How to Act?

“Then Manoah arose and followed his wife, and when he came to the man he said to him, ‘Are you the man who spoke to the woman?’ And he said, ‘I am.’  Manoah said, ‘Now when your words come to pass, what shall be the boy’s mode of life and his vocation?’ 

“So the angel of the Lord said to Manoah, ‘Let the woman pay attention to all that I said.  ‘She should not eat [consume] anything that comes from the vine nor drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing; let her observe all that I commanded.’ 

“Then Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, ‘Please let us detain you so that we may prepare a young goat for you.’  The angel of the Lord said to Manoah, ‘Though you detail me, I will not eat your food, but if you prepare a burnt offering, then offer it to the Lord,’  For Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the Lord.”  Judges 13:11-16

In this passage we see two ordinary people faced with an angel of the Lord, addressing their desire in an unexpected way. 

Can you imagine meeting the Lord or one of His holy angels!  Then bumbling around trying to do something to express your thanksgiving to Him that would equate to how much grace He has shown to you.  How can there be a gift, a sacrifice, an offering we could give other than our heart attitude of recognition and abandoned love for all He has done for us.

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

PS:  Please pray for this ministry.  This is the 20^th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name to offer a smattering of Scripture daily.  Find my statement of faith by clicking (or cut and paste this link into your Web browser):  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is a “Google Blogger” App you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·       Grant –  Grant’s father just passed away, unexpectantly.  He and his wife, Sue, have been caring for both his parents for many years.  Both were living in an assisted-living facility.  Please pray for strength, compassion and wisdom for Grant as heydeals with the practical, personal and emotional issues.
• ·        Patti’s best friend – her father, a WWII Veteran, just passed away right before his 93^rd birthday.  Thankfully, she had a week of precious time with him and shared:  ‘He is Home on the 4th - precious liberty!’ and that he was looking into her eyes as she sang hymns to him.  She lost her Mom (88) this past January, too.  She had been travelling back and forth (four hours each way) to care for them for the last four years.  Pray for her comfort and hope at this time.
• ·        UPDATE - Robin age 52, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, had her first of a six week series of five-days-a-week radiation treatment last week (after her lumpectomy).  Pray for her strength and for those who are supporting her at this time.  
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – are now on long-service leave.   Please pray for the refreshment and strengthening of family bonds and that the family enjoys time to focus on the love of their Saviour and all the gifts and blessings He has provided them.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, doctors found a blood clot. She must rest.  Her heart is troubled though, as her precious companion dog, Honey, is also growing very frail. 
• ·        Doris (my second Mom) - now 100 – has rallied and is back to her enthusiastic-for-the-Lord self.  Pray for Patti, her daughter, as she remains so faithful in sacrificing time and making the effort to always demonstrate God’s love to her precious mother.  Doris (and her husband, Owen, now waiting for Doris in Heaven) both prayed faithfully to bring me to the foot of the Cross. 
• ·        Paul –Has not had paying work since 2010.  Please pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to be successful with a role.  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.  Pray for my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting way during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  And let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding values.
• ·        Sergio – lost his job and is now looking again.  He was recently diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes.  Was living with his brother, but has been asked to move out, leaving him homeless.  
• ·        Toron – finishing his high school studies needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE