What Does a Whale Have to Do With It?

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI-haF7EC7E

Or search YouTube for ‘The Story of Jonah & The Giant Whale

(Biblical Stories Explained)

By Grace Digital Network (13 mins 6 sec)

 

“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.’  But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 

 

"The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment; and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.  The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.’” Matthew 12:38-42

 

“He [Jonah] said to them, ‘Pick me up and throw me into the sea.  Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.  However, the men rowed desperately to return to land, but they could not, for the sea was becoming even stormier against them. 

 

“Then they called on the Lord and said, ‘We earnestly pray, O Lord, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O Lord have done as You have pleased.’

 

“So they picked up Jonah, threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging.  Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.  And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:12-17

 

I love the story of Jonah.  I suppose because I have often endeavoured to run away from the Lord’s will…sometimes crawling, sometimes rushing – but, of course, God plans are for my good and His glory -- so things do work out.  

Think about the disciples for a moment as they listened to Jesus answering the argumentative scribes and Pharisees.  Was this a parable or was it supposed to be real?  Three days?  What did that mean?  

The Jews (including the disciples) believed the Messiah would come as a great military ruler – a conquering hero, who would overcome the oppressive Roman rule.  They just didn’t get the significance of the story of Jonah when He shared this comparison…but then neither would I.

 

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

 

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?)

 

·           Floods in Kentucky - more than 25 people have died and no one can yet estimate how many remain missing.  Pray for the rescue workers and those supporting those who now have lost everything.

        Barbara – (my sister-in-law) recovering from surgery to remove two cancerous growths.  One became infected and she is now on antibiotics but not well yet and for Tim who is caring for her.

·      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.

·      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 for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to support them.

·      Peyton and Carter  - Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael.  Payton is eldest granddaughter and now in her third year at college.  Carter is a senior in high school.  Both are exceptional students and love the Lord.  Please pray they are not distracted by worldly things, that they continue do well in their studies and that their love of the Lord increases with each day. 

·      Sophie – four-year old daughter of a friend 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) -- 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

WeakEnd Assignment -- Why Are You A Christian?

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd9b2ZzwytA&t=62s

or search YouTube for ‘The REAL Truth About Being A Christian

Every Believer Should Know This’

by Grace Digital Network (14 min 40 sec)

 

“Out of the depths of distress I have cried to You, O Lord.  Lord, hear my voice!  Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.  If You, Lord, should keep an account of our sins and treat us accordingly, O Lord, who could stand before You in judgment and claim innocence?

 

“But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared and worshipped with submissive wonder.  I wait patiently for the Lord, my soul expectantly waits, and in His word do I hope.  My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; more than the watchmen for the morning. 

 

“O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption.  And He will redeem Israel from all his sins.” Psalm 130 from The Amplified Bible

 

Assignment:  Identify the Truth of why you follow Christ

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

2.   1.  Have your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment.

3.    2. Settle your heart and pray that the Lord will bring you new insights of your relationship with Him, through His perfect Word.  Thank Him for His guidance.

4.    3. The video above is almost 15 minutes long and it is packed with wonderful Bible passages.  As you watch it, write down each of the references to the 28 passages (so write: Matthew 5:20, not the whole verse).

5.    4. Open your Bible and search for and read each of the passages yourself and take note or underline any parts that are particularly important for helping you understand your relationship with Jesus.

6.    5. Select one of the verses that you’ve listed in your notebook that was most important in helping you answer the question.  Write it out in your notebook.  (If you have time, you may even want to write out all the verses).

7.   6.  Pray and thank the Lord for His compassionate love and His graceful forgiveness.

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

 

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?)

 

·             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.

·      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 for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to support them.

·      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 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) -- 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

It Is Happening Already

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/RVYsCeyhMKg

or search YouTube for ‘The Great Falling Away

‘It’s Already Started But People Don’t See it’

by Lion of Judah (12 min 37 sec)

 

“And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him.  But Jesus turning to them said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 
 
For behold the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’  Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’  For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?’” Luke 23:27-30
 
“Surely now they will say, ‘We have no king, for we do not revere the Lord.  As for the king, what can he do for us?’  They speak mere words, with worthless oaths they make covenants, and judgment sprouts like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.  The inhabitants of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. 
 
“Indeed, its people will mourn for it, and its idolatrous priests will cry out over it, over its glory, since it has departed from it…Also the high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed; thorn and thistle will grow on their altars; then they will say to the mountains, ‘Cover us!’ and to the hills, ‘Fall on us!’” Hosea 10:3-5, 8
 
There will be confusion and calamity in the end times.  But look around at what is happening today.  So many disagreements within His Church already.  The world is growing so ‘woke’ it makes it difficult to talk about Truth without offending someone.  So many misunderstand who God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is. 
 
The video above is well worth watching.  It details just the tip of the iceberg as a warning.  Our only hope lays in our faithful and prayerful reading and studying of God’s Word – it is the only way you will find the Truth so you can recognise deceit wherever it occurs. 
 
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you daily)
 
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?)

 

·       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.

·       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 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) -- 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

Not for the Righteous

Click on the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf09XJCCMsg

or search YouTube for ‘How can I be saved?’

 By God Questions Ministries

 

[God speaking] “’What shall I do with you, O Ephraim?  What shall I do with you, O Judah?  For your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early.  Therefore I have hewn them in pieces by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; and the judgments on you are like the light that goes forth.  For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.’” Hosea 6:4-6

 

“Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples.  Then the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, ‘What is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?’ 

 

“But when Jesus heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.  But go and learn what this means:  I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” Matthew 9:9-13

 

[Jesus speaking] “’But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire compassion, and not a sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.’” Matthew 12:7

 

The reason Jesus was conceived, born, lived, died and rose again wasn’t about sweet stories or soaring songs, it was about sin.  Our sin.  No matter how much we try, if we are conscious, we sin.  We start early and we continue throughout our lives until the end. 

 

Without Jesus the debt of our sin would condemn us to eternal damnation and separation from our heavenly Father.  Jesus reached out to each of us and offered to take our sin upon Him.  It is our choice to take His gift of forgiveness or not. 

 

It is vitally important to keep in mind that Jesus did not come to reach people trying to do the best they can or those trying to do good stuff.  He did not come for those who already appear righteous -- He came for sinners who recognised how very lost they are! 

 

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

 

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?)

 

·       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.

·       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 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) -- 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

Our Response During End Times

 

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

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

or search YouTube for ‘What is the abomination of desolation?’

by God Questions Ministries

 

“At the appointed time he will return and come into the South, but this last time it will not turn out the way it did before.  For ships of Kittim will come against him; therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant.  Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice.  And they will set up the abomination of desolation.  Daniel 11:28-31

 

[Jesus speaking] “’But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.  The one who is on the house top must not go down, or go in to get anything out of his house; and the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat.’” Mark 13:14

 

History is filled with stories of people ‘identifying THE date of Jesus return.  They would gather friends and sit on their roofs in expectation for days…even weeks, praying for His return.  People still try to guess the date, but of course, even the Son does not know the date and time – so He told us about the signs that would come before His return to encourage us.

 

Until then we wait.  And our behaviour is what others notice.  Those who have not yet understood the gravity of the situation are either attracted or repulsed by His children.  We all have opportunities to witness to others about what Christ has done in our lives…to share the amazing grace of His death and resurrection to save us from our sinful lives.  Only Christ can save us out of the end of time. 

 

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

 

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?)

 

·       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.

·       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 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) -- 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

The Antichrist

Click the image or the link or

Copy the link into your browser

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

or search YouTube for ‘John MacArthur - Daniel 9

(interpreting Bible prophecy literally) by 310revelation

 

“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place. 

 

“So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks of sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.  Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. 

 

“And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.  And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wings of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.’” Daniel 9:24-27

 

[Jesus speaking] “’Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand, then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. – For just as the lightening comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.’” Matthew 24:15-16, 27

 

Jesus quoted from Daniel when He spoke of the ‘abomination of desolation’, letting His disciples know that it was inevitable that  the Antichrist arrive but no one, even the Son does not know the date and time of his arrival – only the Father knows. 

 

Yet, throughout history man has eagerly pinpointed dates and times, ‘discovering’ secret methods and messages in prophetic books, such as Daniel.  God would rather have us trust Him as we wait and spend our time praying for the lost and sharing Him with those we meet.

 

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

 

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?)

 

·       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.

·       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 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) -- 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

WeakEnd Assignment: How Good Do You Have to Be?

Click the image or the link or 

Copy and paste the link into your browser 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayOC6GKuG3M  

 Or search YouTube for ‘John MacArthur: HOW GOOD MUST I BE? 

By ‘5 Minute Christianity’ 

 

 

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17 

 

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the man of old gained approval.” Hebrews 11:1 

 

“For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law to perform them.’ Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, ‘the righteous man shall live by faith’.  

 

“However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, ‘He who practices them shall live by them.’ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us --” Galatians 3:10-13a 

 

Assignment 

1. Set aside an hour and find a place where you will not be interrupted. 
2. Have your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment. 
3. Quiet your heart and pray that the Lord will answer this question for you in a new way. 
     4. Open your notebook and date a fresh page, then read the following passages as you search for the answer. Take notes along the way. 

Galatians 2:15-21 

Romans 5:-11 

John 3:16-16-18 

5. What did God say about Job in Job 1:1? 
6. How does this contrast with the advice of Job 8:20? 

7. Watch the video and write your personal answer to the question, 'How good do I have to be?'

    8. Take time to pray once more and thank God for His mighty sacrifice and immense love for you. 

 

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

 

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?) 

 

• 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. 

• 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 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) -- 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