Jesus’ Trust

 

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/FrNamnkxzkA

Or search YouTube for ‘Trust God First’

by HESMotivation (13 min 42 sec)

 

“And it was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, the sun being obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.  And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice said, ‘Father, into Thy hands I commit My Spirit.’ 

 

“And having said this, He breathed His last.  Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’” Luke 23:44-47

 

“In Thee, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be ashamed; in Thy righteousness deliver me.  Incline Thine ear to me, rescue me quickly; be Thou to me a rock of strength, a stronghold to save me. 

 

“For Thou art my rock and my fortress; for Thy name’s sake Thou wilt lead me and guide me.  Thou wilt pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me; for Thou art my strength.  Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast ransomed me; O Lord, God of truth.” Psalm 31:1-5

 

The video above will likely make you cry as you consider your trust of the Lord.  Please take time to listen to it.  Please!

 

Jesus left us with the ultimate example of trusting His Father.  During this chaotic time in the world, we may be tempted to fear and wonder if God is paying attention.  

 

Perhaps it is a good day to pull out your Bible and read Ephesians 2:8-9 once again and consider the magnitude of how Jesus trusted His Father in all things, even to death on the cross.

 

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.).  For the books, go Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      URGENT - The horror of war in Ukraine – Russia has attacked and intends to capture the entire country of Ukraine and bring it to its knees.  Please pray for the people of this country as they fight to save their freedoms and pray God sends help in unexpected ways to thwart the bully of Russia from the potential devastation of a third world war.

·      Thanksgiving - Mark – Is returning home today and will have a long recovery from the extensive surgery on his shattered jaw.  Please pray for him and his family -- that they will be sustained financially through this challenging time and pray for his patience and good sense as his family helps him through this time of recovery. 

·      Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.

·      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.  Give Kathy (Ray’s wife) strength and wisdom as she supports him during this time.

·      Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing.

·      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. 

·      Thanksgiving - Adam – he has found a job, but continues to need encouragement and clear guidance from the Lord about his future and to know without doubt the depth of the Lord’s extravagant forgiveness.  Continue to pray for the strength of his wife that she will allow the Lord to love and support him as he continues to heal and strengthen.

·      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 Battle or the War?

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sn-TSrNlS8

or search YouTube for ‘Red Mountain Church

At the Cross (Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed)

By Mchen730

 

“My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?  Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.  O my God I cry by day, but Thou doest not answer; and by night, but I have no rest.  Yet Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:1-2

 

“Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour.  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying ‘Eli, Eli, Lama sabachthani?’  that is, ‘My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?’” Matthew 27:46

 

“And when the sixth hour had come, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is translated, ‘My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?’” Mark 15:34

 

Jesus knew from before creation that there was no other way to counter the evil depravity that would rise up and grow in the hearts of God’s greatest creation – man.  Satan’s plan was to win a war against God -- and Satan must have thought he had won the war when he watched envy and self-righteousness overcome God’s simple command in the garden that day. 

 

Yet, it was just the first of many battles Satan waged and wages every day against God’s righteousness.  The weapons Satan used and still uses today is based on ‘comparing ourselves with others’ – what they have and what they can do.  The Bible documents examples of these ‘battles’ for our benefit – to warn us away from danger.

 

When we look around us, the state of the world and the anger of people -- it is easy to give up hope.  This is why we must always remember that although it may seem God is losing the battle for His creation, He has already won the war against Satan.  He accomplished this when Jesus accepted the horrors of dying on the cross.

 

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.).  For the books, go Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      URGENT - The horror of war in Ukraine – Russia has attacked and intends to capture the entire country of Ukraine and bring it to its knees.  Please pray for the people of this country as they fight to save their freedoms and pray God sends help in unexpected ways to thwart the bully of Russia from the potential devastation of a third world war.

·      Thanksgiving - Mark – Is returning home today and will have a long recovery from the extensive surgery on his shattered jaw.  Please pray for him and his family -- that they will be sustained financially through this challenging time and pray for his patience and good sense as his family helps him through this time of recovery. 

·      Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.

·      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.  Give Kathy (Ray’s wife) strength and wisdom as she supports him during this time.

·      Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing.

·      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. 

·      Thanksgiving - Adam – he has found a job, but continues to need encouragement and clear guidance from the Lord about his future and to know without doubt the depth of the Lord’s extravagant forgiveness.  Continue to pray for the strength of his wife that she will allow the Lord to love and support him as he continues to heal and strengthen.

·      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

WeakEnd Assignment –Pray for Ukraine

 

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtCm-8qf1fU

or search YouTube for ‘The Bible – David and Goliath’

by PowerHouseTV

 

“Rescue me, O Lord from evil men; preserve me from violent men who devise evil things in their hearts; they continually stir up wars, they sharpen their tongues as a serpent; poison of a viper is under their lips 

 

“Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to trip up my feet.  The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set snares for me.

 

“I  said to the Lord, Thou art my God; give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications.  O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou has covered my head in the day of battle.  Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not promote his evil device, lest they be exalted. 

 

“As for the head of those who surround me, may the mischief of their lips cover them.  May burning coals fall upon them; may they be cast into the fire, into deep pits from which they cannot rise.  May a slanderer not be established in the earth; may evil hunt the violent man speedily.’

 

“I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.  Surely the righteous will give thanks to Thy name; the upright will dwell in Thy presence.” Psalm 140

 

Many difficulties and evils seem to be thwarting the cause of Jesus Christ around the world.  The latest one, the invasion of the Ukraine by Russia, needs our urgent prayer. 

 

The WeakEnd Assignment is a simple one.  Please join me and all those who read the WeakDay Devotion, as we take time each day to focus prayers on:

·      the purpose God has in allowing this

·      for the protection and comfort of His children in the land now under attack

·      for all those who are afraid, alone, unable to flee

·      those who have already lost loved ones

·      pray for the decision-makers and their advisors for wisdom

·      pray for the safety and compassion of the soldiers pressed into service

·      pray for the world to realise we are on the brink of another war. 

 

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.).  For the books, go Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      Thanksgiving - Mark – came through the extensive surgery on his shattered jaw and is now recovering in the intensive care unit.  They estimate he will be in hospital recovering for ten or more days.  Please pray for him and his family -- that they will be sustained financially through this challenging time and pray for the skill, wisdom and compassion of his health carers. 

·      Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.

·      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.  Give Kathy (Ray’s wife) strength and wisdom as she supports him during this time.

·      Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing.

·      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. 

·      Thanksgiving - Adam – he has found a job, but continues to need encouragement and clear guidance from the Lord about his future and to know without doubt the depth of the Lord’s extravagant forgiveness.  Continue to pray for the strength of his wife that she will allow the Lord to love and support him as he continues to heal and strengthen.

·      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.

·      Tonga – volcanic explosion and tsunami – destroying 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. 

 

Praise and Thanksgiving? (Looking for new entries please)

Poor Pilate?

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osYUbjA9aQ0

Or search for ‘Who Killed Jesus – Pilate?’

By Catnip R (12 min 12 sec)

 

“The Lord says to my Lord:  ‘Sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet.’  The Lord will stretch forth Thy strong sceptre from Zion, saying, ‘Rule in the midst of Thine enemies.’ Thy people will volunteer freely in the day of Thy power; in holy array, from the womb of the dawn.  The youth are to Thee as the dew.

 

“The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’  The Lord is at Thy right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.  He will judge among the nations; He will fill them with corpses.  He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.  He will drink from the brook by the wayside; therefore, He will lift up His head.” Psalm 110

 

“And the high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, ‘Do You make no answer?  What is it that these men are testifying against You?’  But He kept silent and made no answer.  Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?’

 

“And Jesus said, ‘I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” Mark 14:60-62

 

“The Jews answered him, ‘We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.’  When Pilate therefore heard this statement, he was the more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, ‘Where are You from?’ 

 

“But Jesus gave him no answer.  Pilot therefore said to Him, ‘You do not speak to me?  Do You not know that I have authority to crucify You?’  Jesus answered, ‘You would have no authority over me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me up to you has the greater sin.’” John 19:7-11

 

Have you ever felt sorry for Pilot?  I have because of the way the Bible describes his meeting with Jesus.  As powerful as he was, he was cornered by the Jewish leaders.  He did not like the Jews and tried to thwart their obvious envy, he wrestled with his own conscious and the warning of his wife -- and the startling, personal awareness that Jesus was not ‘just a man’. 

 

Yet, he valued his position and station so much that in the end, he did not condemn Jesus.  He left the decision to the masses to crucify Jesus -- the Son of God -- to become the Saviour of the World.

 

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.).  For the books, go Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      Thanksgiving - Mark – came through the extensive surgery on his shattered jaw and is now recovering in the intensive care unit.  They estimate he will be in hospital recovering for ten or more days.  Please pray for him and his family -- that they will be sustained financially through this challenging time and pray for the skill, wisdom and compassion of his health carers. 

·      Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.

·      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.  Give Kathy (Ray’s wife) strength and wisdom as she supports him during this time.

·      Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing.

·      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. 

·      Thanksgiving - Adam – he has found a job, but continues to need encouragement and clear guidance from the Lord about his future and to know without doubt the depth of the Lord’s extravagant forgiveness.  Continue to pray for the strength of his wife that she will allow the Lord to love and support him as he continues to heal and strengthen.

·      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

Without Cause

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/DPYnP4QuGb8

Or search YouTube for

‘Why Did God Harden Pharaoh’s Heart?’

By Real Truth, Real Quick (8 min 35 sec)

 

“’But they have done this in order that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’” John 15:25

 

“Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over Me; neither let those who hate Me without cause wink maliciously.” Psalm 35:19

 

“’Those who hate Me without a cause are more than the hairs of My head; those who would destroy Me are powerful, being wrongfully My enemies, what I did not steal, I then have to restore.” Psalm 69:4

 

Reading through the New Testament, you just have to be puzzled by the hatred of some against Jesus.  If you were a silent watcher during the time He walked on earth, it would seem there was no cause or reason.  He was a gentle, modest and patient teacher who travelled the lands to share His message of hope to the downtrodden.   

 

Yet, perhaps, there were hidden reasons for the hatred shown to Him, especially by the religions leaders.  Such as, He always told the truth.  They were jealous of His following.  Some hated Him because they were afraid of His demonstrated power to heal and perform miracles.  Many hated Him because He reminded them of Scriptures they had chosen to ‘forget’ or ignore. 

 

And then there was God –loving us so much He chose to give His only begotten Son as the propitiation (full, accurate and satisfying payment) for our sins -- that we could never atone for. 

 

“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.’” Romans 9:17-19

 

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.).  For the books, go Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      Thanksgiving - Mark – came through the extensive surgery on his shattered jaw and is now recovering in the intensive care unit.  They estimate he will be in hospital recovering for ten or more days.  Please pray for him and his family -- that they will be sustained financially through this challenging time and pray for the skill, wisdom and compassion of his health carers. 

·      Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.

·      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.  Give Kathy (Ray’s wife) strength and wisdom as she supports him during this time.

·      Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing.

·      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. 

·      Thanksgiving - Adam – he has found a job, but continues to need encouragement and clear guidance from the Lord about his future and to know without doubt the depth of the Lord’s extravagant forgiveness.  Continue to pray for the strength of his wife that she will allow the Lord to love and support him as he continues to heal and strengthen.

·      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