditions and poor care.  He has dwindling funds and few friends to help.  (This prayer request comes from Adrian, by the way).  Pray the Lord gives Chester energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him.  And that someone will come to share Christ with him soon.

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.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Elina has not gotten back with me about her graduate program interview, but we will continue to pray for her.
• ·        Deepak is travelling in China.  Pray for travelling mercies.  He needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he works to develop his business. 
• ·        Paul NS needs work of some kind.  He is continuing to have interviews and pursue roles.  He has not had work since 2012. 

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church there with a special prayer room that is open 24/7, with a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to serve.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred and his family.  His beloved wife has passed away last week after a long struggle to recover from a head injury.  Please pray for the intimate comfort of the Lord for them as they walk through this difficult time.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.
• ·        Wezley is an 18-year old who has lost her direction and her way.  Pray the Lord seizes her heart and that she realises His love soon.
• ·        God has provided Adrian a free room in Phil's home.  Yet, Phil is quite old and chaotic.  Pray the Lord will establish and maintain peace between these two men.  Pray the Lord will give Phil more understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness with Adrian.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of personal challenges.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        For those in Canada and Texas who are struggling with the horrible storms.
• ·        Please be with those in the train derailment in the USA as they pick up the pieces to make sense of this tragedy.
• ·        A second major earthquake has happened in Nepal.  Please pray for those now struggling to dig out and survive.  Also keep praying for those supporting and those recovering from the horrendous earthquake in Nepal.
• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.
• ·        Those around the world being affected by the radical Islamic groups, especially ISIS and Boko Haram.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  This His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory 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 and encouragement over many years.

*A Love Worth Giving is copyright protected since 2002 by Max Lucado.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 978-0-8499-4831-2 (repackaged).  I encourage you to secure a copy and follow along.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.  Pray for Mr. Lucado and I thank my brother for recommending it.