BEING USED BY GOD

“’Summon many against Babylon, all those who bend the bow:  encamp against her on every side, let there be no escape.  Repay her according to her work; according to all that she has done, so do to her; for she has become arrogant against the Lord, against the Holy One of Israel. 

“’Therefore her young men will fall in her streets, and all her men of war will be silenced in that day,’ declares the Lord.  Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,’ declares the Lord God of hosts, ‘for your day has come, the time when I will punish you. 

“’The arrogant one will stumble and fall with no one to raise him up; and I will set fire to his cities and it will devour [consume] all his environs.’”  Jeremiah 50:29-32

Babylon was an amazingly powerful and advanced empire used by God to punish Judah for her sins.  They were known for their arrogance and pride.  They alone were self-sufficient and invincible.  They alone held the power to destroy and enslave the nations around them.  

This pride led to their downfall.  Though there were times when the Babylonian kings were humbled before God, it never lasted and God crushed Babylon.

When any nation, in any age of history, refuses or slips away from believing in the one true God, God will find ways to correct this dangerous course.  We are all subject to the subtle and slippery sin of pride and sometimes let it rule us.  

The minute we recognise it, it is important to take it to the Lord and ask Him to help overcome it and realign our perspective and focus on the greatness and goodness of our Father God.

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 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.
• ·      UPDATE - Scott – Scott’s wife abandoned him and this two children Sophia (10) and Grady (8) a couple of years ago and he has proved to be a caring and loving single father to them.  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 – diagnosed with lymphoma and who has been under various and vigorous treatment for nearly a year now, returns to the hospital for more surgery this week (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— recovering from the loss of her beloved companion dog, Honey and a variety of health challenges.  Pray she rests well and that her health care providers are skilful, wise and compassionate.  Pray also for her neighbour, Pat who has been like a sister to her during this difficult time. 
• ·      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 – Thank you for praying for the Bible study I’m leading at work on Thursday afternoons.  Pray for my 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