WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU, GOD!

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Habakkuk

[Habakkuk to God] “’How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and Thou will not hear?  I cry out to Thee, ‘Violence!’  Yet Thou dost not save.  Why dost Thou make me see iniquity, and cause me to look on wickedness?’ 

“’Yes, destruction and violence are before me; strife exists, and contention arises.  Therefore, the law is ignored, and justice is never upheld.  For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted. 

[God answers Habakkuk] “’Look among the nations!  Observe!  Be astonished!  Wonder!  Because I am doing something in your days – you would not believe if you were told.’” Habakkuk 1:2-5

The prophets of Israel cried out to God:  ‘Why are godless nations allowed to flourish?  Why is there so much poverty and depravity in the world?  Why do You hesitate to do more miracles to make them see You?  Why are you silent, God?  Why are You unable to fix things?  Why do You hide from those who love You!  Why have You forgotten us?  Have You forsaken us?’ 

Yet, it was God who was disappointed and sad that all His efforts seemed to fail with this stiff-necked people.  I wonder what He is thinking today?

Take care, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene (who prays for you each morning).

PS:  IMPORTANT:  For those who subscribe by email, my email server has been compromised and I will have to work on it over the weekend.  Until then, the devotions will be posted here.

PPS:  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

·        25,548,259 reported cases

·        61,138 in serious condition

·        853,010 reported deaths (some related to pre-existing conditions)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES

·        Hurricane Laura - – pray for those being affected by these two monster hurricanes and the continued destruction from the storm as it wears itself out.  Pray for the rescue and relief workers, those providing food and shelter and hearts to be humbled and called to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

·        Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael.  Pray for this lovely woman of God as she goes off to college, that she remains safe and strong in her beliefs and convictions and continues to encourage many with her loving faithfulness to the Lord.

·        Tracey’s Mom – still hospitalised.  Pray for her health carers, her loved ones and that she will rest and be safe.

·        Kim’s Mom and Dad – have now been relocated to a nursing home to be cared for.  Pray for them both and for their family and the wisdom of their health carers. 

·        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, responding well to immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Thank you for continuing to 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, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·        Scott – Pray for him.  He has found some temp work but with a family of four, he needs to find something stable to provide.  Pray for his wife Kristy, that she remains patient and prayerful.  Pray he soon reaches 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.

·        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

GOD WITHDRAWING

 

“And it shall be said, ‘Build up, build up, prepare the way.  Remove every obstacle out of the way of My people.’  For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, ‘I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly  and to revive the heart of the contrite. 

“’For I will not contend forever, neither will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before Me, and the breath of those whom I have made.  Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, and he went on turning away, in the way of his heart. 

“’I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners, creating the praise of the lips.  Peace, peace be to him who is far and to him who is near,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will heal him.  But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud.  There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’”  Isaiah 57:14-21

After Elijah and Elisha, God seemed to withdraw the supernatural displays, turning instead to … just His word. 

Most of the prophets, from Isaiah, Hosea, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Ezekiel were left with nothing to demonstrate God’s omnipotence but words.  And as God seemed to draw father and father away, those prophets began to ask their own questions, eloquent, haunting questions, questions wrapped in pain.  They used their voices to cry to out to God, who seemed to have abandoned His ‘chosen’ people. 

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

·        25,329,880 reported cases

·        61,340 in serious condition

·        849,128 reported deaths (some related to pre-existing conditions)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES

·        Hurricane Laura - – pray for those being affected by these two monster hurricanes and the continued destruction from the storm as it wears itself out.  Pray for the rescue and relief workers, those providing food and shelter and hearts to be humbled and called to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

·        Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael.  Pray for this lovely woman of God as she goes off to college, that she remains safe and strong in her beliefs and convictions and continues to encourage many with her loving faithfulness to the Lord.

·        Tracey’s Mom – still hospitalised.  Pray for her health carers, her loved ones and that she will rest and be safe.

·        Kim’s Mom and Dad – have now been relocated to a nursing home to be cared for.  Pray for them both and for their family and the wisdom of their health carers. 

·        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, responding well to immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Thank you for continuing to 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, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·        Scott – Pray for him.  He has found some temp work but with a family of four, he needs to find something stable to provide.  Pray for his wife Kristy, that she remains patient and prayerful.  Pray he soon reaches 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.

·        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

Praise and Thanksgiving

Pray Specifically for Salvation

WEAKEND ASSIGNMENT - ALL FOR NOTHING

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ESV Audio Bible, Proverbs, Chapter 29

“If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, all his ministers become wicked.  The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:  the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.  If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever.  The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. 

“When the wicked increase, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.  Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also delight your soul.  Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.  But happy is he who keeps the law.”  Proverbs 29:12-18

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Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWRv0IFdirQ

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Proverbs Chapter 29 Summary and

What God Wants From Us by

The Bible Says What?

Another WeakEnd Assignment to help consider this week’s devotions and how they apply to you and your walk and ministry.  Find your Bible and spiritual notebook, a writing element, a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for at least an hour, a beverage of your choice.

Read Proverbs 29 while you listen to it being read in the video above.  The second video will give some context, so listen to it too.  

Then consider just this question as it relates to what you have learned through your life journey thus far: 

·        Even though King David was the apple of God’s eye and King Solomon given amazing opportunities and potential…what was the end result of their reigns? 

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

·        24,536,951 reported cases

·        61,485 in serious condition

·        833,207 reported deaths (some related to pre-existing conditions)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES

·        Hurricane Laura - – pray for those being affected by these two monster hurricanes and the continued destruction from the storm as it wears itself out.  Pray for the rescue and relief workers, those providing food and shelter and hearts to be humbled and called to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

·        Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael.  Pray for this lovely woman of God as she goes off to college, that she remains safe and strong in her beliefs and convictions and continues to encourage many with her loving faithfulness to the Lord.

·        Tracey’s Mom – still hospitalised.  Pray for her health carers, her loved ones and that she will rest and be safe.

·        Kim’s Mom and Dad – have now been relocated to a nursing home to be cared for.  Pray for them both and for their family and the wisdom of their health carers. 

·        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, responding well to immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Thank you for continuing to 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, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·        Scott – Pray for him.  He has found some temp work but with a family of four, he needs to find something stable to provide.  Pray for his wife Kristy, that she remains patient and prayerful.  Pray he soon reaches 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.

·        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

PROPHETIC WHISPERS

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by Scripture Lullabies

“Then he came there to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’  And he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, torn down Thine altars and killed Thy prophets with the sword.  And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.’

“So He said, ‘Go forth, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’  And behold, the Lord was passing by!  And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind.  And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 

“And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing.  And it came about when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.  And behold, a voice came to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah!’” I Kings 19:9-13

You have to pity the prophets.  They had the worst job in the Bible.  God had walked beside His creation at the beginning and as men and women began to draw further from Him, He found other ways to reach out to His children.  At this point in the Bible, however, God is ‘growing weary’ with the ease His people slip into disobedience and sin. 

After the amazing and dramatic miracle (yesterday’s devotion) things got even worse and King Ahab, the king of the day, grew to be the wickedest king in biblical history.  Elijah ran away and hid in a cave, perhaps exhausted from his efforts.  He was being hunted and seemed to be giving up, but in that cave, God reinvigorated him once more … and with a gentle whisper, a thin, small voice almost like silence – a striking change to come where only the prophets would offer God’s guidance and God grew silent!

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

·        24m243,652 reported cases

·        61,841 in serious condition

·        827,068 reported deaths (some related to pre-existing conditions)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES

·        Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael.  Pray for this lovely woman of God as she goes off to college, that she remains safe and strong in her beliefs and convictions and continues to encourage many with her loving faithfulness to the Lord.

·        Tracey’s Mom – still hospitalised.  Pray for her health carers, her loved ones and that she will rest and be safe.

·        Kim’s Mom and Dad – have now been relocated to a nursing home to be cared for.  Pray for them both and for their family and the wisdom of their health carers. 

·        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, responding well to immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Thank you for continuing to 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, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·        Scott – Pray for him.  He has found some temp work but with a family of four, he needs to find something stable to provide.  Pray for his wife Kristy, that she remains patient and prayerful.  Pray he soon reaches 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.

·        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

DO YOU SMELL SMOKE?

“Then Elijah said to all the people, ‘Come near to me.’  So all the people came near to him.  And he repaired the altar of the Lord which had been torn down …

Elijah had run 17 miles to get here to rebuild God’s altar “Then he arranged the wood and cut the ox in pieces and laid it on the wood.  And he said, ‘Fill four pitchers with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.’ 

"And he said, ‘Do it a second time,’ and they did it a second time.  And he said, ‘Do it a third time,’ and they did it a third time.  And the water flowed around the altar, and he also filled the trench with water. 

“Then it came about at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, ‘O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that Thou art God in Israel, and that I am Thy servant, and that I have done all these things at Thy word.  Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may KNOW that Thou, O Lord, art God, and that Thou hast turned their heart back again.’

“Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust and licked up the water that was in the trench.  And when all the people saw it, they fell on the faces; and they said, ‘The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God.’” 1 Kings 18:30-39 selected verses

This passage of the Bible would be one of my very favourite.  I always find myself standing up and wondering how anyone who SAW such dramatic miracle could ever doubt again.  Yet, there was no long term effect on the straying, defiant Israelites.  

Philip Yancey made a great comment we can all think about:  “If God consistently sent lightening bolts in response to bad doctrine, our planet would sparkle nightly like a Christmas tree.[1]”  The smell of smoke would surround us all and THAT is the reason our Father God sent His Son, His only Son to take those lightening bolts for us!

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

·        23,958,200 reported cases

·        61,679 in serious condition

·        820,237 reported deaths (some related to pre-existing conditions)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES

·        President Trump – just lost his younger brother and needs prayer that God would give he and his family private time to grieve without interruption or disrespect.

·        Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael.  Pray for this lovely woman of God as she goes off to college, that she remains safe and strong in her beliefs and convictions and continues to encourage many with her loving faithfulness to the Lord.

·        Tracey’s Mom – still hospitalised.  Pray for her health carers, her loved ones and that she will rest and be safe.

·        Kim’s Mom and Dad – have now been relocated to a nursing home to be cared for.  Pray for them both and for their family and the wisdom of their health carers. 

·        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, responding well to immunotherapy for lung cancer.  Thank you for continuing to 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, that their time together will be filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·        Scott – Pray for him.  He has found some temp work but with a family of four, he needs to find something stable to provide.  Pray for his wife Kristy, that she remains patient and prayerful.  Pray he soon reaches 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.

·        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

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[1] Copyright © 1988 by Philip Yancey, Disappointment With God, published by Zondervan Publishing House.