Kingdom Rules

"'But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do go to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also, and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.

"'Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.  And just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way.  And if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them. 

"And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you?  Even sinners lend to sinners, in order to receive back the same amount.  

"'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 6:27-36

"Kindness at home.  Kindness in public.  Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies.  Pretty well covers the gamut, don't you think?  Almost.  Someone else needs your kindness.  Who could that be?  You.  Don't we tend to be tough on ourselves?"*

This passage in Scripture is known as The Kingdom Rules.  Rules always seem to indicate a choice to obey or not.  Consider this:  If Christ saves sinners (that means you and me), that means He is purposefully kind and merciful with us.  He asks us to be the same with others. 

He also expects us to be kind to ourselves which is one rule we often choose to break!  Remember to be kind to yourself today, while you remember how kind He is to you!

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 spoke with him a few times over the weekend.  He is struggling but able to move around now.  The pain in his cervical spine (neck) is less than it was.  They will schedule a similiar procedure on his lumbar spine to help relieve more of the pain.  He does not have a prognosis yet.  He remains thankful and hopeful in His Lord Jesus.  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.

·        Me - project will be mine, with a delay of two to three weeks. It could last through 2017.   Thank you for praying.

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.

·        Jordan - wisdom in 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.

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 a while is growing stronger and thanks you all for praying.

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

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  

·        For Christ-centred 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.  (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.  It is open 27/7 and there is an army or prayers waiting to serve in prayer.  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.