Did Jesus Cheat?

"And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take.  And it was the third hour when they crucified Him.  And the inscription of the charge against Him read, 'The King of the Jews.' 

"And they crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left....And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, 'Ha!  You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuilt it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!'" Mark 15:25-27, 29

"Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things, and they were scoffing at Him." Luke 16:14

"He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.  Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." Isaiah 53:3-4

"He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him." John 1:10-11

"How did Christ endure treatment like that?  At any point He could have said, 'I quit.  I've had enough.'  Why didn't He?  What kept Him from giving up?"*

We secretly think that Jesus sort of cheated in some way...that He had super-human strength that allowed Him to have more courage than we can possibly have.  Somehow He knew the Father's plan for His world and that there was nothing to fear. 

The fact is, Jesus chose to live a life just like ours, with blisters and upset tummies, petty jealousies, etc., and all that goes with it.  His secret?  He knew the love of His Father and His steadfastness, it is the same power that His children have right now. 

Just think about it and you will see that the "super-human" strength that Jesus had was His trust in His heavenly Father to work out His plan for the good of His creation and His glory!  That is so powerful!

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

• ·        I attended the 20th anniversary celebration of Arrow Leadership and was a bit overwhelmed with what I learned there and ask you to pray for God's hand to hold tightly to this critical ministry and how/ if I may serve.
• ·        By God's hand I met with Di F. for coffee after many years and, although we had fellowship matters to cover, she has offered to investigate some assistance for Adrian in his town.
• ·        [Rachael sent email this morning] Chris - has a new heart.  Pray for him, his family, health carers and the family of the donor.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness.
• ·        Paul NS had two good job interviews last week, and will have another interview tomorrow with one of these companies.  He has not had work since 2012 and would appreciate your prayers
• ·        Fion's father has been recovering from a stroke for over a year and has been in a special care facility and is strong enough to go home, where his wife can care for him more easily.  Continue to pray for them and for Fion, as his workload is quite heavy at this time.
• ·        Hans has had some supportive and helpful meetings recently.  The Lord is blessing him with wise and compassionate counsellors who are giving him practical advice to sustain him for now and to give him hope for his future.
• ·        My project ends this week.  I may have the opportunity to return, but will need 4-6 weeks work starting next week to cover the time till the new project begins.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        There have been three explosions in China -- another one today.  The first explosion in China claimed more than 160 lost their lives; 720 injured.  Cyanide levels at the first explosion site are over 365 times above safe levels - it is early days in these tragedies, pray for the families affected and the rescue and aid workers.
• ·        European Migrant Situation - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states, who are overwhelmed and don`t know how to cope with the situation.
• ·        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.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        Adrian - started a new, six week course of chemo every Wednesday.  The affects are very hard on him.  He goes to the orthopedic surgeon on 6 October about his shoulder.  Please do not stop praying for relief from pain and that his home situation improves.  He needs emotional energy, resilience and that the health care providers make time for him.  Pray God protects him, especially when he is travelling long distances alone by bicycle or a borrowed car.  Certainly, pray for a gracious, sensible and loving Christian to come alongside him.  His little dog, Toby, also needs prayer.
• ·        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. 
• ·        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 us to pray for his friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer for his energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him; and that someone will come 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 got the law internship she dreamed of and asks us to pray the Lord allows her to stay there after she passes the bar in February. 
• ·        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 with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred and his family after 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.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-up regarding Wezley an 18-year old who lost her way.  The Lord knows where she is, just keep praying for her that she turns to Him.
• ·        I just discovered yesterday that Adrian has been paying a substantial sum for one small room in the back of a shared home with an elderly man named Phil, who seems to be part of Adrian's stress.  Pray the Lord gives Phil more patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        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, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith 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.  Take a moment 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.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        For Gemma - wisdom.
• ·        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.