I Love Chocolate!

"Love does not envy."  I Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV)

"Jealousy is cruel as the grave.  Its flashes are flashes of fire."  Song of Solomon 8:6 (RSV)

[Jesus teaching] "'Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.'"  Matthew 6:1

"Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry?  And why has your countenance fallen?  If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?  And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.'

"And Cain told Abel his brother.  And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him." Genesis 4:6-8

"God offers authentic love.  His devotion is the real deal.  But He won't give you the genuine until you surrender the imitations."*

We love so many things.  Many times we are so busy loving other things and other people, God gets pushed to the back of our thoughts.  Our deeds suffer.  Our heart becomes troubled.  Our relationships crumble.  We look around at others and begin to compare our lives with theirs and can become dissatisfied. 

One of the characteristics of God that we rarely consider is that He is a jealous God.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Hans has had two very supportive and helpful meetings.  The Lord blessed him with wise and compassionate people who gave him practical advice to sustain him for now and to give him hope for his future.
• ·        Elina sent me another text to say she has gotten the law internship of her dreams!  She thanks everyone for praying for her and asks that the Lord will allow her to stay at this position until she passes the bar the end of the year.
• ·        Paul NS still has no word about the possible position with the organisation in India (offices in Sydney).  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Adrian - seemed a bit stronger when I spoke with him yesterday.  He will be in the hospital for his quarterly cancer treatment in the next few weeks.  Pray his patience and his health holds out.  Almost every day he sends me an update and encouragement.  It is certainly God who gives him so much strength.  And is a result of your faithful prayers.  Please pray for his continued safety and strength.
• ·        Secret Angel - please pray for the compassionate ones who have volunteered to help Adrian in practical ways.
• ·        Phil - the man who has let Adrian stay in his home has been responding to your prayers and showing more kindness to Adrian!  Pray he will completely forgive Adrian his debt.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Pray for travelling mercies for DB as he is travelling in China.
• ·        My project ends in June and I will need to find a new one.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Please note new link for their ministry.  Judith is recovering well.  Isaias is by her side.  Pray for them both.  The emergency surgery cost over $5,000.  Please pray the Lord finds members of His family 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:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        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.
• ·        Adrian has asked us to pray for a friend, Chester who continues to struggle through many serious medical conditions and poor care.  He has dwindling funds and few friends to help.  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.
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 

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 recently 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 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.
• ·        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.

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.