New Technology is Not Always Better

“Now David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.  And David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim.

“And they placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart.  So they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Ahio was walking ahead of the ark …

“But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it.  And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God.” II Samuel 6:1-4, 6-6

There were strict instructions about the ark of the tabernacle (see Exodus 25:12-15, Numbers 4:15, I Chronicles 15:2)) and God insisted on them for reasons of reverence and His own purposes.  But progress dictated something new and more efficient. 

Progress is not a bad thing in itself, but forgetting basics and disrespecting agreements are.  That is one reason it is imperative to read God’s Word often and closely for there are the basics He intends for us to remember and follow, not with the purpose of being prosperous, but so we are obedient -- He knows best for our good and His glory and eternal plan for His world.

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

PS:  My statement of faith is on the blog:  Especially His Love .  Either click the link or cut and paste this link in your Web browser (https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com.au/ )

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• Southerland Texas Shooting Victims and families – in a town of about 600 people, 50 were at one of the churches Sunday morning.  A shooter entered and killed 26 of the attendees and wounded at least 20 more.
• Thank our Father for Shane and Carol, his wife for their many sacrifices and devotion to being Jesus’ hands and heart to Adrian while he journeyed home to be with his Saviour.  Today, Monday, there will be a special memorial service to celebrate Adrian’s life.  
• Denny Scheffler (sp) -- an old friend of my brother just ran into while taking Barb for preliminary tests.  Denny was in a serious auto accident a few years ago.  His life is more than difficult and empty.  Pray Tim has opportunity to share the Gospel with him and wisdom to know how to help him.
• Jeannette – (friend of David R) has had multiple sclerosis for the last 30 years and now must move to a long-term care facility.  She doesn’t want to be separated from her only friend through many years, her companion dog, Daisy.
• My brother, Tim – has a painful injury to his wrist.  Pray they find out what is wrong and can manage the pain.  The weather is changing for the worse for his COPD (cardio-obstructive pulmonary disease).  Also, pray he gets active support from the patient advocate (social services).  Pray for his strength, patience, wisdom and health.  Pray for Barb, his wife, for her strength and patience and thank you, Father, for growing stronger daily in their lives so they can share You with others.
• David K. will have surgery to remove plates in his jaw.  Please pray for him that the procedure will go smoothly and that he recovers easily.  Pray for travelling mercies for the family as they travel to be with him during this time.
• Ron Torgo – has IBS and an inflamed gallbladder, it has affected his spleen and he is miserable.  Please pray for his doctors to find a way to moderate the symptoms and fix this for him.
• Barb (my sweet sister-in-law) has a medical procedure on 17 November.  She needs your prayer support so she is calm.  Pray for the health carers and that the results will be fine.
• My project has ended and I’m looking for a new one.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

• Australia – No update on the same-sex marriage referendum.  Please pray the Lord moves the heart of His people and those who do not know Him yet.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

• Doris (my "second mom")- 98-years young, growing weaker now.  New teeth do not fit well, but her focus on sharing Christ with others grows stronger!  She is unable to drink thin liquids but is managing to sip a little coffee and enjoy a few chocolates.
• Kathy Notley – had surgery on her ankle and is recovering now.  Pray for patience and that all is restored properly.
• Claudio - battling liver cancer and the meds that are to save him.  Pray for him, his health carers to be compassionate and wise and for Elea, his wife, that she has the extra strength and hope to hold his hand through this.
• Liriel - chronically ill and often in pain, but feeling a bit better lately.  Pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
• John (stroke survivor) needs wisdom to continue the management of his big farm.  Pray God will help him with his reading challenges since the stroke.  He is enjoying cooking for others and is blessing many with this gift.
• Adrian (6-year-old) serious behaviour problems continue.  Pray for his parents, teachers and doctors.
• Julia - battling depression - needs to get proper rest and therapy.  Very difficult with full-time teaching job and five children (including Adrian above). She needs strength to rely on the Lord rather than being self-sufficient.
• Aunt Donna - with dementia. Please pray for her daughters so they can care for her best.

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• Scott (in the USA) recently single father who must now care for his children alone; and that this situation will help his heart melt in awareness of the Lord's love for him.
• Robin Hopcroft - her brother asks we pray for her safety, that she learns of and understands the saving grace of Jesus and that her life becomes filled with the life-changing love of the Lord.
• Careena’s brother - to finally realise the deep affection Jesus has for him personally and that he will make a personal commitment to the Lord to save him!
• Christine – that her husband will turn to the Lord and that they will have a Christ-honouring relationship.
• Sarah -Will soon be moving into a family friend's trailer near her parents. But still no reconciliation with family or God at this point.
• RS who I had the delightful privilege of sharing the Gospel with.  Please pray for her that she keeps considering what we discussed.
• Bobby and George - that they will begin to consider Christ.
• Karen - that in her confusion and the chaos of her job, she will search for His peace.
• Jenny - Recently lost her husband and needs comfort, strength and true answers in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Adam - his life is filled with confusion and need.  Pray someone comes alongside him to help him see how much the Lord loves him.
• Bible study in Jo's home.  Pray for wisdom of Jo and openness in the women who meet together, especially Angie and Liz.
• Toron - (19-year-old) Pray for him to find direction and encouragement and most of all to come to the Lord.
• Lennie - Needs to wake to the cross of Christ and how much He loves him.
• Sarah - that God continues to work in His mysterious ways in her life and captures her heart.  No contact with parents or brother, yet.
• DB's father - (84 years) pray his heart opens to Christ.  He is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist.
• Chester (Adrian's friend) with pancreatic cancer that someone will come share Christ with him soon.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• Jeff Westergren –is home from hospital after heart surgery and regaining strength every day.  Please pray for him and Rachael as she supports him during this time.
• Doris’ (my second Mom) only brother, Uncle Dwight (92) is recovering from his kidney infection and respiratory problems and is home again.  Please pray for the Lord's will in his life. He is an ordained pastor and knows the Lord. He is also the Grandpa of Sarah who we have been praying for.
• Heidi, David’s daughter – her dental surgery went well and she has a new smile and her health will be even better for this.  She is such a wonderful support for David.
• David R - is feeling better and stronger with the better weather.  Surely the hand of the Lord is not short in any of our lives and still works in ways we cannot understand for our good and His glory!
• Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, US, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE (!), Germany, Portugal, Romania, American Samoa, Ukraine, Estonia, Singapore, China, 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.

FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

• St Marks Anglican Church Northbridge - Please pray for God's will and that a hunger for God’s Word grows relentlessly within the hearts of all those who attend.  Pray especially for those who serve there:  Simon Flinders, Adam Street, Pat O'Keeffe, Kathy Notley and their families.
• Elaine and Jim -sharing Christ in Hong Kong as difficult changes begin there.  Their wonderful online church has a 24/7 prayer room where a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waits to pray for and with you.  Elaine just wrote to say they have a brand-new Prayer Room.  They are always hoping for new prayer warriors.  If you are interested in a special prayer ministry, let me know and I will put you in touch with Elaine.  In the meantime please take time to visit: https://tlcwhk.com/prayer-room/
• Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) – they made it through the recent hurricanes in Florida and continue to serve the Lord with faithful gladness and grace and that his outreach radio program serves the Lord powerfully.  Please pray for a solution for her home care and for now pray for strength as Audley cares for his beloved wife.
• Doug McIntosh - an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study has multiple myelomas.  Please pray for him (he continues to teach), his family and the church he has worked so faithfully in, Cornerstone, in Lilburn Georgia.
• Jenny S - a Bible teacher and expositor who serves in many ways.  Give her strength, thriving health, wisdom, protection and the right handling of God's Word.
• Jo and Steve - for their NZ ministries and for reconciliation with one of Jo's sisters.
• Stu and Jo and children, Laura and Jason - the entire family is involved in full-time ministry in NZ.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute.
• Please pray for JB, that our loving Father provides him ample opportunity to continue his ministry in Sydney.
• Buddy and Susan Smith (in Queensland) and Kevin and Sandy Currell (in Melbourne) need your prayers for their ministries.
• The Catholic Church and the Pope, who need our prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

==== Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines

• ISIS has established a growing beachhead in the Philippines.  Our friends and tireless servants of the Lord, Isaias and Judith, and their ministry there, URGENTLY need your prayers.  Their world is being turned upside down by ISIS terrorists.  Fighting breaking out in many places near them.  Their lives are in danger now because they serve the Lord!  Pray that our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance for their lives and health.  This ministry gives so much to so many for so little.  To learn more:  http://www.afciworld.org   Look for "Nations" then click:  "Philippines".

ONGOING WORK RELATED

• Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and needs people to pay what they owe him so he can have more time with his young daughter. 
• Sergio - his projects have ended and he is looking for work again.  He is in Mexico City where people are still recovering from the earthquakes.  He is a brilliant graphic designer but work is difficult to find there.
• Carla - for, good health, peace, focus and enduring trust in her Father's loving arms.  Pray for travelling mercies and most of all wisdom with her priorities and decision making.
• Paul - Still can't find a job.  He has not had paying work since 2010.  I know the Lord is watching over him because of your prayers.  Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  And pray for my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
• Chris - That he will set aside time to pray and consider the many choices he has in front of him and that the Lord will guide him in the best use of his days.
• Marvin - eighteen and finding himself.  Pray he will stay close to the Lord and not turn aside from the truth of the Truth.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• Donald Trump - the President of the USA is in Asia right now and needs the Lord’s hand of protection and travelling mercies.  If ever there was a time to pray for an individual, it is now!  No matter whom you voted for or wanted as President, it is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  Pray someone helps him understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that he will have someone to regularly disciple him.  So much depends on it.

Many Recent Disasters

• California Forest Fires - over 40 died, many still missing, thousands of homes destroyed.  Those who have survived have no homes or belongings.
• The families who lost loved ones and for those who experienced the Las Vegas shooting.
• Those affected by the earthquakes in Mexico City
• Those still picking up their lives after the many hurricanes to ravage America and surrounding islands (Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico)

Consider donating to an agency making a difference, such as:

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/  or Google search Samaritan’s Purse

Home Free:  God Bless Texas – or search YouTube for Home Free – God Bless Texas.

• North Korea – Sabre-rattling continues in a dangerous game of world domination.  Pray for wisdom and patience on all sides.
• The World - Pray for God's will to prevail as unrest around the globe increases and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children, wherever they are – and that they will be ready to give an answer for the HOPE within them!
• That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who 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 growing number of displaced people from wars and famine around the world.  These refugees need compassion.

ONGOING PRAYER

•  Hans -Now has another 12 months of job training and therapy.  Pray he is always surrounded by faithful Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, DB, PS, Reg, JD, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.