A Call to Courtesy

"And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.  And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place. 

"And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached, and began travelling with them.  But their eyes were prevented from recognising Him.

"...And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He would go farther.  And they urged Him, saying, 'Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is nearly over.' 

"And He went in to stay with them.  And it came about that when He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them.  And their eyes were opened and they recognised Him; and He vanished from their sight." Luke 24:13-15, 28-31

"'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dien with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20

"Jesus always knocks before entering.  He doesn't have to.  He owns your heart.  If anyone has the right to barge in, Christ does.

"But He doesn't.  That gentle tap you hear?  It's Christ...And when you answer, He awaits your invitation to cross the threshold."*

I always wondered what would have happened if those discouraged disciples had not invited Him to come with them into the inn.  Jesus does not barge in uninvited.  Something we need to remember and emulate in our lives.

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

PS:  I left something special for you here:  Whispers :

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

Today is Adrian's birthday.  He has had a very challenging few years and your prayers have helped to sustain him.  Please be sure to pray for him extra special today, that his birth anniversary day is filled with love and even some cake!

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.  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.
• ·        Emily - please pray for her time to rest and consider her options and her hope 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

• ·        David R - as he manages his macular degeneration and a host f other health challenges and for Heidi who cares for him.
• ·        Adrian - his doctor has again changed his meds.  He texted me last night and is having difficulty figuring out if he has taken too much or too little.  No news about the tumour they found near his ear.  He is growing tired yet he is still praising the Lord and thankful for your prayers.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke) for their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        Nancy has reached a plateau 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 be grateful and stop striving for more from her.
• ·        BG that is blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of very serious 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.  And bring someone to him to share Christ's decision for him.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

• ·        Hans - needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.
• ·        Elina - no word yet on results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is grateful for your prayers.
• ·        Deepak - that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works to make his business more profitable.
• ·        Paul NS - has another job interview today.  Thank you for praying.  He has not had work since 2012.

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 24/7 and there is an army of prayers waiting to serve.  Go here and learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYERS

• ·        Wezley an 18 year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.
• ·        Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home) for understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        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 personal challenges
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
• ·        Isaias and Judith (in Philippines) were called to train other Christian lay leaders and they work tirelessly in challenging conditions.  Please keep them in your prayers as they plan the future of the ministry.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  search Ambassadors for Christ and look for Isaias Catorce.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        For Christ-centred, bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians.
• ·        For the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (it seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected geographic locations).
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope that he will always put Jesus first.
• ·        Those in Kenya who have lost loved ones in the senseless attack on an university there.  As many as 147 may be dead.
• ·        Families grieving for the loss of their loved ones from the plane crash of the Germanwing plane that killed 150 people.
• ·        Those in Vanuatu - The cyclone was described as apocalyptic.
• ·        Growing tensions in the Middle East, especially right now in Yemen.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  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.