Celebrate Easter

 

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qH5W7GO6e8

or search YouTube for Bill and Gloria Gaither

Because He Lives 50th Anniversary Easter Special

 

While you listen to the music, take time to pray through the entire prayer list.  If you have any updates or new requests, just let me know.

This is the list that accompanies the WeakDay Devotion mailed to those who want to receive it in their inbox.  If you would like it sent to you each day it is written, let me know in the comments section at the end of this devotion, and I will confirm the email address you want it sent to.  

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays with and 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 ‘Goggle Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

 

·      Tim – my brother – for his strength and wisdom and that he rests soundly in the arms of the Lord while he works through a challenge.

·      Ray Sr. – battling cancer that has re-begun its ravaging.  He has not yet believed in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Pray he will hear and respond to Jesus’ call and that Ray Jr and Kathy would be able to know of his decision.

·      Voddie Baucham – Has been rushed back to the Mayo Clinic in Florida for another emergency procedure.  Please keep praying for him, and his wife, Bridget and his health care providers attending him.  Click on the link in his name to find out more about his faithful ministry.

·      Peter R – who has just had an appendectomy and discovered he has prostate cancer.  Pray for Jill, his wife that she has the extra strength she needs to travel this journey with him.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps and his heart.

·      Cathy – as she faces stage-4 pancreatic cancer.  Her chemo has begun.  She had her CAT scan.  No results yet.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  They have a beautiful family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Gloria – had an infection in one of her legs that required a part to be amputated.  The amputation was not enough.  The doctors took more.  Now she needs your prayers that the Lord would provide the funds for a prosthetic.

·      Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly, pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·      Ian – as he recovers from knee replacement surgery.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, continues his immunotherapy for lung cancer.  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, Judith and their entire family have maintained a teaching and discipling ministry there for dozens of years.  They are both facing serious health issues and need your fervent prayers, especially Judith right now, who is in much pain.  Please visit their new website:  https://afcph.org/ to learn more.  Pray our Father keep these servants strong and restores their health.  They need funds ($12,000 for the surgery) badly now.  Or take a moment to send encouragement to Isaias Catorce, who teaches and leads the groups at icatorce@gmail.com

 

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.

 

·      Peter Frith – The sole Christian chaplain at an Anglicare special hospital.  The work is lonely and challenging.  Pray for his encouragement, hope and that our loving heavenly Father sends another Christian to work alongside Peter.

·      St Marks Anglican Church – Pray God opens the hearts and minds of those who visit and for those who worship there regularly and during this time on-line that their hunger for God’s Word grows.  Pray for strength, wisdom and healing rest for those who serve there, including Simon, Pat, Kathy, Anne, Barry, Jo and their families.

·      Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have had a 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.

·      Audley M – Pray his health and wisdom and for the effectiveness and growth of his radio ministry (Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Indianapolis) as America hunger for ‘true meat’!

·      Jenny S – Bible teacher at a local Bible school for energy, good health, wisdom and time for reflection.

·      Kevin and Sandy Currel - (in Melbourne) Kevin has a wonderful ministry of teaching through images and words.  He has created many excellent and accurate Christian resources.  (To learn more:  https://www.kevincurrell.com/ ).  Please continue to pray for them, especially that God will supply the funds needed for this extraordinary time.

·      Lachlan – Pray for him as he cares for his three children while he completes his studies to become a Wycliff Bible Translator.

·      Scripture classes in Australian Schools – Although a secular country, God has continued to provide the freedom to hold Scripture classes in schools during regular class hours!  Some resistance is growing.  It is a great hope for Australia.

·      Bible schools and seminaries – in Australia and around the world that they remain true to the Truth of God’s Word in the Bible.

·      Doug McIntosh - An invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study.  He was diagnosed several years ago with multiple myelomas and has retired now from full-time ministry.  Please pray for him, his family and the church he has worked so faithfully in (the old link where archive teachings are available:  Cornerstone Bible Church in Lilburn Georgia. Today they have a new website and Doug still teaches:  Cornerstone Bible Church.)

·      Buddy and Susan – Pray for their health and their needs as they labour in far north Queensland.  They were one of the first families to welcome me to Australia.  Amazing Christian teachers!

·      Jo and Steve – for their loving example of the Christian life.  May their love flourish under His guidance as they continue their work in New Zealand.

·      Stu, Jo, Laura and Jason – pray for this devoted and loving family who continue to serve Jesus Christ in New Zealand.  Pray for Laura’s husband Joji and for Jason who is studying in the USA.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute for the Lord.

·      Catholic Church and Pope – pray the Pope will grow increasingly hungry and focused on the Word of God and that he always puts Jesus first in his life and decisions.

 

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. 

·      Sergio – has a job but at subsistence wages.  He is thankful for anything as Mexico is in dire economic condition.  The work is wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is presently under control and he has found a place to live. 

·      Tracey’s Mom – home now.  Her ability to think clearly and care for herself is weakening.  She now has good home health care.  Pray her loved ones will make time to help her through this and support Tracey’s efforts. 

·      Len Carbone – (59 years old).  Pray he wakes to the message of the Cross and the compassionate love of Jesus.  Had brain tumour surgery in 2002 and on disability since.  His loneliness has overwhelmed him as he fights with his disability and those around him.  Pray for a godly and patient friend to show him God’s love.

·      Liriel – chronically ill (kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis) and often in pain.  Pray for her comfort and for her loving and supportive husband that they share the Lord’s joy each day.

·      Uncle Dwight – (95 – Doris only brother) is growing frail.  Pray for comfort and compassion.  He is an ordained pastor and longs to go home and be with his Lord. 

·      Aunt Donna – has dementia.  Please pray for her daughters so they know how best to care for her.

·      Penne –widowed after 43 years, the last ten of which she was her husband’s full-time caregiver.  She suffers mental problems from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (who asks for wisdom and patience).  Penne has ‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer, does not attend fellowship for support.  Please pray for her peace of mind and God’s guidance.

 

Pray for the World

·      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.

·      North Korea, Iran, Iraq, China and Russia – Pray God’s hand is apparent to all, as He works out His will for these countries.  Pray for God’s people to grow and rise up in these lost and lonely lands.

·      The World – Pray for God’s mercy as unrest around the globe increases, and that our Father will bring comfort and calm to His children.  Pray for Bible-based Christians scattered across the globe to be kept safe and remain selflessly bold with the Word.  Help them rest and trust in the Lord. 

·      Pray for those in these countries who read the WeakDay Devotion –That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!  Thank the Lord for allowing this blog to be reaching around His world to an international audience in humbling and unexpected geographic locations, including:  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. 

·      Homeless and Displaced people – pray for the growing number who are suffering because of greed, wars and famine around.

 

Praise and Thanksgiving

·      My brother, Tim – is seeing benefits from his new bi-pap machine and sleeping better.  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 as give them wisdom as they share Christ with others.

·      Flood-ravaged Australia– Thank you for praying about the floods in Australia.  Only a year ago it was astounding drought.  So many have lost everything, especially farmers.  Pray for those continuing to help restore the communities and those whose lives have been affected.

·      Carla, Paul and Matthew Kossally – are recovering slowly from Covid-19 and they thank you for praying for them.

·      Louise, sister of Rachael – has come through the surgery (double mastectomy) successfully.  Continue to pray for her recovery, her health-care providers that they have wisdom and compassion.  Pray for those who support her through this time.

·      Deepak – thanks you for your prayers and seen the Lord’s hand in his life in many new ways.  His business is growing and now he needs time to consider his next steps.  Pray he stays close to the Lord in all his busy-ness.

 

Pray Specifically for Salvation

·      Junko and Roberto – what a privilege to share the Gospel with someone who has never heard it!  And to remind someone who has a church background of the Truth.  Please pray for these two!

·      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. 

·      Christine’s husband – that the Lord will speak to him and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.

·      Robin Hopcroft – her brother asks us to pray for her safety and that she comes to realise the saving grace of Jesus so her heart overflows with new life in Christ.

·      Careena’s brother – to finally realise the deep affection Jesus has for him as he struggles with life.  That he will come to grasp and accept Jesus’ loving and gracious sacrifice for him.

·      Denny Scheffler – an old friend of my brother who was in a serious accident a few years ago.  His life is so difficult and empty.  Pray Tim has opportunity to share the Gospel with him and the wisdom to help him cope.

·      Jenny – recently lost her husband and needs the comfort, strength and the Truth to rest in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Ongoing Prayer

·      USA 45th President Donald Trump – As Christians, we know God has a plan for the USA through this man.  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 stay focused on strengthening their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Pray they 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.

·      Kim and Elizabeth – Kim recently lost her mom and Elizabeth just lost her father.  This is a painful time of the year for these dear women.  Pray their wounded hearts will be comforted through this 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.

·      C and A – that God’s love binds them and their family together to face whatever difficulties occur and that they will embrace forgiveness and that understanding and compassion will prevail.  Keep them safe and healthy and even more reliant on you.

·      Bun – Continue to pray for him in this new job.  Continue to pray for the three men who disciple him, and that God provides a Christian counsellor to help him move on from his past.

·      Marvin – a beloved young man, endeavouring to find himself.  Pray he will stay close to the Lord and not turn aside from the truth of the Truth.  Please give his parents continued strength and wisdom.

·      Elina – keep her in your prayers to keep her strong as she faces the challenges of being a single mother.  Pray the Lord keeps her and her child safe and gives her new wisdom.

·      Linda and Ian, DB, PS, RB, JD, Annette and Lyle, S and GS, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael – and their wonderful families.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over the years.