Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6gat-FZ7ME
or search YouTube for ‘Not all Pharisees are bad guys’
by The Chosen
“But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the
wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were crying out in the
temple and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they became indignant, and
said to Him, ‘Do You hear what these are saying?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes; have you never
read, ‘out of the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast prepared praise
for Thyself’?’” Matthew 21:15-16
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the
earth, who hast displayed Thy splendour above the heavens! From the mouth of infants and nursing babes
Thou hast established strength , because of Thine adversaries, to make the
enemy and the revengeful cease.” Psalm 8:1-2
Have you ever noticed when you read the Gospels that the
Pharisees, Sadducees -- the religious leaders – seemed to be irresistibly drawn
to Jesus. I believe some of them longed
to understand and wanted to listen and consider, but most chose to argue with Him,
demean Him in the eyes of His followers or build a case against Him to destroy Him.
At every turn, Jesus proved His validity with Scriptures
they should have been familiar with but chose not to acknowledge. It is like a pre-believer or someone new to
the Bible who ‘cherry picks’ things in Scripture they like from things they
just read over and ignore.
“At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I praise Thee, O
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the
wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.’” Matthew 11:25
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?)
· Mark – was in an accident that shattered his
jaw. He had recovered from cancer in
that jaw and although he was in remission, the damage was significant. (Thankfully the cancer was not activated). He is scheduled for extensive reconstructive surgery today, 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.
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