Better to Receive than...

"By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  In this is love not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us." I John 4:9-12

[Jesus teaching:] "'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?' And He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all you mind.'  This is the great and foremost commandment.  The second is like it.  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Matthew 22:36-39

"Could it be we are missing a step?  Could it be that the first step of love is not toward them [others] but toward Him?  Could it be that the secret to loving is receiving?  You give love by first receive it."*

Everyone struggles with loving themselves.  We are often taught that loving ourselves is selfish and prideful.  The inner struggle is the need to be realistic and thankful for who you are and love yourself with all your "warts". 

It is easier to mentally, emotionally and spiritually skip over the key to His love:  that He has known you since you were first conceived.  He has guided and watched and guarded your path throughout your life, even when you were not aware...even when you wandered so far from Him, you imagined there would never be a day you would be held again in His arms. 

Yet no matter what, He loves you.  His love for you is boundless.  It is as everlasting as His Word and His promises. 

He has asked us to pray and to be obedient to His guidance.  Both are difficult.  However, for most, the most difficult thing we are asked to do as His children, is to love ourselves. 

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

Adrian- I spoke with him yesterday and he grows weaker as he waits to go to the hospital for this examination on 4 May.  The pain is taking its toll.  Please pray for mercy and for the awareness of the Father's love around him to comfort him.  Help him know his life has not been spent in vain.  He is deeply thankful for your prayers. 

• ·         For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        So far they believe 2,500 died in the Nepal earthquake.  Please pray for those searching and rescuing and supporting them.
• ·        Although there are a few volcanos erupting right now, the one in Chilli is causing much difficulty right now.  Pray for those nearby.
• ·        Carla and Paul and their son, Matthew are moving to Dallas now and are driving from New York.  Please keep them in your prayers for travelling mercies.
• ·        My project will end in June and I will be needing to find another one.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        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.
• ·        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.
• ·        David R - as he manages his macular degeneration and a host f other health challenges and for Heidi who cares for him.
• ·        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 - Needs work of some kind.  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

• ·        Shan - Needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and for his choice of life partner.
• ·        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.
• ·        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 THE WORLD

• ·        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 around the world being affected by the radical Islamic groups, especially ISIS and Boko Haram.
• ·        Those in Europe who are migrating to other lands to escape wars and devastation, especially those headed for Italy now.
• ·        Those in Kenya who have lost loved ones in the senseless attack on an university there.  As many as 147 may be dead and the ongoing clashes.
• ·        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.

* From A Love Worth Giving, by Max Lucado

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