WeakEnd Assignment - Sorrows Begin

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO7wb_GCb00 

or search YouTube for David Suchet NIV Bible 0713 - Isaiah 34

by 'Hear God's Word'

"And all the host of heaven will wear away, and the sky will be rolled up like a scroll; all their hosts will also wither away as a leaf withers from the vine, or as one withers from the fig tree." Isaiah 34:4

“And all the host of heaven will wear away, and the sky will be rolled up like a scroll; all their hosts will also wither away as a leaf withers from the vine, or as one withers from the fig tree.” Isaiah 34:4 

 

[Jesus speaking] “’And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  

 

“’And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.’” Luke 21:26 

 

Jesus told of the beginning of sorrows, referring to the descriptive language of Isaiah 34. This WeakEnd Assignment is to look more closely at the message.  

1. Set aside an hour and find a place where you will not be interrupted.
2. Bring your Bible, notebook, a writing implement and a refreshment.
3. Quiet your heart and pray that the Lord will give you new insight about the sorrows to come.
4. Read the quotation above from Luke and keep than in mind as you read all of chapter 34 of Isaiah.
5. Date a fresh page in your notetook and as you read answer the following questions:

            a. Who is to draw near?

            b. Who is the Lord angry with?

            c. What will happen to the armies?

            d. What will happen to the host of heaven?

            e. Which animals will fall with the armies?

            f. Why is all of this happening (verse 8)?

            g. What will possess the land?    

            h. List the many animals mentioned in this passage.

            i. Why do you think all these animals are mentioned?    

            j. What hope can you find in verses 16-17?

            k. In Luke 21:26 - where can we place our hope?

       

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

PS: For those not aware, I'm having some technology issues which is why the devotion looks different. 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?) 

 

• Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  She is a cancer survivor for many years, but recently doctors found she has two small basal cell carcinomas which they will remove and treat on 1 July.  Please pray for the health care providers who care for her and for her and Tim’s peace and trust as they face this concern.    
• Denny – Marci (my lifetime friend)’s husband Denny, had successful quadruple bi-pass surgery 30 years ago.  Recently there have been new concerns and they are having tests to see what may be happening.  Pray for Marci and the family and especially for the health carers as they begin tests to pinpoint and address the problems.  And that through this experience Denny will realise, in a new way, his need for the saving grace of the Lord. 
• War in Ukraine – Please pray for the people caught in the cross-fires of this war, especially strength for Christians of the country and that God’s sends encouragement and help in unexpected ways to save Ukraine and our world from 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.   
• 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.   
• 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 his new social worker will be able to help him 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 

You Be the Judge

Click the image or the link or

copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkI2xSsQ7do

or search YouTube for 'Are You the Messiah?' by Superbook

"Then the eyes of the blind will be opened.  And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.  Then the lame will leap like a deer.  And the tongue of the dumb will shout for joy.  For waters ill break forth in the wilderness and streams in the Arabah (desert)." Isaiah 35:5-6

"And this report concerning Him went out all over Judea, and in all the surrounding district.  And the disciples of John reported to him about all these things.  And summing two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord saying, 'Are You the Expected One,  or do we look for someone else?' 

"And when the men had come to Him, they said, 'John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?''  At that very time He cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He granted sight to many who were blind.

"And He answered and said to them, 'Go and report to John what you have seen and heard:  the blind receive sight, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the Gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me.'" Luke 7:17-23

The nation of Israel walked with God and regularly walked away from God.  The same can be said of all of us today.  He sent His Son to provide the ONLY way to Him.  When He came, many had misunderstood the clear prophecies of Jesus, the Messiah.  

When John's disciples came to Jesus and asked if He was the Messiah, Jesus didn't just say 'yes, I am'?  Instead, He pointed at the evidence.  We all must see the evidence and judge for ourselves if, in fact, Jesus is the Saviour we rely on for eternity.  

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

PS:  Thank you for the many who send your kind prayers as I am growing stronger after coming down with Covid.  For those not aware, still struggling with my ageing technology, so sometimes the devotion may look different.  I apologise and am working on it.  Find my statement of faith at https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies and helps to share).  You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for 'WeakDay Devotion'.  Also there is an android app called 'Google Blogger' app to download and read them on your phone).  For the books, go to Amazon books.

Every Third Child

As I'm recovering from Covid right now and apologise for missing submitting the WeakDay Devotions, I encourage you to listen to this 20 minute 36 seconds video.  The message is a message to encourage you and give you courage during this strange time.

Click the image or the link or

copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV9yyDzs8gg

or search YouTube for 'The End of ROE V WADE:  A Biblical Analysis

Voddie Baucham and John MacArthur

by the Gospel of Christ

Proof of the Pudding

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Copy and paste the link into your browser 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vPDN5WU8vM 

Or search YouTube for ‘Significance of Jesus Reading Isaiah 61/ Understanding Jesus 

By 100huntley 

 

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the afflicted.  He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted.  To proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favourable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God.  To comfort all who mourn.” Isaiah 61:1-2 

 

“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and report to John what you hear and see; the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up and the poor have the Gospel preached to them.  And Blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me.’” Matthew 11:5 

 

“And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind. To set free those who are downtrodden. To proclaim the favourable year of the Lord.’” Luke 4:18-19 

 

“And He answered and said to them, ‘Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the Gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me.’” Luke 7:22 

 

The books of the Old Testament points to the answer to the world’s problems and delivers the answer through Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection.  

 

Jesus repeatedly taught about and demonstrated the purpose of His earthly ministry throughout the books of the New Testament. Even John, the Baptiser questioned the possibility, and had to ask if the Truth had finally come. Yet, isn’t it interesting how Jesus did not answer the question...He said what have you seen and what has been done -- the proof was in the pudding! How wonderful! 

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)   

 

PS:  For those not aware, I’m still struggling with my ageing technology so sometimes the devotion may look different.  I apologise and am working on it. 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. 

• Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  She is a cancer survivor for many years, but recently doctors found she has two small basal cell carcinomas which they will remove and treat on 1 July.  Please pray for the health care providers who care for her and for her and Tim’s peace and trust as they face this concern.    

• Denny – Marci (my lifetime friend)’s husband Denny, had successful quadruple bi-pass surgery 30 years ago. Recently there have been new concerns and they are having tests to see what may be happening.  Pray for Marci and the family and especially for the health carers as they begin tests to pinpoint and address the problems.  And that through this experience Denny will realise, in a new way, his need for the saving grace of the Lord. 

• War in Ukraine – Please pray for the people caught in the cross-fires of this war, especially strength for Christians of the country and that God’s sends encouragement and help in unexpected ways to save Ukraine and our world from 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.   

• 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.   

• 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 his 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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