"But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his
house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, 'What is
this you have done to me? Why did you
not tell me that she was your wife? Why
did you say, 'She is my sister, so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her and
go.' And Pharaoh commanded his men
concerning him; and they escorted him away, with his wife and all that belonged
to him." Genesis
12:17-20
Two things here to consider:
God wanted Abram to obey and trust Him and not be in Egypt enjoying
himself. Since Abram was so
"comfortable" enjoying the luxury his deceit had brought him, even
knowing he had betrayed his wife, it was difficult to motivate him to move on
and then there was the issue of Sarai, who did obey her husband and was
compromised. Abraham would not leave
such comfort even though it must have been stressful for him, but still a
self-satisfying result.
Most important of all in their weakness their testimony of the power
and trusworthiness of Jehovah was compromised to all who knew them (family,
friends, servants) and all of Egypt starting with Pharoah.
"Now these things happened to them
as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of
the ages have come. Therefore let him
who things he stands take heed lest he fall.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but
with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able
to endure it." I
Corinthians 10:11-13
Take care with love, especially His!
Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?
Please send updates! For any of
you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through
previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
URGENT
PRAYER REQUEST: Isaias
in the Philippines has sent me this message" "Dear praying friends. How I wish I could finish doing my ministry report for May 2013, but flu strikes me down. Cough, cough, could, sneeze, sneeze, sneeze...pain all over me. Please pray for me."
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS.
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: PNS is finally recovering.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:
David R doing well
through complicated health challenges. Tim (my little brother) with
CPRD, needs financial help and satisfying work.
For Audley and Beverly’s
situation and his new endeavour. Adrian as he continues to
struggle through his cancer.
For Carlton still
suffering from horrible infections and pain in his bones. For Nancy
who is growing stronger and for Fred
as he cares for her. For PJ.
Betinna’s husband, Jim,
with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia awaiting a bone marrow transplant.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara (sister-in-law) eager to
find new work since her project ended.
Be with Hans as he
struggles through changes in his life – that he will cling quietly to the
Lord. For Deepak as he walks through some unexpected life changes that
he would stay strong in his faith and trust in the Father.
ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS: Pray
the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that
His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in
surprising and wonderful ways!
Please continue to pray for those in Boston and Texas, dealing with the tragedies. Carla
& Paul K for good results from their business plans.
Please pray for the three
women and the child who were captured and held for a decade in
Ohio. Please pray for Deborah as she deals with a difficult
situation, that she would keep her focus where it must be and that her hurting
heart is soothed by the Father as He brings about the result that is His will.
For Tarrega, as his
hearts settles and strengthens. For Linda and Ian. For Rob
and his daughter. For Reg. Pray for Annette
and her career adventures.
Pray for wisdom for my
brother as he deals with an important matter. For David
K, in his studies and Matthew
K as he grows up. Elaine and Jim back in Hong
Kong.
PRAY FOR THE WORLD: God’s grace
on USA & REVIVAL for His
children there and for the many nations and individuals suffering from global
financial mismanagement. Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new
Pope will always put Jesus first.
There are now four Amazon Kindles I've created from the many years of
devotions I've written. These are here
to support you and this ministry that has continued since 1999. The last one I put together is one of my
favourite: “Genesis &
Discrimination”. There are three others
that may serve you and your friends: Secrets
of a Deeper Life in Christ , A Missing Psalm, Forgiveness. Would you please share your thoughts on
having these printed into hardcopies.