WEAKEND ASSIGNMENT: THE FIRST PERSONAL PROMISE

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.  Do you not say, ’There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’?  Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 

“’Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.  For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows a, and another reaps.’  I sent you to reap that for which you have not laboured; others have laboured, and you have entered their labour.’” John 4:31-38

WEAKEND ASSIGNMENT:

Do you remember the first time a Scripture verse or passage or a story struck your heart as only the Holy Spirit can manage?  Take time this weekend to search your memory and feel the joy once more of His first personal promise and renew your commitment to fulfilling it. 

Mine was “’Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields that they are white for harvest.”  I was nine and had so many ideas of how to fulfil that.  Yet throughout my life He has shown me, as I know He has shown you, that how we fulfil our calling is just as unique and personal as our fingerprints! 

Other brothers and sisters may never understand your ministry and that doesn’t matter.  What matters is that you listen to the Lord and walk with Him through your personal journey in loving obedience to the mission He has entrusted to you. 

If you can make time, go find your Bible and read Psalm 139 again!  Enjoy your weekend.

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

(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/

Please pray for all involved, for health care workers, those trying to contain the spread; for those contagious, for those who contract the virus, for those feeling afraid and lonely and for the families who have lost loved ones.  Pray they are wise, patient and take precautions to protect others. 

Latest Update:  

·        Today in 210 countries

·        3,298,361 reported cases

·        50,960 critical condition

·        233,522 reported deaths

• Hans – A good friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized, has returned home for the next three weeks.  Please pray for his healthcare providers and for his patience.  Pray he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  And pray for his Mom, who is unwell herself, as they share this time together.
• Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December 2019, is suffering from lack of visitors and has fallen twice, hitting her head.  She is not eating well and is being carefully watched but doesn’t understand why no one is visiting her.  Thank the Lord for Patti, (daughter), and her husband John for their faithful support by daily face-time calls with her. 
• Baby Jolie– (one-year old) now home with a full-time nurse, but a long journey back to full health for her after meningitis and kidney failure.  Decision on whether she will keep her leg still not made.  Parents so grateful to all for the love and prayers.
• Scott – Thanks you for praying for him.  Please pray he finds a GOOD job soon.  So many challenges for him to provide for his sweet family of new wife and two children.  Help him trust in the wisdom of our loving Heavenly Father so he knows God is working in all this for the best outcome for them all.
• Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, now in his third marriage, does more to help while she is still here and that he reaches out to his Father in heaven for guidance and hope. 
• Penne – just lost her husband of 43 years after being his total caregiver for the last 10 years.  She suffers mental problems, stemming from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (pray for her wisdom and patience), but seems unstable and confused.  She has ‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer does not attend fellowship for support.  Please pray for peace and God’s guidance for her that her faith may be invigorated once more.
• USA President Donald Trump as he leads us through this pandemic – It is especially 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 Fall of 2020.  Pray for his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health as he makes these life changes.
• Me – my laptop was not fixed and I am back to using the old one, sorry for the inconvenience and formatting of the devotions in your email versions.

NEW Prayer Updates

• Sarah – had run away from home.  Police returned her home, put her in treatment and she is now with her parents.  She is not happy being there and watches every move her mother makes to escape again.  Very stressful during this time of ‘sheltering in place’.  They hope she will find a job when possible.  Thank you for praying and that she is finally home, getting help and support.
• Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching online so less stress.  Adrian (9-year old) is on new medication that is finally working and Micah (6-year old with Type 1 diabetes) have been getting along well.  Continue to pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• Patti’s Best Friend – lost both her parents within six months after a lifetime of caring for them.  Her husband’s mother died in January and his 94-year old father now lives with them.  Help them take time for each other and keeping their faith strong.  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

During this time, when the entire world is struggling to understand this ‘plague’, it is critical that each of us upholds our Christian leaders.  They will be a very stretched resource for us all.  Pray for their safety and strength their families and most of all, their wisdom to pace themselves.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones who are fragile health-wise.  It is important to protect them in wise and practical ways and most important we must pray even more for them that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

RIGHT OR EXPEDIENT?

“Now it came about when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, ‘Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.’  Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 

“And he came to the sheepfolds on the way, there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself.  Now David and his men were sitting in the inner recesses of the cave.  And the men of David said to him, ‘Behold, this is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’’ 

“Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe.  So he said to his men, ‘Far be it from me because of the Lord that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed.  And David persuaded his men with these words and did not allow them to rise against Saul.  And Saul arose, left the cave and went on his way.” I Samuel 24:1-7

The world seems obsessed with doing things quickly, efficiently, cheaply and without personal responsibility.  But this is not God’s way to get ahead.  God wants His children to remember and obey the rules He has set in place so they are safe and set the example for others. 

Most of us know the stories of David’s life.  He fought lions, giants, mad and jealous rulers.  He was exalted, hunted, lost his standing with men and God, lost friends and children.  Yet, flawed as he was, God used his entire life to teach us brilliant and memorable lessons to guide us when we are in situations where others would rather do the expedient over the right thing.

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

(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/

Please pray for all involved, for health care workers, those trying to contain the spread; for those contagious, for those who contract the virus, for those feeling afraid and lonely and for the families who have lost loved ones.  Pray they are wise, patient and take precautions to protect others. 

Latest Update:  

·        Today in 210 countries

·        3,205,726 reported cases

·        59,812 critical condition

·        227,290 reported deaths

• Hans – A good friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized, has returned home for the next three weeks.  Please pray for his healthcare providers and for his patience.  Pray he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  And pray for his Mom, who is unwell herself, as they share this time together.
• Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December 2019, is suffering from lack of visitors and has fallen twice, hitting her head.  She is not eating well and is being carefully watched but doesn’t understand why no one is visiting her.  Thank the Lord for Patti, (daughter), and her husband John for their faithful support by daily face-time calls with her. 
• Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, now in his third marriage, does more to help while she is still here and that he reaches out to his Father in heaven for guidance and hope. 
• Penne – just lost her husband of 43 years after being his total caregiver for the last 10 years.  She suffers mental problems, stemming from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (pray for her wisdom and patience), but seems unstable and confused.  She has ‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer does not attend fellowship for support.  Please pray for peace and God’s guidance for her that her faith may be invigorated once more.
• USA President Donald Trump as he leads us through this pandemic – It is especially 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 Fall of 2020.  Pray for his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health as he makes these life changes.
• Me – my laptop was not fixed and I am back to using the old one, sorry for the inconvenience and formatting of the devotions in your email versions.

NEW Prayer Updates

• Sarah – had run away from home.  Police returned her home, put her in treatment and she is now with her parents.  She is not happy being there and watches every move her mother makes to escape again.  Very stressful during this time of ‘sheltering in place’.  They hope she will find a job when possible.  Thank you for praying and that she is finally home, getting help and support.
• Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching online so less stress.  Adrian (9-year old) is on new medication that is finally working and Micah (6-year old with Type 1 diabetes) have been getting along well.  Continue to pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• Patti’s Best Friend – lost both her parents within six months after a lifetime of caring for them.  Her husband’s mother died in January and his 94-year old father now lives with them.  Help them take time for each other and keeping their faith strong.  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

During this time, when the entire world is struggling to understand this ‘plague’, it is critical that each of us upholds our Christian leaders.  They will be a very stretched resource for us all.  Pray for their safety and strength their families and most of all, their wisdom to pace themselves.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones who are fragile health-wise.  It is important to protect them in wise and practical ways and most important we must pray even more for them that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

POOR ADVISORS

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 

“Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent word to assemble the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counsellors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 

“For this reason at that time, certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews.  They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, ‘O king, live forever!  You yourself, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, is to fall down and worship the golden image. 

“But whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.  There are certain Jews … “ Daniel 3:1-12A selected verses

Daniel is a book I enjoy reading because of its wisdom concerning choosing good advisors.  The entire book seems to swing back and forth from bad to good decisions and back again that the leaders make in response to the advice of ‘trusted’ advisors. 

Along came Daniel (and his friends) men the Bible describes as upright, faithful, true, trusting and focused on God’s plan and not their own.  These qualities are sought out by any wise leader no matter what the political climate.  Without them, a nation, a business, a family are lost. 

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

(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/

Please pray for all involved, for health care workers, those trying to contain the spread; for those contagious, for those who contract the virus, for those feeling afraid and lonely and for the families who have lost loved ones.  Pray they are wise, patient and take precautions to protect others. 

Latest Update:  

·        Today in 210 countries

·        3,121,049 reported cases

·        56,761 critical condition

·        216,508 reported deaths

• Hans – A good friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized, finished his first three days of chemo.  There are some other complications, but he will be returning home for three weeks to have ongoing treatment.  Please pray for his healthcare providers and for his patience.  Pray he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  And pray for his Mom, who is unwell herself, as they consider how or if to share this news with her.
• Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December 2019, is suffering from lack of visitors and has fallen twice, hitting her head.  She is not eating well and is being carefully watched but doesn’t understand why no one is visiting her.  Thank the Lord for Patti, (daughter), and her husband John for their faithful support by daily face-time calls with her. 
• Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, now in his third marriage, does more to help while she is still here and that he reaches out to his Father in heaven for guidance and hope. 
• Penne – just lost her husband of 43 years after being his total caregiver for the last 10 years.  She suffers mental problems, stemming from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (pray for her wisdom and patience), but seems unstable and confused.  She has ‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer does not attend fellowship for support.  Please pray for peace and God’s guidance for her that her faith may be invigorated once more.
• USA President Donald Trump as he leads us through this pandemic – It is especially 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 Fall of 2020.  Pray for his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health as he makes these life changes.
• Me – my laptop was not fixed and I’m back to using the old one, sorry for the inconvenience and formatting of the devotions in your email versions.

NEW Prayer Updates

• Sarah – had run away from home.  Police returned her home, put her in treatment and she is now with her parents.  She is not happy being there and watches every move her mother makes to escape again.  Very stressful during this time of ‘sheltering in place’.  They hope she will find a job when possible.  Thank you for praying and that she is finally home, getting help and support.
• Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching online so less stress.  Adrian (9-year old) is on new medication that is finally working and Micah (6-year old with Type 1 diabetes) have been getting along well.  Continue to pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• Patti’s Best Friend – lost both her parents within six months after a lifetime of caring for them.  Her husband’s mother died in January and his 94-year old father now lives with them.  Help them take time for each other and keeping their faith strong.  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

During this time, when the entire world is struggling to understand this ‘plague’, it is critical that each of us upholds our Christian leaders.  They will be a very stretched resource for us all.  Pray for their safety and strength their families and most of all, their wisdom to pace themselves.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones who are fragile health-wise.  It is important to protect them in wise and practical ways and most important we must pray even more for them that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

WHY WHO'S IN CHARGE MATTERS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGVzWVg1uyU

or search YouTube for

Desiring God – Why the Sovereignty of God is Good News

“’But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honoured Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 

“And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing.  But He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou done?’ Daniel 4:34-35

“So the angel who was speaking with me answered and said to me, ‘Do you not know what these are?’  And I said, ‘No, my lord.’  Then he answered and said to me, ‘This is the Word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power; but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. “ Zechariah 4:5-6

[Jesus teaching] “And He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospel’s shall save it.  For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul: 

For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.’”  Mark 8:34-38

Many believe that to survive and thrive in this world, you must be tough, strong unbending and harsh.  But God says, ‘You will succeed because of My Spirit, though you are few and weak.’ 

The keywords are ‘because of My Spirit.’  It is only through His Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished.  The returned exiles were indeed weak – harassed by their enemies, tired, discouraged and poor.  But actually they had God on their side!  As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities, instead, depend on God and work in the power of His Spirit.

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

(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/

Please pray for all involved, for health care workers, those trying to contain the spread; for those contagious, for those who contract the virus, for those feeling afraid and lonely and for the families who have lost loved ones.  Pray they are wise, patient and take precautions to protect others. 

Latest Update:  

·        Today in 210 countries

·        3,055,651 reported cases

·        56,446 critical condition

·        211,065 reported deaths

• Hans – A good friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized, finished his first three days of chemo.  There are some other complications, but he will be returning home for three weeks to have ongoing treatment.  Please pray for his healthcare providers and for his patience.  Pray he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  And pray for his Mom, who is unwell herself, as they consider how or if to share this news with her.
• Doris (my second mom) – celebrated her 101st birthday 22 December 2019, is suffering from lack of visitors and has fallen twice, hitting her head.  She is not eating well and is being carefully watched but doesn’t understand why no one is visiting her.  Thank the Lord for Patti, (daughter), and her husband John for their faithful support by daily face-time calls with her. 
• Pray Freddy, Doris’ son, now in his third marriage, does more to help while she is still here and that he reaches out to his Father in heaven for guidance and hope. 
• Penne – just lost her husband of 43 years after being his total caregiver for the last 10 years.  She suffers mental problems, stemming from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (pray for her wisdom and patience), but seems unstable and confused.  She has ‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer does not attend fellowship for support.  Please pray for peace and God’s guidance for her that her faith may be invigorated once more.
• USA President Donald Trump as he leads us through this pandemic – It is especially 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 Fall of 2020.  Pray for his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health as he makes these life changes.
• Me – my laptop was not fixed and I’m back to using the old one, sorry for the inconvenience and formatting of the devotions in your email versions.

NEW Prayer Updates

• Sarah – had run away from home.  Police returned her home, put her in treatment and she is now with her parents.  She is not happy being there and watches every move her mother makes to escape again.  Very stressful during this time of ‘sheltering in place’.  They hope she will find a job when possible.  Thank you for praying and that she is finally home, getting help and support.
• Julia – (Patti’s daughter) now teaching online so less stress.  Adrian (9-year old) is on new medication that is finally working and Micah (6-year old with Type 1 diabetes) have been getting along well.  Continue to pray for her strength, patience and resolute heart as she helps her children grow up.
• Patti’s Best Friend – lost both her parents within six months after a lifetime of caring for them.  Her husband’s mother died in January and his 94-year old father now lives with them.  Help them take time for each other and keeping their faith strong.  

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

During this time, when the entire world is struggling to understand this ‘plague’, it is critical that each of us upholds our Christian leaders.  They will be a very stretched resource for us all.  Pray for their safety and strength their families and most of all, their wisdom to pace themselves.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones who are fragile health-wise.  It is important to protect them in wise and practical ways and most important we must pray even more for them that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.