[Eliphaz first speech to Job] “’Now a word was brought to me stealthily, and my ear received a whisper of it. Amid disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night when deep sleep falls on men. Dread came upon me, and trembling, and made all my bones shake. Then a spirit passed by my face; the hair of my flesh bristled up.
“’It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice: ‘Can mankind be just before God? Can a man be pure before his Maker? He puts no trust even in His servants; and against His angels He charges error. How much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust. Who are crushed before the moth!
“’Between morning and evening they are broken in pieces; unobserved, they perish forever. Is not their tent-cord plucked up within them? They die, yet without wisdom.’” Job 4:12-21
You have to wonder why God allows the Old Testament (OT) to exist! It is filled with all kinds of disasters and disobedience. Yet, isn’t it strange that in the OT, God was so actively involved in directing things – especially in Exodus. God’s voice was heard, the earth swallowed up the disobedient, pillars of fire and smoke, parting of the Red Sea -- God’s very handwriting on those stone tablets! What a time to be alive!
But all this active direction did not seem to lead to spiritual development. It seemed to have almost eliminated the need for faith! Clear guidance sucks away freedom and responsibility. Every matter came down to obedience rather than faith.
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
· 11,672,985 reported cases
· 58,662 in serious condition
· 538,812 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 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 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
· 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.
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