FOR THE SAKE OF MY NAME

“Then I resolved to pour out My wrath on them to accomplish My anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.  But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. 

“’So I took them our of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness.  I gave them My statutes and informed them on My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, he will live.

“’Also I gave them My sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctified them.  But the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness.  They did not walk in My statutes and they rejected My ordinance, by which, if a man observes them, he will live; and My sabbaths they greatly profaned. 

“’Then I resolved to pour out My wrath on them in the wilderness, to annihilate [consume] them.  But I acted for the same of My name, that it  should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, before whose sight I had brought them out.’” Ezekiel 20:8b-14

God has a plan for this world and for every individual.  His desire is to grow us up and develop us for service in a world that is growing further and further from His loving guidance. 

His personal plan for each of us, as we can so easily see in Psalm 139, is to act in a way that is for our good and for His glory -- that all men may come to know Him.

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 and some UPDATES too!

• ·      USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• ·      Yalawe – no update.  He had his surgery (cancer) on 15 October.  Please pray for his full recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with him.
• ·      SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness, for wisdom of his counsellors as he wanders through this dark time.  Pray for his ability to rest  and forgive himself.
• ·      Annette and Lyle – Pray for travelling mercies as they begin the next phase of their wonderful lives together and for good health and a love that continues to bind them and their family together. 
• ·      UPDATE - Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John.  A Proverbs 31 woman, who need strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve.  Pray she will grow in confidence to say ‘no’ sometimes and enjoy a new season of serving her husband.
• ·      Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
• ·      Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role that will satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• ·      Me – Please continue to pray for me as I lead the Thursday Bible study at work.  Pray for my humility and wisdom to share the Word for His glory.  I will be putting the weekly series on the EspeciallyHis blog site as a resource for others. 

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

• ·      Peter Frith – Works as part of Anglicare as the sole Christian chaplain at a special hospital.  The work is very lonely and challenging.  Pray for his encouragement, hope and that our loving heavenly Father sends another Christian to work with Peter.
• ·      St Marks Anglican Church Northbridge - Please pray God opens the hearts and minds of those who visit and for those who worship there regularly.  Pray their hunger for God’s Word grows.  Pray for strength, wisdom and healing rest, for those who serve there:  Simon Flinders, Pat O'Keeffe, Kathy Notley, Anne Penny, Barry and Jo and their families.
• ·      Lachlan – pray for his strength and stamina as he finishes his seminary studies.  Thank the Lord for his enthusiasm for God’s Word!
• ·      Jenny S –Bible teacher - for energy and good health, wisdom and time for reflection.
• ·      Scripture classes in Australian Schools – Australia is a secular country, yet God has ensured -- thus far -- that they have the freedom to hold Scripture classes in the schools during regular school hours!  It seems some resistance is beginning to grow, so it is critical to pray this continues.  It is a great hope for Australia.
• ·      Bible schools and seminaries in Australia and around the world – Pray they never compromise the truth of the Bible.
• ·      Jim and Elaine –Pray for the new work they’ve taken on in New Zealand and Fiji (heavily Muslim).  Thank you Lord, for allowing Elaine to be ordained to strengthen her work.  Pray for their protection and energy, grant them time for joy and to see the fruits of their labours.  To learn more of their ministry go to https://tlcwhk.com
• ·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ in The Philippines) – Isaias continues to travel and disciple new Bible teachers and leaders.  Pray for him, his family and their expanding ministries, especially for the growing women’s ministry:  Focus on the Heart.  Pray for their safety and travelling mercies.  This ministry gives so much to so many for so little.  To learn more:  http://www.afciworld.org (Top of page:  "Where We Work” > “Asia-Pacific” > "Philippines").
• ·      Doug McIntosh - an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study -- has multiple myelomas.  Has retired from full-time ministry.  Please pray for him, his family and the church he has worked so faithfully in, Cornerstone Bible Church, in Lilburn Georgia.
• ·      Audley – please pray for this faithful Bible teacher who has a weekly radio program to spread the Good News in Florida.  Pray for his sustained good health and faithfulness to the Word. 
• ·      Buddy & Susan –Please continue to pray for their needs and the harvest from their labours.  They were one of the first families who welcomed me to Australia; and amazing Christian teachers.
• ·      Kevin and Sandy Currell (in Melbourne) -- Kevin has a wonderful ministry in teaching, in words and images with creating Christian resources.  Please visit his site:  https://www.kevincurrell.com/ to learn more.
• ·      Jo and Steve - for their loving example of Christian life and devotion.  May their love flourish under His guidance as they continue their work in Christchurch New Zealand.
• ·      Stu and Jo and children, Laura and Jason – Pray for this devoted-to-the-Lord-Jesus-Christ family who are all involved in full-time ministry in New Zealand.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute.
• ·      The Catholic Church and the Pope, who needs our prayers that he will always remain uncompromising to the Word of God and that he always puts Jesus first in his life and decisions.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

AN OLD TESTAMENT PARABLE

“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, how is the wood of the vine better than any wood of a branch which is among the trees of the forest?  Can wood be taken from it to make anything, or can men take a peg from it on which to hang any vessel? 

If it has been put into the fire for fuel, and the fire has consumed both of its ends and its middle part has been charred, is it then useful for anything?  Behold, while it is intact, it is not made into anything.  How much less, when the fire has consumed it and it is charred, can it still be made into anything! 

“Therefore, thus says the Lord God, ‘As the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest which I have given to the fire for fuel, so have I given up the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I set My face against them.  Though they have come out of the fire, yet the fire will consume them. 

“’Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I set My face against them.  Thus I will make the land desolate; because they have acted unfaithfully,’ declares the Lord God.’”  Ezekiel 15:1-8

God uses parables, illustrations and stories to make sure that the readers of His Word can relate to what is written there.  We all understand what wood is and how fragile it is in fire.  God’s people had betrayed Him for local idols, traditions and customs.  They had turned their backs on Him for the fun of the culture they had allowed to grow up around them. 

We must be ever watchful that we do not fall into the trap of what is ‘normal’, fun, what everyone else is doing and stay strong in our understanding of God’s Word.  It is how we know right from wrong.

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 and some UPDATES too!

• ·      USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• ·      UPDATE - Scott – Scott’s wife abandoned him and this two children Sophia (10) and Grady (8) a couple of years ago.  He has proved to be a caring and loving single father.  Recently, he began dating a wonderful Christian woman and is very happy.  Please continue to pray he seeks the Lord for himself and his children. 
• ·      Yalawe – no update.  He had his surgery (cancer) on 15 October.  Please pray for his full recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with him.
• ·      Jen – my sweet friend in the UK— had another procedure today (with a good result) and should be on the road to recovery now thanks to your faithful prayers.    
• ·      SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness, for wisdom of his counsellors as he wanders through this dark time.  Pray for his ability to rest  and forgive himself.
• ·      Annette and Lyle – Pray for travelling mercies as they begin the next phase of their wonderful lives together and for good health and a love that continues to bind them and their family together. 
• ·      UPDATE - Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John.  A Proverbs 31 woman, who need strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve.  Pray she will grow in confidence to say ‘no’ sometimes and enjoy a new season of serving her husband.
• ·      UPDATE Sarah – Her mother thanks you for your faithful prayers.  She is still wandering around looking for herself and trying to avoid family.  Pray the Lord grabs her hand and brings her back to reality soon and that her family trusts the Lord more to know He has a plan for her.
• ·      Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
• ·      UPDATE - Adrian - (Julia’s son now 8 years old and in 3rd grade) Is in a special program at school for 1/2 days but refuses to do any work involving writing/ spelling or learning new things from his teachers. Still displaying some symptoms of autism. 
• ·      Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role that will satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• ·      UPDATE Robin - age 52, completed breast cancer treatment and seems to be doing well.  She is thankful for your prayers and asks you to continue praying for full recovery and for blessings for those who are supporting her.  
• ·      UPDATE - Patti’s Best Friend – earlier this year lost both her parents within six months after years of caring for them.  Pray her life begins to settle and that she focuses now on her own family and that she and her husband enjoy a few weeks in Florida together. 
• ·      UPDATE - Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching half-time to ensure her physical and emotional health (still dealing with symptoms from a concussion over a year ago).  It gives her more time to be with her two children (ages 5 and 8), both of whom have challenges.  Pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• ·      Me – Please continue to pray for me as I lead the Thursday Bible study at work.  Pray for my humility and wisdom to share the Word for His glory.  I will be putting the weekly series on the EspeciallyHis blog site as a resource for others. 

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

WHITEWASHING GOD'S TRUTH

“Therefore, thus says the Lord God, ‘Because you have spoken falsehood and seen a lie, therefore behold, I am against you,’ declares the Lord God.  ‘So My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations.  They will have no place in the council of My people, nor will they be written down in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel, that you may know that I am the Lord God. 

“’It is definitely because they have misled My people by saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace.  And when anyone builds a wall, behold, they plaster it over with whitewash; so tell those who plaster it over with whitewash, that it will fall.  A flooding rain will come, and you, O hailstones, will fall; and a violent wind will break out.’ 

“’Behold when the wall has fallen, will you not be asked, ‘Where is the plaster with which you plastered it?’  Therefore, thus says the Lord God, ‘I will make a violent wind break out in My wrath.  There will also be in My anger a flooding rain and hailstones to consume it in wrath.’” Ezekiel 13:8-13

This warning was directed against false prophets who were lying to God’s people.  They wanted to be powerful and popular as they thought Ezekiel was and decided to tell the people whatever they wanted to hear – thus ‘whitewashing the truth’.  This made Ezekiel’s job much harder and confused God’s people.  God intervened to ensure His message was crystal clear to the people and that the truth behind the lies was revealed. 

We see these same behaviours today.  It makes it difficult to know the Truth.  That is why it is vital to read your Bible, because only God’s Truth can give you the wisdom to sort through the lies to reveal the truth.

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 and some UPDATES too!

• ·      USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• ·      UPDATE - Scott – Scott’s wife abandoned him and this two children Sophia (10) and Grady (8) a couple of years ago.  He has proved to be a caring and loving single father.  Recently, he began dating a wonderful Christian woman and is very happy.  Please continue to pray he seeks the Lord for himself and his children. 
• ·      Yalawe – no update.  He had his surgery (cancer) on 15 October.  Please pray for his full recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with him.
• ·      Jen – my sweet friend in the UK— had another procedure today (with a good result) and should be on the road to recovery now thanks to your faithful prayers.    
• ·      SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness, for wisdom of his counsellors as he wanders through this dark time.  Pray for his ability to rest  and forgive himself.
• ·      Annette and Lyle – Pray for travelling mercies as they begin the next phase of their wonderful lives together and for good health and a love that continues to bind them and their family together. 
• ·      UPDATE - Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John.  A Proverbs 31 woman, who need strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve.  Pray she will grow in confidence to say ‘no’ sometimes and enjoy a new season of serving her husband.
• ·      UPDATE Sarah – Her mother thanks you for your faithful prayers.  She is still wandering around looking for herself and trying to avoid family.  Pray the Lord grabs her hand and brings her back to reality soon and that her family trusts the Lord more to know He has a plan for her.
• ·      Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
• ·      UPDATE - Adrian - (Julia’s son now 8 years old and in 3rd grade) Is in a special program at school for 1/2 days but refuses to do any work involving writing/ spelling or learning new things from his teachers. Still displaying some symptoms of autism. 
• ·      Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role that will satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• ·      UPDATE Robin - age 52, completed breast cancer treatment and seems to be doing well.  She is thankful for your prayers and asks you to continue praying for full recovery and for blessings for those who are supporting her.  
• ·      UPDATE - Patti’s Best Friend – earlier this year lost both her parents within six months after years of caring for them.  Pray her life begins to settle and that she focuses now on her own family and that she and her husband enjoy a few weeks in Florida together. 
• ·      UPDATE - Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching half-time to ensure her physical and emotional health (still dealing with symptoms from a concussion over a year ago).  It gives her more time to be with her two children (ages 5 and 8), both of whom have challenges.  Pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• ·      Me – Please continue to pray for me as I lead the Thursday Bible study at work.  Pray for my humility and wisdom to share the Word for His glory.  I will be putting the weekly series on the EspeciallyHis blog site as a resource for others. 

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

THE IRONY OF WEALTH

“They have blown the trumpet and made everything ready, but no one is going to the battle, for My wrath is against all their multitude.  The sword is outside and the plague and the famine are within.  He who is in the field will die by the sword; famine and the plague will also consume those in the city. 

“’Even when their survivors escape, they will be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, each over his own iniquity.  All hands will hang limp and all knees will become like water.  They will gird themselves with sackcloth and shuddering will overwhelm them; and shame will be on all faces and baldness on all their heads. 

“’They will fling their silver into the streets and their gold will become an abhorrent thing; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord.  They cannot satisfy their appetite nor can they fill their stomachs, for their iniquity has become an occasion of stumbling.’”  Ezekiel 7:14-19

Ezekiel pointed out to the nation of Judah that they had placed their trust in wealth rather than God and therefore God would destroy their wealth.  It is a great temptation to trust in our jobs, the economy, a political system or military might for our security.  Few can resist the feelings of security wealth brings.

It seems ironic how easy it is to use the money God entrusts to us to buy things that separate us from Him.  Guard against the temptation to satisfy yourself rather than spend time asking wisdom from your heavenly Father as how best to use the funds He provides.

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 and some UPDATES too!

• ·      USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• ·      UPDATE - Scott – Scott’s wife abandoned him and this two children Sophia (10) and Grady (8) a couple of years ago.  He has proved to be a caring and loving single father.  Recently, he began dating a wonderful Christian woman and is very happy.  Please continue to pray he seeks the Lord for himself and his children. 
• ·      Yalawe – no update.  He had his surgery (cancer) on 15 October.  Please pray for his full recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with him.
• ·      Jen – my sweet friend in the UK— had another procedure today (with a good result) and should be on the road to recovery now thanks to your faithful prayers.    
• ·      SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness, for wisdom of his counsellors as he wanders through this dark time.  Pray for his ability to rest  and forgive himself.
• ·      Annette and Lyle – Pray for travelling mercies as they begin the next phase of their wonderful lives together and for good health and a love that continues to bind them and their family together. 
• ·      UPDATE - Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John.  A Proverbs 31 woman, who need strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve.  Pray she will grow in confidence to say ‘no’ sometimes and enjoy a new season of serving her husband.
• ·      UPDATE Sarah – Her mother thanks you for your faithful prayers.  She is still wandering around looking for herself and trying to avoid family.  Pray the Lord grabs her hand and brings her back to reality soon and that her family trusts the Lord more to know He has a plan for her.
• ·      Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
• ·      UPDATE - Adrian - (Julia’s son now 8 years old and in 3rd grade) Is in a special program at school for 1/2 days but refuses to do any work involving writing/ spelling or learning new things from his teachers. Still displaying some symptoms of autism. 
• ·      Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role that will satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• ·      UPDATE Robin - age 52, completed breast cancer treatment and seems to be doing well.  She is thankful for your prayers and asks you to continue praying for full recovery and for blessings for those who are supporting her.  
• ·      UPDATE - Patti’s Best Friend – earlier this year lost both her parents within six months after years of caring for them.  Pray her life begins to settle and that she focuses now on her own family and that she and her husband enjoy a few weeks in Florida together. 
• ·      UPDATE - Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching half-time to ensure her physical and emotional health (still dealing with symptoms from a concussion over a year ago).  It gives her more time to be with her two children (ages 5 and 8), both of whom have challenges.  Pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• ·      Me – Please continue to pray for me as I lead the Thursday Bible study at work.  Pray for my humility and wisdom to share the Word for His glory.  I will be putting the weekly series on the EspeciallyHis blog site as a resource for others. 

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE