Why Can't I?

"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

"But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." II Peter 3:9

[Jesus teaching] "But love your enemies, and do good and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:35-36

"Can't we love like this? 

"Not without God's help we can't.  Oh, we may succeed for a time.  We like Simon may open a door.  but our relationships need more than a social gesture.  Some of our spouses need a foot washing.  A few of our friends need a flood of tears.  Our children need to be covered in the oil of our love."*

It is never healthy to go "sin searching" (we have spiritual soap - I John 1:9) or "playing the guilt game" (that is what grace is for - Ephesians 2:8-9), but we can look back in wonder to see just how far we have come in the loving arms of our Saviour Jesus Christ!  Nothing else matters so much as letting go and trusting our Father!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   ?

·        France - while funerals begin let's not miss the tragedy unfolding in Nigeria where thousands are being killed regularly by Islamic radicalists. 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: 

·        Raven, has had her surgery.  They found no new cancer.  Thank you all for praying for her during this time.

·        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.

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

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

• ·        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 prostrate cancer after years of trying to find out what was wrong in his body.  We can sometimes imagine that the quality and the cost of health care is the same around the world, but it is not.  Right now Isaias' father, Isaias and Judith need extra prayers.  If you feel led you may even wish to support them through this time.  To do so, just click here:  Ambassadors for Christ and look for Isaias Catorce.
• ·        Adrian has been in the hospital for the past week.  During the holidays, he had to have a full bone scan.  This week they realised his situation is far more serious and have re-adjusted his medications to four times what they were, to help him cope with the pain.  Please do not grow weary in your prayers for him.

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

·        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.

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.  om to cope with the limitations. 

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

·        Audley and Beverly (stroke)’s 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.  

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.