My Bestest Friend!

“There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.  He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we behold His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John1:9-14

[Jesus sharing] “’For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.’” John 3:16-17

God lets human beings affect Him.  Yet, we do not seem able to grasp His joy, anguish and passion.  We do ‘study’ Him by reading His Word.  Yet that just allows us to ‘tame’ Him -- to reduce Him to words and concepts -- to pigeon-hole His interactions in our lives.  Have we lost the desire for a passionate, uncompromising relationship with Him that He seems to want with us? 

Just think of how Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others treated Him … as if He was … a friend, a confident, a counsellor, a boss and best of all a parent, even someone to love.  

These Old Testament characters, weak, deficient and sinful as they were, treated Him like a ‘person’.  What might that mean for me?  What might that mean for you?

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

·        13,162,839 reported cases

·        58,776 in serious condition

·        573,467 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, broke both bones in her ankle and Friday had to have surgery to remove a pin in her elbow from an injury 20 years ago.  She remains in the hospital.  Pray for her health carers, her loved ones 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 has now been found to have a serious infection in her hand.  

·        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 spread.  He will continue a three-weeks at home, one week in hospital routine 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 lots of love.

·        Patti and John –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.  Pray they will both have an insatiable hunger to read God’s Word for themselves.  Pray God sends a Bible-Believing Christian to regularly disciple them in the Truth.  Pray 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.

·        Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) – carrying on their fruitful ministry in the Philippines, despite the many challenges they must daily work with, including the impending threat of China claiming their country.  Pray for those who lead, administer, work, teach and contribute to the ministry.  Pray our Father continues to keep these servants strong, in good health, safe and supported and that they keep a balance in their lives.  They need funds badly now.  Please go to this link o learn more or/ and contribute - email Isaias Catorce at icatorce@gmail.com

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