POOR ADVISORS

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 

“Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent word to assemble the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counsellors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 

“For this reason at that time, certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews.  They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, ‘O king, live forever!  You yourself, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, is to fall down and worship the golden image. 

“But whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.  There are certain Jews … “ Daniel 3:1-12A selected verses

Daniel is a book I enjoy reading because of its wisdom concerning choosing good advisors.  The entire book seems to swing back and forth from bad to good decisions and back again that the leaders make in response to the advice of ‘trusted’ advisors. 

Along came Daniel (and his friends) men the Bible describes as upright, faithful, true, trusting and focused on God’s plan and not their own.  These qualities are sought out by any wise leader no matter what the political climate.  Without them, a nation, a business, a family are lost. 

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. 

Latest Update:  

·        Today in 210 countries

·        3,121,049 reported cases

·        56,761 critical condition

·        216,508 reported deaths

• Hans – A good friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized, finished his first three days of chemo.  There are some other complications, but he will be returning home for three weeks to have ongoing treatment.  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.  And pray for his Mom, who is unwell herself, as they consider how or if to share this news with her.
• Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December 2019, is suffering from lack of visitors and has fallen twice, hitting her head.  She is not eating well and is being carefully watched but doesn’t understand why no one is visiting her.  Thank the Lord for Patti, (daughter), and her husband John for their faithful support by daily face-time calls with her. 
• 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.