Click on the image or the link or
copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-ye3LYfoHQ
Or search YouTube for Casting Crowns
In the Hands of the Potter, Only Jesus Visual Album: Part
7
“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 2:12-16
“On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to
God? The thing moulded will not say to
the moulder, ‘Why did you make me like this,’ will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the
clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honourable use, and another for
common use.” Romans 9:20-21
·
Augustine said:
‘Without God, we cannot. Without
us, God will not.’
·
Others say:
‘Leave it up to God’.
·
In a conversation with Nietzsche (a famous
German philosopher and cultural critic) when he asked to see God, the other
person said he should look at the people who belong to God as they are His body
on earth. Nietzsche responded, “His
disciples will have to look more saved if I am to believe in their Saviour.”
Sometimes it seems a little scary to imagine that Jesus has
called us to be His disciples and represent Him to others. But you should not be put off by this
responsibility. That is why you have had
a unique journey to the Cross and your journey since has been just as
unique.
You see, He has been preparing you for a unique ministry – one
only you can fulfil! It doesn’t matter
how educated, experienced or skilled you are, how much money you have or don’t
have, what you look like, your health or fitness, etc., nothing matters more to
Him than your willingness to follow Him and trust Him to work through you.
For the WeakEnd Assignment:
1. Set aside an hour or two where you will not be disturbed.
2. Grab your Bible, your spiritual notebook, a writing implement and a refreshment.
3. Pray for understanding and insight.
4. Read Romans 9
5. Consider the times you have had the opportunity to share Him with others through your actions and words – no matter how few or how insignificant they may seem to you.
6. Write them in your spiritual notebook
7. Pray and write a thank you note to God that He has allowed you to be His ‘instrument’ on earth for your good and His glory and tell Him if you are willing to serve Him even more.
Take care, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene (who
prays for you each morning).
PPS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of
beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily 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. Not sure about Apple.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
·
Elizabeth G – her
Dad, now in palliative care is not expected to live much longer. Thankfully, Elizabeth is with him now.
·
Patti – has
injured her shoulder and is severe pain.
She will be having an MRI to discover the source of the pain. Pray for her as she waits for the appointment
and for her beloved husband, John, who is having to do all the things Patti
usually does. Pray for her health care
providers and that the Lord will hold her through this time in a special way.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, with cancer has been having serious heart pain for
the last two days. His monthly
immunotherapy was scheduled for tomorrow.
The doctor decided to try to manage the pain until he goes to the
hospital when they can investigate the source.
Pray for strength through the pain and God’s mercy. Continue 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) who is unwell herself, that their time together will be filled
with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
·
Isaias and Judith
(Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) – the Philippines has been
devastated by constant batterings from typhoons. Their ministry (new website: https://afcph.org/
) faces many challenges. Many of their leadership
group and groups of believers have lost everything, including worship centres. China’s threat grows. Pray for the leaders, administrators, workers
and teachers. Pray our Father keep these
servants strong, in good health, safe and supported and that they keep a
balance in their lives. They need funds badly now. Go to the website or send
encouragement to Isaias Catorce at icatorce@gmail.com
·
My brother, Tim – just received a new bi-pap machine and is already
seeing benefits. Pray for his continued
wisdom and patience in managing his COPD (chronic-obstructive pulmonary
disease) and arthritis. Pray his doctors
are attentive, wise and compassionate.
Pray for Barb, his wife for her strength and compassion. Continue to grow their faith so they can
share Christ with others.
·
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.
·
J&R – recently
had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with them and would appreciate prayers
that God uses His words in their hearts to draw them to Him for Eternity!
·
Kevin and Sandy
Currel - (in Melbourne) Kevin has a wonderful ministry in teaching
through images and words and has created many Christian resources. (To learn more: https://www.kevincurrell.com/
). He just had another procedure, which looks good and will have the results
next week. Please continue to pray for
him, especially that God will supply the funds needed for this extraordinary
time.
·
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 –
slowly healing from a fall where she broke four ribs. Pray she will be patient and that the pain
will be easily managed.
·
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
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. 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 with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
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