“’Then say to the household of the king of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the
Lord; O house of David, thus says the Lord:
‘Administer justice every morning; and deliver the person who has been
robbed from the power of his oppressor, that My wrath may not go forth like
fire and burn with none to extinguish it, because of the evil of their deeds.
“’Behold, I am against you, O valley dweller, O rocky plain,’ declares
the Lord, ‘You men who say, ‘Who will come down against us? Or who will enter into our habitations?’
“’But I will punish you according to the result of your deeds,’ declares
the Lord, and I will kindle a fire in its forest that it may devour [consume] all its environs.”’” Jeremiah 21:11-14
Jeremiah warned the leaders of Jerusalem that the city would be
destroyed, but they refused to listen and mocked him for his efforts. However, King Zedekiah grew desperate and as
a last resort called out to God for help.
The problem was he failed to acknowledge God’s previous warnings or admit
his own sin. It is easy to expect God to
help when we’re in trouble even though we ignore Him most of the time. God wants a lasting and personal relationship
with us, He is not an escape hatch to use only when we’re in trouble!
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 20th 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
·
UPDATE
- Scott - Scott is dating a wonderful Christian woman and is very happy. Please continue to pray he seeks the Lord for
himself and his children.
·
Yalawe – diagnosed
with lymphoma and who has been under various and vigorous treatment for nearly
a year now, returns to the hospital for more surgery this week (15
October). Please pray for his full
recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with
him.
·
Jen – my sweet friend in the UK— recovering
from the loss of her beloved companion dog, Honey and a variety of health
challenges. Pray she rests well and that
her health care providers are skilful, wise and compassionate. Pray also for her neighbour, Pat who has been like a sister to her during this
difficult time.
·
SJ –
as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate. Pray for his willingness, for wisdom of his
counsellors as he wanders through this dark time. Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
·
Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken and she needs prayers to
travel through this journey.
·
Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role that will satisfy her and allow her to grow
and share her skills and wisdom.
·
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.
·
Me –
The Bible study at work, went well. We
will continue to meet on Thursday afternoons for an hour as God arranges it. There were a variety of individuals who
attended and all with a hunger to learn more about God’s Word! Pray for my wisdom to share the Word for His
glory.
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.
·
Lachlan – pray for his strength
and stamina as he finishes his seminary studies. Thank the Lord for his enthusiasm for God’s
Word!
·
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 a great hope for Australia.
·
Bible
schools and seminaries in Australia and around the world – Pray they never compromise the truth of the Bible.
·
Jim and Elaine –They need your prayers for a new work they are
doing in New Zealand and Fiji (heavily Muslim). Thank you Lord, for allowing Elaine to be
ordained to strengthen her work. Pray
they find joy, time and energy to see the fruits of their labours. 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 Israel, Sweden,
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
·
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 continued strength, grace as she
must live through this time. Thank You,
Lord that Fred was there as her
friend. Pray for his wisdom and warmth
as he reaches out to comfort her and help share this time with her.
·
Fred – has returned home safely from his trek across the USA with new insights
and determinations.
·
Toron – Thank you for praying. He is now a high school graduate. It was a challenge for him in many ways. His birthday is in a few days. Thank you for continuing to pray that he does
not lose momentum.
·
New Life Art Show – Thank you for praying, over 300 came to the exhibition and
the funds raised will continue to support the Jesus Club that works with people
who have intellectual disabilities.
·
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.)
·
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
·
Ray’s Dad - (Ray Sr.) struggling through the
aftermath of cancer treatment. 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.
·
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.
·
Dale – Pray for his bodily healing, that
doctors do not overprescribe for his pain, for restoration of a lifetime
friendship and, most of all, for clarity of Salvation.
·
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.
·
Robin age 52, receiving radiation
treatment after a lumpectomy for breast cancer.
Pray for her strength and for those who are supporting her.
·
Gary McQ – seems to be lost and in neutral as the seriousness of his
diseased heart becomes more a focus of his energies – so he has started
drinking as he awaits the prognosis and treatment. Pray the Lord sends a wise and strong
counsellor to help him through this fearful time. Pray for assurance of salvation.
·
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.
·
Those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian especially in the Bahamas
where infrastructure is weak and so many died.
Pray especially pray for those working to help people rebuild their
lives.
·
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.
·
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, 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 Malware
Bytes to protect you
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