One Thousand Gifts: Friday, Week Twenty

 

Happy Friday, Friends!   We have a longer prayer list than usual, which doesn't surprise me.  The enemy thinks he can steal our joy during this season filled with hope, but he cannot!  Please take the time to read through the list because there have been some updates.

This week's devotion is about Hagar, and how her struggles and desperation led her to a really dark place.  If you have the time, read her story in Genesis 16 and 21.  Although her character is flawed in that she cruelly mocked Sarah, Hagar is the only biblical character who had the boldness to name God El Roi, "The God Who Sees Me."  The main point of the devotion is to see, to WANT to see God's grace in our lives.

This week's scripture:

Prayer Requests

• Kitty asks that we pray that her Grandson Connor and his dad will make amends; Son Mike will find a job; and Son in law Eric will be able to manage his cervical dystonia.
• Pray that God will keep a hedge of protection around each of our families, especially concerning our health (physical, mental, and spiritual).
• Thank-you, God, for your constancy in answering our prayers!
• Pray for unity in our country, and that God will show us mercy and continue to bless us.
• Pray that we will have a very blessed Christmas season with family and friends,  that we will be able to focus on what's truly important, and that God will draw us and all our family members closer to Him.
• Carla has a request for her community as crime is increasing.  She also requests that we pray for courage for the citizens of Cameron.
• Rita requests that we pray for two widow neighbors for recovery from colon resections this past week. They are otherwise very vibrant women!
• Rita also asks that we pray for her daughter Megan who has Covid.  This is the third time Megan has gotten it. Just praying Megan's symptoms are mild and manageable, and that no one else catches it (I added that last part).
• Well, unfortunately, Rita caught Covid.  Please pray that she bounces back quickly!  
• Please pray for my friend Martha who lost her husband.  (She's a sorority sister, and she's my floral guild partner at church.)  The funeral on Tuesday was lovely, and she appreciates y'all's prayers.
• Sam is back to his monthly Drill schedule with the Wisconsin National Guard. Prayer request is for strength and wisdom. Longer drill periods have been set for 2024.  Pray for the 157th!
• Travel mercies for my husband Trip as he's traveling this weekend out west.  
• Pray for Carla's friend Bonita who has Covid, too.

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill