A WeakDay Devotion: Low Hopes

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Recently finished a new Kindle entitled “Genesis & Discrimination”. It is a very powerful collection to challenge your thinking. Also, consider: Secrets of a Deeper Life in Christ , A Missing Psalm, Forgiveness. I hope putting these together in this new format will be a blessing to many more & will help support this ministry.

By Email Too

The WeakDay Devotion originated as encouragement for a dear friend who was having difficulties with her job.

It is especially for my family, firends, business people, students, pastors, teachers and a myriad of pre-, new and long-serving Christians who want more Scripture with their devotion than many of the regular devotionals offer. it is also written to be short so you can get on with your day, but filled with a new idea from God's Word that is practical and applicable. You can also have it sent directly to your email box every day - just send me an email (DarleneRichard@gmail.com) and I will add you to the distribution.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Low Hopes

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:4-6

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

...[love] "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ... But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:13

"If love is the greatest...which is the least? It is hope. Hope is not strong enough to reach out to others, as love does. Hope can never move mountains -- that requires genuine faith.

What is hope, anyway?

According to Dean Merril it is the quiet voice that reminds you that maybe...and softly reminds you there is a faint possibility. "Yet hope is very close to fear. Fear looks at a set of grim prospects and says, 'It might fail.' Hope looks at the same set of grim prospects and says, 'It might work.'"[1]

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene (Please note the prayer updates, in red and if you have some updates, I need them!)

PS: My statement of faith is on the blog: Especially His Love . Either click the link or cut and paste this link in your Web browser (http://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com.au/ )

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

· · UPDATE - Fred I – will have surgery 10th January. He thanks you for praying for him. Continue to keep him in your prayers.

Han's Mom - recovering in hospital from a heart attack and surgery. Please pray for her doctors and carers and for her family as she recovers.
· Marcus' neighbour - lost both her parents in the last three weeks and is reeling with grief.
· No update yet about Edna Losbanes, wife of Staff Evangelist Isachar Losbanes of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines (see prayer requests below). She suffered a mild stroke on 29 December and was in hospital. They have two children and were on the road teaching youth the day before the stroke occurred. Please pray for a full recovery.
· UPDATE - Adrian - Please do not grow weary of praying for this man. He needs social services to help him. Remember his little companion dog, Toby, he is very important to Adrian's mental well-being and a clear gift from the Lord during this time of pain and loneliness.
UPDATE - Me - The short-term project was closed so now I await news about the six-month project I was short-listed for. In the meantime, many things are unravelling. I am deeply grateful for the many prayers carrying me over this very hard place.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

· UPDATE - Carla and Paul - are finishing up their move to their new house. Pray for patience and safety of the family during this time.
· Elina - that the Lord watches over her in a special way, calms her heart and gives her strength and the needed wisdom to consider a new challenge.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

· UPDATE - David R - Heidi, his daughter, found him a sweet companion dog and David is quite happy. The Service Dog will not be available till June.
· Careena S - with MS and Lyme's Disease. She is a beautiful battler with a quiet and gentle heart for the Lord. She thanks you for praying for her and reports she is still feeling steady on her feet the past weeks!
· Mel - (Meldapilu) had a hip and knee replacement and is surprising the doctors with her progress. Pray for her healing and that there are family and friends available to care for her during her long recovery time and that she is sensibly patient.
· UPDATE - Steve/ Fion - is back at Uni and already the work has filled ten hours a day! Pray for his wisdom, creativity, strength, more funding for his university.
· Doris - Just celebrated her 98th birthday on 22 Dec. and she looks great and seems to be strengthening more every day.
· UPDATE - Fin/Spencer - hip surgery scheduled for 17 January and is anticipated to be less complicated than his back surgery. Pray for his doctors and therapists that he will recover completely and have friends with him during this time, especially Deborah.
· Hans - (in West Germany) his therapy continues through March 2017. Pray the Lord gives him peace in his new situation and guards his family while he is away. Pray for those sharing this time with him that they truly care for him. Most of all, pray he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
· Raven - who has been on her new cancer meds for over a year now, reports she is able to enjoy every moment the Lord is giving her. Pray she will be found cancer-free.
· Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, US, Australia, UK, Poland, Germany, France, Portugal, American Samoa, Romania, Ukraine, Estonia, Singapore, China, 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 ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

· My brother, Tim - The weather is growing difficult for him. Pray for sufficient strength, wisdom and health and pray also for Barb, Tim's wife, who supports and cares for him.
· Patti (daughter of Doris) just had her birthday and has recently been diagnosed with asthma and is slowly improving.
· UPDATE - BG - headaches continue to compromise him. They now believe these are a type of mini-strokes). He needs our prayers to strengthen him and keep him calm.
· Aunt Donna - (Doris' sister, age 84) has dementia. Please pray for her daughters for guidance in her care.
· Joanne - sister to David R, who is being overwhelmed by dementia and macular degeneration. She is one of the most gracious Christian women I have ever known.
· John and brother CK (78 years old) both suffered strokes. Both now doing well with stroke recovery, but they get discouraged with memory recall challenges. Please pray for more patience and grace.
· Sandy - Tests are inconclusive, yet her symptoms persist. Pray for wise doctors. They suspect Crohn's Disease.

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

· Continue to pray for the special person you identified a few weeks ago in your assignment until they fall into His arms. Then you can pick another to pray for!
· Bobby and George - that they will begin to consider Christ.
· Karen - who I spoke with recently about the Lord, that in her confusion and the chaos of her job, she will search for His peace.
· JR's wife, Jenny - Please pray for Jenny and his family as they recover from his death that this time of vulnerability will be filled with His love.
· Adam - life is filled with confusion and need. Pray someone comes alongside him to help him see how much the Lord cares for him.
· Rachael asks please to pray that Scott (in the USA) seeks the Lord for his sake and his children.
· Paul - is on a waiting list to have a surgical procedure to repair an injury he sustained while volunteering at Vinnies. Pray for his heart to be touched through the experience. I know the Lord is watching over him because of your prayers. Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts. He has not had work since 2011!
· Bible study in Jo's home continues. You can feel Jo's excitement as these women grow a step closer to understanding how loving the Lord Jesus is! Keep praying for Angie and Liz.
· Toron - (18-year-old) Pray for him to find direction and encouragement and most of all to come to the Lord.
· Lennie - PS ex-son-in-law. Please pray for his salvation. He is father to PS' 11 yr. old granddaughter's whom she spends half her time with because of shared custody.
· Sarah - still urgently needs psychiatric care. Still not communicating with family members, but God is starting to work in His mysterious ways in her life. Pray the Lord captures her heart through this situation and that she will find someone to trust to help her.
· DB's father - (84 years) please keep praying his heart opens to Christ. He is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist.
· Chester (Adrian's friend) with pancreatic cancer that someone will come share Christ with him soon.

ONGOING WORK RELATED

· Sergio - his projects have ended and he is looking for work again. He is in Mexico City where work for graphic designers is rare.

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.
· Donald Trump - the new president-elect in the USA. If ever there was a time to pray for an individual, it is now. No matter whom you voted for or wanted as president...it is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man. Let us pray someone helps him understand the full meaning of giving his life in faith to our gracious Saviour and that he will have someone to disciple him. So much depends on it.
· Pray for the growing number of displaced people from wars and famine. These refugees need compassion.

FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

· Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation. They recently received word Medicaid will no longer provide home care for her. Pray for wisdom for Audley as he cares for his beloved. Pray also that God continues to multiply the effectiveness of his radio ministry in Florida.
· Doug McIntosh - an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study has multiple myelomas. Please pray for him, his family and the church he has worked so faithfully in, Cornerstone, in Lilburn Georgia.
· St Marks Anglican Church Northbridge - and the many who serve there: especially the pastors: Simon Flinders, Adam Street (and their amazing wives and children).
· Jo and Steve - Please pray their individual ministries in NZ and reconciliation with one of Jo's sisters.
· 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 - in the Philippines - a land that is growing increasingly chaotic and dangerous. 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. Please, take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry: Go to: http://www.afciworld.org Look for "Nations" then click: "Philippines".
· Jenny S - a Bible teacher and expositor who serves in many areas, for strength, wisdom and protection.
· Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him ample opportunity to continue his ministry in Sydney.
· Buddy and Susan Smith (in Queensland) and Kevin and Sandy Currell (in Melbourne) need your prayers for their ministries.
· The Catholic Church and the Pope, who need our prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

· Elaine and Jim -in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7. A small army of dedicated prayer warriors is waiting to pray with you. Please pray for them and go here to learn more: Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYER

· Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and needs people to pay what they owe him and give him more time with his young daughter.
· Chris H - pray his heart is focused on the Lord and His will for his life and future.
· Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, DB, PS, Reg, JD, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families. Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.

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Background of WeakDay Devotions

Over eleven years ago a dear friend couldn't find a job. She's brilliant, skilled & experienced -- but simply couldn't find a position to suit her. After about eight months of struggling & searching, she was hired to work with the Sydney Olympics but six months later the role turned feral. She was discouraged as she pulled herself into work each morning.

Then it became apparent they were trying to "move" her out. She struggled. At least once a week she would be on the phone to me or be sitting on my balcony talking/crying her heart out. I found myself being a sort of Christian coach/mentor for her.

One morning after my quiet time, something I learned seemed relevent for her, so I shared it with her in an email. She wrote back that it indeed helped. Next morning the same thing happened. Again the Lord used it to encourage & strengthen her. The next morning nothing seemed good to send, but I searched till I found something I hoped would strengthen her. The Lord used it. Each week day morning from then on I would get up early & write her a note of encouragement.

A month went by & another friend sent me an e-mail expressing their own frustration with a work situation. I sent them a copy of the e-mail I'd sent my friend that very morning. They were encouraged & asked me to include them each morning. After a couple of weeks both wrote to me to say they'd been sending the email to others & would I just add theses new names each morning. They also suggested I ask others if they'd like to be included. I did & many asked to receive it. One day, I was asked to do a radio interview with Gordon Moyse ("An Ordinary Christian"). He had heard about the morning "WeakDay Devotions" & wanted his listeners to know more about them.

Almost every week day morning since that first e-mail, I've written a fresh word of encouragement for (by now) an untold number of people around the world. It was originally mostly business oriented, but has grown to be more general in nature with Christian business people knowing it is the little personal details of their walk that need a boost anyway.

Within the distribution list now are Christians or pre-Christians (Catholic & Protestant), some are Jewish, some have not made a decision about what they believe, yet. There are several pastors; a Catholic priest, a Jewish teacher and a Christian Web page creator (and pastor) who distributes select ones to his readership. There’s even a pastor in the USA who uses them as part of his daily radio program.

Many who receive them forward them to others & they ricochet around the world. They're used as morning devotions between friends at work in the USA, Argentina, the Philippines, New Guinea, Hong Kong & places I don't even know about yet.

The Lord is using these meek & meagre "presents to Him" for His own purposes in the lives of others & I'm constantly surprised & humbled at the encouragement I've found in my own personal time with the Lord because of their ministry to me!

If you'd like to have them emailed directly to you each day, just send me an email. I'm open to comments, suggestions & criticisms.

Again, it's almost always only one screen long, so you don't have to take too much time with them, they always come marked "Urgent" so they can be found more quickly. Finally, the distribution list is "blinded" so everyone's privacy is assured (although I pray for everyone I send to & know them all much better now).

Every day is different, some days are very short -- sometimes only one verse or two, but there's always a Bible verse (I always use the New American Standard Bible translation, unless otherwise indicated). There are also times when there is a suggestion for something special as an assignment. I've also written a variety of series, such as: The Ten Commandments, Forgiveness, How to Know God's Will, Fasting, Unmet Needs, etc.

Stay close to His Word.
Your servant and friend in Christ.... Darlene

The First Devotion

"And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, O Lord, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee." Psalm 9:10

From George Muller's Autobiography:

"I saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not, how much I might serve the Lord, how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished.

"The first thing I did, after having asked in a few words the Lord's blessing upon His precious Word, was to begin to meditate on the Word of God; searching, as it were, into every verse, to get blessing out of it; not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word; not for the sake of reaching on what I had meditated upon; but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul. The result I have found to be almost invariably this...that after a very few minutes my soul has been led to confession, or to thanksgiving, or to intercession, or to supplication; so that though I did not, as it were, give myself to prayer, but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately more or less into prayer."

Have a wonderful day resting in Him....love, your servant and friend in Christ...D

Another style: The Princess & the Pea

[Jesus teaching] "'And why do you look at the spec that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?'" Matthew 7:3

"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." James 2:10

"So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!" James 3:5

"Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds; but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.'" Matthew 13:31-32

Ever notice how it's the little things that get under your skin and grow out of perspective? Think of the time you spend looking for a misplaced file or phone number. What about when you're late and get a red light or someone pulls out in front of you in traffic. Or how about when you get a paper cut or have a hang nail? How about forgetting someone's birthday or when you lose your glasses or keys? Any of these things can make us "lose our cool". As Christians we must be ever vigilant to how the little things can stumble our walk and witness with Christ.

It reminds me of the fairy tale of the Princess and the Pea (where a prince looked for a gentle and delicate princess to help rule his kingdom. He arranged a test of all the fair maidens. He had a stack of mattresses placed one on top the other and each "princess candidate" was invited to spend the night in the castle. The Prince became discouraged because no one seemed to respond to the test until one morning a lovely woman complained she could not sleep, as the mattress was too lumpy. Unbeknownst to her (and all the other candidates) the Prince had placed a single pea under the bottom mattress. No one else had been sensitive to the little things. Of course they lived happily ever after. In our Christian walk we need to be that sensitive to the little things that stumble us! Take care, your servant and friend in Christ – Darlene

A WeakDay Devotion

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Sunday, January 8, 2017

Low Hopes

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Background of WeakDay Devotions

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