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“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
“And Joseph, her husband being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.’
“Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel.’, which translated means, ‘God with us.’
“And Joseph arose from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife, and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25
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A Strange Way to Save the World
We don’t think often of Joseph, but what courage and devotion he had to have for God to choose him for such a remarkable mission. He likely was used to living with his family, helping his father in his carpentry shop, running errands for his mother.
I imagine his family was large and him the firstborn, the responsible one who helped with his brothers and sisters. Now of the age of finding a life mate and beginning a family of his own.
Mary -- his choice -- a young girl his parents approved of. The betrothal period begun and then the unexpected discovery that she was with child. He knew she would be stoned as an adulteress if anyone found out. This serious situation must have broken his heart.
Who would have ever imagined God meant it when He promised a virgin would conceive -- and it just happened to be Joseph’s beloved! What a responsibility Joseph realised once the angel spoke with him. What courage it took to begin this journey of the deepest obedience and trust.
We don’t hear much of him after Jesus left on His ministry and march to the Cross. Yet, it was a special gift that Joseph gave so much of himself to guard, guide and protect this Child of God for all of us.
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning and would appreciate some prayer updates again, please.
PS: My statement of faith is on the blog: Especially His Love. Click or cut and paste this link into your Web browser: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com.au/ If you wish to find the WeakDay Devotion online, just do a Google Search for “WeakDay Devotion”. (You can read it on your phone that way, too. Or install the Google Blogger App from the app store.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
- · Doris – since her fall (she broke her collarbone), recovery has been slow and it is difficult to use her walker. At 99, as independent and competent as she is, she has had to accept it is time now for long-term care in a special facility. Pray the Lord continues to be so apparent in her life and to those who have had their lives changed by this remarkable woman. Pray for the lovingkindness and compassion and wisdom of her carers.
- · Patti - daughter of Doris, wife of John is celebrating her birthday. Next week will be Doris’ birthday. May they both find this next year peaceful and filled with the wonder of the Lord.
- · Claudio – continuing to battle liver cancer, the meds are difficult. They have recently found masses on his spine. Pray for 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.
PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION
· DB's father - (84 years) pray his heart opens to Christ. He is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist.
· Scott – his wife abandoned him and left their two children behind (Sophia – 9 and Grady – 7). He is proving to be a wonderful single father. Pray the Lord continues to melt his heart, so he will reach out for the Lord and that the Lord will take special care of the children during this time. Pray for his wife, that the Lord would overwhelm her heart with His love.
- · 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 and that as he struggles with life that he will come to understand and accept Jesus’ loving and gracious sacrifice for him.
- · Christine’s husband – that she will be strong, yet graceful; and that her husband will turn to the Lord by the example of her quiet and gentle, loving spirit, so they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
- · Denny Scheffler -- an old friend of my brother who was in a serious auto accident a few years ago. His life is so difficult and empty. Pray Tim has opportunity to share the Gospel with him and wisdom to know how to help him.
- · Paul –Has not had paying work since 2010. Please pray for his ongoing resilience. Please pray the Lord would allow him to be successful with any role. 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 my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
- · Sarah -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 R - 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.
- · 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.
FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE
- · St Marks Anglican Church Northbridge - Please pray God opens the hearts and minds of those who visit and for those who worship there regularly, pray their hunger for God’s Word grows. Pray for strength, wisdom and healing rest, for those who serve there: Simon Flinders, Pat O'Keeffe, Kathy Notley, Anne Penny and their families.
- · Doug McIntosh - an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study has multiple myelomas and has retired from full time ministry. Please pray for him, 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 is now back after an extensive speaking trip in South Africa. Pray for renewed strength, thriving health, balance, wisdom, protection and always the right handling of God's Word.
- · Audley – please pray for this faithful Bible teacher who has a weekly radio program to spread the Good News. And hold him up as he adjusts to the loss of his wife Beverly, who passed into glory 2 April. Pray for his tenderness and that he will allow others to serve him.
- · Elaine and Jim -who have been working and sharing Christ in Hong Kong have just moved to Fiji. Please pray for them as they settle in. I will keep you updated on their mission there.
- · Jo and Steve - for their loving example of Christian life and devotion. May their love flourish under His guidance
- · Stu and Jo and children, Laura and Jason – Pray for this devoted-to-the-Lord-Jesus-Christ family who are all involved in full-time ministry in NZ. Keep them strong, healthy and resolute.
- · Please pray for JB, that our loving Father will constantly and consistently provoke his heart to minister to others.
- · 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
- · Isaias and Judith - Please pray for Isaias and his team as they continue raising up new, Bible-based church planters and pastors in the Philippines. They recently launched classes with 40 students as they work initially on a Certificate of Christian Ministry and eventually for a Bachelor in Christian Ministry. Isaias and the other teachers and students need your prayers for faithfulness and right handling of the word and clarity of convictions. Pray our Father continues to keep these servants strong and safe and that they find balance for their lives and good 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").
PRAY FOR THE WORLD
- · USA President Donald Trump – It is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man. If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him – surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan. Pray someone helps President Trump understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that he will have someone to regularly disciple him. Pray his meetings in Singapore accomplishes God’s will!
- · North Korea and Russia – Pray God’s hand is apparent to all as he works out His will for these two countries. Pray for God’s people to grow and rise up in these lost and lonely lands.
- · 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. As current events are startling to others, pray for Bible-based Christians scattered across the globe that they will be safe. Help them rest in the knowledge that what happens in Israel, Korea, China, the USA or wherever, is all part of our loving, heavenly Father’s plan. Pray for hearts to open to His Truth and that His people will be prepared to share the Good News.
- · That the Lord's hand gives strength and grace to 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 homeless and displaced people from greed, wars and famine around the world. These refugees need compassion and Jesus Christ.
- · Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, USA, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE (!), Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Ireland, American Samoa, Brazil, 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.
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
- · Adrian – Carla’s brother and a pastor/ teacher is now recovering from quadruple heart by-pass surgery. Pray that God’s loving protection and peace covers Adrian like a soft and comforting blanket of love while he recovers and that he will pace himself and be patient. Pray for his family during this time that they remember to rest and keep a balance, so they can help Adrian when he needs it.
- · John – is home now and growing stronger every day. Continue to pray for him (patience while recovering and sensible wisdom once he feels stronger) and his health carers that they are wise and skilled and that our loving Father holds John and Patti’s hands through this time.
- · Baby Saige – is home now recovering from her third and final open-heart surgery. Pray for her parents and carers as she begins to enjoy new health.
- · David R – his kidney function has improved, and his dementia is slowing down thanks to some new medications he has been given. Pray for the wisdom of his health carers and for his patience as he grows through this time. Surely the hand of the Lord is not short in any of our lives and still works in ways we cannot understand. Pray David will rest in the Truth of the Gospel message.
- · Jeff Westergren –after heart surgery has continued to regain strength every day. He’s now back to running! Please pray for him and Rachael, as she supports him.
- · BL –Important decisions were made and wisely. Thank you for praying.
- · Elina –Keep her in your prayers. It is likely there will be more challenges ahead for her as a single mother. Pray the Lord keeps her and her child safe and gives her new wisdom to stand and watch the Lord battle for her.
- · Ron Torgo – His IBS is under control now and he is able to eat and sleep normally again. He was off work for three months, so pray for his financial situation, that he remembers to pace himself and that he recovers from an unexpected disappointment.
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 as interest in his musical group grows. Keep all the members of the band professional and focused and that you bless it as You see best.
- · Sergio – has lost his job and is now looking again. Pray for his health as he has just been diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes.
- · Carla, Paul, David and Matthew – that they continue to focus on God’s Word and that the Lord restores balance for them all.
- · 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.
ONGOING PRAYER
- · C&A – That God’s love binds them and their family together to face whatever difficulties occur. That understanding and compassion will prevail. Thank you, Lord, for letting them be part of my life and Your love to me. Keep them safe and healthy and reliant on You during this time.
- · Please pray for Valerie (and family) whose husband, James (a friend of Jeff and Rachael) just passed away, that she takes sufficient time to grieve and recover with a stronger heart and deeper love for the Lord.
- · 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.
- · Hans -Pray for him as he seeks wisdom on his journey of growth; and that wherever he is that he is always surrounded by faithful Christian companions and leaders.
- · Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, DB, PS, RB, JD, Annette and Lyle, S&GS, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families. Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over the years.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS
- · My brother, Tim – is feeling better now, and is thankful the weather is improving. Pray he is wise in managing his COPD (chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease) and arthritis. Please pray for his peace, patience, wisdom and acceptance of these difficulties. Pray his doctors are attentive, wise and compassionate. 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.
- · Two of Tim’s Friends – One man is in hospital now awaiting a life-saving liver transplant. A second man, also in hospital, may lose his leg after two or three knee-replacement surgeries have become infected after an accident several years ago.
- · Liriel - chronically ill (kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis) and often in pain but feeling a bit better lately. Pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
- · Uncle Dwight (92 and Doris only brother). 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.
- · Julia – (Patti’s daughter) battling depression and lack of rest. She teaches full time and cares for five children, including six-year old, Adrian with serious behaviour problems that are slowly improving. Micah, her youngest (4) diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Help her abandon her own efforts and trust the Lord to fight her battles.
- · Aunt Donna - with dementia. Please pray for her daughters so they can care for her best.
