“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 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 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.
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