Monday, February 21, 2022

Echoes from the Garden


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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcqcOiLnN7A

or search YouTube for ‘Betrayal and Denial Foretold |

The Life of Jesus | #33 by Jesus.net

 

“’Truly, truly, I say to you; a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.  If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.  I do not speak of all of you, I know the ones I have chosen’ but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’” John 13:16-18

 

“And the Lord God said to the serpent, because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly shall you go, and dust shall you eat all the days of your life; and I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head and you shall bruise Him on the heel.’” Genesis 3:14-15

 

“Even My close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate My bread, has lifted up his heel against Me.” Psalm 41:9

 

When I’ve had a bad day and wonder how things could get worse, I may ‘wallow’ a bit in my personal ‘despair’. 

 

When I take my disappointments, fears, confusions and brokenness to the Lord, His comfort is beyond understanding and it reminds me of His suffering to save all who would believe. 

  

He lived His life always giving -- with most ignoring or arguing against Him, so few followed Him or accepted His message.  The constant ridicule and rejection He suffered.  The followers who only followed Him to see a miracle, etc. 

 

Even though He is God and omniscient – all knowing – past, present and future, He was obedient to the Father’s plan for us …even though he knew that even at the end … ‘some doubted’ (Matthew 28:17), then how can I complain?

 

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.

·      Christinegive 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

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