WHO WERE THEY?

Click on the picture or copy and paste

the link below into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-pVqm_3jtg

or search YouTube for

The Wise Men – Alasdair Begg

Please take time to watch these two videos.  There is nothing more blessed than giving hope to another.  May this CHRISTmas be something unique in your life and that you meet the Lord in a new way as you contemplate the end of one year to walk into the next.

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

Here is my present to you, dear friend

and those who know or seek for Christ:

Click on the picture or copy and paste

This link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paOjgZZDads

or search YouTube for

‘The Chosen Special Christmas Episode’

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.)

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES

• ·      Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years has just broken her food and is devastated that she can’t compete in dance completions and feels she is letting her teams down.  She will be in a boot for 6 weeks.  Please pray for complete healing, peace and patience while she heals.
• ·      UPDATE – Fires in Australia easing- Weather changed. 50 percent chance of rain end of week.  Pray for the firefighters, those caring for those seeking shelter, for those suffering from and in the path of the fires, for those who have lost everything, the animals and the tragedy that accompanies this.  Please pray for God’s mercy on this dry and sunburnt, burning land and that His people will rise up and show their extraordinary love and compassion at this time!
• ·      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.
• ·      Chris H – recently lost his sister (the last of his family) and will be facing his first Christmas without her.  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) – has had a wonderful 101 birthday -  she is growing frail and sleeping more and deeply now.  Pray for Patti, her daughter, as she remains so faithful in sacrificing time to demonstrate God’s love to her precious mother.  Pray for Freddy, Doris’ son that he will be there with her more.  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. 
• ·      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.
• ·      Lachlan –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.
• ·      Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John -- a Proverbs 31 woman, who needs strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve and grows in confidence so she understands that ‘no’ is a perfectly acceptable response.  Pray she enjoy precious time with John and that her heart is strong for her Mom.
• ·      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.

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.
• ·      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. 
• ·      Jenny S – Bible teacher - for energy and good health, wisdom and time for reflection.
• ·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ, the Philippines) are working tirelessly to help over 100 pastors and their families in the poorest areas rebuild after losing everything in a series of serious earthquakes and aftershocks.  If you wish to donate to their ministry, contact me for details.
• ·      Scripture classes in Australian Schools – Australia is a secular country, yet God has ensured -- thus far -- that they have freedom to hold Scripture classes in schools during regular school hours!  Some resistance is growing so it is critical to pray.  It is a great hope for Australia.
• ·      Bible schools and seminaries in Australia and around the world – Pray they never compromise the truth of God’s Word in the Bible.
• ·      Jim and Elaine –Pray for the new work they’ve taken on in New Zealand and Fiji (heavily Muslim).  Thank you, Lord, for allowing Elaine to be ordained to strengthen her work.  Pray for their protection and energy, grant them time for shared joy as a couple and to see the fruits of their labours.  To learn more of their ministry go to https://tlcwhk.com
• ·      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.
• ·      Buddy & Susan –Please continue to pray for their needs and the harvest from their labours.  They were one of the first families to welcomed me to Australia.  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 their children, Laura and Jason. Pray for this devoted and loving pastor and his wife who continue to serve in New Zealand.  Laura has married Joji and they are in NZ.  Jason is studying in the USA.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute for the Lord.
• ·      The Catholic Church and the Pope, who needs our prayers that he will grow increasingly hungry for 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, that he will have a driving hunger to read God’s Word for himself and that God sends a Bible-believing Christian to regularly disciple him in the Truth and that God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who circle around him. 
• ·      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 His plan, 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

• ·      Scott – Scott’s wife abandoned him and this two children Sophia (10) and Grady (8) a few years ago.  He has proved to be a caring and loving single father.  Recently, he began dating a wonderful Christian woman and is very happy.  Please continue to pray he seeks the Lord for himself and his children. 
• ·      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.
• ·      Yalawe – did have the surgery and they believe he is now cancer free.  Please continue to pray for his full recovery and that his family and friends would be patient with him.
• ·      Jen – my sweet friend in the UK— is growing stronger, although losing her companion dog after nearly 20 years has been quite difficult for her.  Pray her strength continues to increase and her health and stamina grow.   
• ·      Jackie, a Christian woman (in two years lost her husband, two daughters and son).  Pray for her continued strength and grace as she builds on these losses.  Thank You, Lord for her friend Fred who has been helping her through this time.  Pray for his wisdom and warmth as he encourages her.
• ·      Fred – his making plans to move from California to Tennessee in the first quarter of 2020.  Pray for his wise attention to details and stamina as he makes this life change.
• ·      Robin - age 52, completed breast cancer treatment and is doing well.  She is thankful for your prayers and asks you to continue praying for full recovery and for blessings for those who are supporting her.  
• ·      Patti’s Best Friend – earlier this year she lost both her parents within six months.  Her life had been fully devoted to caring for them.  Pray she continues on her next journey and focuses now on her own family and that she and her husband enjoy the future. 
• ·      Toron – Thank you for praying.  He is now a high school graduate.  It was a challenge for him in many ways.  Pray that he does not lose momentum.  
• ·      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 for 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.  ((Thank you, Father for growing their faith and health so they can share You with others.))
• ·      Ray’s Dad - (Ray Sr.) struggling through the challenges 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.  
• ·      Gary McQ – seems to be in neutral as the seriousness of his diseased heart becomes more a focus of his energies.  He has started drinking.  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. 
• ·      UPDATE - Julia – (Patti’s daughter) has cut her teaching time by half to better support her physical and emotional health.  This now gives her precious time with her two children (ages 6 and 9), both of whom have challenges.  Pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• ·      Len Carbone – (59 years old).  Pray he wakes to the message of the Cross and the compassionate love of Jesus.  Had brain tumour surgery in 2002 and on disability since.  His loneliness has overwhelmed him as he fights with his disability and those around him.  Pray for a godly and patient friend to take time to show him God’s love. 
• ·      Liriel - chronically ill (kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis) and often in pain.  Has been feeling better and is free from opioids.  Pray for her comfort and for her loving and supportive husband that they share the Lord’s joy each day.
• ·      Uncle Dwight (94 and Doris only brother) is growing frail.  Pray for comfort and compassion.  He is an ordained pastor and longs to go home and be with his Lord.
• ·      Aunt Donna - has dementia. Please pray for her daughters so they know how best to care for her.

PRAYERS SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION

• ·      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.
• ·      Robin Hopcroft - her brother asks for us to pray for her safety and that she learns of and understands the saving grace of Jesus so her is overflowing with the life-changing love of the Lord.
• ·      Careena’s brother - to finally realise the deep affection Jesus has for him as he struggles with life.  That he will come to grasp and accept Jesus’ loving and gracious sacrifice for him.
• ·      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 the wisdom to help him cope.
• ·      Jenny - Recently lost her husband and needs comfort, strength and the Truth to rest in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·      Carla, Paul, David and Matthew – that they continue to focus on God’s Word and that the Lord restores balance for them all. 
• ·      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.
• ·      UPDATE - Adrian - now 9 years old, in 4th grade and continues to be difficult with family members and teachers.  Pray for his parents that they help him as he grows up. 
• ·      UPDATE Sarah –Pray the Lord grabs her hand and brings her back to the reality of God’s love and that her family trusts the Lord to work out His plan for her.
• ·      Elea -- lost her husband to liver cancer shortly after they fell in love and married.  She nursed him through this horrible experience then lost 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.