“But though a man sins a
hundred times and still lives, I know very well that those who fear God will be
better off, unlike the wicked, who will not live long, good lives – their days
shall pass away as quickly as shadows because they don’t fear God.
“There is a strange thing
happening here upon the earth:
Providence seems to treat some good men as though they were wicked, and
some wicked men as though they were good.
This is all very vexing and troublesome!
“Then I decided to spend
my time having fun, because I felt that there was nothing better in all the
earth than that a man should eat, drink, and be merry, with the hope that this
happiness would stick with him in all the hard work which God gives to mankind
everywhere.” Ecclesiastes 9:12-17 - New
Living Translation
Even if you had access to all
the wisdom in the world and were the wisest person alive, you could never comprehend
God and all that He has done for you. You,
like Solomon, will always have more questions than answers.
Nevertheless, the unknown
should not cast a shadow over your present joy, faith or work because you know God
is in control. When you put your trust
in Him, He promises to be with you always and forever.
Although His presence does
not shield you from trouble, it does guarantee you will always have His power to
meet adversity. Your eternal destiny and
your present trails are in His hands. Do not let what you don’t know or
understand about the present or what may happen in the future destroy the joy
God wants to give you today!
Take care, your servant and
friend in Christ, Darlene (who still prays for you each morning).
PS: My statement of faith: 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
(NOTE: Words
underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)
To serve
you in a new way, I’m researching and writing practical information for you
about the pandemic. Please visit: https://newsaboutcovid19.blogspot.com/
Please pray for all involved, for health care
workers, those trying to contain the spread; for those contagious, for those
who contract the virus, for those feeling afraid and lonely and for the
families who have lost loved ones. Pray they are wise, patient and
take precautions to protect others.
· Today in 209 countries
· 2,632,038 reported
cases
· 56,678 critical
condition
· 183,824 reported deaths
- Hans – A good friend, who lives in
Germany had a biopsy of the mass in his abdomen and they found it is lung
cancer. He begins chemo today in a
specialist hospital far from any family or friends. Please pray for his healthcare providers
and for his patience. Pray he is
surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will
support him through this journey.
- Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22
December 2019. She is suffering from lack of visitors now, has
fallen twice, hitting her head and is being watched carefully. She doesn’t understand why no one is
visiting her and is not eating well. Thank the Lord for Patti, (daughter), and
her husband John for their faithful support.
- Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, now in his third marriage, does more to help while
she is still here and that he reaches out to his Father in heaven for
guidance and hope.
- Penne – just lost her husband of 43 years after being his total
caregiver for the last 10 years.
She suffers mental problems, stemming from a childhood experience
and has reached out to Patti (pray for her wisdom and patience), but seems
unstable and confused. She has
‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer does not attend
fellowship for support. Please pray
for peace and God’s guidance for her that her faith may be invigorated
once more.
- USA President Donald Trump as he leads us through this
pandemic – It is especially 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.
- Fred – is making plans
to move from California to Tennessee in the Fall of 2020. Pray
for his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health as he
makes these life changes.
- Me – my laptop was not fixed and I’m back to using the old one, sorry for the inconvenience and formatting of the devotions in your email versions.
- NEW Prayer
Updates
- Sarah – had run away from home. Police
returned her home, put her in treatment and she is now with her
parents. She is not happy being
there and watches every move her mother makes to escape again. Very stressful during this time of
‘sheltering in place’. They hope
she will find a job when possible.
Thank you for praying and that she is finally home, getting help
and support.
- Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching online so less stress. Adrian (9-year old) is on new medication
that is finally working and Micah (6-year old with Type 1 diabetes) have
been getting along well. Continue
to pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her
children grow up.
- Patti’s Best Friend – lost both her parents within six
months after a lifetime of caring for them. Her husband’s mother died in January and
his 94-year old father now lives with them. Help them take time for each other and
keeping their faith strong.
PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE
During
this time, when the entire world is struggling to understand this ‘plague’, it
is critical that each of us upholds our Christian leaders. They will
be a very stretched resource for us all. Pray for their safety and
strength their families and most of all, their wisdom to pace themselves.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS
Many of
us have family, friends and loved ones who are fragile
health-wise. It is important to protect them in wise and practical
ways and most important we must pray even more for them that the Lord will have
mercy on them during this challenging time.
- My brother, Tim
- Christine’s husband
- Ray’s Dad
- David R
- Sergio
- Gary McQ
- Len Carbone
- Liriel
- Uncle Dwight
- Aunt Donna
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