Thursday, November 23, 2017

Special Gifts I am Thankful for


These are the special gifts I am thankful for today and for always:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBvGzrnirT8
Or Search YouTube for
David Phelps - We Shall Behold Him

“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 thought from afar.  Thou dost scrutinise my path and my lying down. 

“Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, Thou dost know it all.  Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, and laid Thy hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.

“Where can I go from Thy Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Thy presence?  If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there.  If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Thy hand will lead me, and Thy right hand will lay hold of me. 

“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night.’  Even the darkness is not dark to Thee, and the night is as bright as the day.  Darkness and light are alike to Thee.

“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to Thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.

“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.

“How precious also are Thy thoughts to me, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.  When I awake, I am still with Thee.

“O that Thou wouldst slay the wicked, O God; depart from me, therefore men of bloodshed.  For they speak against Thee wickedly and Thine enemies take Thy name in vain,  Do I not hate those who hate Thee, O Lord?  And do I not loathe those who rise up against Thee?  I have them with the utmost hatred; they have become my enemies.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”  Psalm 139 (my life Psalm)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK4N80glWFI
Or search YouTube for
Tennessee Ernie Ford – The Old Rugged Cross


And I am thankful the Lord has placed you so carefully and thoughtful in my life.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning. 

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 (https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com.au/ )

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST


  • ·        UPDATE:  an Argentine submarine with 44 sailors aboard has disappeared off the coast of South America in very rough and stormy seas and an unexplained explosion.  Rescue efforts are continuing as the prayers of many are focusing there now.  Please pray for these men trapped under the water. 


NEW PRAYER REQUESTS


  • ·        CB – a friend for the last eleven years, with inoperable lung cancer and an estimated 12-13 months of life left.  He needs the Saviour before it is too late for him to think about it, but he is VERY resistant to even the thought, being fiercely self-sufficient.
  • ·        My brother, Tim – no update on his wrist injury.  Pray they know what is wrong and are treating the problem and managing the pain.  The weather is changing for the worse for his COPD (cardio-obstructive pulmonary disease).  Please, pray he gets active support from the patient advocate (social services).  Pray for his strength, patience, wisdom and health.  Pray for Barb, his wife, for her strength and patience and thank you, Father, for growing stronger daily in their lives so they can share You with others.
  • ·        Ron Torgo – has IBS and an inflamed gallbladder, it has affected his spleen, he is miserable and having trouble eating.  Please pray for his doctors to find a way to moderate the symptoms and fix this for him.
  • ·        My project ended 18 October.  Looking for a new one.  More meetings this week.  Please pray for God’s will for me in this.


PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS


  • ·        Doris (my "second mom") - 98-years young, growing weaker now.  New teeth do not fit well.  Yet, her focus on sharing Christ with others grows stronger!  She is unable to drink thin liquids but is managing to sip a little coffee and enjoy a few chocolates.
  • ·        Kathy Notley –had surgery on her ankle and is recovering.  Has just for holidays.  Pray for refreshing rest and renewal of heart, energy and resolve – and for patience as she continues to heal.
  • ·        Jeannette – (friend of David R) has had multiple sclerosis for the last 30 years and now must move to a long-term care facility.  She doesn’t want to be separated from her only friend through many years, her companion dog, Daisy.
  • ·        Claudio - battling liver cancer and the meds that are to save him.  Pray for him, his health carers to be compassionate and wise and for Elea, his wife, that she has the extra strength and hope to hold his hand through this.
  • ·        Liriel - chronically ill and often in pain, but feeling a bit better lately.  Pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
  • ·        John (stroke survivor) needs wisdom to continue the management of his big farm.  Pray God will help him with his reading challenges since the stroke.  He is enjoying cooking for others and is blessing many with this gift.
  • ·        Adrian (6-year-old) serious behaviour problems continue.  Pray for his parents, teachers and doctors.
  • ·        Julia - battling depression - needs to get proper rest and therapy.  Very difficult with full-time teaching job and five children (including Adrian above). She needs strength to rely on the Lord rather than being self-sufficient.
  • ·        Aunt Donna - with dementia. Please pray for her daughters so they can care for her best.


PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION


  • ·        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.
  • ·        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.
  • ·        Careena’s brother - to finally realise the deep affection Jesus has for him personally and that he will make a personal commitment to the Lord to save him!
  • ·        Christine – that her husband will turn to the Lord and that they will have a Christ-honouring relationship.
  • ·        Denny Scheffler (sp) -- an old friend of my brother just ran into while taking Barb for preliminary tests.  Denny was in a serious auto accident a few years ago.  His life is more than difficult and empty.  Pray Tim has opportunity to share the Gospel with him and wisdom to know how to help him.
  • ·        Sarah -Will soon be moving into a family friend's trailer near her parents. But still no reconciliation with family or God at this point.
  • ·        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 - 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.
  • ·        Adam - his life is filled with confusion and need.  Pray someone comes alongside him to help him see how much the Lord loves 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 - Needs to wake to the cross of Christ and how much He loves him.
  • ·        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.


PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING


  • ·        Careena – living with multiple sclerosis and Lyme’s disease.  Has a wonderful family of five children and a supportive husband (one of our pastors).  She is feeling better.  Thank you for praying for her.  Pray for her patience and that her physical strength and stability will return.
  • ·        Barb (my sweet sister-in-law) came through the special medical procedure well.  No results yet and must have another type of procedure to complete the examination.  Please pray for her as she waits and for the health carers; and that the results will be fine.
  • ·        David K. – is recovering well after surgery to remove plates in his jaw. 
  • ·        Thank our Father for Shane and Carol, his wife for their many sacrifices and devotion to being Jesus’ hands and heart to Adrian while he journeyed home to be with his Saviour. 
  • ·        Jeff Westergren –is home from hospital after heart surgery and regaining strength every day.  Please pray for him and Rachael as she supports him during this time.
  • ·        Doris’ (my second Mom) only brother, Uncle Dwight (92) is recovering from his kidney infection and respiratory problems and is home again.  Please pray for the Lord's will in his life. He is an ordained pastor and knows the Lord. He is also the Grandpa of Sarah who we have been praying for.
  • ·        Heidi, David’s daughter – her dental surgery went well. She has a new smile and her health will be even better for this.  She is such a wonderful support for David.
  • ·        David R - is feeling better and stronger with the better weather.  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!
  • ·        Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, US, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE (!), Germany, Portugal, Romania, American Samoa, 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.


FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE


  • ·        St Marks Anglican Church Northbridge - Please pray for God's will and that a hunger for God’s Word grows relentlessly within the hearts of all those who attend.  Pray especially for those who serve there:  Simon Flinders, Adam Street, Pat O'Keeffe, Kathy Notley and their families.
  • ·        Elaine and Jim -sharing Christ in Hong Kong as difficult changes begin there.  Their wonderful online church has a 24/7 prayer room where a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waits to pray for and with you.  Elaine just wrote to say they have a brand-new Prayer Room.  They are always hoping for new prayer warriors.  If you are interested in a special prayer ministry, let me know and I will put you in touch with Elaine.  In the meantime please take time to visit: https://tlcwhk.com/prayer-room/
  • ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) – they made it through the recent hurricanes in Florida and continue to serve the Lord with faithful gladness and grace and that his outreach radio program serves the Lord powerfully.  Please pray for a solution for her home care and for now pray for strength as Audley cares for his beloved wife.
  • ·        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.
  • ·        Jenny S - a Bible teacher and expositor who serves in many ways.  Give her strength, thriving health, balance, 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 children, Laura and Jason - the entire family is involved in full-time ministry in NZ.  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 in the Philippines
  • ·        ISIS has established a growing beachhead in the Philippines.  Our friends and tireless servants of the Lord, Isaias and Judith, and their ministry there, URGENTLY need your prayers.  Their world is being turned upside down by ISIS terrorists.  Fighting breaking out in many places near them.  Their lives are in danger now because they serve the Lord!  Pray that our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance for their lives and health.  This ministry gives so much to so many for so little.  To learn more:  http://www.afciworld.org   Look for "Nations" then click:  "Philippines".


ONGOING WORK RELATED


  • ·        Chris - That he will set aside time to pray and consider the many choices he has in front of him and that the Lord will guide him in the best use of his days.
  • ·        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.  He is looking for work again and had an interview last week.  He is in Mexico City where people are still recovering from the earthquakes.  He is a brilliant graphic designer but work is difficult to find there.
  • ·        Carla - for, good health, peace, focus and enduring trust in her Father's loving arms.  Pray for travelling mercies and most of all wisdom with her priorities and decision making.
  • ·        Paul - Still can't find a job.  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.  And pray for my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
  • ·        Marvin - eighteen and finding himself.  Pray he will stay close to the Lord and not turn aside from the truth of the Truth.  Please give his parents strength and wisdom.


PRAY FOR THE WORLD


  • ·        Donald Trump - the President of the USA is in Asia right now and needs the Lord’s hand of protection and travelling mercies.  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.


Many Recent Disasters


Once these are not at the top of the news, it is easy to forget that there will be years of recovery for those affected.


Consider donating to an agency making a difference, such as:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/  or Google search Samaritan’s Purse

  • ·        North Korea – Sabre-rattling continues in a dangerous game of world domination.  Pray for wisdom and patience on all sides.
  • ·        The World - Pray for God's will to prevail as unrest around the globe increases and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children, wherever they are – and that they will be ready to give an answer for the HOPE within them!
  • ·        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 around the world.  These refugees need compassion.
  • ·        Australia – has chosen to endorse the politically-correct same-sex marriage referendum.  Please pray the Lord continues to move in His mysterious and powerful ways to restore His plan for Australia.


ONGOING PRAYER


  • ·        Hans -Now has another 12 months of job training and therapy.  Pray he is always surrounded by faithful Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
  • ·        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.
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