WeakEnd Assignment – Resting

 Be sure to really listen to this

…it will make you hungry for ice cream

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85xmv_MKxlE

or search YouTube for Resting in Christ - Charles R. Swindoll

by Dallas Theological Seminary (36 mins 5 sec)

 

“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth – I openly and joyfully acknowledge Your great wisdom, that You have hidden these things – these spiritual truths from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants, new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose.

 

“’Yes, Father, for this way was well pleasing in Your sight.  All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one fully knows and accurately understands the Son except the Father; and no one fully knows and accurately understands the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son deliberately wills to reveal to Him.

 

“’Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened by religious rituals that provide no peace, and I will give you rest – refreshing your souls with salvation.

 

“’Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me following Me as My disciple, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest – renewal, blessed quiet for your souls.  For My yoke is easy to bear and My burden is light.’” Matthew 11:25-30

 

For this WeakEnd Assignment:

 

·      find a place and hour where you can enjoy some special quiet time with the Lord. 

·      Have your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment. 

·      Quiet your heart and pray that the Lord opens your heart to His personal message for you. 

·      Read the Scripture passage above

·      Listen to the video message and consider what this means to you personally

·      Pray and thank our Heavenly Father for this care

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  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 ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      Midwest of USA – devastating and deadly storms rage across the USA.  Over 70 are confirmed dead and the path of destruction is amazing.  Please pray for all those affected by the death of a loved one, for the survivors (that they are found) and safe.  Pray rescuers, health-care providers and agencies supporting those who have lost everything will have strength and courage to keep on helping.

·      Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·      Elina – pray she stays strong in her faith, as she and her son have found a husband and father to share their life.  Pray her wonderful musical career brings glory to the Lord and joy to those who learn from her.

·      Ray Sr. – now in respite care.  The cancer may have spread as he is having back pain.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.

·      Ray Jr – needs additional strength and courage as he journeys through the growing frailness of his father.

·      Louise, sister of Rachael – MORE thanksgiving.  She has come through her third and last surgery and is doing well.  Now cancer free and the reconstructive surgery complete after her double mastectomy.  Back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·      Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now.  Pray for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

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.

Pray for the World

Everlasting or Eternal or …?

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-ZAQwXZ7YQ

or search YouTube for ‘Lord of Eternity – Fernando Ortega (Live)

by crivosarb (5 mins 8 sec)

 

[Jesus explaining] “’Now this is eternal life:  that they may know You, the only true, supreme and sovereign God, and in the same manner know Jesus as the Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:3

 

“But these have been written so that you may believe with a deep abiding trust that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed, the Son of God; and that by believing and trusting in and relying on Him you might have life in His name.” John 20:31

 

“Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ?  Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, ow sword?  Just as it is written and forever remains written,

 

“’For Your sake we are put to death all day long; we are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loves us so much that He died for us.

 

“For I am convinced and continue to be convinced – beyond any doubt that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the unlimited love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39

 

“What does the Bible mean by ‘eternal life’?  It is more than just a condition of life.  It is a Person!  It is to be acquainted with that Person! – In other words, eternal life is Christ, and for me to have eternal life is to receive Christ.  Eternal life is to have Christ in my heart and to live with Him throughout all eternity!  It is an everlasting union with Christ. –

 

“Eternal life is the spiritual life that Christ gives, for He is eternal.  Everlasting life is life that shall never end.  When I receive Christ, He is eternal, but His life begins in me when I am saved, and it is without end, so is everlasting with me.  Both terms are used interchangeably in Scripture.[1]”

 

Although it is impossible to imagine or understand the magnitude of eternity and how permanent it is in the life of a believer, it is our everlasting legacy, nevertheless.  Most important to remember …no one or nothing can change that relationship (not even you) or prevent God’s hand from holding us evermore, once we place our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  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 ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      Midwest of USA – devastating and deadly storms rage across the USA.  Over 70 are confirmed dead and the path of destruction is amazing.  Please pray for all those affected by the death of a loved one, for the survivors (that they are found) and safe.  Pray rescuers, health-care providers and agencies supporting those who have lost everything will have strength and courage to keep on helping.

·      Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·      Elina – pray she stays strong in her faith, as she and her son have found a husband and father to share their life.  Pray her wonderful musical career brings glory to the Lord and joy to those who learn from her.

·      Ray Sr. – now in respite care.  The cancer may have spread as he is having back pain.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.

·      Ray Jr – needs additional strength and courage as he journeys through the growing frailness of his father.

·      Louise, sister of Rachael – MORE thanksgiving.  She has come through her third and last surgery and is doing well.  Now cancer free and the reconstructive surgery complete after her double mastectomy.  Back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·      Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now.  Pray for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

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.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 192-93. 

Want More JOY?

 

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pja75U6xnp0

Or search YouTube for

How can I experience joy in my Christian life?

3 Keys to Finding Joy | GotQuestions.org (5 min 32 sec)

 

“So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of our great God.  Do not offend Jews or Greeks or even the church of God but live to honour Him; just as I please everyone in all things as much as possible adapting myself to the interests of others, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, so that they will be open to the message of salvation and may be saved.” I Corinthians 10:31-33

 

“Let the spoken word of Christ have its home within you, dwelling in your heart and mind – permeating every aspect of your being as you teach spiritual things and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 

 

“Whatever you do, no matter what it is, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in dependence on Him, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16-17

 

“Everything we do – our thoughts, our ambitions, our entertainment – should be done in the name of Christ and in order that we shall live a life of thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving means thanks-living too!  If what we do or think hinders us from loving Christ, or takes away our appetite for the prayer meeting or serving God, and our life is not a thanks-living unto God, then it is sin.[1]”

 

Ever hear of ‘JOY’?  The Christian JOY is an acronym for something that can help us as we journey through our lives by adjusting our focus: 

 

                    J = Jesus first in all things

                    O = Others next

                    Y = You are precious, too

 

To find and sustain JOY in your life, keeping that little reminder in mind can help with your priorities and choices.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  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 ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      Midwest of USA – devastating and deadly storms rage across the USA.  Over 70 are confirmed dead and the path of destruction is amazing.  Please pray for all those affected by the death of a loved one, for the survivors (that they are found) and safe.  Pray rescuers, health-care providers and agencies supporting those who have lost everything will have strength and courage to keep on helping.

·      Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·      Elina – pray she stays strong in her faith, as she and her son have found a husband and father to share their life.  Pray her wonderful musical career brings glory to the Lord and joy to those who learn from her.

·      Ray Sr. – now in respite care.  The cancer may have spread as he is having back pain.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.

·      Ray Jr – needs additional strength and courage as he journeys through the growing frailness of his father.

·      Louise, sister of Rachael – MORE thanksgiving.  She has come through her third and last surgery and is doing well.  Now cancer free and the reconstructive surgery complete after her double mastectomy.  Back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·      Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now.  Pray for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

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.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 185-90.

The Seven Christmas Presents – 7. The Resurrection

 

 Click the image of the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/Dy_xTGRZ9Kg?list=TLPQMjcxMjIwMjHszWycZhdQ0w

or search YouTube for

'What is the Evidence Jesus Rose from the Dead?'  

By SeanMcDowell.org (3 mins 3 sec)

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je9lI5jPTnQ

or search YouTube for

‘What are the proofs for the resurrection of Jesus?’

By Southern Seminary (5 mins 14 sec)

 

“Now brothers and sisters let me remind you once again of the good news of salvation which I preached to you, which you welcomed and accepted and on which you stand by faith.  

"By this faith you are saved and reborn from above – spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose, if you hold firmly to the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain (just superficially and without complete commitment).

 

“For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to that which the Scriptures foretold, and that He was buried, and that He was bodily raised on the third day according to that which the Scriptures foretold, and that He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve. 

 

“After that He appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, the majority of whom are still alive, but some have fallen asleep in death.  Then He was seen by James, then by all the apostles, and last of all, as to one untimely, prematurely, traumatically born, He appeared to me also. 

 

“Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised;

 

“ …and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, useless and amounting to nothing, and your faith is also vain, imaginary, unfounded, devoid of value and benefit and not based on truth 

"…For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised, either; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless and powerless, mere delusion you are still in your sins and under the control and penalty of sin.

 

“But now as things really are, Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, and He became the first fruits (that is the first to be resurrected with an incorruptible, immortal body, foreshadowing the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in death.  

"For since it was by a man that death came into the world, it is also by a Man that the resurrection of the dead has come. – The last enemy to be abolished and put to an end is death.” I Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-14, 20-21, 26

 

The resurrection is THE key to our salvation.  As the verses above share, without the resurrection of Christ, there is no reason to believe in Christ or His promises! 

 

I was blessed to sit under the teaching of Josh McDowell, author of Evidence that Demands a Verdict and New Evidence that Demands a Verdict.  He was a law student who took a challenge to disprove the Bible and the resurrection.  It changed his life as he became a believer and has written and spoken on the topic around the world.  His son now carries on with his ministry. 

 

And, if you are curious to learn more about the resurrection, Dr. Gary Habermas has written about 5,000 pages on his historical discoveries substantiating the resurrection proofs.  Here is just a brief (36 minute) overview of his findings.

 

https://youtu.be/kWSG5okmUr8?list=TLPQMjcxMjIwMjHszWycZhdQ0w

or search YouTube for 'A Historian Explains the Evidence for the

Resurrection of Jesus' (Dr. Gary Habermas)

by Capturing Christianity (36 mins 33 sec)

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  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 ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·       Ray Sr. – just had emergency surgery and is in ICU.  The cancer is taking its toll.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.

·       Ray Jr – needs additional strength and courage as he journeys through the growing frailness of his father, especially at this precious time.

·       Midwest of USA – devastating and deadly storms raged across the USA.  Over 100 died -- the path of destruction is thought to be the most significant in the land and right at Christmas and New Years!  Please pray for all those affected by the death of a loved one, for the survivors (that they are found) and safe.  Pray rescuers, health-care providers and agencies supporting those who have lost everything will have strength and courage to keep on helping.

·       Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·       Elina – pray she stays strong in her faith, as she and her son have found a husband and father to share their life.  Pray her wonderful musical career brings glory to the Lord and joy to those who learn from her.

·       Louise, sister of Rachael – MORE thanksgiving.  She has come through her third and last surgery and is doing well.  Now cancer free and the reconstructive surgery complete after her double mastectomy.  Back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·       Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.

·       Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·       Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·       Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·       Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.

·       Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·       Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now.  Pray for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·       Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

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.

 

Pray for the World

The Seven Christmas Presents - 6. His Death

 

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogrn7_8JPA4

or search YouTube for The Soldier That Saw The Last Minutes Of

Jesus On The Cross (Biblical Stories Explained)

by Grace Digital Network

 

“And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed Him.  When He arrived at the place, called Gethsemane, He said to them, ‘Pray continually that you may not fall into temptation.’  And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying,

 

“’Father, if You are willing remove this cup of divine wrath from Me; yet not My will but always Yours be done.’  Now an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.  And being in agony, deeply distressed and anguished; almost to the point of death, He prayed more intently; and His sweat became like drops of blood falling down on the ground. 

 

“When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow.” Luke 22:38-45

 

Death is rarely seen in a positive life.  Perhaps, when someone who has been suffering with a painful disease for a long time dies it can be seen as a blessing.  Perhaps, when a criminal is executed -- but death is so final and so mysterious and none of us can avoid the inevitability of it. 

 

Although many focus on the blood and gore and humiliation of Jesus’ death on that cross, it was as much a ‘present/ gift’ as was His birth!  Why, you ask?  Because He did not have to die!  He could have called down a legion of angels to strike all who opposed Him or He could have rendered the soldiers who came to arrest Him, deaf, dumb and blind and simply walked away. 

 

He could have risen into the sky and just left mankind to simmer in their festering sins.  But He didn’t!

 

“While we were still helpless and powerless to provide for our salvation, at the right time Christ died as a substitute for the ungodly. 

 

“Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man one who is noble and selfless and worthy – someone might even dare to die. 

 

“But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Therefore, since we have now been justified – declared free of guilt of sin by His blood, how much more certain is it that we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

 

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more certain, having been reconciled, that we will be saved from the consequences of sin, by His life – that is, we will be saved because Christ lives today.” Romans 5:6-10

 

What an undeserved and amazing gift of life from love!

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  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 ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·       Ray Sr. – just had emergency surgery and is in ICU.  The cancer is taking its toll.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.

·       Ray Jr – needs additional strength and courage as he journeys through the growing frailness of his father, especially at this precious time.

·       Midwest of USA – devastating and deadly storms raged across the USA.  Over 100 died -- the path of destruction is thought to be the most significant in the land and right at Christmas and New Years!  Please pray for all those affected by the death of a loved one, for the survivors (that they are found) and safe.  Pray rescuers, health-care providers and agencies supporting those who have lost everything will have strength and courage to keep on helping.

·       Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·       Elina – pray she stays strong in her faith, as she and her son have found a husband and father to share their life.  Pray her wonderful musical career brings glory to the Lord and joy to those who learn from her.

·       Louise, sister of Rachael – MORE thanksgiving.  She has come through her third and last surgery and is doing well.  Now cancer free and the reconstructive surgery complete after her double mastectomy.  Back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·       Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.

·       Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·       Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·       Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·       Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.

·       Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·       Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now.  Pray for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·       Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

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.