Sunday, February 13, 2022

Give me a sign

 


 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/Pp3fMJGnizc

or search YouTube for ‘Manna & The Sabbath’ by gregorija1

 

“They said therefore to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’  Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’  They said therefore to Him, ‘What then do You do for a sign, that we may see and believe You?  What work do You perform?  Our fathers ate manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’’

 

“Jesus therefore said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven.  For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.’  They said therefore to Him, ‘Lord evermore give us this bread.’

 

Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.  But I said to you, that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.’” John 6:28-35

 

“Therefore the Lord heard and was full of wrath, and a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also mounted against Israel; because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation.  Yet He commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven; and He rained down manna upon them to eat, and gave them food from heaven.”  Psalm 78:24

 

Most of us would not be surprised to learn that the Book of Psalms is the most read book of the Bible and the book Jesus quoted from most often.  In this series we will tackle each of these first and follow with the book He quoted from second most often and then other books.  

 

When Jesus was asked by the multitude to show them a sign that would prove who He is, He answered with the familiar terms they would understand.  Every Israelite knew the stories of the miracles performed by God in the wilderness. 

 

Jesus used this as a gentle reminder that for all the miracles that the wanderers in the desert lived by, yet they did not believe.  This is like many/ most today who have seen God’s hand in their life and in the lives of those around them yet refuse to believe because they are only seeking after ever more spectacular signs -- and use the absence of miracles as their excuse not to consider Christ.

 

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?)

 

·      Mark – Thankfully the cancer in his jaw was not activated by the accident.  His surgery is scheduled for the 17 February.  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 work.  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.

·      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

No comments: