"'And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers
until he should repay all that was owed him.
So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not
forgive his brother from your heart.'" Matthew 18:34-35
"'It's a good thing God doesn't
imprison the impatient in real life.'
Don't be so sure He doesn't.
Self-absorption and ingratitude make for thick walls and lonely jails. Impatience still imprisons the soul.
"For that reason, our God is
quick to help us avoid it. He does more
than demand patience from us; He offers it to us."*
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things
there is no law. Now those who belong to
Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one
another, envying one another." Galatians 5:22-26
If God demanded we were patient, I
fear the result would be like His prohibition not to eat from a certain tree in
the first garden. Anything we are told
not to do, we desire to do; anything we are told to do, we desire not to do
it.
"Wretched man that I am! Who
will set me free from the body of this death?" Romans 8:1
He died to accomplish this for us,
but that's not all! Just read Romans 8
for a list of your power over what tempts you away from Him. He traded our weakness and unwillingness for
the power of the Holy Spirit residing within us from our New Birth and it is up
to us to choose His way, not ours.
It is a moment-by-moment struggle for
us all, probably because we see the opposite all around us...greed and
self-achievement and competitiveness. It
takes trust in our Lord to appropriate this power!
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and
friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene
URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
- · Adrian - The Lord provided an angel to help him get to the doctor over the weekend. He will have special tests today and on Friday. He is experiencing new symptoms that may not be drug related. Will keep you updated. He continues to look to the Lord and is grateful for you as you pray. His battle with this horrible form of cancer has been heroic, but he grows tired.
- · Secret Angel - please pray for the compassionate ones who have volunteered to help Adrian in practical ways.
- · Phil - the man who has let Adrian stay in his home has been responding to your prayers and showing more kindness to Adrian!
- · The Lord has met Han's monthly debts in a most amazing way...and he is so thankful.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
- · Pray for travelling mercies for DB as he is travelling in China.
- · My project ends in June and I will need to find a new one.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS
- · Judith is still recovering from gall bladder surgery. Isaias is by her side. Pray for them both. The emergency surgery cost over $5,000. Please pray the Lord finds members of His family who are ready, willing and able to help them with this unexpected expense. They give so much to so many for so little. Perhaps you would like to learn more about their wonderful work by searching for Ambassadors for Christ Philippines (Http://www.afcphilippines.com/ ) and look for Isaias Catorce.
- · 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 job. 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 is travelling in China. Pray for travelling mercies. He 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
- · 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.
- · 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
- · 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.
- · 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.
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.
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