Little Old Testament Freedom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVbSXz7jaU&index=2&list=RDZVVbSXz7jaU

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Gaither Vocal Band - Let Freedom Ring [Live]

“’So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, and be satiated with their own devices.  For the waywardness of the naïve shall kill them, and the complacency of fools shall destroy them.  But he who listens to me shall live securely, and shall be at ease from the dread of evil.’” Proverbs 1:33

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me?” Psalm 56:4

“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high; because he has known My name.  He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honour him.” Psalm 91:14-15

“From my distress, I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a large place.  The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Psalm 118:5-6

This Wednesday, Americans around the globe celebrate their independence from oppression.  The founding fathers of America were primarily men saturated in the richness of God’s Word.  When they wrote the framing documents the principles and concepts they crafted wove the truths of the Bible into the fabric of the documents.

Did you realise there are few instances of the word “freedom” in the Old Testament?  Neither did I, but thought it was rather fitting.  After all true freedom only came after Jesus was born, lived, was crucified, died and rose again.  None of us is free until we accept the gracious gift of forgiveness from Jesus Himself who paid the full and perfect price for the wilful disobedience of our hearts.  Only then can we receive a new life in Him!  Isn’t that neat?  I just LOVE God’s Word!!!  

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.  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/ UPDATES

• ·        CH – is alone and faced with a concern she may have cancer.  Pray for her physical and emotional strength through this journey and that there will be others who will truly support her.  Pray her family sees the love of the Lord in her struggles.
• ·        Dangerous Heat Wave in USA - The worst of the heat will start in the Midwest on Friday before creeping its way east toward the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic by Saturday and Sunday.  Heat advisories, watches and warnings have been posted in parts of 18 states from New Mexico to Michigan. Temperatures of 100 degrees+ will bake parts of the central and southern Plains into Friday.
• ·        John –has walked a few steps now and is beginning to understand more of what has happened after his open-heart surgery.  They will be moving him to a rehab facility soon.  Continue to pray for him and his health carers that they are wise and skilled and that our loving Father holds John and Patti’s hands through this time.  Patti (his loving wife) is struggling with her knee injury and needs wisdom to rest now and let others visit John.  Help her be wise and patient during this time. 
• ·        Adrian –  Carla’s brother and a pastor/ teacher had a heart attack and is to have a quadruple heart by-pass this Tuesday.  He is out of ICU and has walked some.  Pray for the Lord’s will to allow for complete healing and for Adrian’s comfort and ability to rest.  Pray for his family during this time that they remember to pace themselves, so they can be a help to Adrian when he needs it.  Pray for the skill, attentiveness and wisdom of those who tend him.
• ·        Doris – fell and broke her collar bone and is in hospital.  At 99 and a half, it is a significant injury.  She is beginning to heal now.  Pray for the wisdom and compassion of her carers.  Patti (her daughter) will be unable to be with her right now, so pray for Patti in this respect too.
• ·        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. 
• ·        Hawaii – earthquakes, volcanic eruptions are increasing.  This is a continuing tragedy, even if the news has stopped covering it.  Thousands of homes have been lost so far.  Many people are now living in shelters.  Pray for their comfort and safety.  Pray for the rescue workers and those supporting any injured and displaced and for those feeling afraid.
• ·        Scott (in the USA) is still recovering from his wife abandoning him and leaving him with their two children (Sophia – 9 and Grady – 7) he has proved 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.

==== Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines

• ·        Isaias and Judith Isaias is leaving for Tacloban tomorrow.  Please pray for fair weather and safe travel as they begin classes with 40 pre-registered students (who need your prayers).  If you would like to contribute to this effort at serious church planting in a needy land, they need scholarships of $60.00 per student per module (a total of $360.00 for 6 modules per year) for a Certificate of Christian Ministry leading to a Bachelor in Christian Ministry in 4 years.  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").

• ·        Me – I’ve been offered a contract for a permanent role that should start this week.  Please continue to pray God provides wise insight, guidance and assurance.  My earnings would be far lower -- a practical concern.  I wait on the Lord for His best for me.  A big decision remains on my heart, but more preparation is necessary. 

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• ·        CB – a friend for the last eleven years, with inoperable lung cancer.  He recently began treatment and it is uncertain how much time he has left.  He needs the Saviour before it is too late for him to think about it, but he is VERY resistant and fiercely self-sufficient.
• ·        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-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 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 -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 a busy speaking trip in South Africa.  She has returned tired and with an upper respiratory illness.  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.
• ·        RN – Please pray for his healing and grace as he deals with the recurrence of cancer and for Kathy as she supports him and takes on more responsibility at her work.  Give her energy and the sense to rest.
• ·        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.
• ·        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 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.

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 – Pray God’s hand is apparent to all as he works out His will for this country.  Pray for God’s people to grow and rise up in this lost and lonely land.
• ·        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 AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Jen – is better now and is helping care for her friend, Pat, who fell recently and broke her hip.  (Pat also needs your prayers for a speedy recovery).
• ·        Sergio – has found a new career where he is respected for his skill, talents and wisdom with people.
• ·        Jeff Westergren –after heart surgery has continued to regain strength every day.  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.
• ·        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.

ONGOING WORK RELATED

• ·        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.
• ·        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.
• ·        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.
• ·        SS – needs continual wisdom to care for her ageing parents that there is a balance and continued good health for all concerned.
• ·        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 – he 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 he recovers without problems and 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.
• ·        Doris (my "second mom") – now 99 years old and slowing down.  Her faithful focus remains to share Christ with others!  Pray and thank the Lord for Patti, her daughter, who selflessly makes time to visit Doris twice a week.
• ·        Baby Saige third and final open-heart surgery was scheduled for 21 June, but has been postponed till later in July.  She will be in the Akron Children’s Hospital afterward for from one to three weeks.  Pray for:
• ·        Wisdom and direction for the doctors, nurses, and anaesthesia personnel
• ·        No complication or infection
• ·        Peace and comfort for her parents, Michael, Jobeth and Adeline
• ·        Saige complete healing, improved oxygen levels and for her continued love of Jesus -- who she is aware is with her at all times, even when she is afraid.
• ·        David R – his kidney function is slowing down.  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.
• ·        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 – continuing to battle liver cancer, the meds are difficult.  Thank the Lord he is in remission for now.  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.
• ·        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.