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