Are You A Failure? No!

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance; and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

"For consider Him who has endured such hospitality by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary, and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

"When we find ourselves like Joseph in a pit of calamity, we too often pray for a helicopter evacuation rather than wait to be made ruler or all Egypt in time.

"Our task is rather to cooperate with the process, to continue confession our wrongs and our destructive attitudes as we become aware of them, and to receive the Holy Spirit's new interpretations in return."[1]

In Chapter 37 of Genesis, we read the story of Joseph.  He is a special character for me because he had to be so patient with the circumstances he continually found himself in.  I'm sure his family and friends also got tired of watching things going wrong in his life.  Perhaps, they even thought it was his fault he was such a regular failure. 

It is easy to look at another person's life and think we could do better under the circumstances.  Perhaps we could.  Yet each of us is on a journey of refinement that is as personal as our relationship to Jesus Christ.  Jesus calls each of us through circumstances uniquely created for us (Psalm 139!).  Why?  Because He loves us so much He would rather die than live without us!

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

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 - Adrian - is disoriented, very impatient and in pain.  His 8-hour cancer infusion in hospital Wednesday went alright.  The social worker came to help with necessary paperwork for him to get a full disability pension, but Adrian has misplaced some important documents.  Please pray for the faithfulness of Stewart McClelland, retired pastor to make time for Adrian.  Please do not grow weary of praying for him.  He needs to feel the hand of the Lord covering and comforting him.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        David R - is on oxygen now as his breathing is difficult (which may affect his health in other ways).  Some people moved in above where they live and are smokers.  It has badly affected him.  Please pray for a good solution.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Me - More paperwork completed for the new project (with the Federal government).  Still no start date, but hopefully within three weeks.  God must be so tired of my lack of patience and trust!  Am deeply grateful for the many prayers carrying me over this very hard place and for the practical support of His people. 
• ·        Fea - is home from hospital recovering from a serious injury to her left arm.  Please pray for her complete recovery.
• ·        Paul - sold a script he was writing!.  It has given him a new confidence (he has not had paying work since 2010) and he is buying the groceries for the house!  He continues with more job interviews.  Remains on a waiting list to have a surgical procedure to repair an injury he sustained while volunteering at Vinnies (who are unwilling to manage this).  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. 
• ·        Doris - at 98 years old came through her oral surgery well.  It will take about 6 weeks to heal.  Patty is now home.
• ·        BG - his headaches have been diagnosed as a type of mini-strokes).  He needs our prayers to strengthen him and keep him calm.  
• ·        Careena S - with MS and Lyme's Disease 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) her hip and knee replacement are healing and she is back at work part time.  Pray for her continued healing and that she paces herself wisely.
• ·        Steve/ Fion -  Pray for his wisdom, creativity, strength, more funding for his university.
• ·        Hans - (in West Germany) his therapy is to end this month.  Pray he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he goes. 
• ·        Raven - continues to strengthen after her long ordeal with cancer.  Her new cancer meds have given her the opportunity 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

• ·        Judith - wife of Isaias in the Philippines (see prayer request in full-time ministry below).  Spinal surgery delayed due to her high blood pressure.  Pray for the wisdom of her doctors and health care workers.  (see prayer request below "Full-Time Service" for more details if you wish to help).
• ·        Claudio - diagnosed with liver cancer.  Please pray for him and his doctors and other health carers that they are compassionate and wise.  Pray for Elea, his wife, as she holds his hand through this --that she has strength and hope.
• ·        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.  
• ·        Edna Losbanes - wife of Staff Evangelist Isachar Losbanes of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines (see prayer requests below) suffered a mild stroke 29 December.  They need help for an air conditioner, a small refrigerator to protect her injectable insulin (about $1,000) and $300 per month for her medicines of $300.  Please pray for these simple needs and for her full recovery.
• ·        Liriel - who is chronically ill and often in pain.  Please pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
• ·        Fin/Spencer - Pray for his doctors and therapists that he will recover completely from some additional surgery.  They have also identified he has an ulcer.  Pray he has friends with him during this time, especially Deborah.
• ·        CK (78 years old) suffered a stroke and now seems to be having a decline in mental functioning.  He is no longer able to drive.  His wife is taking this over and it is really difficult for them.  Please also pray for his wife.
• ·        John has reached a plateau and is trying to release some of the duties of his big farm.  It is growing legally complicated so needs prayers for this.  He is on a number of medications and needs to take a more active role in his day-to-day health activities.  He has also been diagnosed with sleep apnoea.
• ·        Patti (daughter of Doris) has recently been diagnosed with asthma and sleep apnoea and will be getting a machine to help her sleep.
• ·        Julia (daughter of Patti) had a concussion a while ago that we prayed for at the time - now is battling depression.  Pray she rededicates her life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
• ·        Adrian (Patti's 5-1/2-year-old grandson) has behaviour problems so bad he is being regularly removed from his Kindergarten classes for safety of the other children.  Please pray for the parents, teachers and Adrian.
• ·         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. 
• ·        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 in your assignment until they fall into His arms.  Then you can pick another to pray for!
• ·        Pray for RS who I had the delightful privilege of sharing the Gospel with yesterday.  Please pray for her that she keeps considering what we discussed.
• ·        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 her as she deals with his loss and 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 us to please continue to pray that Scott (in the USA) will come to the Lord for his sake and the sake of his children.
• ·        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

• ·        Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and needs people to just pay what they owe him so he can have more time with his young daughter.   
• ·        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.
• ·        Pray for the growing number of displaced people from wars and famine.  These refugees need compassion.
• ·        Donald Trump - the new USA President.  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.
• ·        Tallest Dam in USA - Orville, Northern California - this piece of dramatic news has fallen off the media's most wanted list but the dam is not stable and weather in that area continues to pour with rain.  This is a catastrophe waiting to happen.  Please pray for the engineers and workers.

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, Pat O'Keeffe 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

• ·        Imi - lost her Mom recently and needs extra support.
• ·        Chris H - pray his heart is focused on the Lord and His will for his life and future.
• ·        Marcus' neighbour - lost both her parents in the last three weeks and is reeling with grief.
• ·        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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[1] Copyright © 1981, 1998 by Dean Merrill, The God Who Won't Let Go, published by Zondervan Publishing House, p.103.