WHY THE LORD DELAYS

[from the Song of Moses] “’The Lord saw this, and spurned them because of the provocation of His sons and daughters.  Then He said, ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be, for they are a perverse generation, sons in whom is no faithfulness. 

“’They have made Me jealous with what is not God; they have provoked Me to anger with their idols.  So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.  For a fire is kindled in My anger, and burns to the lowest part of Sheol, and consumes the earth with its yield, and sets on fire the foundation of the mountains.’”  Deuteronomy 32:19-23

The ‘Jews for Jesus’ came to my home church, Cornerstone Bible Church in Lilburn Georgia.  They explained they were ‘completed Jews’ because they accepted the Messiah, Jesus; and that within God’s plan there was a purpose for Him turning to the Gentiles.  The future would be fulfilled according to His plan in His time, but that there was a reason He delays His return. 

When Jesus turned to the Gentiles, as we can see in the New Testament, He knew the curiosity of His chosen people would grow as they witnessed His work.  Jesus continues to delay His return ‘until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in’.  I just love that the Lord cares so much for us!

“’For I do not want you, brethren; to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, ‘Thy Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.  And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’” Romans 11:25-27

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

PS:  Please pray for this ministry.  This is the 20^th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name to 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

• ·        New:  Patti’s best friend – her father just passed away.  He was about to celebrate his 93^rd birthday and was a WW II Veteran.  She had a week of precious time with him and shared:  "He is Home on the 4th - precious liberty!" and that he was looking into her eyes as she sang hymns to him.  She lost her Mom (88) in January had been travelling to care for them for the last four years (a four hour trip each way).  Pray for her comfort and hope at this time.
• ·        UPDATE - Robin age 52, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and had a series of five-days of radiation treatment last week (as a follow up to her lumpectomy).  It is the first of the six week series.  Pray for her strength and for those who are supporting her now.  
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – are now on long-service leave.   Please pray for the refreshment and strengthening of family bonds and that the family enjoys time to focus on the love of their Saviour and all the gifts and blessings He has provided them.
• ·        BABY VIVIAN – Passed away after being born prematurely (25 weeks). Please pray for her parents as they walk through this valley.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, doctors found a blood clot. She must rest.  Her heart is troubled though, as her precious companion dog, Honey, is also growing very frail. 
• ·        Doris (my second Mom) - now 100 – has rallied and is back to her enthusiastic-for-the-Lord self.  Pray for Patti, her daughter, as she remains so faithful in sacrificing time and making the effort to always demonstrate God’s love to her precious mother.  Doris (and her husband, Owen, now waiting for Doris in Heaven) both prayed faithfully to bring me to the foot of the Cross. 
• ·        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.  And let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding values.
• ·        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