Monday, September 7, 2020

GOD 'SUFFERED', TOO



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The Jerusalem Watch
Babylonian Conquest and Destruction of the First Temple

“I shall make mention of the loving kindnesses of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He has granted them according to His compassion, and according to the multitude and abundance of His loving kindnesses. 

“For He said, ‘Surely, they are My people, sons who will not deal falsely.’  So, He became their Saviour.  In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His mercy, He redeemed them; and He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. 

‘But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; therefore, He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them.  Then His people remembered the days of old, of Moses. 

“Where is He who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of His flock?  Where is He who put His Holy Spirit in the midst of them, who caused His glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for Himself an everlasting name, who led them through the depths?”  Isaiah 63:7-13

Whatever shame and humiliation the Israelites endured over the years, God also endured.  The Israelites watched in horror as Babylonian axmen hacked apart the cedar beams of the temple – but it was God’s own house they were invading, and He felt that invasion as a personal desecration. 

As the temple was razed, it was His dwelling place that was razed.  As the Jews were led captive, His heart went with them.  And when the conquerors divided the spoils of Israel, they joked not about the Israelites, but about their weakling God. 

Wherever they journeyed among the nations, those nations profaned His Holy name and said, “They are the Lord’s people, and yet they He can’t even defend them and they had to leave the land He promised to them.” 

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 is not loading properly.  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
·        27,447,958 reported cases
·        60,231 in serious condition
·        895,697 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 – home now but disoriented from the experience.  Pray for a home health carer to be found and that her loved ones will make time to help her until she is stronger.
·        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. 
·        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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