Reaching Out

"And it came about that while He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'

"And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing, be cleansed.'  And immediately the leprosy left him." Luke 5:12-13

"He knows everything about you, yet He doesn't hold back His kindness toward you.  Has He, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift? 

"No, He is kind to you.  Why don't you be kind to yourself?  He forgives your faults.  Why don't you do the same?  He thinks tomorrow is worth living.  Why don't you agree?  He believes in you enough to call you His ambassador, His follower, even His child.  Why not take His cue and believe in yourself?"*

In the days of Jesus, the Jews followed many rules to survive in a very hostile world.  Hygiene was one area they were very strict with.  Lepers were completely cut off from society.  They were never touched.  They were completely isolated for others.  They even had to ring a bell if walking as a warning to not come near.

The many examples of Jesus touching blind, ill or leprous ones illustrates how much even the worst of the worst, the hopeless and the lost were seen and loved by the Lord Jesus.  That goes for me and you, too.

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 two meetings recently week and the Lord surprised him with wise and compassionate people who gave him practical advice to sustain him for now and hope for his future.
• ·        Elina sent me a wonderful text today to say that the Lord has surprised her with far more blessing than expected.  She had a surprise interview and was given a verbal offer.  She awaits a confirmation in writing.  Please continue to pray for her.
• ·        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
• ·        Adrian - they gave him a cane because he is growing unstable.  Yesterday he was unable to go for a walk and reluctantly stayed in bed - not easy for an ex-triathlete.  Tests continue as they try to figure out what is now wrong.  Through it all he always has the heart 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!  Pray he will completely forgive Adrian his debt.

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

• ·        Please note new link for their ministry.  Judith is recovering well.  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 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:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        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.
• ·        Adrian has asked us to pray for a friend, Chester who continues to struggle through many serious medical conditions and poor care.  He has dwindling funds and few friends to help.  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.
• ·        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.