What is Selfish? Part 2

"But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbour?'  Jesus replied and said, 'A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went off leaving him half dead. 

"'And by chance a certain priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  And likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

"'But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him, and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

"'And on the next day he took out two denari and gave them to the innkeeper and said, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.' 

"'Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?'  And he said, 'The one who showed mercy toward him.'  And Jesus said to him, 'Go and do the same.'" Luke 10:29-37

"You have a ticket to heaven no thief can take,

An eternal home no divorce can break. 

Every sin of your life has been cast to the sea. 

Every mistake you've made is nailed to the tree. 

You're blood-bought and heaven made.

A child of God -- forever saved.

"So be grateful, joyful - for isn't it true?

What you don't have

Is much less than what you do."*

Jesus could have been selfish, but He gave His all for us!

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 - sent me a text yesterday to let me know his meds seem stabilised and he had the best day yesterday for years.  Now just pray he does not overdo!  Thank you for praying for this man. God gives him so much strength and protects him.
• ·        Hans has had some supportive and helpful meetings recently where the Lord is blessing him with wise and compassionate who are giving him practical advice to sustain him for now and to give him hope for his future.
• ·        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!  Pray he will completely forgive Adrian his debt.
• ·        My project has been extended till August!  Thank you for praying.  Perhaps His timing holds some surprises for my next project.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Update from Rachael:  "Still no word on a heart for Chris.  He is still in the hospital waiting patiently [for a heart transplant].  Someone on his floor got a heart last week, so that was hopeful.  Keep praying "that if it is God's will for him to get one, that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers."
• ·        Pray for TF and his wife, Christine, that she finds a job that brings her joy, and that the family recovers from the loss of the pet of 11 years.
• ·        Pray for travelling mercies for DB as he is travelling in China.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        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.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for hisa friend, Chester who has pancreatic cancer.  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.
• ·        Paul NS still has no word about the possible position with the organisation in India (offices in Sydney).  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Elina got the law internship she dreamed of and she asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay at this position past the time she passes the bar in February.  Also pray that her sadness and confusion over a matter of the heart is healed in good time.
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues 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 as he recovers from the loss of his wife.  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 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.
• ·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of personal challenges.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
•  

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - a family serving in full-time ministry in New Zealand.  Keep them strong. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith thank you for your faithful prayers.  They are back in the field again training up leaders for the Lord  Pray He continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  I encourage you to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        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.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

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

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.

What IS Selfish? Part 1

"If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:17

"The word the apostle uses for selfishness shares a root form with the word strife and contentious.  It suggests a self preoccupation that hurts others.  A divisive arrogance. 

"In fact, first-century writers used the word to describe a politician who procured office by illegal manipulation or a harlot who seduced the client, demeaning both herself and him.  Selfishness is an obsession with self that excludes others, hurting everyone."*

Selfishness is where we put ourselves always before others.  Where compassion is no part of our lives.  Where our time is more important that anyone else's.  Where we must be first despite others around us.

We must always remember the Jesus died for us because He cares for us and who we are and who we are becoming in His hands and plans. 

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

An unspoken request for strength and courage and a Barnabus for the journey.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Hans has had some supportive and helpful meetings recently where the Lord is blessing him with wise and compassionate who are giving him practical advice to sustain him for now and to give him hope for his future.
• ·        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!  Pray he will completely forgive Adrian his debt.
• ·        My project has been extended for the next two months!  Thank you for praying.  Perhaps His timing holds some surprises for my next project.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Update from Rachael:  "Still no word on a heart for Chris.  He is still in the hospital waiting patiently [for a heart transplant].  Someone on his floor got a heart last week, so that was hopeful.  Keep praying "that if it is God's will for him to get one, that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers."
• ·        Adrian - as his medications are being adjusted he is beginning to feel a bit better.  Almost every day he sends updates and encouragement and thanks for your prayers for him.  It is certainly God who gives him so much strength and protects him.
• ·        Pray for TF and his wife, Christine, that she finds a job that brings her joy, and that the family recovers from the loss of the pet of 11 years.
• ·        Pray for travelling mercies for DB as he is travelling in China.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        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.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for hisa friend, Chester who has pancreatic cancer.  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.
• ·        Paul NS still has no word about the possible position with the organisation in India (offices in Sydney).  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Elina thanks everyone for praying for her and asks that the Lord will allow her to stay at this position until she passes the bar in February next year and that she might continue with this law practice afterward.  Also pray that her sadness and confusion over a matter of the heart is healed in good time..
• ·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues 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 as he recovers from the loss of his wife.  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 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.
• ·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of personal challenges.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Isaias and Judith thank you for your faithful prayers.  They are back in the field again training up leaders for the Lord  Pray He continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  I encourage you to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        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.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.
•  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

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

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.

Where Is Your I?

"Love...is not self seeking."  I Corinthians 13:4-5

[Jesus teaching]"'You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?  It is good for nothing anymore except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 

"'You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. 

"'Let your light so shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.'" Matthew 5:13-16

"Get yourself out of your eye by getting your eye off yourself.  Quit staring at that little self, and focus on your great Saviour."*

Think of going into a darkened room.  There are a dozen bright candles huddled together in the middle of the room, illuminating the area.  Now, think of yourself standing near the candles watching them.  There is a shadow behind you on the wall.  Can you see it when you glance back?

Now, imagine Jesus enters the room.  If He stands behind you, He is hidden by the shadow of your life and your deeds, your shadow overcomes His.  By placing Jesus in front of you it is His shadow reflected against the wall that others can see. 

In our daily walk others need to see Jesus reflected first in our life so they are attracted to Him, not us or our deeds.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

An unspoken request for strength and courage and a Barnabus for the journey.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

·        Hans has had some supportive and helpful meetings recently where the Lord is blessing him with wise and compassionate who are giving him practical advice to sustain him for now and to give him hope for his future.

·        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!  Pray he will completely forgive Adrian his debt.

·        My project has been extended for the next two months!  Thank you for praying.  Perhaps His timing holds some surprises for my next project.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        Update from Rachael:  "Still no word on a heart for Chris.  He is still in the hospital waiting patiently [for a heart transplant].  Someone on his floor got a heart last week, so that was hopeful.  Keep praying "that if it is God's will for him to get one, that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers."

·        Adrian - as his medications are being adjusted he is beginning to feel a bit better.  Almost every day he sends updates and encouragement and thanks for your prayers for him.  It is certainly God who gives him so much strength and protects him.

·        Pray for TF and his wife, Christine, that she finds a job that brings her joy, and that the family recovers from the loss of the pet of 11 years.

·        Pray for travelling mercies for DB as he is travelling in China.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

·        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.

·        Adrian asks:  Pray for hisa friend, Chester who has pancreatic cancer.  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.

·        Paul NS still has no word about the possible position with the organisation in India (offices in Sydney).  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers

·        Elina thanks everyone for praying for her and asks that the Lord will allow her to stay at this position until she passes the bar the end of the year.

·        Deepak needs to have his tireless work efforts bear fruit as he continues 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 as he recovers from the loss of his wife.  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 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.

·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of personal challenges.

·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

·        Isaias and Judith thank you for your faithful prayers.  They are back in the field again training up leaders for the Lord  Pray He continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  I encourage you to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".

·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.

·        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.

·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.

·        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.

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.