PLAYING DESERT POLITICS

“’Now therefore, if you have dealt in truth and integrity in making Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have dealt with him as he deserved – for my father fought for you and risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian;

“’but you have risen against my father’s house today and have killed his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your relative – if then you have dealt in truth and integrity with Jerubbaal and his house this day, rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you.

“’But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem and Beth-millo, and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and from Beth-millo, and consume Abimelech.’” Judges 9:16-20

Gideon was a powerful judge.  Abimelech was one of his 70 sons.  Being born into such a powerful family offered Abimelech many privileges and he developed an obvious lust for power.  When Gideon died, Abimelech saw his chance.  He killed all his rival brothers and set himself up as the ruthless ruler over God’s people. 

So, God sent Jotham to the people of Israel to share the story of the trees (see yesterday’s devotion).  Jotham would have expected God to deal with this cruel leader immediately.  Yet, God delayed three long years.  Now, Jotham is back with a new and severe message.

There are times when we look at the world around us and wonder why God doesn’t act immediately to fix a situation, but His plan is perfect.  He knows and understands every nuance of everything, including the attitude of men’s hearts.  His timing is perfect.  It is our challenge to trust Him to know best – which is very hard! 

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

• ·       New:  Sue and Grant –  Sue’s father just passed away, unexpectantly.  She and her husband, Grant, have been caring for both her parents for many years.  Both were living in an assisted-living facility and Sue spent the day comforting her mother.  Please pray for strength, compassion and wisdom for Sue and Grant as they deal 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 – THANK YOU FOR PRAYING.  He has found a job for now.  His diabetes is under control and he has a place to live.  Please keep praying.   
• ·        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