Jesus' Kindness

"Love is patient, love is kind...I Corinthians 13:4

"And Jesus said, 'Who is the one who touched Me?'  And while they were all denying it, Peter said, 'Master, the multitudes are crowding and pressing upon You.' 

"But Jesus said, 'Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me.'  And when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. 

"And He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.'" Luke 8:45-48

"The kindness of Jesus.  We are quick to think of His power, His passion, and His devotion.  But those near Him knew and know God comes cloaked in kindness."

If you want illustrations of the kindness of Jesus, read the story of Zacheus (Luke 19:1-10) or His first miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11) or the context of the story of the woman above in Luke. 

Oh and by the way, want a surprise illustration of how kind Jesus is?  This is the only time Jesus uses the word daughter.  He didn't have to use this term of endearment for this wretched woman...but He did!  He is that kind to you too.  Just look around and remember! 

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

·        Adrian sent me a brief text yesterday.  They kept him in the hospital overnight after the procedure.  He is now home, exhausted and as always hopeful in His Lord Jesus.  As I hear more I will share it.  Thank you so much for praying for this sweet man.

·        Isaias & Judith (missionaries in Philippines).  The funeral of Isaias' father has been conducted safely and peacefully.  He thanks you for your prayers.  Their ministry is very hard in a difficult country.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  Ambassadors for Christ --look for Isaias Catorce.

·        Greta - niece of Hans is home now and her hand is healing after the surgery.  The family pet dog that bit her is quite old and had a "senior moment". 

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

·        A new border has been found.  Thank you for praying.

·        Me - my meeting went well yesterday and the decision for my involvement in the project is anticipated to be made today and start next Monday.  It could last through 2017.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

·        Hans - needs wisdom and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a reasonable job.

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.  For those in Nigeria as Boko Haram (which means Western education is forbidden) stomps into new areas.

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.

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 who we have been praying for for awhile is growing stronger and thanks you all for praying.

·        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.