Road Trip, Part 1

“And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus; which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.  And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place.  And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached, and began travelling with them. 

“But their eyes were prevented from recognising Him.  And He said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’

“And they stood still, looking sad.  And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’  And He said to them, ‘What things?’ 

And they said to Him, ‘The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet might in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death and crucified Him.  But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.  Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened.’”  Luke 24:13-21

These disciples knew the Truth, yet were temporarily discouraged.  They shared their disappointment with a Stranger as they walked away, likely to return home, too (see yesterday’s devotion).  Interesting conversation thus far, one a bit confusing for Someone who said He was unaware and wanted to hear their thoughts.  

Often, we too, may share our testimony or witness to those we love or know and hope they understand – yet our language often is just as confusing as they disciples. 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS: Please send your prayer updates.  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 by doing 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

·        Jen D - My good friend who has been recovering from sepsis has begun to show symptoms again and is in much pain.  The doctor has now visited and thinks she is better now.  Thank you for praying for her and please continue that she will fully regain her strength.

·        Five Ways to Pray for the Christians in Sri Lanka: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-bombs-on-easter-sunday - death toll - over 250 died, more than 500 injured Easter morning.  ISIS has claimed responsibility.  Please read the Desiring God link above to know how best to pray for this situation.  Pray more earnestly for Christians who are increasingly being attacked around the world for their choice to follow the risen Jesus Christ. 

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Easter brings individuals into your local church that need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for courage and love.

·        Earthquakes in The Philippines - Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ in The Philippines) – Isaias returned to home to be greeted by earthquakes and flooding.  Pray for him, his family and their expanding ministry there.  Pray for his safety and travelling mercies.  This ministry gives so much to so many for so little.  To learn more:  http://www.afciworld.org (Top of page:  "Where We Work” > “Asia-Pacific” > "Philippines").

·        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 in Him 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.  

·        Toron – finishing his high school studies and needing strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

The 4 Stages of Belief

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPfjdyPxTn0

or search YouTube for

Just as I am- Ball Brothers

“And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.  Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles.

“And these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them. (But Peter arose and ran to the tomb/ stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only, and he went away to his home, marvelling at that which had happened.)” Luke 24:8-12

It is difficult to imagine how Jesus’ disciples received the news from those women.  Only Peter (in Luke’s version) takes immediate action.  He rushes to the tomb and only finds the linen cloth.  Afterward, however, he did not re-join the disciples, but went home to think this through for himself. 

Peter is a good example of being unworthy.  Jesus had invested so much in all the disciples.  One betrayed Him, all ran away; Peter, however, denied Him at His most vulnerable moment – three times. 

When Peter returned home that day to consider those empty grave clothes, he personally decided to accept God’s perfect sacrifice rather than dwelling on his unworthiness.  It is a good lesson for all of us.

He and the other disciples illustrate four stages we all go through to believe: 

1.     We hear the story of Jesus and think it is a bit of a fairy tale -- impossible to believe.

2.     We become curious enough to investigate the facts and typically feel puzzled about what we learn but ‘return home’ to sincerely consider the information.

3.     The facts convince us.  We pray earnestly to God for personal understanding so we can believe in Jesus’ resurrection   (“Yes, I believe.  Help me in my unbelief.”)

4.     Finally, we bend our knee and commit ourselves fully to the Saviour.  We chose to devote our lives to growing that understanding so we can serve Him.

Once the decision is made to believe, the Holy Spirit comes into our life the journey begins.  The desire to read and study His Word and share the Good News with others grows!  Like with Peter and the other disciples, that is just the beginning.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS: Please send me prayer updates.  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 by doing 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

·        Jen D - My good friend who has been recovering from septicemia has begun to show symptoms again and is in much pain.  Please pray for her to stay strong during this time and that she will be alright.

•      Five Ways to Pray for the Christians in Sri Lanka: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-bombs-on-easter-sunday - death toll - over 250 died, more than 500 injured Easter morning.  ISIS has claimed responsibility.  Please read the Desiring God link above to know how best to pray for this situation.  Pray more earnestly for Christians who are increasingly being attacked around the world for their choice to follow the risen Jesus Christ. 

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Easter brings individuals into your local church that need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for courage and love.

·        Earthquakes in The Philippines - Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ in The Philippines) – Isaias returned to home to be greeted by earthquakes and flooding.  Pray for him, his family and their expanding ministry there.  Pray for his safety and travelling mercies.  This ministry gives so much to so many for so little.  To learn more:  http://www.afciworld.org (Top of page:  "Where We Work” > “Asia-Pacific” > "Philippines").

·        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 in Him 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.  

·        Toron – finishing his high school studies and needing strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

Your Special Blessing, Because...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLfzfiLU7lA

Or search YouTube for

Jesus and Thomas - "Blessed are those, who haven't seen me,

but yet have believed" English

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.  The other disciples therefore were saying to him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’  But he said to them, ‘Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails and put my fingers into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’

“And after eight days again His disciples were inside, and Thomas with them, Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.’

 “Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’  Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed?  Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.’” John 20:24-29

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:18-20

If I were Thomas, I would have been on my knees in tears and I know in my heart he did not touch the nail holes or the wound in Jesus’ side…Thomas believed after he saw (and the Bible does not tell us if he touches the hands of Jesus). 

You and I do not have the same opportunity as Thomas.  God however has made a way for us to see and believe.  As Blaise Pascal put it:  “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.”

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS: Please send me prayer updates.  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 by doing 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

·        Five Ways to Pray for the Christians in Sri Lanka: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-bombs-on-easter-sunday - death toll now lowered to 253 with more than 500 injured in a bombing on Easter morning.  ISIS has claimed responsibility.  Please read the Desiring God link above to know how best to pray for this situation.  Pray more earnestly for Christians who are increasingly being attacked around the world for their choice to follow the risen Jesus Christ. 

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Easter brings individuals into your local church that need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for courage and love.

·        Fire in Cathedral of Notre Dame - Pray for those around the world who have been touched by the powerful fire – that they may look up to the Creator for comfort.

·        Earthquakes in The Philippines - Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ in The Philippines) – Isaias returned to home to be greeted by earthquakes and flooding.  Pray for him, his family and their expanding ministry there.  Pray for his safety and travelling mercies.  This ministry gives so much to so many for so little.  To learn more:  http://www.afciworld.org (Top of page:  "Where We Work” > “Asia-Pacific” > "Philippines").

·        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 in Him 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.  

·        Toron – finishing his high school studies and needing strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

Hiding Behind Closed Doors

“Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord.’  And that He had said these things to her. 

“When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ 

“And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side.  The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”  John 20:18-20

The disciples had every reason to be hiding.  Their dreams of ruling beside Jesus were dashed, He was dead.  They were hunted as ‘accomplices’.  Their lives were over for their decision to follow Jesus!  They had left their families and their successful careers to sit at His feet and learn about love and giving and the reality of the darkness of men’s hearts. 

Now, what would be their fate!  Huddling inside a dwelling with the heavy door secured, can you imagine the silence as no one was sure what to say.  They were all together, at least.  Well, Judas and Thomas were not there, but the close followers were safe for the moment.

Can you imagine how they must have felt when Jesus appeared inside the dwelling?  Can you imagine their hearts pumping hard and tears welling in their eyes as they realised they must have misunderstood?  Perhaps, we all do this sometimes when we forget He is not dead but has risen for us – for our good and His glory.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS: Please send me prayer updates.  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 by doing 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

·        Five Ways to Pray for the Christians in Sri Lanka: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-bombs-on-easter-sunday - over 359 individuals killed with more than 500 injured in a bombing on a quiet Easter Sunday morning.  It is now understood ISIS has claimed responsibility.  Please read the Desiring God link above to know how best to pray for this situation.  Pray more earnestly for Christians who are increasingly being attacked around the world for their choice to follow the risen Jesus Christ. 

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Easter brings individuals into your local church that need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for courage and love.

·        Fire in Cathedral of Notre Dame - Pray for those around the world who have been touched by the powerful fire – that they may look up to the Creator for comfort.

·        Earthquakes in The Philippines - Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ in The Philippines) – Isaias returned to home to be greeted by earthquakes and flooding.  Pray for him, his family and their expanding ministry there.  Pray for his safety and travelling mercies.  This ministry gives so much to so many for so little.  To learn more:  http://www.afciworld.org (Top of page:  "Where We Work” > “Asia-Pacific” > "Philippines").

·        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 in Him 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.  

·        Toron – finishing his high school studies and needing strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

My Father and your Father

“But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stopped and looked into the tomb; and she beheld two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.

“And they said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’  She said to him, ‘Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.’

“When she had said this, she turned around, and beheld Jesus standing there and did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking?’

“Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’  Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’

“She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).  Jesus said to her, ‘Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father, but go to My brethren, and say to them, I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”

The sweet and unlikely message of God’s Word is that since the Resurrection of Jesus, we have the privilege of a personal relationship with the Living God.  The Creator who made all and who is Master of all, who is never surprised, but always surprising, who is powerful beyond our most exhausted imagination, always present and aware. 

And this God, so amazing offers us, not just a remote relationship – like those who worship something from afar with trembling and fear-- but an intimate relationship based on His immeasurable love and exacting justice.   

There is no way we can fathom this, we can only rest in Him!   

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS: Please send me prayer updates.  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 by doing 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

·        Five Ways to Pray for the Christians in Sri Lanka: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-bombs-on-easter-sunday - over 321 individuals killed with more than 500 injured in a bombing on a quiet Easter Sunday morning.  It is now understood to be in retaliation for the New Zealand bombings of a Muslim Mosque.  Please read the Desiring God link above to know how best to pray for this situation.  Pray more earnestly for Christians who are increasingly being attacked around the world for their choice to follow the risen Jesus Christ. 

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Easter brings individuals into your local church that need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for courage and love.

·        Fire in Cathedral of Notre Dame - Pray for those around the world who have been touched by the powerful fire – that they may look up to the Creator for comfort.

·        Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ in The Philippines) – Isaias returned to home to be greeted by earthquakes and flooding.  Pray for him, his family and their expanding ministry there.  Pray for his safety and travelling mercies.  This ministry gives so much to so many for so little.  To learn more:  http://www.afciworld.org (Top of page:  "Where We Work” > “Asia-Pacific” > "Philippines").

·        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 in Him 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.  

·        Toron – finishing his high school studies and needing strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

·        Scripture classes in Australian Schools – Australia is an unusual country, in that they are rather secular as a rule, but they have the freedom to hold Scripture classes in the schools during regular school hours!  It seems some resistance is beginning to grow so it is critical to pray this continues.  It is a great hope for Australia.

·        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.

·        Jenny S –Bible teacher for energy and good health, wisdom and time for reflection.

·        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.

·        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.

·        Jim and Elaine - are settling in to the Fiji ministry and educational leadership positions.  Please pray for them that they will find joy and time and energy to see the fruits of their labours for the Lord in yet a new country.

·        Buddy & Susan – Are home now to resume their ministry in far north Queensland.  It was the first furlough home to the States in over 20 years.  Please continue to pray for their needs and the harvest from their labours.  They were one of the first families who welcomed me to Australia and amazing Christian teachers.

·        Kevin and Sandy Currell (in Melbourne) have returned safely from their time teaching and leading a group through the Holy Lands.  Kevin has a wonderful ministry in words and images.  Please visit his site:  https://www.kevincurrell.com/ to learn more.

·        Jo and Steve - for their loving example of Christian life and devotion.  May their love flourish under His guidance as they continue their work in Christchurch New Zealand.

·        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 New Zealand  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.

·        The Catholic Church and the Pope, who needs our prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his life and decisions.