Why God Is NOT Enough!

[Jesus teaching] "'Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 

"'And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And you know the way where I am going.

"Thomas said to Him, 'Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?' 

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.  If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.'" John 14:1-7

Believing in God or a god has always seemed wise - like a spiritual insurance policy.  Even the most immoral, crass and greedy believe in some kind of "higher power". 

From the beginning, Adam and Eve BELIEVED in God.  They SAW Him every day!  Yet, they did not love Him enough to obey His simple prohibition. 

The entire Old Testament is witness of the most gross and selfish of sinful behaviours.  And most of those we read about in the Old Testament BELIEVED in God, too. 

What WAS the problem?  God loved His creation so much.  He longed to walk daily together with each individual.  To share thoughts and feelings and observations...to fellowship...but... 

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I've been working on this devotion for the last few days and it is long and the message, I believe is critical for all of us.  I realise many of you are very busy, so I've put the entire message on the "Especially His" link. (http://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com.au/ )

It relates directly to Revelation, THIS IS the message in Revelation we must see afresh through the eyes of this poet!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• Matt - brother of Heidi was rushed to the hospital and is now in ICU.  
• ·        Adrian - the colonoscopy was a comedy of errors and painful for our friend and they have to redo the entire procedure in another hospital, but there is a three-month wait.  His monthly cancer treatment is 24 Feb.  On 4 March his first appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon for his painful, broken shoulder.  He still needs help from the local social agency to find proper assisted living so he can rest and have his little companion dog, Toby. His patience is deteriorating.
• ·        Paul - Has a final interview this week for a role that will help for now.  Please pray God will allow him to secure this position.  He is losing hope  Pray for his strength and fortitude.  He has not worked since 2012.
• ·        BG had his first series of tests and now will have a new procedure today.  Please pray for wisdom and compassion in the health care providers and specialists.
• ·        Sergio continues to look for a new job but hurt his back.  Pray for a speedy recovery.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        Hans is scheduled to be released from the health clinic 23 February.  He will return home to wait for a time to travel to a new clinic (which could take up to 6 months).  Pray his healing continues and that he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• ·        The project I was working on lost their budget.  Am looking for a new project.  Pray I will wait patiently and without stressing.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Raven - they've found no signs of new cancer and changed her meds which are a great relief from the 2.5 years of yukky chemo.
• ·        Fion:  Parents settled now but Fion misses them.  He is working far too many hours.  Pray the organisation he works with will improve conditions for him.
• ·        TG now back at work since the industrial accident that burned his lungs so badly.
• ·        Pray for Shan and Gemma as they plan the details of their wedding.  May they stay ever close to His leading.

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 has had another stroke that has caused the complete loss of vision in his left eye. 
• ·        David's daughter Heidi has been working for Macys for over three years and they are closing her store.  Pray she finds something even better.
• ·        Please pray for Rik, a good friend who has been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and is undergoing very expensive, long-distance treatment to restore his health.
• ·        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.

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
• ·        Pray for Toron who at 18 is needing encouragement, care and direction.
• ·        Keep praying for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-ups 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.
• ·        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 in the Philippines. Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

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.
• ·        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.

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

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues to develop his business. 
• ·        Elina needs clarity of purpose for her life and relationships.
• ·        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.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.