U-HAULS AND HEARSES

“ For he sees that even wise men die; the stupid and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.  Their inner thought is that their houses are forever and their dwelling places to all generations; they have called their lands after their own names. 

“But man in his pomp will not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.  This is the way of those wo are foolish, and of those after them who approve their words. 

“As sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd; and the upright shall rule over them in the morning, and their form shall be for Sheol to consume so that they have no habitation.  But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.” Psalm 49:10-15

I’m reading a book right now about how our nation (the USA) grew so divided and focused on wealth and possessions – a growing plague of a new aristocracy.  I note with some grim sadness how when anyone dies, no matter how much money they have, no matter how many houses, cars, diamonds, swimming pools or whatever they have, they leave it all behind. 

Putting your trust in anything or anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ and His immeasurably invaluable gift of gracious salvation is simply vain foolishness.  There are no U-Hauls behind hearses.

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

• ·        Jackie, a Christian woman (just lost her husband, her only two daughters within the last six weeks and her only son two years ago),.  Pray for her strength and grace, the love and understanding of others as she must live through this time.  Pray for Fred (her friend) for wisdom and warmth as he reaches out to comfort her and help share this time with her.
• ·        Gary McQ – his major heart surgery has been delayed a month.  He will have a quadruple valve replacement.  Pray he is surrounded by family and friends as he goes through this journey.  Pray for his strength, courage and for his heart to be at peace as the Lord guides the hands of the surgeons and other health carers to repair his physical heart.
• ·        Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
• ·        Tracey – after nearly three years, is losing a role she has enjoyed.  She needs our prayers to relax into the changes upon her.
• ·        Paul – has a serious upper respiratory infection and needs prayers for strength to recover.
• ·        Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray Sr.) recently diagnosed with cancer now going through both chemo and radiation to stop the aggressive spread of the disease.  Pray the Lord will touch Ray Sr.’s heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him -- the compassionate Lord Jesus.
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – back from long-service leave.   Pray they pace themselves now that they will take up their many duties once more and pray for those around them to support them as never before.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in 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 Bible-based values.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, recovering from septicaemia, a blood clot and gall stones needs to rest and have skilful and wise health care providers.  Pray for her neighbour, Pat and the continuing health of her precious companion dog, Honey. 
• ·        Sergio – found a job for now, but it is wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is presently under control and he’s found a place to live.  Thank you for praying and please do not stop.  
• ·        Toron – Thank you for praying.  He graduates 29 August and his birthday is a few days later.  He is grateful for your prayers, please continue praying for strength, focus and confidence.  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

HAND-BREADTHS AND MERE BREATH

“’Lord, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am.  Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; surely every man at his best is a mere breath.

“’Surely every man walks about as a phantom; surely they make an uproar for nothing; he amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.  And now Lord, for what do I wait?  My hope is in You.

“’Deliver me from all my transgressions; make me not the reproach of the foolish.  I have become mute, I do not open my mouth, because it is You who have one it. 

“Remove Your plague from me; because of the opposition of Your hand, I am perishing.  With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity; You consume as a moth what is precious to him surely every man is a mere breath.’” Psalm 39:4-11

David, as well as his son, Solomon (writer of Ecclesiastes), understood the vanity of life.  We do too.  You don’t have to live long to see how often things swirl around and situations -- and especially people -- will be there or not, to help you on your journey.  The only constant we can ever rely on is God’s everlasting and faithful love -- despite our pursuit of the vanities of this life.

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

• ·        Jackie, a Christian woman (just lost her husband, her only two daughters within the last six weeks and her only son two years ago),.  Pray for her strength and grace, the love and understanding of others as she must live through this time.  Pray for Fred (her friend) for wisdom and warmth as he reaches out to comfort her and help share this time with her.
• ·        Gary McQ – his major heart surgery has been delayed a month.  He will have a quadruple valve replacement.  Pray he is surrounded by family and friends as he goes through this journey.  Pray for his strength, courage and for his heart to be at peace as the Lord guides the hands of the surgeons and other health carers to repair his physical heart.
• ·        Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
• ·        Tracey – after nearly three years, is losing a role she has enjoyed.  She needs our prayers to relax into the changes upon her.
• ·        Paul – has a serious upper respiratory infection and needs prayers for strength to recover.
• ·        Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray Sr.) recently diagnosed with cancer now going through both chemo and radiation to stop the aggressive spread of the disease.  Pray the Lord will touch Ray Sr.’s heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him -- the compassionate Lord Jesus.
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – back from long-service leave.   Pray they pace themselves now that they will take up their many duties once more and pray for those around them to support them as never before.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in 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 Bible-based values.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, recovering from septicaemia, a blood clot and gall stones needs to rest and have skilful and wise health care providers.  Pray for her neighbour, Pat and the continuing health of her precious companion dog, Honey. 
• ·        Sergio – found a job for now, but it is wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is presently under control and he’s found a place to live.  Thank you for praying and please do not stop.  
• ·        Toron – Thank you for praying.  He graduates 29 August and his birthday is a few days later.  He is grateful for your prayers, please continue praying for strength, focus and confidence.  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

HAPPY LOTTO WINNERS?

“Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked.  For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord sustains the righteous.  The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever. 

“They will not be ashamed in the time of evil, and in the days of famine they will have abundance.  But the wicked will perish; and the enemies of the Lord will be like the glory of the pastures, they vanish [are consumed] – like smoke they vanish [consume] away.” Psalm 37:16-20

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight!  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

In a variety of studies, those who win or are given large sums of money (such as those who win mega millions in a lottery), enjoy lifestyle advantages, but they are not happier and are often less happy because of all those who only want to be their ‘friend’ for their own selfish advantage. 

God did not promise us prosperity and He did not promise us we would be happy.  He did promise that He would save us and always care for us, even when it seems all hope is gone.  Rest on that!

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

• ·        Jackie, a Christian woman (just lost her husband, her only two daughters within the last six weeks and her only son two years ago),.  Pray for her strength and grace, the love and understanding of others as she must live through this time.  Pray for Fred (her friend) for wisdom and warmth as he reaches out to comfort her and help share this time with her.
• ·        Gary McQ – his major heart surgery has been delayed a month.  He will have a quadruple valve replacement.  Pray he is surrounded by family and friends as he goes through this journey.  Pray for his strength, courage and for his heart to be at peace as the Lord guides the hands of the surgeons and other health carers to repair his physical heart.
• ·        Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
• ·        Tracey – after nearly three years is losing a role she has enjoyed and needs prayers to relax into the changes upon her.
• ·        Paul – has a serious upper respiratory infection and needs prayers for strength to recover.
• ·        Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray Sr.) recently diagnosed with cancer now going through both chemo and radiation to stop the aggressive spread of the disease.  Ray is away right now and his Dad needs a comforter to help him through this difficult and scary time.  Most of all pray the Lord will touch Ray Sr.’s heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him -- the compassionate Lord Jesus.
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – soon to be back from long-service leave.   Pray their time away has refreshed and refocused and deepened their family bonds.  Pray for traveling mercies as they come home from overseas.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in 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.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, while dealing with too many other challenges, including recovering from septicaemia and a blood clot, she has had to deal with the pain of gall stones this week.  She must patiently rest.  Her heart is troubled though, as her precious companion dog, Honey, is growing frail. 
• ·        Sergio – found a job for now, but it is wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is under control and he’s found a place to live.  Thank you for praying and please do not stop.  
• ·        Toron – Thank you for praying.  His high school graduation is 29 August 2019 - his birthday is a few days later.  He is grateful for your prayers, please continue praying for strength, focus and confidence.  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

A HEART'S DESIRE

[David offers praise for his deliverance] “O Lord, in Your strength the king will be glad, and in Your salvation how greatly he will rejoice!  You have given him his heart’s desire, and You have not withheld the request of his lips.  For You meet him with the blessings of good things; You set a crown of fine gold on his head. 

“He asked life of You, You gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.  His glory is great through Your salvation, splendour and majesty Your place upon him.  For you make him most blessed forever; You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence.

For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.  Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out all those who hate you.  You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger; the Lord will swallow [consume] them up in His wrath, and fire will devour them.” Psalm 21:1-9

David, the Bible tells us, was a man after God’s own heart.  What an awesome designation.  David had it all:  victory in battle, lands, palaces, wives, wealth and still he slipped away from God to dance in his own selfish desires.  Yet, David was continually humbled before the Lord and repented of his sinful behaviours at the many reminders of his blessings. 

We too would do well to remember all the blessings we enjoy.  I’m not talking about material wealth (remember the previous study on Perils of Prosperity Promises), but the rich blessings of being His child, being forgiven, having a hope for the future.  No matter what our life might hold right now, the burdens, pain, confusion, we know, as David knew, that He is always with us!

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

• ·        Jackie, a Christian woman (just lost her husband, her only two daughters within the last six weeks and her only son two years ago),.  Pray for her strength and grace, the love and understanding of others as she must live through this time.  Pray for Fred (her friend) for wisdom and warmth as he reaches out to comfort her and help share this time with her.
• ·        Gary McQ – his major heart surgery has been delayed a month.  He will have a quadruple valve replacement.  Pray he is surrounded by family and friends as he goes through this journey.  Pray for his strength, courage and for his heart to be at peace as the Lord guides the hands of the surgeons and other health carers to repair his physical heart.
• ·        Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray Sr.) recently diagnosed with cancer now going through both chemo and radiation to stop the aggressive spread of the disease.  Ray is away right now and his Dad needs a comforter to help him through this difficult and scary time.  Most of all pray the Lord will touch Ray Sr.’s heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him -- the compassionate Lord Jesus.
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – soon to be back from long-service leave.   Pray their time away has refreshed and refocused and deepened their family bonds.  Pray for traveling mercies as they come home from overseas.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in 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.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, while dealing with too many other challenges, including recovering from septicaemia and a blood clot, she has had to deal with the pain of gall stones this week.  She must patiently rest.  Her heart is troubled though, as her precious companion dog, Honey, is growing frail. 
• ·        Sergio – found a job for now, but it wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is under control and he’s found a place to live.  Thank you for praying and please do not stop.  
• ·        Toron – finishing his high school studies needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially that he will study hard for his final exams.  His graduation will be 29 August!
•  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

GOD'S VIEW OF WHO'S A JEW

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’  They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; there is no one who does good.  The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.

“They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt.  There is no one who does good, not even one.  Do all the workers of wickedness not know, who eat up [consume] my people as they eat [consume] bread, and do not call upon the Lord?  There they are in great dread, for God is with the righteous generation. 

“’You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted, but the Lord is his refuge.  Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!  When the Lord restores His captive people, Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad.” Psalm 14

Sometimes we forget the importance of God’s promise to Israel and how Jesus calls you and me into His chosen family for all eternity.

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.  But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, but the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.” Romans 2:28-29

In his Psalm, David felt heart-sick over the open hostility of his world for the truth and promises of God Almighty.  He longed for the day God will restore His captive people.  What a wonderful day that will be!

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

• ·        Jackie, a Christian woman (just lost her husband, her only two daughters within the last six weeks and her only son two years ago),.  Pray for her strength and grace, the love and understanding of others as she must live through this time.  Pray for Fred (her friend) for wisdom and warmth as he reaches out to comfort her and help share this time with her.
• ·        Gary McQ – his major heart surgery has been delayed a month.  He will have a quadruple valve replacement.  Pray he is surrounded by family and friends as he goes through this journey.  Pray for his strength, courage and for his heart to be at peace as the Lord guides the hands of the surgeons and other health carers to repair his physical heart.
• ·        Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray Sr.) recently diagnosed with cancer now going through both chemo and radiation to stop the aggressive spread of the disease.  Ray is away right now and his Dad needs a comforter to help him through this difficult and scary time.  Most of all pray the Lord will touch Ray Sr.’s heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him -- the compassionate Lord Jesus.
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – soon to be back from long-service leave.   Pray their time away has refreshed and refocused and deepened their family bonds.  Pray for traveling mercies as they come home from overseas.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in 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.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, slowly recovering from a blood clot that means she must patiently rest.  Her heart is troubled though, as her precious companion dog, Honey, is also growing very frail. 
• ·        Sergio – found a job for now, but it wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is under control and he’s found a place to live.  Thank you for praying and please do not stop.  
• ·        Toron – finishing his high school studies needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially that he will study hard for his final exams.  His graduation will be 29 August!
• ·        Me – The Lord seems to be working something new out in my life.  Thank you for praying for my meeting this week.  No results, yet.  Continue to pray God grants me wisdom, TRUST and courage.
•  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

TOO ANGRY TO PRAY!

“Arise, O Lord, in Your anger, lift up Yourself against the rage of my adversaries, and arouse Yourself for me; You have appointed judgment.  Let the assembly of the peoples encompass You, and over them return on high.  The Lord judges the peoples; vindicate me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me. 

“O let the evil of the wicked come to an end [be consumed], but establish the righteous, for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.  My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.  God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day.” Psalm 7:6-11

David wrote this psalm.  And in it he was completely honest with God.  Did you ever think about that?  I remember being in a prayer meeting…very formal, very intense and it grew quiet and we all waited for the next person to pray.  But we were not ready to hear his honest anger at God.  It convicted us all. 

It is common to try to ‘pull the wool’ over God’s eyes as we pretend everything is OK in our lives, especially when it is not.  David demonstrates brokenness and openness as did this brave man in our prayer circle who was simply too angry at God to pray. 

Anger may result in rash outward acts or turning inward in depression.  But because we can always trust in our all-powerful God, we don’t have to be a victim of circumstance or weighed down by the guilt of sin.  Be honest with God, and He will help you turn your attention from yourself to Him and His mercy.

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

• ·        Jackie, a Christian woman (just lost her husband, her only two daughters within the last six weeks and her only son two years ago),.  Pray for her strength and grace, the love and understanding of others as she must live through this time.  Pray for Fred (her friend) for wisdom and warmth as he reaches out to comfort her and help share this time with her.
• ·        Gary McQ – his major heart surgery has been delayed a month.  He will have a quadruple valve replacement.  Pray he is surrounded by family and friends as he goes through this journey.  Pray for his strength, courage and for his heart to be at peace as the Lord guides the hands of the surgeons and other health carers to repair his physical heart.
• ·        Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray Sr.) recently diagnosed with cancer now going through both chemo and radiation to stop the aggressive spread of the disease.  Ray is away right now and his Dad needs a comforter to help him through this difficult and scary time.  Most of all pray the Lord will touch Ray Sr.’s heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him -- the compassionate Lord Jesus.
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – soon to be back from long-service leave.   Pray their time away has refreshed and refocused and deepened their family bonds.  Pray for traveling mercies as they come home from overseas.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in 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.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, slowly recovering from a blood clot that means she must patiently rest.  Her heart is troubled though, as her precious companion dog, Honey, is also growing very frail. 
• ·        Sergio – found a job for now, but it wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is under control and he’s found a place to live.  Thank you for praying and please do not stop.  
• ·        Toron – finishing his high school studies needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially that he will study hard for his final exams.  His graduation will be 29 August!
• ·        Me – The Lord seems to be working something new out in my life.  Thank you for praying for my meeting this morning.  No results, yet.  Continue to pray God grants me wisdom, TRUST and courage.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT TIME?

[Job goes sin searching] “’If I have despised the claim of my male or female slaves when they filed a complaint against me, what then could I do when God arises?  And when He calls me to account, did not He who made me in the womb make him, and the same one fashion us in the womb? 

“’If I have kept the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone, and the orphan has not shared it (but from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, and from infancy I guided her),

“’if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, or that the needy had no covering … Let my shoulder fall from the socket, and my arm be broken off at the elbow.  For calamity from God is a terror for me, and because of His majesty I can do nothing.‘” Job 31:13-19. 22-23

As Job struggled with an exaggeration of tragedy drowning him in sorrow for the moment, he searched for a reason.  He had done what he knew to do.  He kept the law.  He helped the poor.  He fed and clothed the orphans.  He endeavoured to treat everyone as God’s precious child.  Yet still he suffered.

None of us -- like Job -- understand God’s plan for our lives.  We can only know how far we’ve come and where we are now (sometimes not the best place).  Yet, God is beside us, helping us through whatever we are facing, so we are stronger in Him for the next time.

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

• ·        Jackie, a Christian woman (just lost her husband, her only two daughters within the last six weeks and her only son two years ago),.  Pray for her strength and grace, the love and understanding of others as she must live through this time.  Pray for Fred (her friend) for wisdom and warmth as he reaches out to comfort her and help share this time with her.
• ·        Gary McQ – his major heart surgery has been delayed a month.  He will have a quadruple valve replacement.  Pray he is surrounded by family and friends as he goes through this journey.  Pray for his strength, courage and for his heart to be at peace as the Lord guides the hands of the surgeons and other health carers to repair his physical heart.
• ·        Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray Sr.) recently diagnosed with cancer now going through both chemo and radiation to stop the aggressive spread of the disease.  Ray is away right now and his Dad needs a comforter to help him through this difficult and scary time.  Most of all pray the Lord will touch Ray Sr.’s heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him -- the compassionate Lord Jesus.
• ·        Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – soon to be back from long-service leave.   Pray their time away has refreshed and refocused and deepened their family bonds.  Pray for traveling mercies as they come home from overseas.
• ·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in 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.
• ·        Jen – my sweet friend in the UK, slowly recovering from a blood clot that means she must patiently rest.  Her heart is troubled though, as her precious companion dog, Honey, is also growing very frail. 
• ·        Lachlan W. – pray for him as he finishes his seminary studies and continues to serve the Lord as student minister.  Quiet and focus his heart.
• ·        Sergio – found a job for now, but it wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is under control and he’s found a place to live.  Thank you for praying and please do not stop.  
• ·        Toron – finishing his high school studies needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially that he will study hard for his final exams.  His graduation will be 29 August!
• ·        Me – The Lord seems to be working out something new in my life right now.  Please pray for a meeting I have this week on Wednesday morning my time (USA it will be Tuesday at 5PM) Pray God grants me wisdom, TRUST and courage.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE