Weeping and Fear

"Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, 'Have everyone go out from me.'  So there was no man with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.  And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of the Pharaoh heard of it. 

"Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph!  Is my father still alive?'  But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.  Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Please come closer to me.'  And they came closer.  And he said, 'I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 

"'And now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.  For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 

"'And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.  Now, therefore, it was not you, who sent me here, but God, and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.'" Genesis 45:1-8

I am sure you love that passage as much as I do!  Can you, just for a moment, imagine what any of the brothers felt like?  Just close your eyes a moment and feel those mixed feelings! 

God owns everything.  He controls everything.  He is never surprised by anything -- even our disobedient detours.  He is weaving our lives and the lives of others and circumstances into a way for our good and His ultimate glory.  Think about it!

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?

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?

URGENT!! NEW UPDATE

• · Philippines - This story will fall off the radar, but the growing unrest and danger is just beginning.  Please pray for our friends and tireless servants of the Lord in the Ambassadors for Christ ministry (see below) URGENTLY need your prayers.  Their world is being turned upside down with ISIS terrorists and fighting breaking out in many places.  Their lives are in danger at every turn now because of their service to Christ! 

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• •             Hans has completed nine months of therapy and returned home.  Pray he finds gainful employment, Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• •             David R - is thanking and praising God for what the doctors are seeing as unexpected and not possible with the recovery of sight in his one eye and the concern for signs of dementia disappearing at his last check-ups.  Surely the hand of the Lord is not short in any of our lives and still works in ways we cannot understand for our good and His glory!
• •             Careena S - with MS and Lyme's Disease.  Was able to stop the meds for Lyme's Disease and is feeling much better for now.  Thank you for praying for her.  The Lord has given her a small miracle in answer to your prayers!  How wonderful is our Lord!  She manages a household with husband and five children and two very cute little dogs. 
• •             Meldapilu - hip and knee replacement from accident in October healed well.  Recovering now from a second operation for her knee.  She is slowly getting back to normal and 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!
• •             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

• •             UPDATE - Adrian Stokes –is home but his cancer (multiple myelomas) has intensified.  There is supposed to be a visiting nurse to see him this week.  A social worker is to be by on Thursday to help sort out some other issues, but his pain is constant now, even dulled with medication.  Please pray for him.  Toby, his little dog, is being cared for by an elderly lady -- taking that concern off Adrian's heart.  And amazingly, he is filled with a calmness and that strange peace that passes understanding that only those of the Body who suffer so seem to grow into.  He humbles me every time I talk with him and brings me to tears for his love of the Lord!   
• •             Thank our Father for Shane and Carol, his wife (who flew out to do missionary work recently - that she will be safe!).  Pray they will have Jesus' heart for Adrian and continued strength and the time to help him.  Pray Stewart McClelland, (a retired pastor) will be there with Adrian soon.
• •             Otto Warmbier - UPDATE - the 22-year old who went to North Korea and was arrested and sentenced to 15 years hard labour for taking a small banner.  Has been in a coma since March this year.  They suspect botulism.  Please pray for him and his family as they bring him home now.
• •             Fin will have his hip surgery within 60 days and has some things to do to prepare for this.  Pray for his patience and his resolved to do what the doctors have advised him.  Pray also for Deborah, his friend that her work slows down enough that she can watch over Fin a bit more.
• •             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 improving and it is so much easier for him to breathe right now 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.
• •             L. Mel - not sleeping and worried about a physical problem.  Please pray for her to rest and seek the peace of the Lord.
• •             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 a 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.
• •             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.
• •             Julia (Patti's daughter) battling depression from lingering concussion symptoms. Still needs to get proper rest and therapy.  Very difficult with full-time teaching job and five children (one is Adrian above), even with husband's help. Pray she rededicates her life to 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

• •             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 - (19-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 - that God continues to work in His mysterious ways in her life and captures her heart. 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.

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 and were just on a mission.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        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.

Ambassadors for Christ: 

• •             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. 
• •             Judith is slowly recovering from her back problems.  Please pray for her faithfulness with her physical therapy. 
• •             Isaias must rest and prepare for his part in leading the meetings. 
• •             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".

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. 
• •             Paul - 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. 

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• •             Donald Trump - the President of the USA.  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.
• •             London Fire - UPDATE - 57 estimated dead.  The fire that gutted a 24-story block of flats is becoming a flashpoint of unrest and anger.  Please pray for the families who lost loved ones, the ones who are homeless now, the investigators working to discover the reason and the government that will need to find ways to prevent this from happening ever again.
• •             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.