Copy and paste the link into your browser
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment