Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Laying Down in the Middle of the Sea




“Who has woe?  Who has sorrow?  Who has contentions?  Who has complaining?  Who has wounds without cause?  Who has redness of eyes?  Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste [consume] mixed wine. 

“Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.  Your eyes will see strange things and your mind will utter perverse things.  And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea or like one who lies down on the top of a mast.”  Proverbs 23:29-34

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18

It is not a surprise that we can be way-laid and distracted, diverted from life when we allow any chemical to consume us.  The writer of this Proverb captured the foolishness of losing control to chemicals so perfectly. 

The word ‘dissipation’ refers to acting outside reality.  The Bible does not tell us anywhere not to drink, but it tells us we must not be foolish and let drinking overtake our senses.

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 20th 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

  • ·        Those in the path of Hurricane Dorian The Lord controls the weather and His might is mightier than any storm.  It is times like this that helps remind us.  Pray for the Bahamas, where the death toll is near 80 people.  Pray for those who remain in the path of the hurricane.  Especially pray for the strength and resolve of the emergency workers and those who will help people rebuild their lives.
  • ·        Gary McQ – will have major heart surgery (quadruple valve replacement) later this month.  Pray he is surrounded by family and friends as he goes through this journey.  Pray for his strength, courage and for his heart to be at peace, as the Lord guides the hands of the surgeons and other health carers to repair his physical heart.
  • ·        Fred – for travelling mercies and new insights as he begins a journey by car across the USA.
  • ·        Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
  • ·        Tracey – after nearly three years, is losing a role she has enjoyed.  She needs our prayers to relax into the changes upon her.
  • ·        Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray Sr.) recently diagnosed with cancer, going through chemo and radiation.  Pray the Lord will touch Ray Sr.’s heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him -- the compassionate Lord Jesus. 
  • ·        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 Bible-based values.
  • ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, recovering from septicaemia, a blood clot and gall stones needs rest and skilful, wise health care providers.  Pray for her neighbour, Pat and the continuing good health of her precious companion dog, Honey. 
  • ·        Sergio – found a job for now, but it is wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is presently under control and he’s found a place to live.  Thank you for praying and please do not stop.  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

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