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Jesus Paid it All - Fernando Ortega – Lyrics
“For
this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged
the natural functions for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the
men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned
[were consumed] in their desire toward one another, man with men
committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of
their error.
“And
just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over
to a depraved mind; to do those things which are not proper, being filled with
all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy murder, strife,
deceit, malice;
“they
are gossips, slanderers; haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventory
of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy,
unloving, unmerciful; and, although they know the ordinances of God, that those
who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but
also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:26-32
Just look at that list! Jesus
paid it all – all to Him we owe!
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
- 28,368 confirmed cases
- 566 reported deaths (all in China except one in The Philippines
and one in Hong Kong)
- 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.
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 M – is thankful the Lord sustained his health through 2019 (the first
in five years he did not have to be hospitalized). To God be the
glory! Thank God that his wonderful radio ministry is now broadcast not
only in Florida (where it began), but now also in Virginia, Alabama and Indianapolis
as America hungers for true meat!
- 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 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.
- Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ, the Philippines) carrying
on with their fruitful ministry, seminary, conferences and leadership
forums. God is working in all these tragedies. Please pray for
those who lead, work, teach and contribute to this ministry. (Tita,
Isaias sister had cancer surgery 8 January and Edna who remains on regular
dialysis). Pray our Father continues to keep these servants strong
and safe and that they find balance for their lives and good health.
To make a contribution or/ and learn more, contact Isaias Catorce on icatorce@gmail.com
- 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
- North Korea, Iran, Iraq, 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. He is now engaged to a wonderful
Christian woman and they plan to get married in March. Hopefully she can help inspire him to
seek the Lord once again. They are
happy and look forward to their life together. It is so great to see him joyful
again. It has been a long time and
lots of prayers and God has answered those prayers. Thank you. 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 – recovering from successful cancer surgery. Please continue to
pray for his full recovery and that his family and friends will be patient
with him.
- Lachlan –Has found housing for himself and his three children and will be
working in the next couple of years to complete his entry into Wycliff
Bible Translation ministries. Please continue to pray for him.
- Jen – my sweet friend in the UK— is growing stronger after
months of weakness from having sepsis. She also lost her companion
dog after nearly 20 years. Pray her strength continues to increase
and her health, stamina and curiosity 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 good. Doctors are cutting back
on his many medications and he is feeling good. Enjoying the company
of his little Yorkie pup, Sparky. Pray David continues to 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.))
- 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) – celebrated
her 101st birthday 22 December. She is growing frail and sleeping
more and deeply now. Thank the Lord for Patti, her faithful
daughter, as she makes time to be with her Mom. Pray Freddy, Doris’
son, does more to help.
- 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.
PRAY SPECIFICALLY FOR SALVATION
- 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.
- Terri – is recovering from the loss of a 13-year relationship and needs
continuing strength as she travels through this time and that the Lord
will use this to open her heart to Him.
- 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
- Chris H – recently lost his sister (the last of his
family). Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this
time of change and pain.
- Carla, Paul, David and Matthew – that they continue
to focus on God’s Word and that the Lord restores balance for them
all.
- Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John --
a Proverbs 31 woman. Pray for: her health, strength and
wisdom; that she will take quality time to fully refresh; that she focuses
on what is pleasing to the Lord and eliminates unnecessary distractions
from His will and pray for travelling mercies during a much-needed break.
- 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.
- 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.
There
are now five Amazon Kindles created from the many years of devotions. I
am about to complete one on The Doors of the Bible. They are
created to support you and to help sustain this ministry. (The five
titles available today: 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: https://www.weakdaydevotion.com and
check out "Especially His" on https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com
______________
The WeakDay Devotion has been written fresh for you almost every weekday
morning since 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, businesspeople, 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
offer. It is 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
Darlene Richard
44 Eastern Valley
Way, Northbridge NSW 2063 AUSTRALIA
Cell: +61 411
852 546 Skype: dee.richard
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