The Gospel is Goofy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiqKcAcecq4

Or search:  Skit Guys - The Birdcage

"O Lord, Thou has searched me and known me.  Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thoughts from afar.  Thou dost scrutinise my path and my lying down.  And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.  Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, Thou dost know it all. 

"My frame was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret, and skilfully wrought in the depths of the earth.  Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them."  Psalm 139:1-4, 15-16

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:8-9

So many of have tackled the topic of grace that by now it should be easy for all of us to understand.  Yet it is not!  Grace is goofy and absurd and impossible to comprehend -- a true mystery of God. 

GRACE IS the key to the Easter message!

In The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning, teaches about grace, as did Philip Yancey in his book, What's So Amazing About Grace?" or Jerry Bridges in his challenging book, The Discipline of Grace or In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado or The Grace Exchange by Larry Huntsperger....so many brilliant and humble minds have tackled grace.  This weekend take time to imagine what grace means to you!

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?

• ·        North Korea has fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan.
• ·        UPDATE - Syria 'chemical attack' - over 20 children and 55 adults have died, hundreds in hospital.
• ·        UPDATE - Train explosion in Russia - Fourteen people dead, over 50 injured in an explosion between two underground stations in St Petersburg.
• ·        UPDATE - Colombia landslide: Rescue teams race to reach survivors - More than 254 dead as rescuers dig through the mud.  Please pray for those affected and those helping.
• ·        NEW UPDATE Australian Torrential Floods from the Cyclone Debbie continue.  At least five are dead.  So much destruction.
• ·        UPDATE - Adrian - barely made it to the dental clinic because he had mistakenly taken a double dose of his meds due to the pain.  They put temporary fillings in and he goes back Tuesday next week.  Didn't bother to ask about his regularly-scheduled cancer infusion every Wednesday.  No word on effectiveness of the cancer treatments from his recent tests.  He is very stressed and very tired.  Will begin receiving a full disability pension on his birthday (30 April) - pray there are no delays with this.  Please pray Shane, Carol and/ or Stewart McClelland, who are nearby will choose to take time with him.  Please do not grow weary of praying for him. 
• ·        David R - fell off the wheel chair ramp and dislocated his shoulder, but is being treated and recovering.  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

•  
• ·        Fin/Spencer and Deborah - Pray for travelling mercies as they are on the road to visit family.
• ·        Easter Travellers - pray for Christians who may be taking focused time with family and friends for the holidays -- that they may have grace and patience and radiate Christ's love in every instance during this special season.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Marcus' mother - is recovering well from a recent surgery.
• ·        Mel - finished the body of work she had to complete and is now able to focus on her regular work.
• ·        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.  
• ·        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

• ·        Meldapilu - hip replacement from accident in October has healed well but they have had to repeat her knee surgery as it did not heal well.  Pray for her continued patience and that she paces her recovery wisely.
• ·        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 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. 
• ·        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.
• ·        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 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.
• ·        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.  
• ·        Me - the project that was to start last month has been put back till around end of April.  Am pursuing three more projects and one seems to be developing well and they will possibly make a final decision the week before Easter.  I keep following up and strengthening my heart through Bible study, the encouragement of family and friends and some great teachers on YouTube.  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.
• ·        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.
• ·        Hans - therapy has ended.  Pray he finds gainful employment, Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.