Saturday, December 25, 2021

The Seven Christmas Presents - 5. His Life

 


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“Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine/ and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.’” John 5:31-32

 

“’ Truly, truly I say to you, he who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.’” John 5:24

 

“’Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.  I am the bread of life. – I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever, and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.’” John 6:47-48, 51

 

“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness but shall have the light of life.’” John 8:12

 

“Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly

 

“’I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. – I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and lay down My life for the sheep.’” John 10:7-9, 11,14

 

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26

 

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6

 

Jesus lived a simple life on earth, filled with small moments, most like we all do.  Yet, the reactions to His life, His words changed lives.  All He accomplished was of immense importance in the cosmic course of events and in your life and all who choose to follow Him. 

 

Perhaps, just these few statements of ‘who He was/ is’ will inspire you to reconsider this simple gift of humble sacrifice – just for you!

 

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.

·       Barbmy 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.

 

·       Peter Frith – The sole Christian chaplain at an Anglicare special hospital.  The work is lonely and challenging and the lockdown from Covid has deemed chaplaincy a non-essential service.  This has meant, Peter is relying on the Lord for creative ways he can encourage others while he waits for things to return to ‘normal’.  Continue to pray for his encouragement, hope and that our loving heavenly Father sends another Christian to work alongside him.

·       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, Steph and their families.

·       Pat and Isobel – as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them.

·       Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have had a difficult 2020.  Yet something new is beginning.  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 Please subscribe and watch their sound teaching episodes. Website: The Little Church World. And https://www.youtube.com/user/thelittlechurchworld . 

·       Andrew Miller and Deaf Ministries Intnl. – please pray for this unique ministry to those who are unable to hear His Word with their ears, but their hearts are so ready for His message! Click the link to learn more: www.deafmin.org

·       Jenny S – Bible teacher at a local Bible school, that she would have curiosity under change, as the vision of her organisation changes with new leadership.  Help her identify the balance and value of her unique contribution.  Pray the Lord maintains her health in this time of stress.

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

·       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 ).

·       Kevin and Sandy Currel - (Melbourne) Kevin has a wonderful teaching ministry with 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 for God to supply needed funds for this extraordinary time.

·       Rozzy and Jono – have arrived on Vancouver Island Canada to work with youth in the mid-north coast (the neediest Gospel location in North America).  Pray for warm and supportive new friends, travelling mercies, robust health and that God will grant them a child. 

·       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 to remain true to the Truth of God’s Word in the Bible.

·       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 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.

Pray for the World

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