God Sees Differently

“And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to head than the fat of rams.” I Samuel 16:22

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.’” I Samuel 16:7

“’Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.’” Matthew 5:3-5

Sometimes we are convinced the way we see things is the right way, the true way, the best way; yet God looks at things differently from the way we do.  He sees the motive of our heart.

“And Jesus said to them, -- ‘And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.’” Matthew 19:18a, 29-30

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

• ·         Jo sent an email asking that we keep praying. " Sensing a spiritual war zone today as I prepare for the final night (tomorrow) of Long Story Short evangelism series in our home.  8 women, 2 of which are yet unsaved - Angie and Liz"

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        At least 16 people have been killed in violent storms and flooding that struck the French Riviera on Saturday night.  Three people are still missing
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
• ·        [Bettina shares]:  "I wanted to let you know that Jim M relapsed and is undergoing a new treatment that is working. Prayers for effectiveness, healing and no side-effects would be greatly appreciated.
• ·        Have now been in Dubai for five days now.  Please pray for me and the rest of the team for good health, safety and abundant energy.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Adrian - had another treatment yesterday and they listened to him this time and adjusted the meds they were infusing him with and he sounded better than he has in months.  He is now uncertain he will have the surgery to replace his shoulder.  Keep praying for home situation and his protection.  Most of all pray a gracious, sensible and loving Christian comes to help him and for the health of his little companion dog, Toby.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        European Migrant Situation - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states, who are overwhelmed and don`t know how to cope with the situation.
• ·        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.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        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. 
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Fion's father recovering from a stroke for over a year in a special care facility.  Now is strong enough to go home, where his wife can care for him more easily.  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is so heavy at this time.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for my friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer - for energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him; and that someone will come 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.
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and will have another interview tomorrow.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Elina got the law internship she dreamed of and asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay there after she passes the bar in February. 
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 
• ·        My project has ended.  I need to find another project  as soon as I return from overseas.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

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

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred and his family after the loss of his wife.  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.  He is taking three months off to spend time with his father.  Pray for their time together.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-up regarding Wezley an 18-year old who lost her way.  The Lord knows where she is, just keep praying for her that she turns to Him.
• ·        Adrian pays a substantial sum for one small room in the back of a shared home with an elderly man named Phil, who seems to be part of Adrian's stress.  Pray the Lord gives Phil more patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to ministry.
• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - a family serving in full-time ministry in New Zealand.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith are back in the field again training up leaders for the Lord  Pray He continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  They ask us to pray for Climar May and Robert Shem who are praying for God's timing regarding their ministries.  Take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        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.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• For Gemma - wisdom.
• 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.