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.
· 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.
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