OUR THREE POWER TOOLS

“Thus the Lord God showed me, and behold, He was forming a locust-swarm when the spring crop began to sprout.  And behold, the spring crop was after the king’s mowing.  And it came about, when it had finished eating [consuming] the vegetation of the land, that I said, ‘Lord God, please pardon!  How can Jacob stand, for he is small?’ 

“The Lord changed His mind about this, ‘It shall not be,’ said the Lord.  Thus the Lord God showed me, and behold, the Lord God was calling to contend with them by fire, and it consumed the great dep and began to consume the farm land. 

Then I said, ‘Lord God, please stop!  How can Jacob stand, for he is small?’  The Lord changed His mind about this.  This too shall not be,’ said the Lord God.

“Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord was standing by a vertical wall with a plumb line in His hand.  The Lord said to me,’ What do you see, Amos?’ And I said, ‘A plumb line.’  Then the Lord said,

“‘Behold I am about to put a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel, I will spare then no longer.  The high places of Isaac will be desolated, and the sanctuaries of Israel laid waste.  Then I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.’” Amos 7:1-9

A plumb line is a device used to ensure that a wall is built straight because if it is not, it will eventually collapse as Israel (and Judah were in Amos’ day). 

God wants us to be right with Him.  He wants the sin, that makes us crooked, removed immediately (I John 1:9).  To this end, He has provided us with the three powerful tools we need to journey through our world:

1.    The Word -- the plumb line -- so we can identify sin

2.    Prayer -- the privilege of intimate conversation with the Lord

3.    His forgiveness - graciously granted to His children because they have believed in the death and resurrection of His beloved Son, Jesus! 

How wonderful!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS:  My statement of faith is here:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES

• ·      UPDATE - Baby Jolie – 11 months old, struggling for life with meningitis and kidney failure.  Had a rough weekend, but is doing a little better.  Still in critical condition but fighting hard.  Pray her health carers have wisdom and compassion, her parents have patience and peace and that the Lord provides a miracle of healing for this child. 
• ·      URGENT - Carla’s sister Jackie – diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Pray for Carla as she rushes to be with her in Canada and for those who love and will support her through this difficult time.
• ·      Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John -- a Proverbs 31 woman.  Pray for:  her health, strength and wisdom; that she will take quality time to fully refresh; that she focuses on what is pleasing to the Lord and eliminates unnecessary distractions from His will and pray for travelling mercies during a much-needed break.
• ·      Audley M – is thankful the Lord sustained his health through 2019 (the first in five years he did not have to be hospitalized).  To God be the glory! Thank God that his wonderful radio ministry is now broadcast not only in Florida (where it began), but now also in Virginia, Alabama and Indianapolis as America hungers for true meat!
• ·      Savannah – 15-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, diagnosed with a psychological disorder that is difficult to treat and could lead to very serious consequences.  Doctors are trying new meds, hoping they will help.  She has a long road to recovery.  Please continue to pray for wisdom for her health carers, patience for her parents and healing for her. 
• ·      Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years has just broken her food and is devastated that she can’t compete in dance completions and feels she is letting her teams down.  She will be in a boot for 6 weeks.  Please pray for complete healing, peace and patience while she heals.
• ·      NEW UPDATES – Fires in Australia – MORE NEWS ABOUT FIRES TODAY - Cooler the last few days – torrential rains forecast for the next few days.  Concerns this will pollute the water supply because of all the fire debris.  More firefighters are now (finally) more engaged, including from other countries.  Estimates of 25 dead and up to a Billion animals lost.  Pray for the more-than 2,500 firefighters, those providing care and shelter for those who have lost everything, and wisdom for those still in the path of the fires, for mercy on the animals and the ongoing tragedy that accompanies this.  Please pray God’s hand of love and compassion is demonstrated by His people as this tragedy continues to burn throughout this dry and sunburnt land!
• ·      USA President Donald Trump – It is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him.  Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan.  Pray someone helps President Trump understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, that he will have a driving hunger to read God’s Word for himself and that God sends a Bible-believing Christian to regularly disciple him in the Truth and that God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who circle around him. 
• ·      URGENT -USA - Pray 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.
• ·      Chris H – recently lost his sister (the last of his family) and will be facing his first Christmas without her.  Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this time of change and pain. 
• ·      Christine’s husband – broke his arm and wrist and is home recovering.  Pray during this time that the Lord will speak to him through his loving wife and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
• ·      Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December.  She is growing frail and sleeping more and deeply now.  Thank the Lord for Patti, her faithful daughter, as she makes time to be with her Mom.  Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, does more to help. 
• ·      SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness to grow through this dark time and for wisdom of his counsellors.  Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
• ·      Lachlan –Has found housing for himself and his three children and will be working in the next couple of years to complete his entry into Wycliff Bible Translation ministries.  Please continue to pray for him.
• ·      Paul –Pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to find a role.  He’s been unemployed since 2010.  Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  Pray for my wisdom and patience as he stays here.
• ·      Terri – is recovering from the loss of a 13-year relationship and needs continuing strength as she travels through this time and that the Lord will use this to open her heart to Him. 
• ·      Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• ·      Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE