Fan or Follower?

[Preview of the film.  I don't know much about this pastor, but I wish I had made this film.  It is also set out as a home or church group Bible study.  Go to their Web site for more information: http://www.notafan.com/   It will change your walk and life. ]

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.  For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul.'" Matthew 16:24

"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.'" Matthew 9:37-38

On 16 July 2013, I had the privilege of sharing the Gospel message with a friend I've only known on-line.  His name is Hans and he is sometimes in the prayer requests.

Since he made his decision to be a follower of Christ, it has been a remarkable time for me to see his enthusiasm and curiosity for fitting Christ increasingly into his daily life, sharing with his family and friends. 

It has been a good reminder for me for my own walk, too.  Yesterday morning, he shared some information about a video he watched and urged me to watch it.  After watching it, I must recommend it to all of you who receive this devotion.  It will convict and comfort you in your personal walk with Christ.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

·        Adrian who was once a tri-athlete with a full life, has been in and out of hospital many times since Christmas.  After a full bone scan they discovered additional serious issues with deteriorating vertebrae in his neck and lumbar region from the cancer. 

On 2 February he will be hospitalised again to undergo a serious procedure to establish the ongoing effect on his spinal nerves and a prognosis.  In the meantime, his pain is so serious he is unable to care for himself adequately, but has no one to help him through this. 

Please pray for the constant care of the Lord to help him through this difficult time.  Do not grow weary in your prayers for him.  You do make a difference!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: 

·        Pray for Patty and Doris (who just had her 96th birthday.  She was like a second Mom to me)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

• ·        Greta - niece of Hans is in hospital for hand surgery.  She was accidently bitten by the family pet dog.
• ·        Hans - needs wisdom and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a reasonable job.
• ·        Isaias & Judith are grass-roots missionaries within the Philippines.  They work tirelessly and also care for their own family.  His aged father has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is easy to presume the quality and the cost of health care is the same around the world, but it is not.  Right now these dear friends need extra prayers.  You may even feel led to make a donation to their ministry:  Ambassadors for Christ --look for Isaias Catorce.

ONGOING PRAYERS

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

·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges. 

·        Bettina to give her strength and wisdom. 

WIDE PRAYER ISSUES

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

·        France - the aftermath of a world-stopping tragedy. 

·        For the tragedy unfolding in Niger and other nations where thousands are being killed regularly by Islamic radicalists. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

·        Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home) for understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.

·        My brother, Tim with COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease), that he has patience and wisdom to manage his health and the limitations to his breathing and to cope with the limitations. 

·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges. 

·        Audley's and Beverly's (stroke) situation and his return to the ministry. 

·        Nancy  who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury and for Fred as he cares for her. 

·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop. 

·        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. 

·        Those affected by the first outbreak of Bubonic and pneumonic plague since August 2010, on the island of Madagascar.  Last stats 40 dead, 119 confirmed cases. 

·        Those affected and those working to stem the devastation of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali) and in other countries, as the disease continues to spread.  As of yesterday there were over 7,000 deaths from Ebola.  570 healthcare workers have been affected and of those, 324 have died.

·        Those in Europe gearing up to fight a new strain of Bird Flu.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB RELATED CHALLENGES

·        Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work. 

·        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 - that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

·        Me - One of the proposals has now been put on hold.  Need a new project.  Would appreciate your prayers.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS

·        That 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!

·        Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life. 

·        Louise desires healing in their family.

·        Linda and Ian.  Rob and his daughter.  Reg.  Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Thanksgiving for their practical support over the years.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  

·        For revival in the USA to continue.   

·        Birgit who is in Germany. 

·        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!) 

·        The Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

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.  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

*A Love Worth Giving is copyright protected since 2002 by Max Lucado.  .  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 978-0-8499-4831-2 (repackage).  I encourage you to secure a copy and follow along.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.