Thursday, July 9, 2020

WeakEnd Assignment: Seven Disappointments



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I've Just Seen Jesus - Sandi Patti and Larnelle Harris [Live]


“Now while they were on their way, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.  And when they had assembled with the elders and counselled together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said,

“‘You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’  And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble’ 

“And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jew and is to this day.  But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.  And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some were doubtful.”  Matthew 28:11-17

1.     God is unfair!
2.     God is silent!
3.     God won’t show Himself!
4.     Does God even know what He is doing with this world? 
5.     What is this human experiment all about? 
6.     What does He want from us?
7.     What can we expect from Him?

Frederick Buechner asked:  “Without somehow destroying me in the process, how COULD God reveal Himself in a way that would leave no room for doubt?  If there were no room for doubt, there would be no room for me.”

WEAKEND ASSIGNMENT

Print out today’s devotion and set aside some time and a place where you will not be interrupted.  Gather your study notebook and Bible.  Get a favourite beverage and settle into a comfortable chair or bench. 

Pray the Lord will guide you through this exercise, then read all of Matthew 28.  It covers many emotional highs and lows.  It also highlights many doubts and fears about God and Jesus. 

Now consider the seven disappointments above in relation to your own life.  This may be something personal you have felt or someone you love has shared with you and write your thoughts down.  They will serve as a foundation to build upon as we continue through this series.

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
·        12,315,688 reported cases
·        58,267 in serious condition
·        554,956 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.

Pray for the World

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