Thursday, September 2, 2021

WeakEnd Assignment – The Backward Glance of God’s Glory

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

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

Or search YouTube for Transfiguration (Mark 9:2–12)

A Sermon by R.C. Sproul from Ligonier Ministries (25 mins)

 

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.  From the end of the eearth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; lead me to the rock that is higher than a rock that is too high to reach without Your help. 

 

“For you have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the enemy.  Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.  For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name with reverence.” Psalm 61:1-5

 

Chapter 9 of Mark covers four sections:

a.     The Transfiguration – verses 1-13

b.    All Things Possible – verses 14-29

c.     Death and Resurrection Foretold – verses 30-37

d.    Dire Warnings – verses 38-50

 

For this WeakEnd Assignment, find an hour and place where you can focus and not be interrupted.  Have with you a way to listen to the video (it is only voice), your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment.  Settle in and quiet your heart.  Then pray for new personal insight from this chapter. 

 

1.    Date the page of your notebook and take notes while you read through the entire chapter.

 

Section a

2.    Listen to the teaching on the Transfiguration above.

3.    Take notes while you listen.

4.    Consider how Dr. Sproul uses other illustrations in the Bible to help show the consistency of God’s Word in this section. 

5.    Read Isaiah 53:3 – Why do you think the scribes did not see the truth that Elijah had come already? (Malachi 4:5-6)

 

Section b

6.    Could or has verse 24 ever reflect your heart? 

7.    What are the two main ideas you find in this section?

 

Section c

8.    Do you remember any other time earlier in the book of Mark, where Jesus told the disciples that He would be betrayed and die?

9.    If you had been one of the disciples, what would you imagine He meant? 

10.          If you had been one of the disciples, would you have asked Jesus what He meant or would you also keep silent and why?

 

Section d

11.          Do you think the disciples were jealous that others were casting out demons in Jesus’ name? (verses 38-41)

12.          Jesus often taught through parables and images to help His listeners remember certain lessons.  In this section starting at verse 42, He uses very dramatic illustrations.  Consider why this was so important to Him and must also be for us.

 

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?)

·      UPDATES on Hurricane Ida – Pray for those in the path of the storm, that the Lord is merciful while this horrendous storm roars through the Southern USA to protect those in its path and all rescue and support workers in the aftermath. 

·      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. 

·      Those Left Behind in Afghanistan – Please pray for those who have been unable to escape from Afghanistan before America abandoned the country.  They now face persecution and death at the hands of barbarians.  How heart wrenching.

·      Doug McIntosh – (my pastor at home) an invaluable contributor to my love of Bible study has gone to Glory to sit at the feet of our Saviour.  He battled multiple myelomas for many years and continued to teach as long as he was able, leaving behind a wonderful resource of teachings.  Please pray for his family and the church he worked so faithfully in -- the old link where his teachings are archived:  Cornerstone Bible Church in Lilburn Georgia. Today they have a new website and Doug still teaches:  Cornerstone Bible Church.)

·      NEW – Patti – battling bad bronchitis for two weeks.  None of the medications seem to be helping.  Please pray for her patience and recovery.

·      Family of Eric – Eric was just 52 and died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Need comfort during this time of mourning and wisdom; honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      Jay – Please pray for him as he watches his ministry begin to be used by the Lord in a new media -- thanks to this lockdown.  Give him strength, wisdom and protect his health.

·      UPDATE - Louise, sister of Rachael – has come through her second reconstructive surgery after her double mastectomy (she’s now cancer free) and is now doing great, back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering 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. 

·      Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ the Philippines) Catorce family lead a conservative, Bible-based ministry, teaching and discipling in a remarkably difficult mission field that I have visited and support.  To learn more, visit:  https://afcph.org/ .  Pray our Father keep these servants strong, safe and guards their health.  Consider sending a note of encouragement to Isaias, the founder ( icatorce@gmail.com ) and pray about making a donation ( www.tms-global.org ).

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      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 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 reach around His world in humbling and unexpected geographic locations, including Hong Kong, Israel, Sweden, Russia, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, UK, France, Australia, UAE, Fiji, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Ireland, American Samoa, Brazil, The Philippines, Estonia, Singapore, China, India. 

·      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.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She continues to have tests to diagnose her disease (some serious conclusions have been suggested).  She remains frail and unwell.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, 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.

 

·      Tim – my brother – is seeing benefits from his new bi-pap machine and is sleeping better.  Pray for his continued wisdom and patience in managing his COPD (chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease) and arthritis.  Pray his new doctor is 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.  Pray for his strength and wisdom as he awaits an important insurance refund.

·      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, clears his sight and strengthens his heart.

·      Cathy – as she journeys through the challenges of stage-4 pancreatic cancer.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  Thank the Lord He has provided Cathy with a supportive family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Ray Sr. – now in respite care.  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.

·      Grant’s brother - still has quite severe headaches.  Had a shunt put in his skull to drain fluid from around the brain, as the fluid was putting pressure on the brain and affecting balance. Pray for his health carers as they work to adjust the flow rate and help minimise the pressure.

·      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 – Her dementia is hampering her ability to think clearly and care for herself.  She now has good home health care.  Pray her loved ones make time for 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.

·      Aunt Donna – with 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

No comments: