Joseph Didn't Have To....

A special video about Joseph

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows.  When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together when was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly.

"But when he had considered this, behold, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 

"And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.'

"Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord, through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which translated means, 'God with us.'

"And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife, and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus." Matthew 118-25

We can easily forget the huge part Joseph played in this situation.  Can you imagine his feelings, his fears, his humiliation and his love for Mary...and his love of the Lord.  To do what he did took so much courage!

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        DB has this special request for all of us:  "I think it would be good to pray for those in our families who do not believe. This time of year may provide an opening for us to share our faith - their hearts may be open and a nudge from God might touch them God bless you.
• ·        Adrian - So very tired.  He took his first walk to the shops after many weeks and cannot even unpack his backpack which someone else had to bring home for him.  He doesn't have another cancer treatment till the 16 January.  I fear he may be alone for the holidays though.  Keep praying. 
• ·        Hans is enjoying his healing retreat.  He will be away till the New Year.  Pray for Christian companions and leaders there.
• ·        Pray for Shan and Gemma who have decided it is time for them to marry and share their future together in the care of the Lord.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Please continue to pray for TG who is recovering in hospital with severe chemical burns to his lungs.  He will be moving to a long-term care facility soon.  His friend PB was helped and now has a home again.  Thank you for praying for them.
• ·        I thank the Lord for allowing me to have a project at this time and that it will be extended through January, at least.

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.
• ·        The people of the USA -who are once more dealing with the evil of senseless, mass murder.
• ·        European Migrant Situation Update - a prayer for the migrants, but also for the European states, who are working to adjust to the situation.
• ·        The people of France and Belgium -continue to pray for those affected by this senseless attack.  May they all recover without the scars of unreasonable fears, hatred or bitterness.  Pray for the police and soldiers who work to protect Paris and Belgium now that they are wise and resolute.  May the Christians of France and Belgium be mobilised to help.
• ·        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

• ·        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.
• ·        Fion's father recovering from a stroke for over a year in a special care facility.  Now 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 so heavy at this time.
• ·        Please pray for Rik, a good friend who has been diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and is undergoing very expensive, long-distance treatment to restore his health.
• ·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for my friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer - for 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

• ·        Paul NS needs hope for work.  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. 

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife, especially at this time of year when memories are so challenging.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
• ·        Keep praying for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-ups 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.
• ·        Adrian pays 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.
• ·        Elina pray for her as she sorts things out and takes her time to seek wisdom from the Lord.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to ministry.
• ·        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 need prayers for physical healing and funds for some unexpected medical care.  God owns the cattle on a thousand hills!  Pray our Father 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".
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
• ·        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.

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

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        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.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.