Biblly Graham - Peace With God

[Jesus speaking] “’For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.  He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’” John 3:16-18

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation {full and complete, perfect payment] in His blood through faith.” Romans 3:23—25a

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:26

Each of us have a personal testimony that is invaluable to share with those who do not yet know the Lord Jesus Christ.  For me one of the motivators the Lord used to draw me was the crusades televised into our home. 

Having read the Bible a bunch from the time of nine years old, after watching Mr. Graham’s amazing crusades, I would write him letters about what I understood the Bible said.  For every letter I wrote, he or likely someone in his team wrote me back to thank me and they always enclosed a copy of a little booklet called, “Peace With God”. 

And I read it but it meant little to me but I liked the Bible verses.  Then one day, when I was nineteen and sitting alone, reading my Bible, that little blue-covered tract fell out of my Bible and it was the day when I re-read it that I gave my life to the Lord with all my understanding.  There were no lights, no fireworks, no voices, no thunder and storms…there was only quiet and peace and assurance of a future. 

Billy Graham has been a controversial figure all his life.  He would be one of the few evangelists who has lived a life that others, no matter how hard they tried, could not call into question.  He has written a library of amazing resources, but always loved the Bible more. 

When I was in Buffalo, preparing to work with him in a crusade many years later, he taught one of our classes.  It was a highlight of my training because so rarely do we have the opportunity to meet someone who walks the talk consistently.  Today, he has passed into a peace with God that makes all the heartache and pain worth it.  Please pray for his family and the ministry he has left behind.

The obituary in Christianity Today

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/billy-graham/died-billy-graham-obituary.html

Peace With God (if you have not read about this insignificant yet mighty tool):

https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/october-2004/steps-to-peace-with-god/

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. Cut and paste this link in your Web browser: (https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com.au/) and if you wish to find the WeakDay Devotion on line if you missed one of the installments of this series, just do a Google Search for “WeakDay Devotion”.  (You can even read it on your phone that way or install the Google Blogger App from their app store.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        My brother, Tim – has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.  Not sure what they will prescribe for him, but pray for his peace, patience and acceptance of this disease.  Pray the weather stabilises as it affects 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.
• ·        C&A – That God’s love binds them and their family together to face whatever difficulties together and 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 during this time and reliant on You.
• ·        Marcus – had surgery yesterday and is feeling a bit better today, but no update on the outcome, yet.  Pray for his children (and cat) and that the doctors will find out what is wrong.  Pray for his speedy recovery.
• ·        Me – I am considering a rather big decision that holds lots of challenge and complications.  It would be wonderful if you would prayer for me at this time. 

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 in this neighbourhood and for all who attend.  Pray for strength, wisdom and healing rest, especially at this holiday time, for those who serve there:  Simon Flinders, Pat O'Keeffe, Kathy Notley, Anne Penny and their families.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) –continue to serve the Lord with faithful gladness and grace.  Pray his radio outreach 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 opening their hearts to some lovely visitors from Poland, 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 and may also help with the visitors from Poland.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute.
• ·        Elaine and Jim -sharing Christ in Hong Kong as difficult changes begin in the politics of the country.  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: https://tlcwhk.com/prayer-room/
• ·        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, need your prayers.  Pray our Father continues to keep them 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 - 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.  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 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. 
• ·        North Korea – Sabre rattling and posturing to win favour continues.  Pray for sound thinking and God’s will in this situation and 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 homeless and displaced people from greed, wars and famine around the world.  These refugees need compassion.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Sergio – has found a new career where he is respected for his skill, talents and wisdom with people. 
• ·        Jeff Westergren –is home after his heart surgery, regaining strength every day.  Please pray for him and Rachael as she supports him during this time.
• ·        Ron Torgo – with IBS and an inflamed gallbladder and spleen.  Is beginning to feel stronger although there is still some trouble eating and sleeping.  Please pray for his doctors to find a way to moderate the symptoms and fix this for him.  He was off work for three months and has had to return for practical reasons.  Pray he paces himself.
• ·        Marci – a lifetime friend has come through her eye surgery and is resting and recovering.  Pray she recovers fully and is as chipper as always and that her entire family rallies around her with love.
• ·        Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, USA, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE (!), Germany, Portugal, Romania, 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.

ONGOING WORK RELATED

• ·        Carla – for an overwhelming and insatiable desire to read God’s Word.  Pray for travelling mercies and most of all wisdom with her priorities and decision making.
• ·        Paul –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 my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
• ·        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 music grows.  Keep all the members of the band professional and focused and that you bless it as You see best.
• ·        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

• ·        Elina – who we prayed for previously has had her child and is facing life as a single mother, struggling with decisions affecting her next steps and future of the child.
• ·        SS – needs continual wisdom to care for her ageing parents that there is a balance and continued good health for all concerned.
• ·        BL –Important decisions to be made soon.  Please pray for patience and wisdom in the waiting.
• ·        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 -returned to therapy for another 12 months.  Please pray for him as he seeks wisdom to make a decision between shortening therapy and taking a job apprenticeship he’s been offered.  Pray he is always surrounded by faithful Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, DB, PS, RB, JD, Annette and Lyle, 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

• ·        Thirteen children (ages 2-29) kept captive, chained and near starving by their parents -- that they may fully recover.
• ·        Bill – recovering from Bell’s Palsy.  Please pray he is patient and that Beverly’s (his wife) energy and grace stays strong.
• ·        Doris (my "second mom") – just celebrated her 99th birthday, yet she is growing weaker.  Yet, her focus on sharing Christ with others grows stronger!  Pray and thank the Lord for Patti, her daughter, who faithfully and selflessly visits Doris twice a week (it was just Patti’s birthday, too!).
• ·        David R - Pray for his wisdom and patience.  Surely the hand of the Lord is not short in any of our lives and still works in ways we cannot understand. 
• ·        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.
• ·        Claudio - battling liver cancer and the meds they are using to save him have weakened his heart.  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 continue to provide patience and help with reading since the stroke.  He is enjoying cooking for others and is blessing many with this gift.
• ·        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 - battling depression and lack of rest.  She teaches full time and cares for five children, including six-year old, Adrian with serious behaviour problems.  She needs to learn 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

• ·        CB – a friend for the last eleven years, with inoperable lung cancer and an estimated 12-13 months of life left.  He has begun an aggressive regime of treatment.  He needs the Saviour before it is too late for him to think about it, but he is VERY resistant and fiercely self-sufficient.
• ·        Scott (in the USA) a single father now caring for his children alone after his wife left.  Pray that all this sadness and difficulty will melt his heart to reach out for the Lord.
• ·        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 – that she will be strong, yet graceful; and that her husband will turn to the Lord, so they will have a Christ-honouring relationship and family.
• ·        Denny Scheffler (sp) -- an old friend of my brother who 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.
• ·        DB's father - (84 years) pray his heart opens to Christ.  He is an avowed – and boastfully proud – atheist.
• ·        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 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.
• ·        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.