Monday, September 21, 2020

WHERE'S THE PIE?

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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

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