Difficult Love Assignment 2

[Jesus teaching] "'Are not five sparrows sold for two cents?  And yet not one of them is forgotten before God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear, you are of more value than many sparrows.'"Luke 12:6-7

[Jesus teaching again] "And He also went on to say to the one who had invited him, 'When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives, or rich neighbours, lest they also invite you in return, and repayment comes to you. 

"'But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'" Luke 14:13

"Want to love others as God has loved you?  Come thirsty.  Drink deeply of God's love for you, and ask Him to fill your heart with a love worth giving.  A love that will enagle you to put others before yourself."*

God places many people in our lives, who seem to be just plain difficult to love and care for....but then so are we to Him, I suspect.  Think about it and, as you did yesterday, find just one person and demonstrate God's amazing grace and love to.  And the more difficult the better!

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

• ·        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.
• ·        Elina sent me another text to say she has gotten the law internship of her dreams!  She 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.
• ·        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.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Adrian - seems very unwell and unstable again.  And sadly his little companion dog is starting to be unwell too and it is hurting Adrian.  Please pray for little Toby.  The doctors are readjusting his meds again; it seems some of these effects and pain is related to withdrawal.  Almost every day he sends updates and encouragement.  It is certainly God who gives him so much strength -- a direct result of your faithful prayers.  Please pray for his continued safety and strength.
• ·        Pray for TF's wife 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.
• ·        My project ends the end of this month and I will need to find a new one.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        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".
• ·        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."
• ·        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
• ·        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.  His beloved wife has passed away recently 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 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.
• ·        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.