"Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
"'But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.'" Daniel 3:16-18
[Jesus teaching on wealth] "'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'" Matthew 6:19-21
Jay Bacik preached a most remarkable sermon for an evening service once. Anyone who attended could never forget it. He was talking about shopping the Bible for verses you like. He found one here and spoke it out and smiled. He read another out; then another.
Then, he came to one that was not so "positive" and did not promise good stuff. He looked at all of us and frowned, grabbed the "offending" page and tore it out of the Bible, wadded it up and threw it behind him...then with another and another.
The congregation was gobsmacked, shocked to silence. What had he DONE!! How could anyone, especially a pastor, disrespect of God's holy Word! Then Jay delivered the "punch line": God's Word was not written for our pleasure and prosperity. It is written for our good and God's glory.
Just because we find a passage we don't like, telling us to change our lives to be more like Christ, we can't just tear it out and throw it away, shopping for stuff we really want to find in the Bible!
Join me as we discover how the prosperity gospel is much like a creeping vine that chokes off the pages of the Bible that don't promise good stuff!
As we begin the journey exploring this topic, I need your prayers for openness before God's Word and for wisdom to handle it to please Him, that it might open many eyes that are growing dim.
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene
(( Please remember to send me prayer updates. ))
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 - spent all day Wednesday in hospital receiving his weekly cancer infusion. He is growing confused by the medications and the continual pain. No word when they will fix his teeth. Tests still being planned to discover the cause of his stomach and colon pain, preventing him from eating. He sent me a text, "Please pray ... my life is very low these last few weeks." Results from blood tests on efficacy of cancer treatments 29 April. Shane, Carol and Stewart McClelland, (three people who offer to help him and live nearby, but don't) pray they awaken to his struggle in a way they will actually MAKE time for him. Please do not grow weary of praying for Adrian.
- • 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.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?
IF YOU ARE A PRAYER WARRIOR - TAKE A LOOK HERE:
- • 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
FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE
- • Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) No word yet about situation after Medicaid stopped providing much-needed home care for her. Pray for wisdom as Audley cares for his beloved wife. Pray 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 (he continues to teach), 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.
- • Jenny S - a Bible teacher and expositor who serves in many ways -- for strength, wisdom, protection and the right handling of God's Word.
- • 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.
- o 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 for their lives and health. Need extra prayer this month as they prepare for a general assembly of their denomination in Manila. This means their home will host more than a dozen additional people.
- o Judith is slowly recovering from her back problems. Please pray for her faithfulness with her physical therapy.
- o Isaias must rest and prepare for his part in leading the meetings.
- o Edna Losbanes - wife of Staff Evangelist, Isachar Losbanes, is recovering from a stroke 29 December, now able to get around using a walker.
- o These wonderful individuals 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".
- • Please pray for 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.
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
- • Adrian (Patti's 5-1/2-year-old grandson) with serious behaviour problems (regularly removed from Preschool classes for safety of other children). Pray for parents, teachers, doctors and Adrian. Prayers are being answered! He has had two weeks of GOOD behaviour at school! The school personnel and doctors have done a fantastic job of setting him up for success next year in first grade (instead of Kindergarten) with medication and one-on-one aides for all his activities.
- • David R - feeling better from his fall. Pray for Heidi as she watches over him. Pray the new tenants in his building stop smoking or find a new place to live.
- • Careena S - with MS and Lyme's Disease is feeling more steady and generally better for the last few weeks. Pray for her wisdom, patience and that she will focus on her strengths and not worry and stress over what she is not able to change or fix. She manages a household with husband and five children.
- • Meldapilu - hip replacement from accident in October has healed well. She is just recovering from a repeat of the knee surgery that was required. It will take time to get back to normal but she is thankful she will be able to walk!
- • Doris (my "second mom")- 98-years young, growing stronger every day and sharing the Gospel with vigour!! Will finally get int dentist to start getting three new partials - Has lost weight due to not being able to chew well (now on Ensure for nourishment). Just enjoyed a "Senior Prom" in her assisted living facility and thoroughly enjoyed it!
- • CK (78 years old stroke survivor) able to drive again! Started on a new medicine and seems to be doing much better mentally!
- • Patti (daughter of Doris) asthma now controlled - may be seasonal; getting along well with CPAP therapy for sleep apnea!
- • BG - his headaches have been diagnosed as a type of mini-strokes. He needs our prayers to strengthen him and keep him calm.
- • 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
- • 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.
- • My brother, Tim - Weather is so changeable now which is hard for breathing with 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.
- • Liriel - chronically ill and often in pain. Pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
- • John (stroke survivor) reached a recovery plateau. Trying to release some responsibilities of managing his big farm and has agreed to talk to a specialist about "keeping the farm in the family and the family on the farm" His sleep apnea is well controlled with his CPAP machine. Recently started insulin to replace meds that weren't effective any more. Still needs to take a more active personal role in his health.
- • Julia (Patti's daughter) battling depression from lingering concussion symptoms. Still in need of TIME to get proper rest and therapy. Very difficult with full-time teaching job and five children (one is Adrian in prayer list above), even with husband's help. Pray she rededicates her life to the Lord Jesus Christ - she is trying to do all herself, not relying on Him anymore...
- • Aunt Donna - (Doris' sister, age 84) has dementia. Please pray for her daughters for guidance in her care. Daughters report she is worse when stressed, but sometimes on phone calls she seems completely lucid and normal!
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!
- • Robin Hopcroft - her brother asks we pray for her safety, that she learns of and understands the saving grace of Jesus and that her life becomes filled with the life-changing love of the Lord.
- • Pray for RS who I had the delightful privilege of sharing the Gospel with. 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.
- • Jenny - Recently lost her husband and needs comfort, strength and true answers in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ as so much still needs sorting out.
- • Adam - his 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. Patti invited granddaughter and him to lunch at a nearby restaurant while they were visiting over Spring Break. It was the first time since the divorce nine years ago that I got to talk face-to-face with him -- a step in the right direction - he has no friends!
- • Sarah - that God continues to work in His mysterious ways in her life and captures her heart. She returned home long enough to get her belongings and brought a cousin with her for "protection". Now living with an uncle and cousin changed churches, and still holding down a part-time job at a fast food restaurant. No contact with parents or brother, yet.
- • 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
- • 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.
- • Paul - Had a promising interview last week. 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.
- • Me - Interviews on Thursday and Friday went well. Was offered the 6-8 month project. Finalising details this week and may begin this Wednesday. Please pray for income of just one week of work before end of month to meet my obligations.
PRAY FOR THE WORLD
- • That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who 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.
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.
- • Hans - therapy has ended. Pray he finds gainful employment, Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
