Who Has The Burden?

"At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.  'Yes, Father, for thus it was well pleasing in Thy sight. 

"'All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

"'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.'" Matthew 11:25-30

"Farmers in ancient Israel used to train an inexperienced ox by yoking it to an experienced one with a wooden harness.  The straps around the older animal were tightly drawn.  He carried the load.  but the yoke around the younger animal was loose. 

"He walked alongside the more mature ox., but his burden was light.  In this verse Jesus is saying, 'I walk alongside you.  We are yoked together.  But I pull the weight and carry the burden.'"*

We are prideful sometimes in wanting to carry our burdens alone to prove something to someone.  Yet, from the moment we accept the gracious gift of the Lord Jesus Christ, He is there to support us with His immense kindness and love. 

Yet He does not take our burdens from us, although He could.  He lets us try until we realise His plan is for us to grow stronger in dependence on Him.  Not so we can carry our own load, but so we are ready to help those around us witness the fruit of His love.

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

• ·        Paul NS has been having interviews for the last few weeks with an organisation out of India (but with offices in Sydney).  It would seem he is very close to being offered a role.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers as he works through some details this week. 
• ·        Adrian - has had the special tests and now they believe the new meds caused all the bizarre symptoms he has been suffering since they changed prescriptions.  Through it all he always has the strength and forethought to praise the Lord.  Please pray for his continued safety and strength.
• ·        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. 

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.