UNNECESSARY DETAILS?

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.  His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2

“Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.  This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. 

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 

“And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2: 4-7

Today begins a special Christmas WeakDay Devotions series.  Take a moment to read from Luke 2:4 to verse 14.  Note the reference to ‘swaddling cloths’.  Did you ever wonder why anyone bothered to write seemingly ‘insignificant’ details like that?

Did you know that there were a select group of shepherds tied to the temple who were responsible to care for the lambs who would be sacrificed?  Because these lambs were to be spotless and without blemish, extra care was taken with them.  

When these precious lambs were born, the shepherds wrapped each lamb in swaddling cloths that were kept in the mangers.  This would protect the lambs from the typical bumps and bruises of normal birth and guarantee more of the lambs would be worthy sacrifices for the sins of the people.  Neat huh!!

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.  My statement of faith is found here:    https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES

• URGENT -USA - Pray the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• FIRES IN AUSTRALIA – continuing to struggle through historic ‘dust bowl’ droughts, Australia is now battling seemingly never-ending fires.  The loss of dwellings, animals and the tragedy that accompanies this, continues.  Please pray for God’s mercy on this dry and sunburnt and burning land!
• Chris H – suddenly lost his sister (the last of his family) last Sunday.  Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this time of change and pain. 
• Savannah – fifteen-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, is suffering from a psychological disorder that is difficult to treat and could lead to very serious consequences.  She NEEDS all the prayers that can be said on her behalf.
• Christine’s husband – broke his arm and wrist and is home recovering.  Pray during this time that the Lord will speak to him through his loving wife and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
• Doris (My Second Mom) – will be 101 on 22 December – 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 from age 12. 
• UPDATE -Yalawe – developed sepsis and they were unable to operate.  He is now on antibiotics until he can have the surgery.  Please pray for his full recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with him.
• SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness to grow through this dark time and for wisdom of his counsellors.  Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
• Deepak – thanks you for your prayers and has seen the Lord’s hand in his life in many new ways.  His business is growing and now he needs time to consider his next steps.  Pray he stays close to the Lord in all his busyness.
• UPDATE - Lachlan – thanks you for praying for him.  He has completed his seminary studies and now urgently needs to find housing for himself and his three children.
• Paul –Pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to find a role.  He’s been unemployed since 2010.  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 stays here.
• UPDATE - Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John is unwell and resting at home.  A Proverbs 31 woman, who needs strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve.  Pray she grows in confidence and learns that ‘no’ is a perfectly acceptable response.  Pray she enjoy precious time with John.
• 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 to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me.