“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
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