Monday, November 9, 2020

JESUS HAD A CHOICE

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Wonderful, Merciful Saviour – Grace Larson

 

“While He was still speaking, behold, a multitude came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kill Him.  But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’

 

“And when those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?’  And a certain one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 

 

“But Jesus answered and said, ‘Stop!  No more of this.’  And He touched his ear and healed him.  And Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber? 

 

“’While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.’  And having arrested Him, they led Him away, and brought Him in the house of the high priest;” Luke 22:47-54a

 

We all have disappointments we remember forever.  You staked everything on what seemed within God’s power and yet He choose another way.  Now imagine how Jesus was feeling on His last night of freedom.  He and His disciples had enjoyed time together celebrating Passover.  He had spoken to them of ‘last things’ even though they just didn’t get it. 

 

He goes to pray.  His disciples are just too tired to watch and pray with Him.  His prayer to His Father -- Almighty in ALL things -- will go unanswered.  Judas’ kiss.  The soldiers seize Him.  His disciples take up weapons. 

 

All pounded painfully into His heart, a heart that was to be crushed for you and me.  He could have just said, ‘Ok, now, I’ve had enough!  If you’re going to be so hard-headed and hard-hearted, figure it out yourselves!  I’m going Home!’  And yet the miracle is that He did not give up, even though He knew what was instore for Him.  He loved the Father and His plan for His children too much – no matter the painful disappointment He bore before the Cross.

 

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.

·      Kim – whose Mom just died and whose father is quite frail and in his 90s.  Pray the Lord will speak to Kim (the responsible one) during this time of confusion and expectations that she will rest in Christ.

·      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 – fell and broke three or four ribs and is now recovering.  Pray she will be patient and that the pain will be easily managed.

·      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

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