Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORh1y9Eh-FE
or search YouTube for ‘Priscilla Shirer – God’s Patience
is Limitless
by Going Beyond Ministries (33 mins 31 sec)
“The spiritually ignorant fool has said in his hear, ‘There
is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have
committed repulsive and unspeakable deeds; there is no one who does good.
“The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the children
of men to see if there are any who understand and act wisely, who truly seek
after God, longing for His wisdom and guidance.
They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is
no one who does good, not even one.
“Have all the workers of wickedness and injustice no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the Lord? There they tremble with great fear, for God
is with the consistently righteous generation.
You evildoers shamefully plan against the poor, but the Lord is his safe
refuge.
“Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of
Zion! When the Lord restores His captive
people, then Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad.” Psalm 14 - The
Amplified Bible
I don’t know about you, but one thing I pray for regularly
is patience. Patience with myself, with
those around me and even with God. And often
my lack of patience is my downfall -- as I stumble into anger.
Imagine God (please do not be offended about this idea) as
He watched His new creation … and they choose to disobey Him for a piece of fruit! The creative energies and unbridled rage spent
on disobedience grew from that moment -- brother murders brother, the population
becomes so corrupt God sends a cleansing flood in the hopes that starting again
will make a difference. Then, after all
that, Noah and his family step off the Ark into deplorable sins.
As we read the Old Testament, it seems sadly apparent that in
book after book, God does not make much if any headway with the state of
man. Fighting, wars, greed, murder, envy,
pride, dishonesty.
Then there is Abraham, Saul, David, Solomon – all hand-picked,
who sort of trusted God, but despite the magnitude of God’s Promise -- who can’t
trust or believe in God for much of anything.
Horrors, wars, debauchery, betrayals, over and over
again. The book of Judges seems to
remind us of the ease of slipping away from God’s way to follow your own.
When we read Scripture, the words are there to humble and convict
us of how easy it is to slip away from the Truth, ask for forgiveness, be
forgiven and start over – (only to stumble away once more).
Some argue we are inherently good. That God loves everyone the same and would
never condemn anyone to eternal separation.
Yet, everything about the world around us -- and in our own lives
deteriorates – and testifies to our seeking after ‘what seems right in our own
eyes’.
That is why I’ve chosen the second gift to be God’s Enduring
Patience from Hopeful Love. Who of us
could imagine such compassionate, hopeful patience! Without that gift, there would be no hope for
any of 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?)
·
Ray Sr. – just had emergency surgery and
is in ICU. The cancer is taking it’s
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 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.
·
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.
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