Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMHSlPXiMc
or search YouTube for ‘Max Lucado – Jesus Washes the Feet
of His Disciples by Andrew Youso
“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our
introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope
of the glory of God.
“And not only this, but we also exult in our
tribulations, knowing that the tribulation brings about perseverance; and
perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not
disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time
Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man;
though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:1-8
Passover week was a busy time for Jesus. All the time He knew what awaited Him in the
next days. He had crammed each day with
as many lessons and parables and teachings as He could, covering topics such
as:
· the Temple was not a place for merchants
· His authority
· greedy stewards in a vineyard
· separating the state from spiritual life
· that there was a resurrection and eternity
· He taught about true value in sacrifice
· the Last Days and the Messiah’s return
· how Israel had failed their mission
· how saying you’re going to do something and doing something is different
· He spoke of the marriage feast and the importance of being ready
· He cursed the Pharisees with eight woes
· keeping your lamp ready for the darkness
· and not wasting your gifts, time and talents
· serving others before yourself
At the Passover meal, He shared a new sacrament of breaking
bread and drinking wine in memory of something the disciples were yet to
understand.
He predicted the betrayal of two of His disciples. He asks them to accompany Him after that last
supper, yet insists on praying alone as He takes His last free hours to be
alone with His Father.
His Kingly disappointment and human fear drip like drops of
blood from the pages of Scripture.
During His arrest He shields His disciples and goes with the
soldiers. His appearance before the Sanhedrin
and Caiphas would have hurt Him very much because these were representatives of
God’s chosen people.
And His betrayal by Peter, the over-eager disciple would
have been a terrible blow.
The beating at the hands of Caiphas men and then the pitch
darkness and cold of the deep, wet, holding cell would have strengthened His resolve. Yet, He slept, even knowing what awaited Him.
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 - Junko and Roberto have returned safely – after their holiday and having recovered from COVID-19.
· Thanksgiving - Audley Mclean, my dear friend, and Millicent Thomas said their
wedding vows on Sunday. Please pray for
them as they enter a new chapter of their lives.
· Eddy – has cancer in
his bladder and kidneys. Will be having
a procedure on Good Friday to remove one of his kidneys. Pray for him and those who care for and support
him during this time, especially his health-care providers.
· Annette’s Dad – had an accident and brain bleed while in
Florida and couldn’t fly. Annette and
Lyle drove down from Ohio to bring them home. He is now recovering and off oxygen and anti-seizure meds. He will have another CATSCAN in 2 weeks. Pray God prepares the hearts and strengthen those
who love this man for this challenging time -- and pray for his caregivers as
he heals and recovers.
· Thanksgiving - 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.
· Jasper, Bec and Nev – new youth pastors at our
church are still at Moore College and living on campus. Pray for balance between their academic and
family life.
· The horror of war in Ukraine
– Please pray for the people caught in the
cross-fires of this war, and especially strength for Christians of this country
and that God’s sends encouragement and help in unexpected ways to save Ukraine and
our world from the potential devastation of a third world war.
· Unprecedented Floods in New
South Wales, Australia - the
rains have begun once again and are very heavy.
There will be more flooding today.
Clean up from previous floodings starts and stops. So many are dealing with the resulting
devastation and loss. Continue to pray
for those who have lost loved ones, their homes and all their possessions and
especially 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 grieve and deal with the practical matters after the loss of
their father. 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
– 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.
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