Consider Joseph

"These are the facts concerning the birth of Jesus Christ.  His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph.  But while she was still a virgin she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

"Then Joseph, her fiancé, being a man of stern principle, decided to break the engagement but to do it quietly, as he didn't want to publicly disgrace her.

"As he lay awake pondering this, he fell into a dream, and saw an angel standing beside him.  'Joseph, son of David,' the angel said, 'don't hesitate to take Mary as your wife!  For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. 

"And she will have a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (meaning Saviour), for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:18-21 (Living Paraphrase)

We don't think much about Joseph at Christmas time.  He led the donkey that Mary sat upon.  We see him in the Nativity scene hovering over the mother and Child, but he is sort of a non event.  But he was a very special man.

Joseph would have been an adult, having established his profession as a carpenter, he was ready to assume the responsibilities of a wife and family -- and then she was pregnant!  Unfaithfulness during betrothal was as serious as within marriage and punishable by stoning. 

Yet, it was obvious that Joseph was a man with a loving and very patient heart.  He would have grown to love Mary over all the years he waited for her to grow up. 

His decision to put her away quietly would have been heart destroying for him.  We clearly see how compassionate and self-sacrificing he was.  God chose Joseph -- for many reasons -- to be the one to protect and care for His beloved and only Son while He was on this earth, and these are just a few of them.

Focus on the reason for the season, take a breath and feel the peace that He offers us all.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PLEASE NOTE PRAYER UPDATES! AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO PRAY AND TO KEEP ME UPDATED ON GOD'S PROGRESS!  And for any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS:  Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room. 

Elaine wrote:  "We realise you know the value of prayer as we've seen your WeakDay Devotions widen to increase more prayer over the years.  We have a team of committed intercessors, so you can be sure of prayer coverage for you. 

New visitors need to register for a login and password and will receive an email confirmation.  The room is open 27/7.  Go here to learn more:  

https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  In the aftermath of the siege in Sydney (three lives were lost, including the man who took the hostages, Martin Place fills with flowers.  It happened in one of my favourite cafes and is a reminder to us all that today MAY be the last day of the rest of our lives.  Please pray for the individuals who went through this ordeal and for their families and friends and all the police officers and pray for Australia that this does not become something we must get used to!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   Bubonic and pneumonic plague has broken out on the island of Madagascar.  Last stats 40 dead, 119 confirmed cases.  The last previously known outbreak of the plague was in Peru in August 2010, according to the WHO.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease spreads for many reasons:  missed "hazardous pay" for workers, fear, lack of education and hygiene.  As of yesterday there were over 7,000 deaths from Ebola.  570 healthcare workers have been affected and of those, 324 have died.

Also, for those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

For the situation developing in Israel and for the devastation and death being caused by the group called ISIS or IS.

For those in Hawaii dealing with a volcanic eruption and the lava flow.

Pray for calm, true Christian revival and a return to founding values in the USA.

ONGOING PRAYERS:  For Phil, the man who has opened his home to Adrian that his heart would soften toward Adrian.  The damage from the cancer in his spine is causing increasing pain.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.  Please pray for the little walks he takes each day with his beloved pet, Toby, that they are always inspiring and most of all safe, as Adrian is very frail now.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  With the many typhoons and floods their financial needs continue to grow as they work in the fields training up labourers for Christ.  Please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Nancy, a friend of Hans, had surgery last week and although they did not find cancer, they will still have to perform surgery.  She does not know the Lord, yet.

Please pray for Hans who has just found some work to help him through his challenging times and pray his walk and witness continues to strengthen in his new life with Christ.

Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John continues to make progress after his stroke. 

No word yet on the small project for me, but three reasonably good prospects that will have to wait till after the New Year..

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations.  Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration. 

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.  Pray for Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges.

Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom.  Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Pray for Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work.  Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

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!

For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany. 

Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!)  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.