[Job speaking to his three friends] “’Why is light given
to him who suffers, and life to the bitter of soul; who long for death, there is
none, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures; who rejoice greatly, they
exult when they find the grave?
“’Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, and
whom God has hedged in? For my groaning
comes at the sight of my food, and my cries pour out like water. For what I fear comes upon me, and what I
dread befalls me. I am not at ease, nor
am I quiet, and I am not at rest, but turmoil comes.’” Job 3:20-26
“Israel failed to obey God and meet His terms. Years later when New Testament authors looked
back on that history, they did not hold up the covenant as an exemplary model
of God relating to His people with absolute consistency and fairness.
“Rather, they said the old covenant served as an object
lesson, demonstrating that human beings were incapable of fulfilling a contract
with God. It seemed clear to them that a
new covenant (testament) with God was needed, one based on forgiveness and
grace. And that is precisely why the New
Testament exists.”[1]
Outside of grace, arrogance and presumption thrive. When we imagine we do not need God, all we
perceive seems out of focus – wrong and unfair.
So many believe they can work their way to Heaven if they just do this
or more of that and yet, the entire Old Testament reflects the many failures of
the best-intentioned of characters. Thank
God He provides grace for those who will accept His undying love.
Take care, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene (who
prays for you each morning).
PS: My statement of
faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (also you will find a series of beginner
Bible studies there.). Also, 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
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://newsaboutcovid19.blogspot.com/
Latest Statistics
·
Today in 215 countries
·
10,379,463 reported cases
·
57,468 in serious condition
·
507,180 reported deaths (some related to
pre-existing conditions)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
(NOTE: Words
underlined have a link embedded to provide more details)
·
Tracey’s Mom –
had a stroke and broke both bones in her ankle.
She is in the hospital recovering.
Pray for her health carers and that she will rest and be safe.
·
Kim’s Mom –
at 92 had a rapid heart rate and was taken to the hospital. While there she fell and hit her head and
broke her nose. She is home now, but
needs to rest and heal.
·
Ray’s Dad –
(Ray Senior) doing better with the challenges of cancer treatment. Pray the Lord will touch his heart so he
reaches out for the only hand that can save him.
·
USA –
Pray the Lord will 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-centre, Bible-based revival in the
USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized,
will continue a three-weeks at home, one week or so in the hospital for immunotherapy. 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.
·
Patti –recovering
from the loss of her beloved Mom, Doris.
Please pray for the sweet comfort of her Saviour.
·
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
[1]
Copyright © 1988 by Philip Yancey, Disappointment With God, published by
Zondervan Publishing House.
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