Missing a STEP?

"'You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its remotest parts, and said to you, 'You are My servant., I have chosen you and not rejected you.

"'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' 

"'Behold all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonoured.  Those who contend with you will be as nothing, and will perish.  You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them. 

"'Those who war with you will be as nothing, and non-existent.  For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" Isaiah 41:9-13

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

Some  of us have difficulty imagining the reality of true and sincere love in our lives.  Sometimes those who were "supposed to" love us, such as parents and family members or spouses did not. 

When God calls to us, we project our life experience on Him, not meaning to and most times not even realising it.  Yet as He spoke to Israel in the verses above and all throughout the Bible, He has a love for us that is so rich and big and pure and everlasting that He DID send His only Son to die in payment of our disobedience, so He would always have us with Him.  It is up to us to rest in that assurance!

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

I've received an email from Carla, Paul and Matthew and they have arrived safely in Dallas.  Please pray they settle in easily.

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.

*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.  Please pray for him.