[Jesus
teaching] “’Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached
the house, he heard music and dancing.
And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these
things could be. And he said to him, ‘Your
brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received
him back safe and sound.
“’But
he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began
pleading with him. But he answered and
said to his father, ‘Look! For so many
years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours;
and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my
friends. But when this son of yours
came, who has devoured [consumed]
your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’
“’And
he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is
yours. But we had to celebrate and
rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live and was lost
and has been found.’’” Luke 15:25-32
‘Short
noses’ are a significant theme in Scripture.
The very first murder (Cain killed Abel) was a ‘short nose’ story. Another was the wrestling of Esau and
Jacob. This type of story is where one individual
(the ‘short nose’) endeavours to live a good life and do the right thing and yet,
they are ignored -- or worse -- and another person is ‘chosen’ for special
favours over them.
We
are all weak against the feelings that come from trying to do the right thing and
no one seems to notice or care. You can
feel hurt, dejected and sometimes angry.
The Good News is that Jesus does notice.
He does care and He died for you so you can live for Him, regardless of
how you are, or are not, favoured.
Sometimes the ‘short nose’ challenge is to love the person you most
resist for your good and God’s glory.
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.
- Today in 28 countries
- 23,910 confirmed cases
- 493 reported deaths (all but one in The Philippines – the rest in
China)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z05ZrMfKUDc
- 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.
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