WEAKEND ASSIGNMENT

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Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvmqz8SO2Hc

or search YouTube for Philippians NKJV Audio Bible

 

“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, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. 

 

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”  Philippians 2:5-16

 

A WeakEnd for serious reflection, so set aside an hour and place where you will not be interrupted, find your Bible and spiritual notebook, a writing implement, a refreshment.  Pray to quiet your heart and ask the Lord to give you wisdom. 

Open your Bible to Philippians and put on the video above (just words) and read along with it (takes just 16 minutes).  Then, consider the passage above in depth.  Begin to write your observations on how this book strengthens you during this time.

 

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

 

PS:  My statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com  You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion” (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)  Forgive the appearance of the Devotion this week as I’m just reformatting it for a new laptop that I finally had to get.

 

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.

·      Bob –a friend of my brother and sister-in-law who has just had a tragedy in his life.  Pray the Lord uses 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, has stabilised.  His CT scan has shown no advancement of the cancer.  He thanks you for your prayers and reports that his left hand is also improving (it has been paralysed since this began).  Please 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

WAS SATAN DISAPPOINTED, TOO?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97L95aIopS4

Or search YouTube for

 

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.  And the tempter came and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’  But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’’

 

Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and he had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give His angels charge concerning You; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, let You strike Your foot against a stone.’’  Jesus said to him, ‘On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’’

 

“Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory,; and he said to Him, ‘All these things will I give You if You fall down and worship me.’  Then Jesus said to him, ‘Begone, Satan!  For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’’  Then the devil left Him;” Matthew 4 4:1-11a

 

This morning as I was reading Matthew, I had a bit of a paradigm shift that made me sad for Satan.  Oh I know that is probably very controversial and maybe inappropriate.  Yet, how much more pitiful this scene is between Satan and Jesus in the desert if there was a lingering spark within evil to believe.

 

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

 

PS:  My statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com  You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion” (Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)  Forgive the appearance of the Devotion this week as I’m just reformatting it for a new laptop that I finally had to get.

 

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.

·      Bob –a friend of my brother and sister-in-law who has just had a tragedy in his life.  Pray the Lord uses 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, has stabilised.  His CT scan has shown no advancement of the cancer.  He thanks you for your prayers and reports that his left hand is also improving (it has been paralysed since this began).  Please 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

THE AMBIGUITY OF GOD

Click the picture or the link or

Copy and past the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbh43MGoigw

or search YouTube for Danny Gokey – Give me Jesus (Live)

 

“And Paul stood in the midst of the of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘To An Unknown God.’  What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 

 

“’The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things; and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth,

 

“’having determined their appointed times and boundaries of the habitation, that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His offspring..

 

“Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.  Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is not declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.’” Acts 17:22-31

 

A quote from Walker Percy’s book, The Second Coming:  “My project is the first scientific experiment in history to settle once and for all the question of God’s existence.  As things presently stand, there may be signs of His existence, but they point both ways and are therefor ambiguous and so prove nothing. 

 

“For example, the wonders of the universe do not convince those most conversant with the wonders, the scientists themselves.  Whether or not this testifies to the stupidity of scientists or to God’s success at concealing Himself doesn’t matter. 

 

If ever the time was ripe to settle the question of God’s existence, it was while Jesus walked on earth … but He not only surprised everyone with His humility, He surprised everyone with His willingness to die for the sins of the world!

 

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.)

 

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 – is taking some time off to rest.  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 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.  Pray the Lord uses 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, has stabilised.  His CT scan has shown no advancement of the cancer.  He thanks you for your prayers and reports that his left hand is also improving (it has been paralysed since this began).  Please 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

WHAT WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND

 

Click the picture or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yqYCh2mPK4

Or search YouTube for Phillips, Craig & Dean

There Is A God

 

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!  Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? 

 

“’Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements, since you know?  Or who stretched the line on it?  On what were its bases sunk?  Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sand together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?’” Job 38:1-7

 

“Then Job answered the Lord, and said, ‘I know that Thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted.  ‘Who is that that hides counsel without knowledge?’  Therefore, I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

 

“Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask Thee, and do Thou instruct me.  I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees Thee; therefore, I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes.’”  Job 42:1-6

 

Our individual disappoints are built upon our personal perspective, for who can see all of time unfolded in a line other than our Heavenly Father.  With all His power, His love and mercy are matched and demonstrated by His creativity to find a way to provide a way for each of us to kneel at His throne and confess our gratefulness for His patience.

 

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.)

 

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 – is taking some time off to rest.  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 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.  Pray the Lord uses 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, has stabilised.  His CT scan has shown no advancement of the cancer.  He thanks you for your prayers and reports that his left hand is also improving (it has been paralysed since this began).  Please 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 = FEAR VS FEAR NOT

Click the picture or the link or 

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN7CiQm7I5A

or search YouTube for

Isaiah 43:1-3 Song "Fear Not, For I Have Redeemed You"

(Esther Mui) Christian Praise Worship Lyrics

 

For the WeakEnd Devotion, find a quiet hour where you will not be disturbed, have your Bible and spiritual notebook, a refreshment.  Settle now.  Pray to quiet your heart and then read this Psalm as we consider fear.

 

“Be gracious, O God, for man has trampled upon me; fighting all day long he oppresses me.  My foes have trampled upon me all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. 

 

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me?

 

“All day long they distort my words; all their thoughts are agains me for evil.  They attack, they lurk, they watch my steps, as they have waited to take my life.  Because of wickedness, cast them forth, in anger put down the peoples, O God!

 

“Thou has taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book?  Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; this I know that God is for me.

 

“In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  Thy vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to Thee, for Thou hast delivered my soul from death, indeed my feet from stumbling so that I may walk before God in the light of the living.”  Psalm 56

 

In the King James Version of the Bible the greeting, “Fear Not!” occurs 63 times, in the New American Standard it occurs four times, in the NIV it occurs once.  There must be a reason.

 

Now ‘put on the sandals’ and consider Jesus as He begins His ministry.  God had been silent for four-hundred years.  It must have been difficult after all those years of silence to approach man once again.  Jesus came to offer a way to re-establish a relationship He desired and yet man was so resistant and there was so much fear!

 

Here is the question to meditate on:  What fears and concerns held you back from taking God’s hand and how can knowing this, help you reach others around you?

 

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.)

 

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 – is taking some time off to rest.  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 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

WAS THAT ALL THERE WAS?

Click the picture or the link or
Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtw4LrJE4qk  
Or search YouTube for
Larry Fleet - All My Hope (Cover)

  

“And it came about that when Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.  Now when John in prison heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples, and said to Him, ‘Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?’

 

“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and report to John what you hear and see:  the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me.”  Matthew 11:1-6

 

“Now while they were on their way, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that happened.  And when they had assembled with the elders and counselled together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, ‘You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep’  And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.’’ 

 

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

 

We all have a image in our minds of what Jesus must have looked like, and there are others who paint or draw their ideas of His image.  Our relationship with Him is the ultimate personal relationship so our image of Him is just that personal.  As He walked the earth, no one described Him in detail enough to know. 

 

But many were surprised (and disappointed) at Him.  Oh no, not His appearance, but that someone so ‘ordinary’ could be ‘The One’.  In the two passages above we see how John the Baptiser, now in prison to die for his zeal for the Messiah, faced his own doubts.  Had he wasted his energy for the wrong man?  And then at the end of Matthew we discover that even some of the disciples doubted. 

 

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.)

  

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 – is taking some time off to rest.  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 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

MILK-TOAST DISAPPOINTMENT

Click the picture or the link or

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el7dzoNV3IY

or search YouTube for The Chosen

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well

 

[Jesus teaching] “’Do not judge lest you be judged.  For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.  And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 

 

“’Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take that speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly.   Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

 

“’Ask, and it shall be give to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to your.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who it shall be opened.  Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone?  Or is he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 

 

“’If you then, being evil, know who to give good gifts t your children, how more more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give what is good to those who ask Him.  Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 7:1-12

 

Boy, the Jewish nation had some high expectations for Jesus, didn’t they?  They hated the bondage the Romans had imposed on them and in their heart of hearts it was the Messiah who would cut down the oppressors and seat the Jewish nation at the top of the food chart! 

 

When this ‘milk-toast’, mild mannered, softy came along – a ‘Man’ more concerned with each individual He met – for their health (physical, emotional and spiritual) -- no wonder He was unrecognisable! 

 

Here was someone who did not seek His own honour, wealth, position or power, but would touch lepers and eat with prostitutes and tax collectors.  He preached to the rabble and uneducated; fed the hearts and tummies of the hungry – and well you can just imagine how disappointed the Jews were! 

 

Where was the thunder and lightning -- the slaying of the unwashed and unworthy?  They missed the big message:  that it was not about setting one nation above another but to deal with the hidden sins each of us practice that keep us from the saving embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ!

 

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.)

 

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 – is taking some time off to rest.  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 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