Thursday, March 24, 2022

WeakEnd Assignment: Crouching


 


 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OG2gMahnAI&t=311s

or search YouTube for ‘Who Was Cain &

Why is He Important to Us?

(Biblical Stories Explained) by Grace Digital Network

 

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry?  And why has your countenance fallen?  If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?  And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.’  And Cain told Abel his brother.  And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Genesis 3:6-8

 

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.  Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed?  For the outcome of those things is death. 

 

“But NOW having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.”  Romans 8:20-23

 

“No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow  you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13

 

No matter how often you read and study Scripture, there are always new insights to learn.  The beauty of the interlinking of the 66 books of the Bible is what this current series begins to highlight. 

 

To do this we are simply focusing on the verses Jesus quoted from the Old Testament to illustrate His points, and to answer those who imagined they were ‘learned in Scripture’.

 

As we approach Easter, let us all pray to better appreciate the interwoven theme of redemption -- that starts at Genesis 3:6, with the fall of man and God’s initial promise of redemption at Genesis 3:15. 

 

The stories and history within the Bible illustrate man’s innate helplessness in the face of the temptation of sin and the unimaginable patience and compassion of our Almighty Father-God.

 

The WeakEnd Assignment

 

1.    Set aside an hour and place where you will not be disturbed.

2.    Bring your Bible, notebook, writing implement and a refreshment.

3.    Have a way to watch the video above

4.    Settle your heart and pray the Lord opens your eyes to how beautiful and perfect is His story, designed for your good and His glory.

5.    Date a fresh page in your notebook and watch the video, taking notes as you listen.

6.    Review your notes and pray in thanksgiving for what you have learned about your personal dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ, His life, death and resurrection.

 

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 – Annette’s DadMy precious friend, Annette and her husband, Lyle have arrived home and her Dad has gone to hospital and is back at home now.  He had an accident and brain bleed.  Prepare the hearts of those who love her father for this challenging time and pray for his caregivers as he heals and strengthens.

·      Marci – a special childhood friend and the editor of the books I’ve published from this series.  She fell and is healing.  Pray she goes slower next time.

·      The horror of war in Ukraine Please pray for the people caught in the cross-fires of this war, and especially for strength for the Christians of this country and that God’s will is done for His glory and that He sends help in unexpected ways to save Ukraine and our world from the potential devastation of a third world war.

·      Aftermath of Unprecedented Floods in New South Wales, Australia - the rains have begun once more and are forecast to continue for the next six to eight days.  Clean up had begun to deal with the resulting devastation and loss.  Continue to pray for those  who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost their homes and all their possessions, for those providing care and support of those affected. 

·      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.

·      Elina –  has asked for prayer.  Please hold her us as she struggles through some personal issues and is feeling overwhelmed. 

·      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 – seems to be stable now after doctors put a shunt in his skull to drain fluid from around the brain to reduce pressure. Pray for his health carers as they continue to help him.

·      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 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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