How Many Times?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsq3aDNhZIQ 

or Search YouTube for Gaithers - "I Then Shall Live"

"Then Peter came and said to Him, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?'

"Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.  For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a certain king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.  And when he had begun to settle them, there was brought to him one who owned him, ten thousand talents. 

"But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.  The slave therefore falling down, prostrated himself before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will repay you everything.'  And the lord of the slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.' Matthew 18:21-27

Sadly, this particular story Jesus shares is not completely finished and you may wish to read it on your own later.  For this illustration, however, think about this:  When we come to Jesus, so helpless and defeated from our own struggling efforts; when we abandon our efforts to fix things and make things better and do the right thing, Jesus forgives all our sins -- even the ones He KNOWS we will commit today. 

This is His example for us within the Body.   

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 - The pain continues.  He sent me a beautiful phone text, praising the Lord for what little he has in his life.  He will go to hospital for the dental extractions soon.  His stomach pain has flared up again.  He can barely eat.  Update regarding cancer treatments on 29 April.  He asks for "more prayer than usual."  He is very stressed and very tired. Pray Shane, Carol and Stewart McClelland, awaken to his struggle in a way they will MAKE time for him.  Please do not grow weary of praying for him. 
• ·        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.
• ·        David R - feeling better from his fall.  Pray for Heidi as she watches over 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.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?

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, protection and the right handling of God's Word.
• ·        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

• ·        Meldapilu - hip replacement from accident in October has healed well and she is just recovering from the additional 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)- at 98 years young is growing stronger every day and sharing the Gospel with vigour! Will finally get into dentist to start getting 3 new partials - has lost weight due to not being able to chew well (but they put her on Ensure for nourishment). Just enjoyed a "Senior Prom" put on by her assisted living facility & thoroughly enjoyed it!
• ·        CK (78 years old stroke survivor) Able to drive again! Started on a new medicine & seems to be doing much better mentally!
• ·        Patti (daughter of Doris) asthma is now controlled - may be just seasonal; getting along wonderfully 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.
• ·        Careena S - with MS and Lyme's Disease for ongoing encouragement as she battles with weaknesses and unsteadiness as she manages a household with husband and five children.  Give her wisdom, energy and patience.
• ·        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. 
• ·        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).
• ·        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 and Deborah - Pray for travelling mercies as they are on the road to visit family.
• ·        John has reached a recovery plateau from a stroke.  Is 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 went to Dr. for diabetic checkup and has started insulin to replace meds that weren't effective any more. Still needs to take a more active 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, even with husband's help. Adrian (below) their son requires tremendous effort from parents! Pray she rededicates her life to the Lord Jesus Christ - she is trying to do all herself, not relying on Him anymore...
• ·        Adrian (Patti's 5-1/2-year-old grandson) has serious behaviour problems - is regularly removed from his Preschool classes for safety of other children.  Please pray for parents, teachers and Adrian. Prayers are being answered! He has had 2 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.
• ·        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 with Patti 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!
• ·        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.  Pray for travelling mercies for Bobby as he joins Adam in Thailand for the holidays.  George has asked to come to church with me Easter Sunday!
• ·        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 - 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 (when the other sibs and her parents were visiting cousins in a different state over Spring Break and she was with her dad that week) and they came! (It was the first time since the divorce 9 yrs ago that I got to talk face to face with him) it was enjoyable and a step in the right direction - he has no friends!
• ·        Sarah - God continues to work in His mysterious ways in her life and that He captures her heart through this. She returned home long enough to get her belongings and brought a cousin with her for "protection" - she is 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
• ·        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. 
• ·        Me - Good meeting last Thursday - must wait till after holidays for possible fruit.  Pray he has some work for me - even a week would be enough to get through the month.  Continuing to follow up other possible opportunities.  Thank you for praying for me.
• ·        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.

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.

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.
• ·        Hans - therapy has ended.  Pray he finds gainful employment, Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.