HIS PURPOSE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vDCgF5bSIs

Or Search YouTube for

The Booth Brothers – Look for Me at Jesus’ Feet [Live]

"'For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before Me, and the breath of those whom I have made.  Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, and he went on turning away, in the way of his heart. 

“I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners, creating the praise of the lips.  Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near.' Says the Lord, 'and I will heal him.'"  Isaiah 57:16-19

"And when they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, 'He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a simmer.'  And Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, 'Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.' 

“And Jesus said to him, 'Today, salvation has come to this house, because he, too is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.'"  Luke 19:7-10

"-and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds we are healed."   I Peter 2:24

It isn't because we are worthy or good or thoughtful or kind or do good stuff for others, that Christ calls us to Him and offers His free gift of eternal salvation to us. 

It is because God cares for us that He sacrificed everything for us so that we have a choice to live with Him for eternity.  Through all the circumstances and challenges in our lives, God is growing us into the image of His dearly loved Son. 

And not just to give us joy and peace during times like these, but to strengthen us for the work He has left for us to do in a world at war. 

Take care, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene (who still prays for you each morning).

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)

To serve you in a new way, I’m researching and writing practical information for you about the pandemic.  Please visit:  https://newsaboutcovid19.blogspot.com/

Now declared a Pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), a national emergency by USA and Australia.  Please pray for all involved, for health care workers, those trying to contain the spread; for those contagious and for those who contract the virus and for the families who have lost loved ones.  Pray they are wise, patient and take precautions to protect others. 

Latest Update:  

·        Today in 172 countries

·        216,843 confirmed cases

·        6,868 critical condition

·        8,908 reported deaths

• Scott – getting married March 26th, they will be a blended and Blessed couple.  Thank you for praying all these years for him and his children.

• Baby Jolie– a year old, struggling to recover from meningitis and kidney failure.  Still in hospital.  Her leg may still require amputation.  She is responding VERY SLOWLY.  Many hurdles must be crossed.  Pray for her, her parents and her health care providers.  Once home, hopefully soon, she will need full-time nursing care.  Praise the Lord.  Family so grateful for all your prayers.
• Savannah – has a very long road to travel.  The 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 is showing progress with this brain injury.  Pray for her attitude, wisdom for her health carers, patience for her parents and complete healing.
• 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. 
• Fred – is making plans to move from California to Tennessee in the first quarter of 2020.  Pray for his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health as he makes these life changes.
• Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• Me – New project going well.  Thank you for praying (ends 9 April).  Laptop due back this week, hopefully. 

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 you pray.  It is a great hope for Australia.
• Bible schools and seminaries in Australia and around the world – Pray they remain true to 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.   Please pray for those who lead, work, teach and contribute to this ministry.  Pray our Father continues to keep these servants strong, in good health and safe and that they find balance in their lives.  To contribute or/and learn more, email Isaias Catorce at 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

• 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.  For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• 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!
• 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

• Carla’s sister Jackie –thank God the tests have shown the endocrine tumour can be treated successfully.  Continue to pray for her recovery, her doctors and health carers and for those who love and will support her through this time.
• Peyton – 17-year old granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael, a professional dancer for 14 years, now released from Physical Therapy and doing well.  Dancing strong and Getting stronger every day.  God has healed her bone and given her back the joy dancing.
• Norm C – his surgical procedure was successful.  Please pray for his lengthy recovery, the watchfulness of the health care providers and his family.
• 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.
• 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 he 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 2019.  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.
• 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.