Monday, January 31, 2022

2. What should the next series be?

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-reB_67SEk

or search YouTube for Alica Turner for Not Even Now

 

“Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are like a great deep.  O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast, how precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! 

 

“And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.  They drink their fill of the abundance of Thy house; and Thou dost give them to drink of the river of Thy delights.  For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light we see light. 

 

“And Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.  Let not the foot of pride come upon me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.  There the doers of iniquity have fallen’ they have been thrust down and cannot rise.”  Psalm 36:5-12

 

This week I’m praying about the next series and have two in mind.  If you would like to give me an indication of your preference between the two, I would be ever so grateful.  Just send an email to me at darlenerichard@gmail.com

 

There are two topics I’m praying about (if you would like to nominate another one other than these two, please feel free):

 

1.    Cross Referencing Jesus from the Gospels – all the Scriptures Jesus quoted from the Old Testament

2.    Conditions to Biblical Promises and Why They Matter.

 

Thank you for those who responded already.  I'm going to leave the question here for a day or two more and pray others will help direct the next devotion topic.


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?)

 

·      Tonga – volcanic explosion and tsunamidestroying one third of the island, unknown number of deaths.  The island is without water, normal services, communication and further damages continuing.  Please pray for those on the island and all those rushing to aid those left behind.

·      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. 

·      Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers) closely as they deal with the practical matters after the loss of their father and comfort their hearts.

·      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.

·      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.

·      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.

Pray for the World

Sunday, January 30, 2022

What should the next series be?

What should the next series be?

 


 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/eex2e0COM9M

or search YouTube for Psalm 36 by Shift Worship

 

Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; Thy judgments are like a great deep.  O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast, how precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! 

 

“And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.  They drink their fill of the abundance of Thy house; and Thou dost give them to drink of the river of Thy delights.  For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light we see light. 

 

“And Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.  Let not the foot of pride come upon me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.  There the doers of iniquity have fallen’ they have been thrust down and cannot rise.”  Psalm 36:5-12

 

This week I’m praying about the next series and have two in mind.  If you would like to give me an indication of your preference between the two, I would be ever so grateful.  Just send an email to me at darlenerichard@gmail.com

 

There are two topics I’m praying about (if you would like to nominate another one other than these two, please feel free):

 

1.    Cross Referencing Jesus from the Gospels – all the Scriptures Jesus quoted from the Old Testament

2.    Conditions to Biblical Promises and Why They Matter.

 

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?)

 

·      Tonga – volcanic explosion and tsunamidestroying one third of the island, unknown number of deaths.  The island is without water, normal services, communication and further damages continuing.  Please pray for those on the island and all those rushing to aid those left behind.

·      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. 

·      Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers) closely as they deal with the practical matters after the loss of their father and comfort their hearts.

·      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.

·      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.

·      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.

Pray for the World

Thursday, January 27, 2022

The Sea of Galilee

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2QtOlZlRwA

or search YouTube for The Sea of Galilee Explained:

Episode 12 - by Patheos

 

“And immediately He made the disciples get into the boat, and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.  And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.  But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, battered by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

 

“And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out for fear.

 

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’  And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’  And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

 

BUT seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he dried out saying, ‘Lord save me!’  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’”  Matthew 14:22-31

 

One of the benefits for me of going to Israel was to see for myself where Jesus walked and taught.  I was amazed, for instance at the Sea of Galilee.  Reading about it in the Bible and being in a boat out in that sea helped me appreciate why this passage, for instance, seemed sensible and realistic. 

 

People are always searching for proof that Jesus is who He says He is.  One thing you find all over Israel are archaeological digs.  For those who know Him, we know He dwells in our hearts -- and no amount of physical ‘evidence’ will convince those who purpose to doubt Him and His message to them.

 


 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTkgv26DcLA

or search YouTube for Spirit and the Bride (Official Music Video)

Sea of Galilee, Israel ~ Joshua Aaron

 

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?)

 

·      Tonga – volcanic explosion and tsunamidestroying one third of the island, unknown number of deaths.  The island is without water, normal services, communication and further damages continuing.  Please pray for those on the island and all those rushing to aid those left behind.

·      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. 

·      Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers) closely as they deal with the practical matters after the loss of their father and comfort their hearts.

·      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.

·      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.

·      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.

Pray for the World

·      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. 

·      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.

 

Praise and Thanksgiving?

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

My Mission - Even There – Part 3


 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJvEjYfTqx4

or search YouTube for Footprints In The Sand - Instrumental (HD)

by I surrender

 

“What shall we say then?  There is no injustice with God, is there?  May it never be!  For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.,’ 

 

So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.  For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.’

 

“So then He has mercy on whom He desires.  You will say to me then, ‘Why does He still find fault?  For who resists His will?’  On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God.  ‘The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘Why did you make me like this,’ will it?  Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honourable use, and another for common use?

 

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?  And He did so in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.”  Romans 9:174-24

 

My first adventure in Australia surprised me.  I prayed every day before I arrived and every day of my trip that the Lord would surround me with His people. 

 

There was not a billabong, a train ride, a climb up Uluru/ Ayers Rock, a bus tour driver, small plane flight over uranium mines or a hotel stay where Australian Christians weren’t there to welcome me and talk about their life in Australia.  I don’t think I even met a ‘regular’ Australian in all 17 days of the tour!

 

I returned the next year, with a portion of my trip paid for by a software creator in the USA who was establishing a branch with a local business in Melbourne Australia.  They eventually sponsored me through a special visa to work in the country for two years. 

 

It took more than a year for the paperwork to be completed and at least that amount of time to convince my Mom, brother and best friend, Annette Whittemore, that I would be fine-- that it was JUST two years!

 

Every day since I arrived in Australia for those ‘two years’ (in March 1989) has been filled with challenges, heartbreak and even a bit of occasional chaos.  Yet, so many prayers have been answered!  The Lord opened new doors of ministry for me (specifically in writing) and through His people, He has strengthened my walk in His Truth. 

 

My biggest lesson would be the most difficult for the Lord to convince me of -- that is that, like those proverbial ‘Footprints in the Sand’, He is always with me, even when I feel afraid and alone and unsure.  And that the warmth of His mighty arms guide me, hug me and sometimes carry me through the all the days He has prepared for me. 

 

Someday, I pray the Lord will provide a way for me to return home.  I long to be with my sweet (little) brother, Tim, and his faithful wife, Barbara and to see my friends. 

 

Yet, I have learned that whatever happens, no one can stop His hand in my life and no one can say to Him, ‘what are You doing!’.  How wonderful.

 

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?)

 

·      Tonga – volcanic explosion and tsunamidestroying one third of the island, unknown number of deaths.  The island is without water, normal services, communication and further damages continuing.  Please pray for those on the island and all those rushing to aid those left behind.

·      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. 

·      Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers) closely as they deal with the practical matters after the loss of their father and comfort their hearts.

·      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.

·      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.

·      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.

Pray for the World

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

My Mission Field, Part 2

 


 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck58d3BMBX0

Or search YouTube for Softly & Tenderly (Official Lyric Video)

Kristyn Getty, Vince Gill, Ellie Holcomb,

Sierra Hull by KeithandKristyn Getty

 

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him,

 

“ …not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 

 

“Not that I have already it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ. 

 

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:10-14

 

Thank you for those who wrote and encouraged me to share a bit more about my mission field.  So yesterday, I shared the two Scripture passages that changed my life forever because they led me to my mission field. 

 

I continued my daily devotions but moved on from that ‘mountain-top’ experience, thinking I was having silly dreams and being selfish – besides it didn’t really make much sense.  Yet God was working in ways that were as miraculous as His working in the lives of Bible characters like Hanna, Gideon, David, Elizabeth. 

 

My role in Buffalo was enough of a miracle -- as I, who had only ever balanced my check (cheque) book twice in my life, was now in a senior position in a big financial institution! 

 

One of my challenges was to look at ways to accommodate customers in a more convenient way (for them) and this led me to investigating and analysing some new computer hardware and software. 

 

I found myself on the brink of some huge decisions that were taking me around the United States to speak at conferences.  I had the most remarkable leader, Jeff Westergren, who believed and supported my contribution.  (He also helped me develop my leadership skills).  


One evening, as I boarded a plane (with a first-class ticket), little did I realise this night was just another part of God working out His mission plan for me. 

 

An upset woman boarded the plane and demanded my seat.  She would not be quieted.  I felt sorry for the flight attendant and thought it a better choice to just let this emotional woman have my seat so the flight could leave.  

 

The flight attendant breathed a sign of relief and walked with me out to the gate.  She apologised and directed me to walk to the lobby of the hotel in the airport, where they would welcome me.  She then handed me an envelope before hurrying back to the plane. 

 

Inside the envelope was a complimentary reservation for the hotel, meal tickets for their restaurant, a ticket for the first flight out the next morning to my speaking destination -- and a voucher for $1,000 toward any flight of my choice in the future!

 

That voucher haunted me from that day because I had no idea where I might go.  But I added it to my prayer list right after my memory verse in Acts.  Eventually, I decided to see just how far I could travel with the voucher and discovered I could make it to Hawaii. 

 

Well I’d never BEEN to or imagined going to Hawaii.  My travel agent called me with the news that she could also secure a rare, round trip from Hawaii to Sydney Australia for only $400.  Did I want to book it?

 

I was a little excited and the travel agent arranged a 17-day tour through some of the high points of Australia.  It was November 1987 and off I went.  Australia, however, was a notable humanistic, secular, even heathen land and I was worried to be travelling alone. 

 

Tomorrow, I will share a bit more of my first adventure in Australia and hope that by sharing this amazing personal experience, God will use it in your life to encourage you, whatever challenges you might be walking through right now.

 

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?)

 

·      Tonga – volcanic explosion and tsunamidestroying one third of the island, unknown number of deaths.  The island is without water, normal services, communication and further damages continuing.  Please pray for those on the island and all those rushing to aid those left behind.

·  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. 

·      Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers) closely as they deal with the practical matters after the loss of their father and comfort their hearts.

·      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.

Pray for the World