[Jesus speaking} “’Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.
“’He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life shall lose it and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:34-39
Remember how all of God’s promises have conditions? It got me to thinking about how some have taken the good bits of being a Christian and left behind the stuff they don’t like.
They enjoy being a Christian so they can pursue maximum joy, peace, prosperity and happiness (although nowhere in the Bible are we promised happiness as Christians). These are the feel-good feelings, the hugs at church, the blessings we’re supposed to get. The fun of singing with enthusiasm – you know what I mean.
Yet, these same individuals, and often leaders in the churches, who work to sweep the hard stuff behind a locked door. They know there is also discipline, suffering, sorrow, sacrifice and many times loneliness from family and friends who don’t want to know about the hard stuff of being a Christian. But it is there and it is a balance of hope from faith. Will we choose well today?
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning. Darlene
PS: As a regular WeakDay Devotion Prayer Warrior, you may have noticed that I have removed all but the new prayer requests from the web/ blog site. It was getting very long and some of the requests were personal. It will only be available through email now, which you can request by sending an email to me at: darlenerichard@gmail.com
PPS: My statement of faith is found by clicking the following link, or cut and paste the link into your Web browser: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com 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?
· Sue Furbee and husband, Sam as she recovers from a special and costly procedure of stem sell infusion (completed Nov/ Dec). Sam thinks she is talking more fluently now and can turn her head more easily. For more information and to make a contributions for the high costs of these procedures to to their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/sue-furbee
· Buddy & Susan – Father, You know their needs as they travel home to the States for their first furlough in over 20 years. Guard their health and provide travelling mercies and the kindness of Your special angels along their journey. Bless them with the warmth and welcome that only family and real friends provide!
· Sergio – lost his job and now looking again. He has just been diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes. Was living with his brother, but he has asked him to move out, leaving him homeless.
· Claudio – His condition has improved once more as he continues his battle with liver cancer. 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.
· Toron – finishing his high school studies and needing strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.
· USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in an unexpected and uniting way during these times of unrest and confusion. Help hearts settle and rest on You alone.
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