“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.
“By oppression and judgment, He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of living, for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due?” Isaiah 53 7-8
He was oppressed, yet when He was afflicted and beaten, He was submissive to those who falsely accused and punished Him. He did not argue with them or object. He was more like an innocent lamb that is easily lead to the slaughter or a sheep who is quiet and peaceful before her shearers. He was quiet.
By inappropriate oppression and faulty judgment He was taken away from life before He was able to be a father and leave a new generation of children behind. No one considered that His death would mean much! And yet, it was for your and my transgressions that He died, even though His punishment should have fallen on each of us. (my paraphrase)
His love for us is unbelievable in the lost world we live in today. It is His love we are privileged to experience and our opportunity every day to share!
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning. Darlene
PS: Please send me any updates for the prayer list.
PPS: Find my statement of faith by clicking or cut and paste this link into your Web browser: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com You can find the WeakDay Devotion online. Do a Google Search for “WeakDay Devotion.” (Also, there is a “Google Blogger” App you can download to read them on your phone.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?
· URGENT – Isaias (Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines), please pray for him and those enrolled in their seminary right now as a typhoon bears down on them and they are travelling through dangerous mountainous passes. Also continue to pray for Edna.
· UPDATE - Sue Furbee and husband, Sam – They both thank you for your faithful prayers. The procedure has not shown any positive affect yet from the stem cell treatment. They remain hopeful as they were told it could take up to 6 months. Please keep praying for her recovery and for Sam’s care and devotion. For more information and to contribute to the high costs of the procedures visit their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/sue-furbee
· Barbara – had a PET scan last week as they complete a thorough diagnostic battery of test. She now awaits the results. Thank you and thank you for praying for Tim who supports her daily.
· 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.
· Sergio – lost his job and now looking again. He was recently diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes. Was living with his brother, but has been asked to move out, leaving him homeless.
· Claudio – Has had a disappointing setback and needs prayers for encouragement in 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.
FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE
· Peter Frith – Works as part of Anglicare as the sole Christian chaplain at a special hospital. The work is very lonely and challenging. Pray for his encouragement, hope and that our loving heavenly Father sends another Christian to work with Peter.
· 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.
· Isaias and Judith of Ambassadors for Christ in Philippines – are busily training up workers in ‘His Philippine harvest fields’. This ministry gives so much to so many for so little. To learn more: http://www.afciworld.org (Look for "Nations" then "Philippines").
· 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 – Pray others always sense His grace in her. Give her wisdom to seek balance, sustained strength, thriving health, 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 in Florida that he would have sustained good health and faithfulness with His Word. Pray God would continue to soothe his grief, from the loss of his beloved wife.
· Elaine and Jim -are now establishing a new ministry in Fiji. Please pray for them as they settle in. I will keep you updated on their mission there.
· Buddy & Susan – Have returned safely to their ministry in far north Queensland after their first furlough home to the States in over 20 years. Please continue to pray for their needs and the harvest from their labours.
· 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.
· Kevin and Sandy Currell (in Melbourne) need your prayers for their ministries and as they prepare to lead a teaching trip to the Holy Lands in March.
· The Catholic Church and the Pope, who need our prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his life and 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 in the Truth of the Bible.
· North Korea, Iran, China and Russia – Pray God’s hand is apparent to all, as He works out His will for these countries. Pray for God’s people to grow and rise up in these lost and lonely lands.
· The World – Pray for God's mercy as unrest around the globe increases, and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children. Pray for Bible-based Christians scattered across the globe to be kept safe and trusting. Help them rest in the Lord and trust that what happens in our world is all part of our loving, heavenly Father’s plan. Pray for hearts to open to His Truth and that His people are prepared to share the Good News when asked.
· 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 -- the result of greed, wars and famine around the world.
· 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
· My brother, Tim – Pray Tim continues to be wise and patient in managing his COPD (chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease) and arthritis. Pray his doctors are attentive, wise and compassionate. Pray for Barb, his wife, for her strength and compassion and thank you, Father, for growing stronger daily in their lives so they can share You with others.
· Doris – now 100 – and back to fighting fit again. What a remarkable woman. I am grateful she has been in my life.
· Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John. A Proverbs 31 woman who need strength and energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and determination.
· Christine – thank you for holding her up as she grows in the strength of her faith.
· David R – has many from the VA helping now. Getting a new wheel chair soon and got a new bed to help him sleep better. His little Yorkie pup, Sparky, is looking after him and spoiling him. Pray for wisdom for his new health carers and for his patience. 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.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS
· Deborah’s sister – this is an unspoken request and urgent.
· 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 since she’s now free from opioids. Pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
· Uncle Dwight (93 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.
PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION
· DB's father - (86 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 touches his heart soon and that the Lord will take special care of the children now.
· Len Carbone – healing from his surgery and now please pray he opens to hear of the love of 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’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.
· Sarah -Moving into a family friend's trailer near her parents. But still no reconciliation with family or God at this point.
· Jenny - Recently lost her husband and needs comfort, strength and true answers in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.
· 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.
ONGOING WORK RELATED
· Chris - That he will set aside time to pray and consider the many choices he has in front of him. 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.
· Paul –Has not had paying work since 2010. Please pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to be successful with a 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.
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) passed away earlier this year that she is now stronger in heart and that her love of the Lord deepens.
· Marvin – a beloved young man who is endeavouring to find 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.
· Elina –Keep her in your prayers to keep her strong as she faces the challenges of being 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.
· 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.
There are now five Amazon Kindles created from the many years of devotions. I am about to complete one on Romans. These are created to support you and to help sustain this ministry that has endeavoured to serve since 1999. (The five books so far are: Christ Is For Real, Genesis and Discrimination, Secrets of a Deeper Life in Christ, A Missing Psalm and Forgiveness.
______________ The WeakDay Devotion has been written fresh for you almost every weekday morning since the beginning of 1999. It originated as encouragement for a dear friend who was having difficulties with her job. Today, the number of people who receive it continues to grow as others hear about it, receive it from friends, pass it on or ask to receive it directly as email.
It is especially for my family, friends, business people, students, pastors, teachers and a myriad of pre-, new and long-time-serving Christians who want a bit more Scripture with their devotion than many of the regular devotionals offered. It is also written to be short (usually one screen in length) so you can get on with your day and be filled with a new idea from God's Word. It also fits perfectly on your phone or tablet.
The prayer list started slowly and is now longer than the daily devotion. Should you have a prayer request, just send me an email. Those of us who pray just need updates, so we know how to pray wisely.
Do not hesitate to let me know: (1). if you have received this copy from a friend and would like to be included in the regular email distribution list; (2). if you would like to stop receiving the Devotions for a while or be removed from the distribution list altogether. (Please note: If you are receiving this from a friend, I am unable to remove your name from the distribution list. You will need to contact the one who is sending it to you.)
For the official record, this goes out as a "blind" copy to save you from wading through a long list of names with each email. I use the New American Standard Bible by the Lockman Foundation unless otherwise noted. It is my privilege to pray over and guard the distribution list.
Finally, I use McAfee Virus software and Advanced System Care to protect you
