Does ANYBODY Love Me?

"And the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst, they said to Him, 'Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.  Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman; what then do You say?' 

"And they were saying this, testing Him, in order that they might have grounds for accusing Him.  But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.

"But they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, 'He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.''  And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 

"And when they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. 

"And straightening up, Jesus said to her, 'Woman, where are they?  Did no one condemn you?'  And she said, 'No one, Lord.  And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go your way.  From now on sin no more.'" John 8:3-11

"Please listen to heaven's answer.  God loves you.  Personally.  Powerfully.  Passionately.  Others have promised and failed.  But God has promised and succeeded.  He loves you with an unfailing love.  And His love -- if you will let it -- can fill you and leave you with a love worth giving.  So come.  Come thirsty and drink deeply."*

I'm certain some days you wonder why I choose a specific Scripture for the devotion.  Today's is one that may puzzle you.  Yet, it fits perfectly to the truth of how loved you are. 

When we compare ourselves with others; when we hide in activities that help others, when we live to keep the focus off our self-perceived unworthiness, we miss the point of Salvation! 

Jesus calls us, forgives and cleanses us and begins to fill us with a love we fight for the rest of our lives...yet it is there for us always...no matter WHAT sin we know we have committed or what those around us KNOW or THINK we have committed. 

His love is absolute and perfect.  Perhaps like the scribes and Pharisees, the older you grow the deeper the realisation becomes.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Please be with those in the train derailment in the USA as they pick up the pieces to make sense of this tragedy.
• ·        A second major earthquake has happened in Nepal.  Please pray for those now struggling to dig out and survive.  Also keep praying for those supporting and those recovering from the horrendous earthquake in Nepal.
• ·        For Fred and his family.  His beloved wife has passed away last week after a long struggle to recover from a head injury.  Please pray for the intimate comfort of the Lord for them as they walk through this difficult time.
• ·        Adrian - seems to have contracted a serious flu.  He has many difficulties getting to the hospital as his car is very old and barely runs.  Please pray someone fit and compassionate who is nearby will come to help him get to and from the doctors/ hospital.  His battle with this horrible form of cancer has been heroic, but he grows tired, yet, continues to look to the Lord and is grateful for you as you pray.
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        For those in Canada and Texas who are struggling with the horrible storms.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Isaias, Judith and Agnes will be conducting training in several places in the Philippines.  Please pray for travelling mercies, safety, wisdom, sufficient rest and food during their travels.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about their wonderful work there.  Search Ambassadors for Christ Philippines (Http://www.afcphilippines.com/) and look for Isaias Catorce.
• ·        My project ends in June and I will need to find a new one.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Rachael has asked us to pray for Chris who remains on the wait list for a heart transplant.  "Pray 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 help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing.  Spring brings some relief from the cold temperature, but the pollen takes its toll.
• ·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges and for Heidi, his daughter who cares for him.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Chester continues to struggle through many serious medical conditions and poor care.  He has dwindling funds and few friends to help.  (This prayer request comes from Adrian, by the way).  Pray the Lord gives Chester energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him.  And that someone will come to share Christ with him soon.

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.  He is a young Christian man who is in West Germany.
• ·        Elina has not gotten back with me about her graduate program interview, but we will continue to pray for her.
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he works to develop his business. 
• ·        Paul NS needs work of some kind.  He is continuing to have interviews and pursue roles.  He has not had work since 2012. 

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church there with a special prayer room that is open 24/7, with a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to serve.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and his choice and timing of life partner.
• ·        Wezley is an 18-year old who has lost her direction and her way.  Pray the Lord seizes her heart and that she realises His love soon.
• ·        God has provided Adrian a free room in Phil's home.  Yet, Phil is quite old and chaotic.  Pray the Lord will establish and maintain peace between these two men.  Pray the Lord will give Phil more understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness with Adrian.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of personal challenges.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds in Australia, that he and his family will have the energy, strength and good health to feed the flock He has entrusted to Yangrae.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.
• ·        Those around the world being affected by the radical Islamic groups, especially ISIS and Boko Haram.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  This His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory 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 and encouragement over many 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 (repackaged).  I encourage you to secure a copy and follow along.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.  Pray for Mr. Lucado and I thank my brother for recommending it.