DON'T GO ALONE!

Either click on the picture or

cut and paste the link below into your browser: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPIOkdNL-QQ

or search YouTube for: 

Braveheart Christian Productions

Eric Ludy - The Gospel

“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.  When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some were doubtful.

“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

[Jesus taught] “’All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 

“’Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’” Matthew 11:27-30

“’The Lord is the One who goes ahead of you; He will be with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.’” Deuteronomy 31:8

Please watch the video on the link above and consider what this personal message means for your ministry.  How wonderful is our Saviour!

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

• Ray’s Dad -  (also called Ray) has just been diagnosed with cancer.  Please pray that through this difficult and scary time that the Lord would touch his heart so he reaches out for the only hand that can save him, the compassionate Lord Jesus.
• Simon Flinders (my pastor) and family – now on long-service leave.   Pray for their refreshment and deepening of family bonds.  Pray the family enjoys time to focus on the love of their Saviour and all the gifts and blessings He has provided them.
• 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.
• 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  (scheduled for this September.)  .
• Me – I’ve been a little under the weather the last couple of weeks.  On the mend.  The Lord seems to be working out something new in my life right now.  Please pray for my wisdom, TRUST and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

• 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, Barry and Jo and their families.
• Jenny S –Bible teacher - for energy and good health, wisdom and time for reflection.
• Scripture classes in Australian Schools – Australia is a secular country, yet God has ensured thus far that 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 the great hope for Australia.
• Jim and Elaine – are seeing a new harvest and are increasing their prayers for their beloved Hong Kong.  They’ve found a way to reach into China and need your prayers for that and the work they are doing in Fiji which is now heavily Muslim.  Pray they find joy, time and energy to see the fruits of their labours for the Lord.  To learn more of their ministry go to https://tlcwhk.com
• Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ in The Philippines) – Isaias continues to travel and disciple new Bible teachers and leaders.  Pray for him, his family and their expanding ministries, especially for the growing women’s ministry:  Focus on the Heart.  Pray for their 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").
• Doug McIntosh - an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study -- has multiple myelomas.  Has retired from full time ministry.  Please pray for him, his family and the church he has worked so faithfully in, Cornerstone Bible Church, in Lilburn Georgia.
• Audley – please pray for this faithful Bible teacher who has a weekly radio program to spread the Good News in Florida.  Pray for his sustained good health and faithfulness to the Word. 
• Buddy & Susan –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) -- Kevin has a wonderful ministry in teaching, in words and images with creating Christian resources.  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.
• The Catholic Church and the Pope, who needs our prayers that he will always remain uncompromising to the Word of God and that he always puts Jesus first in his life and decisions.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• USA President Donald Trump – It is our responsibility as Christians to remember God has a plan through this man.  If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at how much antagonism there is against him – surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan.  Pray someone helps President Trump understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that he will have someone to regularly disciple him in the Truth of the Bible. 
• North Korea, Iran, China and Russia – Pray God’s hand is apparent to all, as He works out His will for these countries.  Pray for God’s people to grow and rise up in these lost and lonely lands.
• The World – Pray for God's mercy as unrest around the globe increases, and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children.  Pray for Bible-based Christians scattered across the globe to be kept safe and trusting.  Help them rest in the Lord and trust that what happens in our world is all part of our loving, that His people are prepared to share the Good News when asked.
• That the Lord's hand gives strength and grace to all who read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• Pray for the growing number of homeless and displaced people -- the result of greed, wars and famine around the world. 
• Praise the Lord and pray for the many individuals in Russia, USA, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE (!), Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Ireland, American Samoa, Brazil, Ukraine, Estonia, Singapore, China, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• Adrian - (Julia’s son now 8 years) no longer displaying the many symptoms of autism.  Finishing 2nd grade as a well-behaved student, participating in class and enjoying chess club, soccer and cooking lessons! (As long as he takes his medication.)
• Scott - started a new job. Praise the Lord.  Thank you for praying for him.  Please continue your prayers for him to seek a relationship with the Lord for himself and his children.
• Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John.  A Proverbs 31 woman, who need strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve.  Pray she will grow in confidence to say ‘no’ sometimes.
• Christine – thank you for holding her up as she grows in the strength of her faith.
• David R – Feeling better and enjoying the company of his little Yorkie pup, Sparky.  Pray for wisdom in his new health carers and for his patience.  Surely the hand of the Lord is not short in any of our lives and still works in ways we cannot understand.  Pray David will rest in the Truth of the Gospel message.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

• My brother, Tim – Pray Tim continues to be wise and patient in managing his COPD (chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease) and arthritis.  Pray his doctors are attentive, wise and compassionate.  Pray for Barb, his wife, for her strength and compassion and thank you, Father, for growing stronger daily in their lives every day so they can share You with others.
• No update yet about 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. 
• Robin age 52, receiving radiation treatment after a lumpectomy for breast cancer.  Pray for her strength and for those who are supporting her.  
• Sue Furbee and husband, Sam – remain hopeful they will see positive benefits from the stem-cell procedure for her cancer complications.  It could take up to six months.  Pray especially for Sue’s patience during recovery and that Sam continues to encourage and support her through their journey. 
• Len Carbone – (58 years old).  Pray he wakes to the message of the Cross and the compassionate love of Jesus.  Had brain tumour surgery (2002) on disability since.  He has very few friends (it is difficult for people to care for him because of the effects from his condition).  Has lost both parents (who provided support) and has two older brothers and a granddaughter (Callilah) who no longer want to visit him. All he has left is an empty house (in bad repair), a car and cell phone -- no Internet or TV. 
• Two of Tim’s Friends – One man is in hospital now awaiting a life-saving liver transplant.  A second man, also in hospital, may lose his leg after two or three knee-replacement surgeries have become infected from an accident several years ago.
• Liriel - chronically ill (kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis) and often in pain.  Feeling a bit better lately since she’s now free from opioids.  Pray for her comfort and that she can find some joy in each day.
• Uncle Dwight (93 and Doris only brother).  Pray for the Lord's will in his life.  He is an ordained pastor and knows the Lord. He is also the Grandpa of Sarah who we have been praying for.
• Aunt Donna - with dementia. Please pray for her daughters so they can care for her best.

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• DB's father - (86 years) pray his heart opens to Christ.  He is an avowed – and boastfully-proud – atheist.
• Scott – his wife abandoned him and left their two children behind Sophia (9) and Grady (7).  He is proving to be a wonderful single father.  Pray the Lord touches his heart soon and that the Lord will take special care of the children now. 
• Robin Hopcroft - her brother asks we pray for her safety, that she learns of and understands the saving grace of Jesus and that her life becomes filled with the life-changing love of the Lord.
• Careena’s brother - to finally realise the deep affection Jesus has for him and that as he struggles with life that he will come to understand and accept Jesus’ loving and gracious sacrifice for him.
• Christine’s husband – that she will be strong, yet graceful; and that her husband will turn to the Lord by the example of her quiet and gentle, loving spirit and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
• Denny Scheffler -- an old friend of my brother who was in a serious auto accident a few years ago.  His life is so difficult and empty.  Pray Tim has opportunity to share the Gospel with him and wisdom to know how to help him.
• Jenny - Recently lost her husband and needs comfort, strength and true answers in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.

ONGOING WORK RELATED

• Chris - That he will set aside time to pray and consider the many choices he has now and that the Lord will guide him in the best use of his days, as interest in his musical group grows.  Keep all members of the band professional and focused; and that You bless it as You see best.
• Carla, Paul, David and Matthew – that they continue to focus on God’s Word and that the Lord restores balance for them all. 
• Paul –Still looking for work (since 2010).  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.
• Deepak – will use wisdom as he prioritises his growing work and that those he is partnering with will treat him with integrity and honour.

ONGOING PRAYER

• Pray for Bun – please pray for a discipler and some Christian friends to come alongside him and that he also finds a good, male, Christian counsellor to help.
• Doris (my second Mom) - now 100 – 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. 
• Patti’s best friend – has now lost both her parents after years of caring for them.  Pray for her comfort and hope in the future.
• Grant –  Grant’s father passed away, unexpectantly.  He and his wife, Sue, have been caring for both his parents for many years.  Please pray for strength, compassion and wisdom for Grant as he deals with the practical, personal and emotional issues.
• Julia – (Patti’s daughter) Julia will get to cut back to half-time teaching position next year, both for her mental health (still dealing with symptoms from her concussions over a year ago) and to be able to be with Micah (5 yrs old) at home after his 1/2 day Kindergarten. (Public school teachers cannot deal with monitoring his Type I diabetes in the same way his preschool teachers could). 
• Sarah - Her mother and brother tried to visit her to invite her to attend her brother's wedding (4 May) but she refused and has now left the trailer where she was living to move to a different state and live with strangers from Craig’s list. 
• Continue to pray for Elea, who lost her beloved to liver cancer.  She loved him through this horrible experience and had so little time with him.  Pray the Lord will shine through the sadness of her loss and that she finds His comfort surrounding her.
• C&A – That God’s love binds them and their family together to face whatever difficulties occur.  That understanding and compassion will prevail.  Thank you, Lord, for letting them be part of my life and Your love to me.  Keep them safe and healthy and reliant on You during this time.
• Please pray for Valerie (and family) whose husband, James (a friend of Jeff and Rachael) passed away earlier this year that she is now stronger in heart and that her love of the Lord deepens. 
• Marvin – a beloved young man who is endeavouring to find himself.  Pray he will stay close to the Lord and not turn aside from the truth of the Truth.  Please give his parents strength and wisdom.
• Hans -Pray for him as he seeks wisdom on his journey of growth; and that wherever he is that he is always surrounded by faithful Christian companions and leaders.
• Elina –Keep her in your prayers to keep her strong as she faces the challenges of being a single mother.  Pray the Lord keeps her and her child safe and gives her new wisdom to stand and watch the Lord battle for her.
• Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, DB, PS, RB, JD, Annette and Lyle, S&GS, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over the years.

There are now five Amazon Kindles created from the many years of devotions.  I am about to complete one on Romans.  These are created to support you and to help sustain this ministry that has endeavoured to serve since 1999.   (The five books so far are:  Christ Is For Real, Genesis and Discrimination, Secrets of a Deeper Life in Christ, A Missing Psalm and Forgiveness.

If you missed any of the devotions in your email box, you can find them on the blog site.  Search in Google for "WeakDay Devotions" or go to:  http://www.weakdaydevotion.com   and check out "Especially His" on http://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com 

______________ The WeakDay Devotion has been written fresh for you almost every weekday morning since the beginning of 1999.  It originated as encouragement for a dear friend who was having difficulties with her job.  Today, the number of people who receive it continues to grow as others hear about it, receive it from friends, pass it on or ask to receive it directly as email.

It is especially for my family, friends, business people, students, pastors, teachers and a myriad of pre-, new and long-time-serving Christians who want a bit more Scripture with their devotion than many of the regular devotionals offered.  It is also written to be short (usually one screen in length) so you can get on with your day and be filled with a new idea from God's Word.  It also fits perfectly on your phone or tablet.

The prayer list started slowly and is now longer than the daily devotion.  Should you have a prayer request, just send me an email.  Those of us who pray just need updates, so we know how to pray wisely.

Do not hesitate to let me know: (1). if you have received this copy from a friend and would like to be included in the regular email distribution list; (2). if you would like to stop receiving the Devotions for a while or be removed from the distribution list altogether.  (Please note:  If you are receiving this from a friend, I am unable to remove your name from the distribution list.  You will need to contact the one who is sending it to you.)

For the official record, this goes out as a "blind" copy to save you from wading through a long list of names with each email.  I use the New American Standard Bible by the Lockman Foundation unless otherwise noted.  It is my privilege to pray over and guard the distribution list.

If you should ever wish to contact me, send an email to  dd.richard@bigpond.com  or darlenerichard@gmail.com 

Finally, I use McAfee Virus software and Advanced System Care to protect you