Wednesday, February 5, 2020

FOLLOW THE MONEY!



“The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves and the money changers seated at their tables. 

“And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables; and in those who were selling doves He said, ‘Take these things away, stop making My Father’s house a place of business.’ 

“His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house will consume Me.’  The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as Your authority for doing these things?’  Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’” John 2:13-19

“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.” I Timothy 6:10

Sometimes it is good to consider God’s timing.  When Jesus roared through the temple, overturning the money seller’s tables it was early in His ‘career / ministry’.  Nothing seems to be more contentious than wealth and when Jesus consistently pointed to ‘something better’ no one could believe Him.  Although they eventually arrested and condemned Him for many ‘accusations’, perhaps it was really all about the money. 

NOTE:  As I began this series there were only three Scripture references I thought of for the word ‘consumed’.  One was Moses taking off his sandals at the bush that was burning but not consumed, two was Daniel’s three friends in the furnace who were not consumed and this reference to Jesus’ zeal for His Father’s house.  And just look at how many we have looked at so far of the 235 that the Lord has used for His purposes! 

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

PS:  My statement of faith:  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

 (NOTE:  Words underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)
Urgent – IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE NOVEL CORONA VIRUS – spreading throughout the world and more rapidly than imagined.
VERY IMPORTANT LINK (1hour and 7 minutes, but worth the time):   
As information grows, more information is now available.  Please pray for the health care workers, those trying to contain the spread and most importantly those who contract the virus – that they are wise and take precautions to protect others. Dynamic Statistics from China.
  • NEW UPDATE - Baby Jolie – 11 months old, in critical condition, struggling for life with meningitis and kidney failure.   Still critical, has had two more surgeries on her leg - unsure they can save it.  Good news.is that her Mommy got to hold her for the first time in 29 days. Please continue to pray for her that they will not have to amputate the leg and for her health carers to have wisdom and compassion, her parents for patience and peace and that the Lord provides a miracle of healing for this child.  Family so grateful for all the prayers.
  • URGENT - Carla’s sister Jackie – diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and endocrine tumour.  She is in severe abdominal pain, with a blood clot in her pancreas.  Pray for traveling mercies for Carla as she goes to be with her in Canada.  Pray for the doctors and health carers and for those who love and will support her through this difficult time.
  • Norm C – had a surgical procedure last Thursday.  Please pray for his recovery, the watchfulness of the health care providers and his family.
  • Savannah – 15-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, diagnosed with a difficult-to-treat, psychological disorder with potential serious consequences.  New meds seem to be helping.  She has a long recover ahead, but there is progress with this brain injury.  Pray for her attitude, wisdom for her health carers, patience for her parents and complete healing. 
  • Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years.  Her foot is healing properly, and she is out of the boot.  She needs rehab to help with strength and muscle loss but will be cleared to dance in a couple of weeks.  Pray for complete healing, peace and patience while she heals.
  • UPDATE - An Overview of the Bushfires in Australia –- Fires have moved south and are burning themselves out finally.  No updates yet on number of dead, the total damage to the lands and animals.  Continue to pray for the more-than 2,500 firefighters, those providing care and shelter for those who have lost everything, and wisdom for those still in the path of the fires, for mercy on the animals and the ongoing tragedy that accompanies this.  Please pray God’s hand of love and compassion is demonstrated by His people as this tragedy continues!
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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 and that my laptop can be fixed soon.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

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