Wednesday, May 13, 2020

FUTILITY AND HOPE



“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.  

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not if its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers in pains of childbirth together until now.  And not only this, but also, we ourselves having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.  

"For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 

“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:18-28

It is so easy to imagine we are lost, that sufferings and random acts of violence and disrespect rule our lives.  That our decisions are accidental, our situations futile and hopeless.  Yet God is always with us.  He is always holding our hands.  He always cares.  He always loves us.  He never lets us face a time alone. 

Take care, with love, especially His, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene (who 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 ‘Goggle Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.)

COVID-19

(NOTE:  Words underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)

Please pray for all those involved in making critical decisions during this time of pandemic.  Pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who contract the virus, the healthcare workers, those on the front line and for all those feeling afraid, lonely or confused.  Pray all are wise, patient and take precautions to contain the effects.  For practical information, please visit https://newsavoutcovid19.blogspot.com/

Latest Statistics
·        Today in 212 countries
·        4,408,708 reported cases
·        45,932 in serious condition
·        296,833 reported deaths (some are related to pre-existing conditions)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        David R– was taken to the hospital with irregular heartbeat and are considering a pacemaker.  Pray for his healthcare providers, doctors. for his healing. patience and for his daughter, Heidi who is unable to visit him with COVID-19 restrictions in place.
·        Doris (my second Mom) – at 101, has suffered from the lack of regular visitors and is being moved to hospice care where Patti and other family may visit now.  She is no longer eating and unable to get up from her bed and sleeps most of the time as she heads Home to be with her beloved husband Owen and the Lord!
·        Hans – a dear friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized, returns to hospital today to continue chemo.  Pray for his healthcare providers, his patience and wisdom.  Pray he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 83) is unwell herself.  Pray their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and love.
·        Scott – recently married.  Pray he finds a job soon so he can provide for his new wife and two children.  Help him reach out for the hand of our loving Heavenly Father so he recognises God is working in all this for the best outcome for them all.
·        Penne – recently widowed after 43 years, the last ten of which she was her husband’s full-time caregiver.  She suffers mental problems from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (who asks for wisdom and patience).  Penne has ‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer, does not attend fellowship for support.  Please pray for her peace of mind and God’s guidance.
·        USA President Donald Trump – As Christians it is our responsibility to pray for our leaders and know that God has a plan for the USA through this man.  If you doubt the importance of his appointment, just look at the baseless antagonism against him. Surely Satan is NOT happy and means to thwart God’s plan.  Pray someone helps President Trump and Melania to understand the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that they will both have a insatiable hunger to read God’s Word for themselves – and that God sends a Bible-Believing Christian to regularly disciple them in the Truth – and that God shuts the mouths of the false prophets who regularly circle around them.
·        Fred I – planning a move from California to Tennessee in the Fall of 2020 (if possible).  Pray for his wise attention to detail, stamina and roaring good health, as he makes these life changes.
·        Unnamed – 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.  Pray they take time for each other and keep their faith strong.

Pray for those in full-time service

During this time, when the entire world is struggling to understand this new ‘plague’, it is critical for us to uphold our Christian leaders.  They will be needed everywhere.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

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 practical ways and most important we must pray even more for them that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

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