Some Still Doubted

"Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began answering His disciples saying, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?'  And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 

"He said to them, 'But who do YOU say that I am?'  And Simon Peter answered and said, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' 

"And Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.'"  Matthew 16:13-17

As I've been reviewing the Gospel for Easter, there are some patterns that seem to stick out in Jesus' actions and those around Him as He heads for the culmination of His personal ministry on earth. 

Starting with this passage, where we see Jesus beginning to drive the message of His Messiah-ship home.  He knows He will be leaving them.  Will they believe Him after He is gone?  Will they carry His message? 

After Jesus had been crucified before their eyes, after He rose from the dead, right before He ascended to the Father, He shared His great and compassionate vision - the Great Commission, with His disciples.  The Bible tells us that even then --

"But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain, which Jesus had designated.  And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but SOME were DOUBTFUL."  Matthew 28:16-17

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  

·        Those in Vanuatu - the cyclone was described as apocalyptic.

·        Please pray the Lord quiets the hearts of those in the USA while racial tension again raises its head.  Pray for the police officers around the nation.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING-

·        Adrian - has undergone a transition of his medicine and last night called me to report that he has had his first day in ages to feel able to be up.  He is still feeling strange from the new meds and goes to the hospital for his cancer treatment today.  He is thankful that the chemo is now over, and thanks everyone for praying for him so faithfully over time.

·        Paul N-S -has had one of the TV series ideas he has written (while he waits for a new role ) accepted and he will receive some funds.  Great news!  Thank you for praying.  He has not had work since 2012.

·        David K celebrates a significant birthday on Monday!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

·        My brother, Tim with COPD (cardio-obstructive 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.  He has had three upper respiratory infections in the past months and did not get his flu shot this year.

·        Shan - Needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.

·        Helen Birdsall - remains in hospital recovering.  Please pray for her and her husband.

·        Otto - home from hospital recovering from upper respiratory infection

·        Maureen - recovering from surgery on her shoulder.

·        Emily has left.  Please pray for her time to rest and consider her options and her hopes to return to Australia.

·        Rachael asks:  Please pray for Chris, who is on the wait list for a heart transplant - that if it is God's will for him to get one that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers.

·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds, that he and his family will have the energy and good health to feed the flock he has been entrusted with.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

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

·        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  has plateaued in her efforts for full recovery from a life-threatening head injury.  Pray she and  Fred will be at peace and take some time to just be grateful and stop striving for more from 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. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB RELATED CHALLENGES

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

·        Elina - no word yet on results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is very grateful for your prayers. 

·        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 PRAYERS

·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.

·        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 for additional strength and wisdom. 

·        Isaias & Judith (in Philippines) were called to train other Christian lay leaders and they work tirelessly in challenging conditions.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  Ambassadors for Christ --look for Isaias Catorce.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  

·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA.   

·        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.  

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. 

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

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