GOD'S WILD PURSUIT OF MAN

 

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or search YouTube for Birth of Christ by Ignatius Press

 

“Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.  This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city.

 

“ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 

 

“And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:1-7

 

Frederick Buechner wrote in The Hungering Dark (pp 13-14):  The child born in the night among beasts.  The sweet breath and steaming dung of beasts.  And nothing is ever the same again.

 

“Those who believe in God can never in a way be sure of Him again.  Once they have seen Him in a stable, they can never be sure where He will appear or to what lengths He will go or to what ludicrous depts of self-humiliation He will descend in His wild pursuit of man …

 

“For those who believe in God, it means -- this birth -- that God Himself is never safe from us, and maybe that is the dark side of Christmas, the terror of the silence, He comes in such a way that we can always turn Him down, as we could crack the baby’s skull like an eggshell or nail Him up when He gets too big for that.”

 

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

 

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 those dealing with and working to combat this virus.  Latest statistics: 

·        33,766,126 reported cases

·        65,482 in serious condition

·        1,010,246 reported deaths (94% related to pre-existing conditions)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        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.

·        John McArthur – has taken a stand to open his Bible-based church in California amid the Covid-19 virus lock down.  God seems to be using this crisis to focus on His Truth in an unexpected way.  Please pray for Pastor McArthur and those who support him through this world and pray protection from all who would do him harm.

·        Bun – thanksgiving prayers as he began a new job yesterday.  Continue to pray to support him in this new position, for confidence and peace to know God has placed him there.  Continue to pray he finds a patient and compassionate discipler , some faithful Christian friends and a Bible-based, Christian counsellor to help him move on from his past.

·        Bob –a friend of my brother and sister-in-law who has just had a tragedy in his life, that the Lord would use these recent experiences to help him realise his need for 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 – home now.  Her ability to think clearly and care for herself is weakening.  Pray for a home health carer to be found and that her loved ones will make time to help her through this time. 

·        Tracey – as she deals with the difficulties of her Mom growing less able to care for herself.  Pray Tracey will pace herself and cherish every moment with her Mom.

·        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.

·        USA President Donald Trump – As Christians it is our responsibility to pray for our leaders and trust 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 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.

 

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

SERENITY STRUGGLE

[Jesus speaking with His disciples at His last Passover dinner] “’Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ 

 

“And he said to Him, ‘Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!’  And He said, ‘I say to you, Peter, the cock will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.’” Luke 22:31-34

 

That may seen quite a strange passage to speak to about serenity.  We all know that Peter did follow Jesus as He was arrested when the others fell away.  We know that not only did Peter deny Christ, but that look that Jesus gave him (Luke 22:61 – read from verse 54). 

Put yourself in Peter’s sandals for just a moment and consider how serene he was.  All his bold and brave promises turned to dust and confusing disappointment. 

 

The video today was sent by a dear friend, and although it is a bit light-hearted, I suspect you will find tears welling in your eyes as you watch and listen to this conversation with God as a man prays …

 

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUIe8xFg7AA

Or search YouTube for

The Serenity Prayer by the Skit Guys

 

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

 

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 those dealing with and working to combat this virus.  Latest statistics: 

·        33,492,643 reported cases

·        65,345 in serious condition

·        1,005,056 reported deaths (94% related to pre-existing conditions)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        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-centered, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.

·        John McArthur – has taken a stand to open his Bible-based church in California amid the Covid-19 virus lock down.  God seems to be using this crisis to focus on His Truth in an unexpected way.  Please pray for Pastor McArthur and those who support him through this world and pray protection from all who would do him harm.

·        Bun – thanksgiving prayers as he began a new job yesterday.  Continue to pray to support him in this new position, for confidence and peace to know God has placed him there.  Continue to pray he finds a patient and compassionate discipler , some faithful Christian friends and a Bible-based, Christian counsellor to help him move on from his past.

·        Bob –a friend of my brother and sister-in-law who has just had a tragedy in his life, that the Lord would use these recent experiences to help him realise his need for 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 – home now.  Her ability to think clearly and care for herself is weakening.  Pray for a home health carer to be found and that her loved ones will make time to help her through this time. 

·        Tracey – as she deals with the difficulties of her Mom growing less able to care for herself.  Pray Tracey will pace herself and cherish every moment with her Mom.

·        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.

·        USA President Donald Trump – As Christians it is our responsibility to pray for our leaders and trust 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 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.

 

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'S 'CONDESCENSION'

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y9rNSKuk3I

or search YouTube for The Chosen

The Shepherd (Pilot Episode)

 

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 

 

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore, also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

 

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, bot to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:6-13

 

Think of it …God could not re-establish a relationship with His disobedient children without eliminating their freedom.  He saw another way.  He would descend and clothe Himself as one of us to approached us in disguise. 

 

It was no mere disguise, but a new identity.  He renounced the comfort of His rightful throne to win us.  As the Old Testament unfolds God often ‘humbles’ Himself, reaching out to reason with His children.  So much disappointment.  No wonder there was 400 years of silence.  And when He did appear, is it any wonder own chosen His people missed the message?

 

God took on a new form; He became a man.  It was the most shocking descent imaginable.  Just because He loves to much, He chose to die for us rather than live without us!

 

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

 

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 those dealing with and working to combat this virus.  Latest statistics: 

·        33,231,071 reported cases

·        65,3,43 in serious condition

·        1,000,773 reported deaths (94% related to pre-existing conditions)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        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.

·        John McArthur – has taken a stand to open his Bible-based church in California amid the Covid-19 virus lock down.  God seems to be using this crisis to focus on His Truth in an unexpected way.  Please pray for Pastor McArthur and those who support him through this world and pray protection from all who would do him harm.

·        Bob –a friend of my brother and sister-in-law who has just had a tragedy in his life, that the Lord would use these recent experiences to help him realise his need for 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 – home now.  Her ability to think clearly and care for herself is weakening.  Pray for a home health carer to be found and that her loved ones will make time to help her through this time. 

·        Tracey – as she deals with the difficulties of her Mom growing less able to care for herself.  Pray Tracey will pace herself and cherish every moment with her Mom.

·        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.

·        USA President Donald Trump – As Christians it is our responsibility to pray for our leaders and trust 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 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.

 

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

WEAKEND ASSIGNMENT - LOVED ONES

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr7pQpAAQKY

Or search YouTube for

Psalm 141 Song - Delicacies by Jason Silver

 

“O Lord, I call upon Thee; hasten to me!  Give ear to my voice when I call to Thee!  May my prayer be counted as incense before Thee; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. 

 

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.  Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who do iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies. 

 

“Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; it is oil upon the head; do not let my head refuse it, for still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.  Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock, and they hear my words, for they are pleasant.  As when one plows and breaks open the earth, our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol. 

 

“For my eyes are toward Thee, O God, my Lord; in Thee I take refuge; do not leave me defenceless.  Keep me from the jaws of the trap which they have set for me, and from the snares of those who do iniquity.  Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely.”  Psalm 141

 

As the Old Testament ends we feel the exhaustion, the disappointment, despair, confusion, even bitterness of a ‘chosen people’ who had -- not only lost their way -- but were disappointed and arrogantly angry that God would not rescue them out of their lostness. 

 

The promise of some ‘pie in the sky’ Messiah – well for some reason, every Israelite kept the unlikeliness of it still close to their heart.  Someday, somehow, God WOULD rescue them. 

 

Perhaps this is why the Jewish nation became the hair-splitting, argumentative bunch they were when Jesus arrived on the scene.  They had majored on parsing and squeezing every word of Scripture to give them something more!  They had become so blinded by their study that they could not see Jesus for what He was or comprehend the wonder and perfection of God’s promise to save His people. 

 

We can all be a bit like that, sometimes can’t we?  When in the midst of difficulties we to focus more on the difficulty, pain or disappointment than the Truth.  It takes a friend to lift our eyes to Jesus so we can focus, once more on Him and God’s perfect plan for our good and His glory! 

 

This WeakEnd Assignment is about loved ones.  Set aside an hour, find your Bible, your spiritual notebook, a writing element, a refreshment and a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for at least an hour.  Read the Psalm above and pray.  Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see your loved ones as He sees them. 

 

Write down four names of those most dear who you may not spend much time with now with this ‘lockdown’.  Write down some specific uniqueness of each of them, the last time you saw or spoke with them, where they live, what their relationship is to you, how you imagine they are handling the social distancing.  

 

Pray over each individual.  During the next week make an effort to speak with them in person or by phone.  Ask about their needs.  Encourage them and discover what’s on their hearts and what their specific needs are right now.  Make a note of it for future WeakEnd Assignments.

 

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

 

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

·        32,252,488 reported cases

·        63,287 in serious condition

·        986,099 reported deaths (94% related to pre-existing conditions)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        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.

·        John McArthur – has taken a stand to open his Bible-based church in California amid the Covid-19 virus lock down.  God seems to be using this crisis to focus on His Truth in an unexpected way.  Please pray for Pastor McArthur and those who support him through this world and pray protection from all who would do him harm.

·        Bob –a friend of my brother and sister-in-law who has just had a tragedy in his life, that the Lord would use these recent experiences to help him realise his need for 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 – home now.  Her ability to think clearly and care for herself is weakening.  Pray for a home health carer to be found and that her loved ones will make time to help her through this time. 

·        Tracey – as she deals with the difficulties of her Mom growing less able to care for herself.  Pray Tracey will pace herself and cherish every moment with her Mom.

·        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.

·        USA President Donald Trump – As Christians it is our responsibility to pray for our leaders and trust 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.

 

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

WHERE'S THE PIE?

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Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xtv3uUQJPk

or search YouTube for Gaither - What a Day That Will Be /

How Beautiful Heaven Must Be [Live]

 

[Jesus teaching] “’You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?  It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.  

 

“’You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’” Matthew 5:13-16

 

[Jesus teaching] “’Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.  And do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.  Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap.  For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.’” Luke 6:36-38

 

It can be a mistaken belief that the ‘here and now’ is just slogging and sorrow, suffering and sadness and that God just expects us to put up with it.  Why?  Because it will be worth the ‘pie in the sky’ of heaven for those who just wait through the challenges of this life.  Oh, to die and go to heaven where everything will be perfect and peaceful. 

 

But you will never find that ‘pie in the sky’ rational in the prophets’ message.  Amon, Hosea, Isaiah and Jeremiah have scathing words about the need to do right now to those around us, to stand against corrupt courts and religious systems that distract far too many. 

 

We, as God’s Body are not merely to mark time waiting for God to step in and set things right.  We are to demonstrate what this new heaven and new earth will be like, so those around us are eager and hungry for the right things in the here and now.  Because, when the time comes for the end times, people will be desperate to find someone who has not compromised because they have leaned on Christ through bad times! 

 

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

 

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

·        31,423,269 reported cases

·        61,590 in serious condition

·        967,698 reported deaths (94% related to pre-existing conditions)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES

·        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.

·        John McArthur – has taken a stand to open his Bible-based church in California amid the Covid-19 virus lock down.  God seems to be using this crisis to focus on His Truth in an unexpected way.  Please pray for Pastor McArthur and those who support him through this in this world and pray protection from all who would do him harm.

·        Bob –a friend of my brother and sister-in-law who has just had a tragedy in his life, that the Lord would use these recent experiences to help him realise his need for the Lord Jesus Christ. 

·        Gary McQuillen Family – A long-time friend of my brother’s has died in a freak accident.  He was 69 and a Christian who subscribed to this devotion for years.  Please pray for his family and friends who will miss him.

·        Christina – Thanksgiving prayers for her strengthening.  Thank you for praying for her.

·        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 – home now.  Her ability to think clearly and care for herself is weakening.  Pray for a home health carer to be found and that her loved ones will make time to help her through this time. 

·        Tracey – as she deals with the difficulties of her Mom growing less able to care for herself.  Pray Tracey will pace herself and cherish every moment with her Mom.

·        Kim’s Daughter – had a minor procedure and then an allergic reaction to the anaesthesia, had to be put on a respirator and is now recovering.

·        Kim’s Mom and Dad – have now been relocated to a long-term care facility.  Pray for them both and for their family and the wisdom of their health carers. 

·        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 – Thanksgiving prayer - the Lord has provided a great job for Scott.  Thank you for your faithful prayers for this family of five.  Continue to pray for him, Kristy and their children – most of all that Scott reaches out for the hand of our loving Heavenly Father.

·        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.

 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

PARENTHESIS BETWEEN EDEN AND ETERNITY

God’s Word uses real-life examples from His creation to help us appreciate His message and this one is so precious.  It will remind you to smile because Eternity awaits like this green grass after 100 days in a dark and dreary barn!

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[God speaking] “’For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 

 

“’But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.  And you will tread down the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing.’ Says the Lord of hosts. 

 

“’Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel.  Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord.  And he will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse.’”  Malachi 4

 

Malachi has an optimistic moment as he shares the vision of God’s people one day leaping like calves released from a stall.  A time of no fear, no pain, no infant deaths (or abortions), not even tears of grief.  Nations will be at peace and armies will melt their weapons into farm tools.  No one will complain about the hiddenness of God in that day, His glory will fill all the earth and the sun will seem dim in comparison.

 

You see, what we are living through right now is not all there is, we are just living in a time of ‘transition’ – a parenthesis between Eden and the new heaven and the new earth.  Even though so much seems out of control right now, God’s grip on our world never fails.  He WILL have the last word.

 

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

 

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

·        31,169,876 reported cases

·        61,477 in serious condition

·        964,053 reported deaths (94% related to pre-existing conditions)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES

·        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.

·        John McArthur – has taken a stand to open his Bible-based church in California amid the Covid-19 virus lock down.  God seems to be using this crisis to focus on His Truth in an unexpected way.  Please pray for Pastor McArthur and those who support him through this in this world and pray protection from all who would do him harm.

·        Bob –a friend of my brother and sister-in-law who has just had a tragedy in his life, that the Lord would use these recent experiences to help him realise his need for the Lord Jesus Christ. 

·        Gary McQuillen Family – A long-time friend of my brother’s has died in a freak accident.  He was 69 and a Christian who subscribed to this devotion for years.  Please pray for his family and friends who will miss him.

·        Christina – Thanksgiving prayers for her strengthening.  Thank you for praying for her.

·        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 – home now.  Her ability to think clearly and care for herself is weakening.  Pray for a home health carer to be found and that her loved ones will make time to help her through this time. 

·        Tracey – as she deals with the difficulties of her Mom growing less able to care for herself.  Pray Tracey will pace herself and cherish every moment with her Mom.

·        Kim’s Daughter – had a minor procedure and then an allergic reaction to the anaesthesia, had to be put on a respirator and is now recovering.

·        Kim’s Mom and Dad – have now been relocated to a long-term care facility.  Pray for them both and for their family and the wisdom of their health carers. 

·        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 – Thanksgiving prayer - the Lord has provided a great job for Scott.  Thank you for your faithful prayers for this family of five.  Continue to pray for him, Kristy and their children – most of all that Scott reaches out for the hand of our loving Heavenly Father.

·        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.

 

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