“A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed, on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. If a malicious witness rises up against a man to accuse him of wrongdoing, then other men who have dispute shall stand before the Lord before the priests and the judges who will be in office in those days.
“And the judges shall investigate thoroughly; and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to this brother. Thus, you shall purge the evil from among you.
And the rest will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such an evil thing among you. Thus, you shall not show pity, life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” Deuteronomy 19:15-21
“’And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer.
“’Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, I say to you, that if two of you may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.’” Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus taught more than once about the value of truth in what you say. Today, more than ever, others look to find someone who is trustworthy with their words. The world has a habit of distorting what is said to fit their current narrative. It is important for us to remember, that as Jesus’ representatives on this earth, we have a choice to obey or not. Our words demonstrate the strength of our conviction.
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?)
Abortion Decision in the US Supreme Court – Please pray that God’s will for the unborn would be revealed by the overturning of Roe v Wade no matter how much flack is thrown up by the Left. Pray for the health and safety of each of the judges on the court.
Thanksgiving - Andrew Miller and Deaf Ministries Intnl. – Thank God for His provision of land to build a facility for this unique ministry that works with those unable to hear His Word with their ears, but their hearts are so ready for His message! Click the link to learn more: www.deafmin.org
Thanksgiving - Eddy – is recovering well and has begun chemo after the removal of one of his kidneys (they got all the cancer). He is home now. Please pray for him and his family that they have strength for this journey and pray for the wisdom and compassion of his health-care providers.
Thanksgiving - Annette’s Dad – is recovering well and will soon have another CATSCAN. Pray God prepares the hearts and strengthen those who love this man as he journeys through this challenging time. Pray for his caregivers as he heals and recovers.
Thanksgiving - Maria Nienhaus, the mother of Hans, my friend in Germany, is home now. They diagnosed pneumonia and she has responded well to her treatment. Please pray for her family as they rally around her to care for her.
Thanksgiving - Marci – a special childhood friend and the editor of the books I’ve published from this series. She has finally found a new home church after her move.
Jasper, Bec and Nev – new youth pastors at our church. They are still at Moore College and living on campus. Pray for balance between their academic, church and family life.
The horror of war in Ukraine Continues – 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.
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 her as she struggles through some personal issues and is feeling overwhelmed.
Thanksgiving - Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers) closely as they restore relationships 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 God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.
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.
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, has lung cancer and unable to work. Pray for his financial situation and that the new social worker will be able to help me through this difficult time. 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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