Sunday, December 18, 2022

A Promise Fulfilled

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

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

Or search YouTube for ‘Christmas Gospel Song’

By The Living Stones Quartet (5 min 13 sec)

 

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and you’re your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you,

 

“And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse.  And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” Genesis 12:1-3

 

“But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth Hiss Son born of a woman, born under the Law in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 

 

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts crying, ‘Abba! Father!’  Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:4-7

 

This is such a busy time of the year and there are so many distractions to keep away from our time of devotion and yet…this is the time to be reminded of how God works His will for our good and His glory.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you daily)

 

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.).  For the books, go to Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

                 Talitha – a wonderful young woman who has been chosen for an internship role at our church.  She needs prayers for strength and heart assurance that the Lord will provide sufficient financial support during her internship.

                 Thanksgiving – A special answer to prayer – my wonderful sister-in-law’s sister (who we have prayed for) has a remarkable answer to prayer for her journey.  Thank God for His loving care of this determined woman. (Hold down the Ctrl key and click ‘Thanksgiving’ above to read more)

                 Lyle -continue to pray for healing and patience as his wrist heals and for Annette, his lovely wife, who supports him.  Pray for travelling mercies as they spend time with family.  Thanksgiving – Annette’s father who has cancer and just had kidney surgery is doing well.  Pray for Annette’s Mom who will be supporting him through this time that she remains healthy and strong.

                 Please pray and hold me up during the next couple of months, that my trust grows stronger.

                 Pray for peace and revival in America

                 Sarah and Andrew – he has left his job and she has gone to work in a new and exciting position.  Pray for this precious Christian couple that they focus on family balance to the glory of the Lord

                 Sue and Rob need prayers for wisdom and resolute spirits as they deal with their adult nephew, Luke.  He is becoming increasingly disruptive and irresponsible.  They invited him to stay with them as he was struggling, but he has more than overstayed his welcome.  Pray for healing for Luke and that he accepts their request.

                 Iran - The country is in turmoil.  Many are in danger for seeking freedom. Many have been killed or thrown into prison.  Pray especially for Ryan's family and friends there.

                 Bettina – continue to pray for her as she grows into a new phase of her life in the Lord.  The Lord has provided her with five, married daughters and 17 grandchildren.  Pray they all grow to love and follow Him.  The daughter we’ve especially been praying for has begun to return to the Lord through a difficult time.  Continue to pray for her and for the husbands of two of her daughters who have not yet believed in the saving power of Jesus Christ. 

                 Robin – lost her beloved mother (was 93 years old), please pray for strength and healing for her as she navigates through this time of mourning and for her daughter who comforts her during this time.

                 Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing and pray her husband gives his heart to the Lord.

                 Family of Eric – Eric died suddenly at 52 leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord brings strength to them as they regroup into a new life.  Pray for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to continue to support them. 

                 Peyton and Carter- Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael.  Payton is their eldest granddaughter and is now in her third year at college.  Carter is a senior in high school.  Both are exceptional students and love the Lord.  Pray they are not distracted by worldly things, that they continue to do well in their studies and that their love of the Lord increases daily.

                 Callilah- a lost child.  Pray the Lord captures her heart.

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word and remain bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

                 Jenny S– who has served the Lord as a Bible teacher at a local Bible school for 25 years has been called to a new ministry.  Give her courage and strength as she finds her way in this role.  Give her a hungry curiosity under change.  Help her identify the balance and value of her unique contribution.  Pray the Lord maintains her health and finances in this time of stress.

                 Simon, Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) will be entering a new phase of his work and leaving our congregation.  Pray the entire family is gracious and courageous under change and that their grace, devotion and love continue to reflect their love of the Word and lordship of Jesus Christ.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them as they leave us.  And help us left behind welcome the new leader the Lord has prepared for us.

                 Andrew – a man devoted to his family and the responsibilities of leading a worldwide ministry to the deaf, has been travelling extensively.  Pray for his continued strength and health and that through this time he discovers new insights.

                 Pat and Isobel –as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them with ‘streams in the desert’.

                 Jasper and Bec – the new youth pastor who is completing his studies at Moore College while living on campus.  Pray for balance between academic studies and common-sense family focus.

                 Patrick - a Bible scholar, who is presently part of an English Translation Review Committee, reviewing a new translation of the New Testament, ‘The Antioch Bible’ (translating from Syriac to English).  Pray for their hoped-for goal of finishing the entire NT this calendar year and that he has increasing skill in the complicated languages he is working with.

                 Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have begun a new work.  Continue to pray for their safety, health, strength and time with family as their ministry continues to spread around the world in a model of home churches. Pray for the continued growth of their YouTube channel and website:  The Little Church World at https://www.youtube.com/user/thelittlechurchworld .

                 Audley M – In his 90s remarried this year (his wife passed away a few years ago).  Pray for their union in Christ and for their health and strength.  Pray for his wisdom and the effective growth of his wonderful radio ministry (Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Indianapolis) as America hunger for ‘True meat’!

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.

                 UPDATE - Barbara – (my sister-in-law) recovering from a serious infection in her leg.  She is finally beginning to be better and is now off the antibiotics.  Please pray for her complete recovery and for Tim who is caring for her.

                 David – growing stronger after his heart attack.  Pray for wisdom for his health carers and for Heidi, his daughter, who cares for him daily, to be strong and healthy through this time.

                 Sophie– six-year-old daughter of a friend is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage her symptoms and heal her.

                 Hans– a dear friend in Germany, continues his battle with lung cancer and financial difficulties.  Pray his new social worker will be able to help him through this time.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy, 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) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinarily good memories and lots of love.

                 Denny – is having heart problems.  Please pray for his health carers and for Marci, his wife, as she cares for him.

                 Jake – A friend of my brother who is living with COPD (emphysema) and heart problems.  Please pray for his daughter, Tiffany and for other friends to help him through his health journey.

Pray for the World

Thursday, December 15, 2022

WeakEnd Assignment The Promises of Christmas - 1

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/dhU-Omwg2rU

Or search YouTube for ‘Charity Gayle –

Thank You Jesus for the Blood (Live)

By Charity Gayle (5 min 26 sec)

 

“They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 

 

Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’  “He said, ‘I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.’

 

“And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked?  Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’” Genesis 3:8-11

 

Assignment

1.    Set aside an hour and find a place where you will not be interrupted.

2.    Bring your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment.

3.    Settle in and pray.  Thank the Lord for His help in reading through this familiar passage in a personal way with new insight.

4.    Date a fresh page in your notebook.  Read Genesis 3. 

5.    As you read, note:

a.     List those who ask questions.

b.    What do you think is the purpose of each question?

c.     Do the questions reflect the truth accurately?

6.    Write out ‘the promise’ of Christ that lurks in the chapter.

7.    Write out two verses:  Genesis 3:21 and Hebrews 9:22 and why they go together. 

 

As the holiday of Christmas approaches, my gift to you is to review some basics threaded through God’s precious Word, so we keep focused on the REASON for the season. 

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you daily)

 

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.).  For the books, go to Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

                 Thanksgiving – A special answer to prayer – my wonderful sister-in-law’s sister (who we have prayed for) has a remarkable answer to prayer for her journey.  Thank God for His loving care of this determined woman. (Hold down the Ctrl key and click ‘Thanksgiving’ to read more)

                 Lyle -continue to pray as he recovers from surgery on his wrist!  Pray for his continued healing and patience during this time and for Annette, his lovely wife who supports him.  Also pray for travelling mercies as Annette drives them to spend time with her father who has cancer.  And pray for Annette’s Mom who will be there to support him through this time that she remains healthy and strong.

                 Please pray and hold me up during the next couple of months, that my trust grows stronger.

                 Pray for peace and revival in America

                 Sarah and Andrew – he has left his job and she has gone to work in a new and exciting position.  Pray for this precious Christian couple that they focus on family balance to the glory of the Lord

                 Sue and Rob need prayers for wisdom and resolute spirits as they deal with their adult nephew, Luke.  He is becoming increasingly disruptive and irresponsible.  They invited him to stay with them as he was struggling, but he has more than overstayed his welcome.  Pray for healing for Luke and that he accepts their request.

                 Iran - The country is in turmoil.  Many are in danger for seeking freedom. Many have been killed or thrown into prison.  Pray especially for Ryan's family and friends there.

                 Bettina – continue to pray for her as she grows into a new phase of her life in the Lord.  The Lord has provided her with five, married daughters and 17 grandchildren.  Pray they all grow to love and follow Him.  The daughter we’ve especially been praying for has begun to return to the Lord through a difficult time.  Continue to pray for her and for the husbands of two of her daughters who have not yet believed in the saving power of Jesus Christ. 

                 Robin – lost her beloved mother (was 93 years old), please pray for strength and healing for her as she navigates through this time of mourning and for her daughter who comforts her during this time.

                 Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing and pray her husband gives his heart to the Lord.

                 Family of Eric – Eric died suddenly at 52 leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord brings strength to them as they regroup into a new life.  Pray for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to continue to support them. 

                 Peyton and Carter- Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael.  Payton is their eldest granddaughter and is now in her third year at college.  Carter is a senior in high school.  Both are exceptional students and love the Lord.  Pray they are not distracted by worldly things, that they continue to do well in their studies and that their love of the Lord increases daily.

                 Callilah- a lost child.  Pray the Lord captures her heart.

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word and remain bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

                 Jenny S– who has served the Lord as a Bible teacher at a local Bible school for 25 years has been called to a new ministry.  Give her courage and strength as she finds her way in this role.  Give her a hungry curiosity under change.  Help her identify the balance and value of her unique contribution.  Pray the Lord maintains her health and finances in this time of stress.

                 Simon, Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) will be entering a new phase of his work and leaving our congregation.  Pray the entire family is gracious and courageous under change and that their grace, devotion and love continue to reflect their love of the Word and lordship of Jesus Christ.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them as they leave us.  And help us left behind welcome the new leader the Lord has prepared for us.

                 Andrew – a man devoted to his family and the responsibilities of leading a worldwide ministry to the deaf, has been travelling extensively.  Pray for his continued strength and health and that through this time he discovers new insights.

                 Pat and Isobel –as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them with ‘streams in the desert’.

                 Jasper and Bec – the new youth pastor who is completing his studies at Moore College while living on campus.  Pray for balance between academic studies and common-sense family focus.

                 Patrick - a Bible scholar, who is presently part of an English Translation Review Committee, reviewing a new translation of the New Testament, ‘The Antioch Bible’ (translating from Syriac to English).  Pray for their hoped-for goal of finishing the entire NT this calendar year and that he has increasing skill in the complicated languages he is working with.

                 Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have begun a new work.  Continue to pray for their safety, health, strength and time with family as their ministry continues to spread around the world in a model of home churches. Pray for the continued growth of their YouTube channel and website:  The Little Church World at https://www.youtube.com/user/thelittlechurchworld .

                 Audley M – In his 90s remarried this year (his wife passed away a few years ago).  Pray for their union in Christ and for their health and strength.  Pray for his wisdom and the effective growth of his wonderful radio ministry (Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Indianapolis) as America hunger for ‘True meat’!

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.

                 UPDATE - Barbara – (my sister-in-law) recovering from a serious infection in her leg.  She is finally beginning to be better and is now off the antibiotics.  Please pray for her complete recovery and for Tim who is caring for her.

                 David – growing stronger after his heart attack.  Pray for wisdom for his health carers and for Heidi, his daughter, who cares for him daily, to be strong and healthy through this time.

                 Sophie– six-year-old daughter of a friend is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage her symptoms and heal her.

                 Hans– a dear friend in Germany, continues his battle with lung cancer and financial difficulties.  Pray his new social worker will be able to help him through this time.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy, 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) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinarily good memories and lots of love.

                 Denny – is having heart problems.  Please pray for his health carers and for Marci, his wife, as she cares for him.

                 Jake – A friend of my brother who is living with COPD (emphysema) and heart problems.  Please pray for his daughter, Tiffany and for other friends to help him through his health journey.

Pray for the World

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Witness of Seven Ewe Lambs

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/oLyV6Xy4R1A

or search YouTube for ‘Don Moen – O God of Abraham

(Worship Song with Lyrics) by DonMoenTV (4 min 30 sec)

 

Now at that time Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, said to Abraham, ‘God is with you in everything you do; so now, swear to me here by God that you will not deal unfairly with me, by breaking any agreements we have or with my son or with my descendants, but as I have treated you with kindness, you shall do the same to me and to the land in which you have sojourned and temporarily lived.’

 

“And Abraham said, ‘I will swear.’  Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water which the servants of Abimelech said, ‘I do not know who did this thing.  Indeed, you did not tell me, and I did not hear of it until today.’

 

“So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and two men made a covenant or binding agreement.  Then Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock, and Abimelech said to Abraham, ‘What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set apart?’ 

 

“Abraham said, ‘You are to accept these seven ewe lambs from me as a witness for me, that I dug this well.’  Therefore that place was called Beersheba (Well of the Oath or Well of the Seven), because there the two of them swore an oath.” Genesis 21:22-31, The Amplified Bible

 

Abraham obeyed God and travelled from Ur to Philistine.  He lived there rather than continuing his journey into the Promised Land because he had become comfortable in a land of heathens. 

 

So instead of travelling a bit further, Abraham decided to stay where he had set up his ‘camp’.  However, because of the scarcity of water, it was necessary to strike a formal agreement with Abimelech to ensure he would have a share over some of the region’s limited water resources.  Because the king recognised that God favoured Abraham, he made the deal to ensure he and his people would be treated fairly into the future.

 

Sometimes, I’m a bit like Abraham.  I know what I should do but find ‘seemingly logical’ reasons to stick in a situation that is not good for me because it is familiar and easy.  I can easily make excuses about the reasons, too.  However, as with Abraham, I may be compromising or delaying my obedience to the Father, for temporary convenience.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you daily)

 

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.).  For the books, go to Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

                 Thanksgiving – A special answer to prayer – my wonderful sister-in-law’s sister (who we have prayed for) has a remarkable answer to prayer for her journey.  Thank God for His loving care of this determined woman. (Hold down the Ctrl key and click ‘Thanksgiving’ to read more)

                 Lyle -continue to pray as he recovers from surgery on his wrist!  Pray for his continued healing and patience during this time and for Annette, his lovely wife who supports him.  Also pray for travelling mercies as Annette drives them to spend time with her father who has cancer.  And pray for Annette’s Mom who will be there to support him through this time that she remains healthy and strong.

                 Please pray and hold me up during the next couple of months, that my trust grows stronger.

                 Pray for peace and revival in America

                 Sarah and Andrew – he has left his job and she has gone to work in a new and exciting position.  Pray for this precious Christian couple that they focus on family balance to the glory of the Lord

                 Sue and Rob need prayers for wisdom and resolute spirits as they deal with their adult nephew, Luke.  He is becoming increasingly disruptive and irresponsible.  They invited him to stay with them as he was struggling, but he has more than overstayed his welcome.  Pray for healing for Luke and that he accepts their request.

                 Iran - The country is in turmoil.  Many are in danger for seeking freedom. Many have been killed or thrown into prison.  Pray especially for Ryan's family and friends there.

                 Bettina – continue to pray for her as she grows into a new phase of her life in the Lord.  The Lord has provided her with five, married daughters and 17 grandchildren.  Pray they all grow to love and follow Him.  The daughter we’ve especially been praying for has begun to return to the Lord through a difficult time.  Continue to pray for her and for the husbands of two of her daughters who have not yet believed in the saving power of Jesus Christ. 

                 Robin – lost her beloved mother (was 93 years old), please pray for strength and healing for her as she navigates through this time of mourning and for her daughter who comforts her during this time.

                 Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing and pray her husband gives his heart to the Lord.

                 Family of Eric – Eric died suddenly at 52 leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord brings strength to them as they regroup into a new life.  Pray for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to continue to support them. 

                 Peyton and Carter- Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael.  Payton is their eldest granddaughter and is now in her third year at college.  Carter is a senior in high school.  Both are exceptional students and love the Lord.  Pray they are not distracted by worldly things, that they continue to do well in their studies and that their love of the Lord increases daily.

                 Callilah- a lost child.  Pray the Lord captures her heart.

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word and remain bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

                 Jenny S– who has served the Lord as a Bible teacher at a local Bible school for 25 years has been called to a new ministry.  Give her courage and strength as she finds her way in this role.  Give her a hungry curiosity under change.  Help her identify the balance and value of her unique contribution.  Pray the Lord maintains her health and finances in this time of stress.

                 Simon, Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) will be entering a new phase of his work and leaving our congregation.  Pray the entire family is gracious and courageous under change and that their grace, devotion and love continue to reflect their love of the Word and lordship of Jesus Christ.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them as they leave us.  And help us left behind welcome the new leader the Lord has prepared for us.

                 Andrew – a man devoted to his family and the responsibilities of leading a worldwide ministry to the deaf, has been travelling extensively.  Pray for his continued strength and health and that through this time he discovers new insights.

                 Pat and Isobel –as they serve tirelessly in challenging times.  Pray the Lord refreshes and strengthens them with ‘streams in the desert’.

                 Jasper and Bec – the new youth pastor who is completing his studies at Moore College while living on campus.  Pray for balance between academic studies and common-sense family focus.

                 Patrick - a Bible scholar, who is presently part of an English Translation Review Committee, reviewing a new translation of the New Testament, ‘The Antioch Bible’ (translating from Syriac to English).  Pray for their hoped-for goal of finishing the entire NT this calendar year and that he has increasing skill in the complicated languages he is working with.

                 Elaine and Jim Pounder and their Little Church ministry have begun a new work.  Continue to pray for their safety, health, strength and time with family as their ministry continues to spread around the world in a model of home churches. Pray for the continued growth of their YouTube channel and website:  The Little Church World at https://www.youtube.com/user/thelittlechurchworld .

                 Audley M – In his 90s remarried this year (his wife passed away a few years ago).  Pray for their union in Christ and for their health and strength.  Pray for his wisdom and the effective growth of his wonderful radio ministry (Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Indianapolis) as America hunger for ‘True meat’!

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.

                 UPDATE - Barbara – (my sister-in-law) recovering from a serious infection in her leg.  She is finally beginning to be better and is now off the antibiotics.  Please pray for her complete recovery and for Tim who is caring for her.

                 David – growing stronger after his heart attack.  Pray for wisdom for his health carers and for Heidi, his daughter, who cares for him daily, to be strong and healthy through this time.

                 Sophie– six-year-old daughter of a friend is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage her symptoms and heal her.

                 Hans– a dear friend in Germany, continues his battle with lung cancer and financial difficulties.  Pray his new social worker will be able to help him through this time.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy, 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) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinarily good memories and lots of love.

                 Denny – is having heart problems.  Please pray for his health carers and for Marci, his wife, as she cares for him.

                 Jake – A friend of my brother who is living with COPD (emphysema) and heart problems.  Please pray for his daughter, Tiffany and for other friends to help him through his health journey.

Pray for the World