In the Eye of the Storm

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"In the Eye of the Storm"

by Ryan Stevenson

"And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.  And behold a leper came to him, and bowed down to 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 his leprosy was cleansed." Matthew 8:1-3

"While He was saying these things to them, behold there came a synagogue official, and bowed down before Him, saying, 'My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.'  And Jesus rose and began to follow him, and so did His disciples.

"And behold a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, 'If I only touch His garment, I shall get well.'

"But Jesus turning and seeing her said, 'Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.'  And at once the woman was made well." Matthew 9:18-22

These two very tender moments of our sweet Lord's ministry, stand out for me.  When I am going through dark and lonely places where it seems I cannot even see a star of light above me that He surprises me.  His hand must get tired reaching out to me when I feel untouchable, unlovable and isolated -- as these two individuals were -- but He never stops reaching out.

You know how He reaches out?  Through the hands and feet and arms and hugs of His children, the Body of believers.  Neat!

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?

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Mel - that she will use her great wisdom and learnings to remember that resting is as much a part of ministry as rushing around doing things is.
• ·        Marcus' mother - just had emergency surgery and is recovering.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        David R - is doing better thanks to a new air cleaner Heidi got for him.  Thank you for holding him in your prayers as things settle.  Pray the new tenants in his building stop smoking or find a new place to live.
• ·        Me - No news about the projects.  Thank you, Father, for always surprising me.  Thank You for providing abundance in others' lives so they can share this blessing.  Thank You also for giving me just enough trust to wait for Your next surprise.
• ·        Doris (my "second mom)- at 98 years old still recovering from serious oral surgery.
• ·        BG - his headaches have been diagnosed as a type of mini-strokes.  He needs our prayers to strengthen him and keep him calm.  
• ·        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.
• ·        Raven - continues to strengthen after her long ordeal with cancer.  New cancer meds have given her a more normal life.  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

• ·        UPDATE - Adrian - special blood tests that were taken recently to indicate the efficacy of present cancer treatments are to be evaluated during another hospitalisation on 29 March.  In the meantime, the weather, poor health care and sub-standard accommodation are taking their toll on Adrian.  Should begin to receive full disability pension on his birthday - 30 April.  Please pray for the faithfulness of Shane, Carol and Stewart McClelland 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.
• ·        Judith - wife of Isaias in the Philippines.  Spinal surgery put on hold as she is improving from alternate therapies.  Pray for the wisdom of her doctors and health carers.  (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 health carers to be compassionate and wise.  Pray for Elea, his wife, as she holds his hand through this --that she has strength and hope.
• ·        Careena S - with MS and Lyme's Disease needs ongoing encouragement as she battles with these weaknesses and that they will get her meds balanced to let her feel herself again.
• ·        My brother, Tim - Weather is so changeable right now for his COPD (cardio-obstructive pulmonary disease).  Pray for his strength, wisdom and health.  Pray also for Barb, his 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.  Need an air conditioner and small refrigerator for her meds.  Please pray these simple needs will be met 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 as he deals with a few physical challenges right now.  Pray he has friends with him during this time, especially Deborah.
• ·        CK (78 years old stroke survivor) No longer able to drive.  Becoming increasingly dependent on his wife.  This growing increasingly difficult for them.
• ·        John has reached a recovery plateau from a stroke.  He is trying to release some responsibilities of managing his big farm and needs prayer for the mounting legal complications arising.  He struggles with motivation to take a more active role in his day-to-day health and now is diagnosed with sleep apnoea.
• ·        Patti (daughter of Doris) recently diagnosed with asthma and sleep apnoea.
• ·        Julia (daughter of Patti) battling depression.  Pray she rededicates her life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
• ·        Adrian (Patti's 5-1/2-year-old grandson) has serious behaviour problems and is 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, being overwhelmed by dementia and macular degeneration.  She is one of the most gracious Christian women I have ever known. 
• ·        Sandy - No news on her symptoms which may be Crohn's Disease.  Pray for wise doctors.

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 - Recently lost her husband and needs strength to deal with his loss and that she would find answers in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
• ·        Adam - life is filled with confusion and need.  Pray someone comes alongside him to help him see how much the Lord loves him.
• ·        Scott (in the USA) recently single father who must now care for his children alone and that this situation will help his heart melt in awareness of the Lord's love for him.
• ·        Bible study in Jo's home Pray for wisdom of Jo and openness in the women who meet together, especially 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 and father to PS' 11 year old granddaughter.  Please pray for his salvation.
• ·        Sarah - needs psychiatric care.  Not communicating with family members pray God continues to work in His mysterious ways in her life and that He captures her heart through this. 
• ·        DB's father - (84 years) pray 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

• ·        Paul - The script he wrote is providing limited funds over a few months.  He has not had paying work since 2010.  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.  
• ·        Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and needs people to 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.  I've just recommended him to one of my contacts.
• ·        Hans - therapy ends this month.  Pray he finds gainful employment, Christian companions and leaders wherever he is. 

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.  Pray someone helps him understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that he will have someone to regularly disciple him.  So much depends on it.

FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation.  No word yet about situation where 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, Kathy Notley and their families.
• ·        Jo and Steve - for their NZ ministries and for reconciliation with one of Jo's sisters. 
• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - the entire family is involved in full-time ministry in NZ.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith - in the Philippines - a land 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

• ·        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.