Monday, February 8, 2021

DOES WHAT YOU DO MATTER?

 


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Zach Williams - Walk With You (Official Lyric Video)

 

“And behold, two of them [disciples] were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.  And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place.  And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached, and began travelling with them. 

 

“But their eyes were prevented from recognising Him.  And He said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’  And they stood still, looking sad.  And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’  And He said to them, ‘What things?’ 

 

“And they said to Him, ‘The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death, and crucified Him.’  Luke 24:13-20 

 

Job asks the question many ways, that we are all familiar with in our own lives:  ‘Why me?  What does God have against me or someone I love?  Why does He allow suffering, sorrow and pain?  What does it matter how we react!!

 

In a way, God’s reputation is wrapped up in each of His children as unpredictable as we are.  The real fight is inside us each time we are faced with something that seems unfair or wrong or painful!  Will we trust God? 

 

The Book of Job teaches us that when faith is hardest and least likely, that is just when faith is most needed – our choices matter, not just to us and our own destiny, not just to those who have not yet made a choice to follow Christ, but to God Himself and the universe He rules. 

 

The passage I’ve chosen today, at the end of Luke, is one to think about…these disciples were discouraged and despairing because crucifying Jesus seemed wrong, unfair; and yet, God’s plan could have not played out for our good and His glory without this seeming tragedy.  How easy it is to misunderstand what God is ‘up to’!

 

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

 

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

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·      Louise, sister of Rachael – preparing to have a double mastectomy.  Pray for her health-care providers that they have wisdom and compassion and that there would be a good outcome from the surgery, uncomplicated healing and peace for Louise during this time.  Pray for those who support her through this time.

·      Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have had a very difficult 2020.  They need your prayers for healing strength and time with family as their ministry continues to spread around the world in a model of home churches. They have begun a YouTube channel and I urge you to subscribe and watch their sound and warm videos (https://www.youtube.com/user/thelittlechurchworld ).  And website: The Little Church World.

·      Ian S had knee replacement surgery this week and is getting stronger.  Please pray for his full recovery.

·      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.  And pray for Christ-centre, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.

·      Pray for those in these countries who read the WeakDay Devotion – Hong Kong, Israel, Sweden, Russia, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Ireland, American Samoa, Brazil, The Philippines, Estonia, Singapore, China, India, India.  Thank the Lord for allowing this blog to be reaching around His world to an international audience in mysterious and far-flung geographic locations.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  His MRI and brain scan went well.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Continue to 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 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 is a remarkably difficult mission field and Isaias and Judith and their entire family have maintained a teaching and discipling ministry there for dozens of years.  It is a difficult mission field for so many reasons.  Please take a moment to visit their new website:  https://afcph.org/ to learn more.  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.  It would only take a moment to send encouragement to Isaias Catorce, who teaches and leads the groups at icatorce@gmail.com

·      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! 

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

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