God's Conservation

God and Moses have been talking for a while now atop of Mt Sinai and He has shared His Ten Commandments, yet God is not finished:  

“All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance.  Then they said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.’” Exodus 20:18-19

Moses begins to share more of God’s ordinances and He gets to the part about care for the land:  

“’You shall sow your land for six years and gather in its yield, but on the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the needy of your people may eat; and whatever they leave the beast of the field may eat [consume].  You are to do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.’” Exodus 23:11

Just think of that!  Can you IMAGINE what this world would be like if every seventh year farmers let their land rest, if the needy could eat whatever is left over and even the animals could eat their fill. 

It would take so much faith in God and His ability to provide.  It would take trust that He cares enough to provide.  Most of all, His provision would be a brilliant example to pre-believers of His plan for His world. 

Instead, greed and overworking of the land, pulling down trees and destroying animals’ habitat and food sources continues in sheer determined disobedience to God’s order.  No wonder the earth is so ‘ill’ and unproductive! 

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 and please pray for this ministry.  This marks the 20^th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name and offer a smattering of Scripture daily.  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

·        Horrible storms in the USA - Please pray for all those affected by the violent and damaging weather patterns roaring through the USA, and all the rescue workers and those providing aid and shelter. 

·        Update - Robin age 52, recently diagnosed with breast cancer in her lymph nodes had a lumpectomy last Wednesday.  The doctors report said the lump had good margins and she will find out Thursday about the lymph nodes. Please pray for her and her family during this long process.

·        Pray for Bun – please pray a discipler to come alongside him and that he also finds a good, male, Christian counsellor to  help.

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Holidays, such as Easter, bring individuals into the church who need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for personal courage and love.

·        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.

·        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 is 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 needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

Too Much Lamb

“Now the Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, ‘This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you. 

“’Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers’ households, a lamb for each household.

“’Now if the household is too small for [to consume] a lamb, then he and his neighbour nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to divide the lamb.’” Exodus 12:1-4

There are so many treasures to find in Scripture and right here is a big one!  This passage, speaking to all the congregation of Israel, is the first occurrence in the Bible of what becomes a technical term for 'the people of God' gathered together to worship Him or to be instructed in spiritual things. 

This Hebrew term (‘dat’) became ‘ekklesia’, meaning ‘assembly’ or ‘church’ in the New Testament.  Isn’t it great that this first usage also speaks of sharing with others?

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 and please pray for this ministry.  This marks the 20^th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name and offer a smattering of Scripture daily.  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

·        Horrible storms in the USA - Please pray for all those affected by the violent and damaging weather patterns roaring through the USA and all the rescue workers and those providing aid and shelter.  

     No Update Yet - Robin, age 52, recently diagnosed with breast cancer in her lymph nodes had a lumpectomy last Wednesday.  Please pray for her and her family during this time.

·        Pray for Bun – please pray a discipler to come alongside him and that he also finds a good, male, Christian counsellor to  help.

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Holidays, such as Easter, bring individuals into the church who need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for personal courage and love.

·        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.

·        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 is 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 needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

Cows and Corn

[The pharaoh of Egypt had a dream.  There were seven fat, healthy and good cows and seven who were poor, ugly, emaciated and seemed evil.  The evil cows ate up the good ones, yet remained evil.  

He also dreamed about seven ears of full and good corn and seven ears of withered, thin and scorched corn that swallowed up the seven good ears.  No one could tell him what the dream meant until Pharaoh sent for Joseph.] 

“Now Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘Pharaoh’s dreams are one in the same; God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do.  The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one and the same. 

“’The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven thin ears scorched by the east wind will be seven years of famine.  It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh:  God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do. 

“’Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming in all the land of Egypt; and after them seven years of famine will come, and all the abundance will be forgotten in the land of Egypt, and the famine will ravage [consume] the land’” Genesis 41:30

God is the ultimate decider of good and evil.  Joseph, because of his intimacy with God, was able to see God’s ‘message’ and advise Pharaoh wisely.  Joseph used his God-given wisdom to help Pharaoh set out a plan to deal with evil. 

Pharaoh trusted Joseph to manage the plan and God ensured the plan would turn out for the good of the people of Egypt (and His chosen people) and for His glory.  Isn’t that NEAT!

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 and please pray for this ministry.  This marks the 20^th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name and offer a smattering of Scripture daily.  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

·        No Update Yet - Robin, age 52, recently diagnosed with breast cancer in her lymph nodes had a lumpectomy last Wednesday.  Please pray for her and her family during this time.

·        Pray for Bun – please pray a discipler to come alongside him and that he also finds a good, male, Christian counsellor to  help.

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Holidays, such as Easter, bring individuals into the church who need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for personal courage and love.

·        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.

·        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 is 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 needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

Correcting God

“And Abraham came near and said, ‘Wilt Thou indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?  Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; wilt Thou indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it?? 

“Far be it from Thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike.  Far be it from Thee!  Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?’

“So the Lord said, ‘If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.’  And Abraham answered and said, ‘Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes.  Suppose the fifty righteous are lacking five, wilt Thou destroy the whole city because of five?’  And He said, ‘I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.’

“And he spoke to Him yet again and said, ‘Suppose forty are found there?  And He said, ‘I will not do it on account of the forty.’  Then he said, ‘Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak; suppose thirty are found there?’’  And He said, ‘I will not do it if I find thirty there.’” Genesis 18: 23-30

Today begins a new series born out of a sermon I heard recently at church.  The word ‘consumed’ jumped out at me with such strength that when I returned home, I took time to research the word.  I discovered there are 173 occurrences of it in His Word and/ or words meaning consumed but translated -- as those above, into other terms meaning the same thing. 

In this case, as Abraham presses his luck with Almighty God, the term is translated, ‘swept away’.

Some of you will remember the surprising journey we took through God’s Word as we ‘opened the doors of the Bible’ (which will soon be a new Amazon Kindle).  I pray as we look more closely at the concepts of ‘consumed’, that you will find a special message here for your life.

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

·        No Update Yet - Robin, age 52, recently diagnosed with breast cancer in her lymph nodes had a lumpectomy last Wednesday.  Please pray for her and her family during this time.

·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Holidays, such as Easter. bring individuals into the church who need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for courage and love.

·        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.

·        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 is 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 needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

Two Greats and Your Purpose!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhuZ8lvbdb8

Or search YouTube for:

What Is the Great Commission?

By Real Truth.  Real Quick

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 

“’Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20

I had the privilege of preaching on this passage.  What I saw as the “all that I commanded you” is found in Mark 12:28-31.  That is His message of the ‘Greatest Commandment’ and His clear message (known as the Great Commission) as He was about to leave the Disciples.  This seems something very important to consider.

“And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognising that He had answered them well, asked Him, ‘What commandment is the foremost of all?’ 

“Jesus answered, ‘The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel!  The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’  The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’  There is no other commandment greater than these.’”

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

·        Robin, age 52, just found out last week she has breast cancer in her lymph nodes. A lumpectomy is scheduled for next Wednesday.  Please pray for her and her family during this time.

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

·        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.

·        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 is 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 needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

His Last Blessing

“Now He said to them, ‘These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ 

“Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

“’You are witnesses of these things.  And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.’

“And He led them out as far as Bethany and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.  And it came about that while He was blessing them, He parted from them.  And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God.”  Luke 24:44-53

It is important to take time to review the times Jesus spoke with His disciples after His resurrection and before He returned to sit at the right hand of His Father! 

If I had been one of the eleven, this would have been a bitter-sweet last blessing.  They did love Jesus!  They enjoyed being in His company and learning at His feet.  They took strength from Him. 

Now the Lord was entrusting the work to the disciples -- His only plan to share the good news of repentance and redemption with others.  This command is now in our hands and hearts to fulfil.  It doesn’t mean travelling around the world, but to be willing to start where you and trust Him to work and will His good pleasure.

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

·        Robin, age 52, just found out last week she has breast cancer in her lymph nodes. A lumpectomy is scheduled for next Wednesday.  Please pray for her and her family during this time.

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

·        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.

·        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 is 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 needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

And Some Doubted

“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.  And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him, but some doubted.

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit., teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with  you always even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:16-20

Can you imagine being one of those disciples who doubted?  Standing right in front of you is Jesus in the flesh - restored and encouraging you to be brave and courageous -- to follow Him and take His word into all the world? 

If you ever wonder if He is there watching over you -- if He is there to comfort you as you prevail for your good and His glory -- just remember this passage and know He always keeps His promises.

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.)

·        Robin, age 52, just diagnosed with breast cancer in her lymph nodes. A lumpectomy is scheduled on Wednesday.  Please pray for her and her family during this time.

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

·        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.

·        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 is 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 needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE